Chapter 36: A Ride
Mel approached one of the sections and began to configure her own game. She chose a space exploration simulation, where the goal was to pilot a ship in a remote star system, discovering new planets and facing cosmic challenges.
When she put on the visor, she found herself floating in space, observing a huge ship with glowing panels and a vast field of asteroids in front of her. She began to explore the controls of the ship, quickly learning how to use the different mechanisms to navigate between the stars. Each star in the background seemed to shine with impressive intensity, while the sound of the ship's engine was soft and constant.
"This place is so real that even gravity changes depending on where I am," she commented in amazement. She began to make smooth turns and risky maneuvers, the ship moving with the fluidity of a real spaceship.
The two spent almost half an hour playing.
"Wow, the driver of a Lamborghini doesn't know how to press the right buttons?"
"That's strategy. I'm letting you win so I don't get upset," Aiden replied, smiling.
As they prepared for their rematch, Mel had a new idea.
"I saw a dance game here. How about we have a dance competition right now? I bet I can beat you at it," she challenged with an amused smile. She, with her style and grace, knew she had an advantage, but Aiden was not one to be intimidated.
Soon, they were in an open area of the store, where dance games were designed to test both rhythm and movement. The floor was touch-sensitive and interactive screens showed the choreography as the participants followed the steps.
The first round was fun, with Aiden trying to keep up with the rhythm, while Mel, with her dexterity, led.
Aiden, despite trying to keep up with the rhythm, ended up stumbling on a few sequences, while Mel seemed to move with incredible ease, almost as if she were dancing on a stage.
"That's not fair! You have an advantage, you must have already trained with these things!" Aiden joked, but at the same time he was completely immersed in the fun.
Time seemed to fly by as the group tried new experiences, playing, dancing and challenging each other at each VR station and interactive game. Each moment seemed more exciting than the last, and they were so involved that they didn't even notice the time passing.
As they left the store, Mel was carrying bags with some gaming accessories she had bought. Aiden looked at her and asked, with a curious tone:
"Are you always like this, full of energy?"
"Not always. Today is just a special day," she replied, looking at him with a smile. "It's nice to meet someone willing to have fun without complicating things."
With the sun starting to set, Mel asked them to go to a viewpoint of the city, from where it was possible to see the lights starting to turn on in the buildings and avenues. They stood near the wall, watching the horizon.
"Days like this are rare, you know?" Mel said, her voice a little lower.
"You seem like someone who has days like this happen all the time."
She laughed, but then fell silent for a few moments.
"The truth is that sometimes people need a break. I know you must have a busy life, but thank you for agreeing to this today."
Aiden looked at her, intrigued.
"And why did you choose the driver who showed up to accompany you?"
Mel gave a mischievous smile.
"Let's just say I like to take risks. And look, you were a good bet."
Aiden chuckled softly, watching the horizon. The day had been unexpected, but he couldn't deny that he felt relaxed.
"Let's go down. We're not done yet," Mel said, pulling him by the arm.
"Is there more?"
"Of course! The night is young, Aiden."
Aiden walked down from the lookout with Mel, still intrigued by her almost endless energy. The sun had already set completely, and the city now glowed with car lights, signs, and street lamps. They walked slowly to the Lamborghini, where Mel leaned against the hood and stared at Aiden with an amused expression.
"I think you're still underestimating me, Aiden," she said, crossing her arms.
"Really? What do you have in mind now?" Aiden asked, arching an eyebrow and opening the car door.
"How about something more relaxed now? Let's go to dinner somewhere I really like."
"As long as it's not a place full of "magicians" dressed as ice cream, I'm in."
Mel burst out laughing, remembering the ice cream shop from that afternoon.
"I promise it'll be something more normal. Will you trust me this time?"
"If I've survived this far, I don't see why not."
Aiden drove through the city's bright avenues until Mel asked him to stop in front of a classic, understated restaurant with an old-fashioned facade. He noticed that the place wasn't the busiest, but it had its own charm, with soft lights and a nostalgic decor that harked back to the 70s.
"This is one of my favorite places. No frills and good food." Mel said, getting out of the car with a satisfied smile.
"Finally something simple. I'm relieved."
They entered the restaurant and were greeted by an older waiter who seemed to know Mel.
"Oh, Miss Melissa! It's been a while!"
"That's right, Mr. Marco. Today I brought a friend to try your famous steak."
Aiden smiled politely at the waiter and followed Mel to a table in the corner of the room. The atmosphere had soft instrumental music playing in the background and a delicious smell of freshly prepared food.
"This place is… different. I almost feel like I'm out of time." Aiden murmured, taking in the details of the decor.
"That's why I like it here so much. Sometimes it feels like we need a place like this, where we can forget about the rest of the world."
Aiden looked at her, intrigued. Mel was an energetic person, but there seemed to be deeper layers behind her smile.