By the time the afternoon sun started dipping lower into the horizon, its golden rays streaming through the windows, Ferdinand and Daisy were still sitting at the dining table, the remnants of their lunch cleared away. The hum of conversation had settled into a comfortable rhythm between them, as they lazily discussed their favorite songs, bands, and memories tied to music. Coldplay's *A Sky Full of Stars* had played earlier, and now the playlist had shifted to a more mellow, easygoing set of tracks, creating a soft background for their talk.
"So, Coldplay, huh?" Daisy mused, propping her elbow on the table and resting her chin on her hand. "I guess I wouldn't have pegged you for someone who likes something so... sentimental."
Ferdinand grinned, leaning back in his chair. "What, you think I'm all business and no heart?"
She laughed lightly. "No, but you're always so... put-together. Coldplay feels more... I don't know, emotional?"
"Well, music is supposed to make you feel something, right?" he said, his eyes twinkling as he took a sip of water. "Even if it's cheesy sometimes."
Daisy rolled her eyes, smiling. "Cheesy, yeah. But sometimes cheesy is good."
He chuckled, enjoying how easily they bantered now. The earlier awkwardness and shyness had melted away, replaced by an ease that neither of them had expected. Daisy was relaxed, her guard lowered, and Ferdinand—well, he was just happy to see her smile like that. There was something about her happiness that made him feel more at peace.
As the conversation shifted, Daisy tilted her head, as though something had just popped into her mind. "Okay, let's switch gears. What about movies?" she asked, eyes brightening with curiosity. "What kind of movies do you like?"
"Movies?" Ferdinand echoed, raising an eyebrow. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "That's a good question. I watch all kinds, but I haven't really had time lately to sit down and enjoy one."
"Really?" Daisy asked, surprised. "You mean like... not even at home?"
He shrugged. "Not much time for that either. Been pretty busy with, you know, everything."
Daisy nodded slowly. She understood that. University, life, responsibilities—they all seemed to get in the way of the little things like relaxing with a good movie. She could sympathize with how overwhelming life could get.
"Okay, but—what about the last time you went to a movie theater?" Daisy asked, sitting up a bit straighter, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "When was the last time you went to the cinema to watch a movie?"
Ferdinand paused, his expression thoughtful. He glanced up as though trying to recall the last time he sat in a dark theater, the smell of popcorn filling the air, the low hum of excitement as the lights dimmed, and the screen flickered to life. But as he thought about it, his brows furrowed.
"Huh," he said after a long moment. "I actually... don't remember."
Daisy blinked at him in surprise. "You don't remember?"
He shook his head, laughing softly. "No, I really don't. It's been a long time, I guess."
Her mouth fell open slightly in shock. "Ferdinand, how can you *not* remember the last time you went to the movies?"
He chuckled, leaning forward on the table. "What can I say? Life's been... busy. I've just had other things on my mind, I guess."
Daisy stared at him for a second, as though processing the information. Then, a mischievous smile crept onto her face, and she leaned in a little closer. "Well, in that case, I think we need to fix that."
Ferdinand raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Fix what?"
"You haven't been to the movies in forever," Daisy said, her voice playful but determined. "So, we should go. Today."
"Today?" he repeated, clearly taken aback by her suggestion.
"Yes, today. Why not?" Daisy said with a shrug. "It's Friday. We don't have any classes tomorrow. We've got nothing to worry about."
Ferdinand sat back in his chair, considering her proposal. A small part of him wanted to protest, to remind himself that he had work to catch up on, things to plan, and deadlines looming. But as he looked at Daisy, her face lit up with excitement, he realized something.
When was the last time he had let himself just *be*? When was the last time he had allowed himself to let go of the stress, the pressure, and just do something fun, something impulsive?
He thought back to the past few days, the time he had spent with Daisy. There was something about being around her that made him feel lighter, like he could step away from the weight of his responsibilities for a little while and just enjoy life.
And the idea of spending more time with her, away from the pressures of university and work, sounded more appealing by the second.
"Alright," Ferdinand finally said, his voice tinged with a bit of playfulness. "Let's do it. Let's go to the movies."
Daisy's face lit up with joy, her excitement contagious. "Really? You mean it?"
"Yeah," he said, his grin widening. "Why not? It's Friday. And you're right—we don't have anything to worry about."
Daisy beamed at him, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. "Okay, great! We should look up what's playing. Do you like action, rom-coms, or... wait, horror? Are you into horror movies?"
Ferdinand laughed, shaking his head. "Horror? Nah, not really. I prefer something I don't have to overthink, you know? Something fun."
"Fun," Daisy repeated, thinking for a moment. "Okay, we'll find something fun."
She pulled out her phone, already scrolling through the local theater's listings. Ferdinand watched her, amused by how quickly she had jumped into action, her enthusiasm uncontainable.
As she scrolled, her eyes narrowed, and she muttered to herself, "Hmm, let's see... action... animated... ooh, a rom-com. Do you like rom-coms?"
