Dakota: Okay, so now that our friends are in the hospital, what should we do?
Henry: I'd love to hang out with you guys, but I'm going to be busy today. I can't stick around.
Dakota: Ah, that's okay. So, you're heading out now?
Henry: Yeah, I am. Goodbye.
Ava: Bye.
Dakota: Goodbye.
Both Ava and I said goodbye to Henry as he left.
Dakota: Well, now that Henry's busy, it looks like it's just the two of us. So, what do you want to do?
Ava: Hmm, I do want to hang out.
Ava: But… what exactly are we going to do, Dakota?
Dakota: Oh, I thought you'd decide.
Ava: Nope. I can't think of anything, so it's up to you.
Dakota: Ahh, fine. Give me a minute to think.
After a few moments of deliberation, I made a decision.
Dakota: Let's go to a restaurant.
Ava: Oh, a restaurant. Just the two of us. A boy and a girl.
Dakota: Yeah? Is that a problem?
Ava: W-Well… it just feels like…
She paused, looking awkward before continuing.
Ava: It feels like we're going on a date.
Dakota: Oh, that's why you were acting nervous? Don't worry—it's not a date.
Ava: It's not? Then what is it?
Dakota: Think of it as two friends going out to eat.
Ava: But these two friends are a boy and a girl… and they're childhood friends…
Dakota: So? What's your point?
Ava: Nothing, never mind. Let's just go on our date.
Dakota: It's not a date.
Ava: Sure, sure. Let's go.
After making a reservation, we arrived at the restaurant. The food was already prepared and waiting for us when we sat down.
Ava: Wow, all of this food looks amazing!
Dakota: Yeah, it really does.
We began eating, enjoying every bite of the delicious dishes.
Dakota: This food is incredible.
Ava: I agree.
Ava: So, you're really going to insist this isn't a date?
Dakota: Nope, it's not.
Ava: Come on, Dakota! It obviously feels like a date.
Dakota: Why are you so determined to make me admit this is a date?
Ava: Just because it really seems like one.
Dakota: Whatever. At least I finally get to relax for a bit.
Ava: Oh yeah, I forgot how hard you've been working these past few months.
Dakota: Yeah, I've been pushing myself nonstop, but now I get a break.
Ava: How long is your break going to last?
Dakota: About a week, I think.
Ava: Only a week? Not even a month?
Dakota: A month? Ha, I wish. But knowing my luck, something's bound to happen before that.
Ava: But what if nothing happens?
Dakota: That would be great.
I paused, my thoughts drifting.
Dakota: According to my novel, nothing major should happen this month… but everything feels so different now.
I didn't say the last part out loud, of course—it's one of my secrets.
Dakota: I just hope nothing bad happens while I'm on my break.
After finishing our meal, we paid the bill and left the restaurant.
Dakota: Okay, Ava, your turn. What should we do next?
Ava: Hmm, let's go to a shopping mall!
Dakota: A shopping mall?! No, no, absolutely not.
Ava: Oh, come on. I love shopping malls!
Dakota: Yeah, well, I hate them. Pick something else.
Ava: You can't say no! I didn't say no when you suggested the restaurant, did I?
Dakota: That's because you like restaurants. I hate shopping malls. Big difference.
Ava: Still, you don't get a choice.
Dakota: And what if I refuse?
Ava: Then I'll call my mom and tell her you hit me.
I froze, glaring at her.
Dakota: …Fine. Let's go.
Ava: Yay!
Ava beamed, while I felt like my soul was being dragged to the underworld.
We arrived at the shopping mall, otherwise known as my personal nightmare.
Dakota: How long are we going to be here?
Ava: Oh, just a couple of hours.
Dakota: A couple of hours?! No way. That's too long.
Ava: We have to buy clothes for both of us.
Dakota: Wait, my clothes? Why can't we just shop for yours and leave?
Ava: Because you need new clothes, too.
Dakota: I don't! I have plenty.
Ava: You've been wearing the same outfits for days.
Dakota: So?
Ava: Do you want me to call my mom?
Dakota: No! Fine, we'll buy my clothes too.
Ava: Good. But first, we're shopping for me.
Dakota: Let's just get this over with.
We entered one of the most popular stores in the mall.
Dakota: Starting with the most popular shop, huh?
Ava: Obviously. Oh, this looks cute! I'm going to try it on. Wait here.
Dakota: Sure, whatever.
Ava disappeared into the fitting room, returning a few minutes later wearing a black shirt and matching black skirt.
Ava: So? What do you think?
Dakota: It looks nice on you.
She smiled, satisfied with my response.
Ava: Great! Now I'm going to find more outfits.
Dakota: Wait, more? You're not just picking one?
Ava: Of course not. Did you really think I'd only choose one outfit?
Dakota: Oh god, I'm going to suffer.
Ava: Maybe, but I'm going to have so much fun.
As Ava browsed through racks of clothes, I stood around, suffering in silence. She tried on multiple outfits, showing each one to me, and I praised them all just to speed things up.
Eventually, she decided on the first outfit she had tried.
Ava: Okay, now it's your turn.
Dakota: Ugh, fine.
We headed to the men's section, and I quickly grabbed a black shirt with bold text reading "F** You"* and shorts with "Go to Hell" printed on them.
Dakota: What do you think? Cool, right?
Ava: Your fashion sense is seriously messed up.
Dakota: Yeah, well, I don't want to be here.
Ava: Fine. Stay here—I'll pick something for you.
Dakota: Whatever.
I slouched on a nearby bench, mentally counting the seconds until this ordeal would finally be over, and I can get out of here.