Mel's first suggestion was a famous ice cream shop in the city center, known not only for its artisanal ice cream, but also for its unique atmosphere. The place was decorated like a magical world, with colorful walls, ice cream sculptures, and waiters dressed as children's characters.
"Who would have thought a place like this existed?" Aiden murmured, looking around as he picked up the menu.
"See? I knew you'd like it," Mel replied, with an excited laugh. "And don't hold back, order the biggest ice cream you can get. Today is an extravagant day."
Aiden shrugged and ordered a huge bowl that came with scoops of ice cream in every possible flavor, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cascade of chocolate sauce. When the waiter brought the order, the size of it made even the other customers look.
"Are you really going to eat all of that?" Mel asked, almost crying with laughter.
"You're the one who suggested a day without limits, remember?" Aiden replied, picking up the spoon and tasting a scoop of pistachio.
Mel also ordered a sundae, and the two spent some time laughing, talking about the flavors and joking about the over-the-top dessert. When he saw a child staring at Aiden's giant ice cream with wide eyes, he called over the waiter.
"You can bring another one of those to that kid's table. On me."
The child cheered with joy, and Mel looked at Aiden with an amused expression.
"You're full of surprises, huh?"
Aiden shrugged, smiling.
"A special day deserves a little generosity."
As they left the ice cream shop, Mel insisted that they go to a street fair famous for its crafts and traditional foods. When they arrived, the sound of laughter, music and the aroma of food stalls created a vibrant atmosphere.
"Now that's something I love," Mel said, pulling Aiden toward a stall selling handmade bracelets.
"Are you one of those people who buys everything they see?" Aiden asked, crossing his arms as he watched the young woman try on bracelets.
"Don't judge so quickly!" she replied, putting a colorful bracelet on Aiden's arm. "This suits you. There, a gift from me."
"I didn't even want this..." Aiden muttered, but he couldn't hide a small smile.
They continued walking through the fair, trying typical foods like meat skewers, tapioca and natural juices. At one point, Mel stopped at a hat stand and put an exaggeratedly large hat on Aiden's head.
"Now you look stylish!" she said, bursting out laughing.
"Ridiculous, that's what it is," he replied, holding back his laughter as he looked at himself in the mirror.
The atmosphere was relaxed, and Aiden began to relax more and more. Mel's humor and spontaneity were a refreshing change from the complicated routine he had been living.
On the way back to the car, Mel noticed a game and electronics store and practically dragged Aiden inside.
"I bet you can't last five minutes against me at the arcade," she challenged.
"You say that like I don't know how to play."
"Let's find out, then!"
"I never imagined a place like this would be so big!" Mel said, her eyes shining as she took in the store's enormous facade. She was excited, ready to explore.
Aiden smiled. The store, a mix of high-end electronics and a huge gaming section, had everything one could imagine. Giant TV screens were on display, state-of-the-art consoles were organized on shelves, and virtual reality accessories scattered everywhere.
"Shall we start with the games?" Mel suggested.
Aiden agreed. They got lost among the shelves, analyzing game covers, discussing which ones would be the best to play together. But the real highlight was the testing area, where visitors could try out new releases and augmented reality systems.
"Let's try this one out!" she said, grabbing a virtual reality controller from a shelf.
She didn't wait any longer, putting the device over her eyes and immersing herself in the fighting game. The sound of virtual battles mixed with her laughter as she moved in all directions, trying to hit her invisible opponents.
Aiden, with an amused smile, picked up another controller and joined her. "Do you think you're going to beat me like that?" he challenged, teasing her.
After a few games in co-op mode, where Aiden and Mel seemed to be competing to see who could complete a mission in the shortest time, they got together to try out the latest innovation.
"Here it is!" Aiden exclaimed, pointing to the center of the store. The simulator looked like a futuristic spectacle. A huge capsule that seemed to absorb visitors into the game's universe.
The capsule enveloped them in an immersive environment, creating a completely new world around them. They were now in a magical forest, with tall trees and fantastic creatures all around. Mel immediately began exploring the environment, touching everything, impressed by the realism. Aiden was more focused, capturing images and details to analyze later.
Aiden and Mel began their medieval game match. They were now facing an immense dragon, whose eyes glowed red and whose roar made even the walls of the store tremble. Mel was excited, but Aiden, with his strategic experience, began to lead, challenging the friendly rivalry she had started.
Aiden dodged and attacked with quick movements, while Mel danced between the dragon's flames and the attack of its sharp claws. The dragon, with its scaly skin, seemed to come to life before them, with each realistic strike and movement creating a palpable sense of danger.
After defeating the dragon, Aiden smiled victoriously, but was soon interrupted by Mel, who insisted on continuing with a rematch. "I don't give up that easily," she said, smiling mischievously.
After a few moments of pure fun, they began a treasure hunt in the virtual environment. Each clue they found gave them a sense of accomplishment, as if they were discovering a new mystery. Laughter continued to fill the air, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
After exiting the capsule, they were still in ecstasy. Aiden wondered what else the world of technology and gaming had to offer.
"Shall we move to another area?" Mel suggested.
"Okay," Aiden agreed.