Ferdinand tilted his head, pretending to think. "I don't mind them, but I'm guessing you're a big fan?"
"Guilty," Daisy admitted with a grin. "But we can pick something we both like."
They spent the next few minutes debating over the movie choices, Daisy suggesting titles with excitement while Ferdinand listened with a smile. Eventually, they landed on a comedy that seemed like the perfect balance—light-hearted, funny, and not too serious.
"Alright, it's decided," Daisy announced triumphantly. "We're going to see *Laugh Out Loud*. Showtime is in an hour, so we better get ready."
Ferdinand nodded, already feeling a sense of anticipation. "Sounds good to me."
Daisy stood up from the table, stretching her arms above her head. "I should probably change. I'm not going to the movies in... this." She gestured down at her casual outfit, which was still comfortable but hardly movie-going attire.
Ferdinand laughed, standing up as well. "Yeah, I guess I should change too."
By the time Ferdinand stepped out of his room, he had traded his more formal attire for something casual—a simple navy blue polo t-shirt and fitted pants. The change felt refreshing. While Ferdinand wasn't one to dwell too much on fashion, he liked feeling comfortable, especially with how casual the day had become. His earlier thoughts about cooking for Daisy and spending the day with her had taken a delightful turn into something more spontaneous.
Daisy, meanwhile, was still wearing his oversized t-shirt, the one she had borrowed earlier. She stood in the living room, still drying her wet hair with a towel, humming a Coldplay song that was still softly playing in the background.
Ferdinand smiled as he leaned against the doorway, watching her. The sight of Daisy in his t-shirt, her hair falling in loose waves as she hummed, was a picture of ease and beauty he hadn't anticipated. There was something about how effortlessly she made everything feel lighter.
"You look good in my t-shirt," Ferdinand said teasingly, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Daisy looked up, catching his eye. "I guess I make everything look good, huh?"
Ferdinand chuckled, crossing the room to stand closer. "Well, you're not wrong."
She rolled her eyes, though the pink flush creeping up her cheeks gave her away. "Alright, Mr. Flirty. Are you ready to go?"
"Almost. There's just one problem," Ferdinand said, glancing down at Daisy's outfit. "I think you're going to need something more... appropriate if we're heading out."
Daisy looked down at herself, realizing she was still in his oversized t-shirt and sweatpants. "Oh. Right. I can't exactly go to the movies looking like this."
"No worries," Ferdinand said. "We'll make a quick stop by your dorm, and you can change."
Daisy nodded, appreciating the thought. "Good idea. I definitely don't have anything here."
Ferdinand pulled out his phone and ordered a cab to take them to the university dorms. It wasn't a long trip, but his car was still parked in the multi-level lot near campus, so it made sense to grab Daisy's clothes first.
Within minutes, the cab arrived outside his apartment. They hopped in, and as they drove through the evening-lit streets, Daisy leaned back against the seat, feeling an odd sense of excitement. It wasn't just about the movie; it was about being with Ferdinand, doing something normal, but somehow it felt special.
"So," Ferdinand started, breaking the comfortable silence, "what are you thinking of changing into? Something glamorous, or keeping it casual?"
Daisy raised an eyebrow. "I don't know about glamorous, but I'll figure something out. Don't worry, I'll look presentable."
"I have no doubts," he replied with a smirk. "Though I have to say, you do look cute in my t-shirt."
Daisy's face flushed again, and she waved him off. "Okay, okay, enough with the flirting. You're getting too good at it."
Ferdinand chuckled but said nothing more, leaving Daisy to ponder his comment as they drove the short distance to her dorm.
Once they arrived at the university campus, the cab dropped them off near Daisy's dorm building. The campus was quieter than usual, with most students either heading out for the evening or tucked away in their rooms, enjoying the start of the weekend.
Daisy gave Ferdinand a quick smile before heading up to her room to change. "I'll be quick," she promised.
"No rush," Ferdinand replied, leaning against a nearby tree as he waited outside. The breeze was cool, and he took a moment to appreciate the stillness of the campus. It was a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle.
As he waited, Ferdinand's thoughts drifted. He hadn't planned any of this—going to the movies, spending the day with Daisy. But the more time he spent with her, the more he realized how much he liked her company. She was fun, easygoing, and full of life. And right now, he couldn't think of anything he'd rather do than spend the evening with her.
After a few minutes, Daisy returned, and as she stepped out of the building, Ferdinand's gaze instantly shifted toward her. She had changed into a simple but cute outfit—dark jeans paired with a fitted, casual top. It was a comfortable look, but she made it seem effortless and stylish.
"Much better," Daisy said with a grin. "I feel like a new person."
Ferdinand gave her an approving nod. "You look great."
"Thanks," Daisy replied, a little more confidently this time. "Now, how about we get your car?"
"Right this way," Ferdinand said, gesturing toward the direction of the car park.
They walked together, their footsteps echoing on the pavement as they made their way toward the multi-level parking lot. The conversation flowed easily between them, talking about nothing in particular, just enjoying each other's company.