After a painstaking five-day wait, Monday finally arrived—the day Coco had eagerly anticipated her date with the enigmatic Win8Lan. As the minutes ticked closer to their meeting, anxiety bubbled within her, her palms growing slick with sweat. A whirlwind of worries enveloped her thoughts, each one more daunting than the last.
What if she found him unattractive?
What if he turned out to be rude, treating women harshly like some men she had known?
Coco carried the emotional scars of her father's mistreatment of her mother, a man who preferred the company of other women to that of his family, leaving her mother dejected and heartbroken. A cacophony of arguments had erupted until they finally separated, and Coco now resided with her mother, who, despite the heartache, found solace and strength in her thriving career at a large company.
This financial security had instilled in Coco a hesitance towards romantic entanglements. She had a history of fleeting flings during high school, casual encounters that fizzled out almost as quickly as they started. Yet now, standing at a crossroads, she yearned for something deeper—an opportunity to meet someone special in college who might change her perspective on love.
Dressed in a lovely pink gown that gracefully brushed her knees, Coco stood outside her dorm, her blonde hair cascading like rays of sunshine down her back. The shimmering piece of jewelry resting on her neck caught the light, while a stylish pair of strappy sandals completed her outfit. Clutching a small purse that contained her phone and some emergency items—just in case the evening took a turn for the worse—she took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
Inside the room, I crouched next to Leah on the bed, our eyes glued to the window, our curiosity piqued by the mystery of who Coco was about to meet. Tonight felt different; Coco was typically the one to retreat into solitude after a long day at school, but now she had dashed out, leaving us puzzled and excited.
"She's hiding something," Leah mused, her gaze fixed on the street below.
"She's just too shy to open up about it," I replied, a smile creeping onto my face as I peered out the window, anticipation building as I awaited the young man who would sweep Coco off her feet.
Minutes dragged on, stretching into what felt like an eternity. My concern for Coco's well-being mounted as I noticed her standing there, her legs likely tiring from the long wait. "This guy seems so irresponsible," I murmured, my heart sinking for my friend.
Determined to be a good friend, I declared, "I'm going to check on her; it doesn't look like the date is happening." I began to make my way towards the door, but Leah remained, her focus fixed outside.
Just then, her expression shifted; she spotted a sleek black car gliding to a stop in front of Coco. "He's here!" she exclaimed, hurriedly dialing my phone to inform our other friend. "Coco's about to leave; you need to come up!"
Outside, Coco's legs were beginning to feel weak, her irritation bubbling under the surface. "Twenty points off for making me wait," she scolded silently, hunger gnawing at her stomach. As the minutes ticked by, she decided to grant him a small extension.
When the twenty-minute mark passed without a peep from him, Coco's patience started to wane. Just then, at the far end, she noticed his car finally pull up, her phone ringing to life.
With a flutter of nerves, she swiped the screen to answer. "Hello?" she managed, the tremor in her voice betraying her anxious state.
"Hey, it's me, Lanlan. I'm in front of your dormitory, but I can't seem to find you... what am I even saying? I don't know what you look like!" He chuckled awkwardly, his nervousness palpable.
"I'm in a pink gown. Just give me a second." Coco assured him, waving her hand in a vain attempt to signal. The street was relatively empty, much to her relief; any onlooker would have found her animated gestures comical.
"I see you!" Lanlan replied, a note of excitement lacing his voice as he pulled closer. He stepped out of the car, his gaze locking on her, and his breath caught in his throat. She was stunning.
Beneath the warm, glowing lamplight illuminating the dorms, Coco's olive skin glimmered, and a shy smile danced on her lips as she took in Lanlan's features. She was pleasantly surprised—her online acquaintance was someone she had exchanged glances with in the hallways but never truly recognized. Yet now, as they stood before each other, excitement coursed through both of them, igniting the spark of something new.
"Pardon me," he said, his voice smooth as he gracefully pulled open the car door for her. Coco stepped out with model-like poise, each movement exuding grace and elegance as she made her way toward him.
Lanlan walked around to the driver's seat, the soft rustle of his clothes barely audible. He slid into the car, the leather seats enveloping him comfortably. Turning to face Coco, he asked, "Are you ready for our date, princess?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation, and a shyness crept across Coco's face as she nodded gently. The car began to glide away from the dormitory, the city lights flickering in the distance.
