"Let's go out," Harris proposed.
 
"It's almost 2 am," Isabella replied skeptically.
 
"And? It's winter break. Come on, I need your company for my late-night drives," Harris persisted.
 
With a mixture of defeat and affection, Isabella sighed, her smile betraying her reluctance as she turned to her dresser to retrieve a hoodie.
 
The suburbs held an almost eerie stillness compared to the bustling city they had called home during their college years. Only the soft purr of the car engine disrupted the tranquility of the night, accompanied by Isabella's gentle humming as she scrolled through her playlists.
 
"Hmm, what should I play?" Isabella pondered aloud.
 
"Surprise me," Harris answered.
 
As the engine roared to life, Harris browsed Isabella's playlists and selected another track from ONE OK ROCK, a favorite of hers.
 
"Should I open the windows?" Harris asked, his hand poised over the window lock.
 
"We'll freeze inside the car, Harris," Isabella retorted with a chuckle.
 
Leaving the driveway, the sound of "Stand Out Fit In" filled the air. Without a clear destination in mind, they drove aimlessly, immersed in the melody, and for a while, the music was the only conversation between them.
 
"Where are we headed?" Isabella inquired after a spell of silence.
 
"Nowhere," Harris replied with a carefree smile.
 
"That's my favorite place. Thanks," Isabella responded, her laughter filling the car.
 
Amidst their laughter and the chords spilling into the winter night, they navigated the familiar streets, taking a different turn at the crossroads. The roads led them out of town, in the direction of the beach. The destination was unimportant; it was the journey that counted. Thankfully, snow hadn't yet blanketed the roads.
 
Harris wished every night could embody this serenity. In these moments, worries about the future faded, and their identities were irrelevant. He longed for more quiet winter nights like this, shared with his favorite person, and the open road stretching before them. He yearned for the clarity he felt in his heart, akin to the headlights guiding their way in the darkness.
 
In his life, Isabella was his guiding light—the source of peace and freshness he craved. He didn't need to look beside him to know that a contented smile graced Isabella's lips, as she softly sang along to the music.
 
'Cause anywhere with you feels right
 
Anywhere with you feels like
 
Paris in the rain'
 
It was true. They could be anywhere, even in the middle of nowhere, and still find beauty in every moment.
As Harris pulled over by a small convenience store, a curious expression crossed Isabella's face.
 
"We've only been on the road for about 30 minutes, and you're already hungry?" Isabella teased, playfully raising an eyebrow at Harris.
 
"Hey, my snack stash is empty," Harris retorted, unbothered by her jest.
 
Bantering back and forth, they selected snacks and drinks, occasionally bickering over which chip flavors were superior. Once satisfied with their haul, they returned to the car, Isabella clutching a paper bag twice the size of Harris's.
 
"Who's hungry now?" Harris quipped, gesturing toward the oversized bag that dominated Isabella's lap.
 
"This could sustain us for a cross-country trip," Isabella replied, a sly grin playing on her lips.
 
"Considering you, this might actually turn into a cross-country trip."
 
"If I didn't have to get you home by morning so your mom wouldn't worry, I would."
 
"Nah, she's fine when I'm with you, wherever we go."
 
"Anywhere? Are you sure?"
 
"I've always been sure."
 
"Then the usual."
 
"Promise you won't doze off? I don't want to resemble your chauffeur," Harris teased, noticing Isabella's growing drowsiness.
 
"But you are my chauffeur."
 
"But you don't pay me."
 
"I compensate with abundant love—lots of it." Isabella placed both hands over her heart in mock sincerity, her playfulness cutting through her sleepiness.
 
"Is that convertible to cash?"
 
"No, but it's better."
 
Isabella's lightheartedness dispelled any remnants of drowsiness. Soon, both were laughing freely, their laughter mingling harmoniously.
 
"Hey, babe," Isabella murmured.
 
Harris hummed in response.
 
 
 
"Remember last Christmas when you asked me to dance with you?"
 
Harris smiled at the memory. "Yeah, why?"
 
"That's when I fell for you, deeply."
 
"But I thought you had a boyfriend at the time and could not dare to move further."
 
Isabella leaned back and turned to Harris, offering him a chip and sharing a sip from their large coffee.
 
"We'll have more trips like this, won't we?" Isabella's unexpected question caught Harris off guard.
 
"As long as you remain my shotgun," Harris replied, his voice infused with warmth.
 
"I want to drive next time. I'll actually get my license, you'll see."
 
Harris chuckled. "I'm scared, but okay."
 
In Isabella's eyes, Harris saw a spark of determination that he cherished—a fire that burned brightly in the night.
 
The night continued to stretch before them, and with each passing moment, the bond between Harris and Isabella deepened. They talked about their dreams and aspirations, their fears and insecurities, and their unwavering commitment to one another.
 
The car's headlights illuminated the winding road, casting long shadows that danced with the rhythm of their conversation. Isabella's laughter and the occasional soft humming of a new song filled the car, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy.
 
As the night wore on, they found themselves parked at a secluded spot by the beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their shared moments. Isabella nestled her head on Harris's shoulder as they looked out at the dark expanse of the ocean, the moonlight glistening on the water's surface.
 
"Isn't it beautiful?" Isabella whispered.
 
Harris nodded, his heart swelling with affection. "It is. But not as beautiful as you."
 
Isabella's cheeks flushed, and she leaned in to kiss him softly. Their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss, filled with all the love and longing they had held for each other. It was a kiss that sealed their promises and solidified their connection.
 
They stayed there for hours, wrapped in each other's arms, sharing stories and dreams under the starlit sky. Time seemed to stand still as they basked in the beauty of their love, reaffirming their commitment to journey through life together.
 
Eventually, the first light of dawn began to break on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. Harris and Isabella knew it was time to head back, to face the responsibilities and challenges that awaited them in the daylight.
 
But as they drove back home, their hands intertwined and their hearts full, they knew that the night they had shared was a memory they would cherish forever. It was a night of laughter, love, and the kind of connection that only two souls deeply in love could understand.
 
And as the sun rose, casting a warm glow on the world around them, Harris and Isabella knew that they were each other's guiding light—the source of strength, love, and happiness that would light their way through all the adventures that lay ahead.