They soon arrived at a destination marked by a charming signboard that read "Greenland." Lanlan opened her door with a flourish, and Coco stepped out, inhaling the fresh air that was rich with the scent of blooming flowers and lush greenery. A delighted smile spread across her lips as she took in the vibrant surroundings—trees swayed gently, their leaves whispering secrets of romance as they walked together down a pathway lined with colorful blossoms.
As they wandered further, they stumbled upon a secluded area where a black mat had been meticulously spread out. On it was a lavish arrangement of delectable foods, each dish an enticing masterpiece.
"Please, have a seat," Lanlan said, gesturing invitingly toward the mat. Coco settled down on the grass, the soft texture beneath her contrasting with the luxurious spread before her as Lanlan sat directly across from her.
"You look beautiful tonight. Cheers to that," he complimented, pouring golden-hued wine into delicate glasses, the liquid catching the warm glow of fairy lights strung above them. He handed her a glass with a flourish.
"Thanks," Coco murmured, holding the glass but hesitating to sip. Lanlan's smile widened knowingly as he watched her.
"I'm glad you don't trust people easily," he said, taking a generous sip from his glass. "But I promise, you can feel at ease with me." He drank deeply, savoring the flavor before Coco finally lifted her glass for a taste. Their conversation flowed easily between them, laughter mingling with the soft sounds of nature around.
"I've seen you a few times, but I didn't realize you were the one," he admitted, his gaze unwavering, as if he were looking straight into her soul.
"Likewise," Coco replied, the warmth of their shared moments wrapping around them like a soft blanket. The evening unfolded beautifully; Lanlan's charm exceeded her expectations, filling her with warmth and happiness. They indulged in the exquisite food surrounding them, illuminated by the gently twinkling lights hanging from the trees, which created a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere.
When the enchanting night drew to a close, Lanlan drove her back to the dormitory, the stars twinkling overhead. As they sat in the car, he turned to her, his expression serious yet tender.
"What's your impression of the date?" he asked, lovingly regarding her with eyes that sparkled in the dim light.
"It was beautiful. You're handsome, the lighting was perfect, and the place was enchanting. Thank you for bringing me here," she responded, sincerity lacing her words.
"I need some reassurance that you enjoyed it. Maybe one day, I can finally make you my girlfriend," he suggested, his gaze sliding from her lips to her eyes. Understanding flickered between them, and as he leaned closer, Coco instinctively closed her eyes. He planted a soft kiss on her cheek, tender and sweet, leaving her momentarily stunned; her lashes fluttered open, and her mouth parted in surprised delight. She thought...
"We can take things slow, princess. I'm not going anywhere," he assured her confidently. With a gentle smile, he stepped out of the car, opening her door once more.
Coco waved back at him as she made her way toward the dormitory, her heart light and a smile lingering on her face. Lanlan stood watch until she disappeared from view, and then he drove off, the night feeling more magical than when it had begun.
When Coco finally returned to the dimly lit dormitory, the clock was ticking close to 10 PM—the curfew that loomed like a silent guardian. I was still awake, while Leah had already succumbed to the embrace of slumber, her deep breaths signaling her dedication to rest. As Coco stepped through the door, my heart surged with anticipation, and I sprang to my feet, eager to greet her.
"How was your date?" I asked, unable to contain my excitement. "I knew you had something special planned!"
"It was beautiful," Coco replied, a dreamy smile spreading across her face. "He was charming and respectful."
"Really? I must admit, I thought he was some sort of jerk for making you wait outside so long."
Coco's eyes narrowed momentarily, curiosity piqued. To lighten the mood, I nervously chuckled, "Yes, we were peeping through the window." The admission slipped out before I could stop it, but instead of anger, she sighed in amusement, a smile returning to her lips.
"Here. I brought this for you," she said, extending a hand toward me, revealing a small package of vibrant grapes nestled snugly inside.
My eyes sparkled with delight. "You did?" I exclaimed, and she nodded, her grin infectious.
"I'll give Leah hers tomorrow when she wakes up," Coco added, her tone playful and warm.
"What a lovely roommate you are!" I said, gently tapping her arm. "You didn't have to think about us all night," I said while popping a grape into my mouth, relishing the burst of sweetness as I crushed it between my teeth.
Coco chuckled, the sound like music in the quiet room.
"By the way, what was his name?" I pursued, eager for more details.
Her eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her features. "I didn't ask," she admitted, a disappointed smile gracing her lips. Though regret flickered in her gaze, reassurance blossomed as she thought about how she could easily find out when she saw him at school.