Hazel's jaw dropped, her mind momentarily frozen.  Aiden's laughter, rich and full-bodied, broke the silence, a sound that resonated deep within her.
"Okay, you're free to speak what you think," he said, his smile widening.
"Huh? What!?" Hazel sputtered, her cheeks burning even brighter.
"What do you think of my look today? Don't lie to me. Come on, I'm ready for compliments!" Aiden challenged, his gaze unwavering.
"Well... I thought you look cool," she finally managed, her voice barely a whisper.
Aiden's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, I didn't expect you to say that!"
"Then why did you ask?" Hazel retorted, a small smile playing on her lips.
"It's a matter of chance," Aiden said, his grin widening.  "I hoped you might tell me."
He was right.  She couldn't be honest around Aiden.  His presence had a way of disarming her, of making her lose her usual composure.  He was like a magnet, drawing her in with an irresistible force.
"I have a feeling that today's going to be a great day," Aiden declared, his voice filled with an infectious enthusiasm. "What a great start."
Hazel's heart thumped in her chest, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling within her. Aiden's genuine delight at her compliment had surprised her, but it also ignited a spark of determination. He liked it that much. And she was the one who had asked him out today. It was time to be more honest, to let her true feelings shine through.
"So where are we going today?" Aiden asked, his voice laced with a playful energy. "I almost couldn't sleep yesterday because you asked me out."
Hazel's cheeks flushed. "Oh, right. We're gonna do something really fun today."
"What is it?" Aiden pressed, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"It's..." Hazel hesitated, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.  She wouldn't spoil the surprise.
The Go-Cart Center loomed before them, a vibrant splash of color against the clear blue sky.  Aiden's face lit up with an almost childlike enthusiasm.
"Wow! I love these things! You know my taste!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing with excitement.
"I knew you'd love it!" Hazel beamed, her heart overflowing with joy at his reaction.
"Have you tried this before?" Aiden asked, his eyes searching hers.
"No, I haven't," Hazel admitted. "I reserved a cart for two. Is that okay?"
"If it was for a single person, I would've gone back home," Aiden teased, his playful tone sending a ripple of laughter through her.
"Ahaha, stop it!" Hazel laughed, her laughter echoing his.
They burst into the center, their shared joy filling the air.
"Now, shall we take a ride?" Aiden asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
He waited patiently for Hazel to climb into the cart first, his chivalry as charming as his new look.  Then, he settled into the driver's seat, his hands gripping the steering wheel with anticipation.
"I'm really excited because it's been a while since I've tried this," Aiden confessed, his voice filled with a genuine enthusiasm that warmed Hazel's heart.
Hazel's voice trembled slightly, a hint of fear creeping into her usually confident demeanor. "I'm actually a little scared. What if I bump into a wall?"
Aiden's eyes softened, his smile reassuring.  "It's okay because it's not very fast. It's safer than you think. And now that I have you on my side, I'll drive it safely."
His words, laced with a gentle sincerity, sent a warmth through Hazel.  She felt a flutter in her chest, a sensation she couldn't quite explain.  He smiled again, a quick, almost shy gesture that made her heart skip a beat.
"It's fast!!" Hazel exclaimed, her voice rising in a mixture of surprise and delight.
The cart roared to life, its engine a powerful symphony of speed and adrenaline.  Aiden's face lit up with pure joy, his eyes sparkling with excitement.  The scenery blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors as they sped around the track.  Hazel watched Aiden, her gaze captivated by the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, by the way his smile seemed to radiate a warmth that reached deep into her soul.  She found herself mirroring his excitement, her own laughter bubbling up as she took in the exhilarating rush of the ride.
"Ah, this is so refreshing!" Aiden exclaimed, his voice filled with exhilaration.  "Oh, careful there, Hazel."
"Oh, thanks," Hazel replied, her voice barely audible over the roar of the engine.
In a blink of an eye, the ride was over.  The abrupt stop sent a jolt through Hazel's body, leaving her feeling dizzy and disoriented.  Her legs trembled like jelly as she stepped out of the cart, her balance unsteady.  If Aiden hadn't been there, his arm a steady support, she would have stumbled.
"You're so weak, Hazel," Aiden teased, his voice laced with amusement.
"I was just feeling dizzy," Hazel protested, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and defiance.  "I'm not weak at all!"
Aiden chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a warmth that melted away her annoyance.  "I know. You're an amazing, strong person. Still, you should come to me when you feel weak and vulnerable. Okay?"
Hazel's heart swelled with warmth, a feeling that spread through her like a gentle wave. "You too. Let's rely on each other," she said, her voice soft yet firm.
Aiden's eyes crinkled at the corners as a genuine smile spread across his face. "I love that. Promise me," he said, extending his pinky finger.
Hazel linked her pinky with his, a simple gesture that felt incredibly significant.  Aiden's smile widened, his joy radiating a pure, unfiltered honesty that she had never encountered before.  She had been amazed by Aiden from the moment they met, but this, this raw, unfiltered expression of his feelings, took her breath away.
"Don't you pretend to be okay when you're not," Aiden said, his voice laced with a gentle concern that touched her deeply.
"Huh, you're being cheeky, mister," Hazel retorted, a playful smile gracing her lips.
"Can't I be a bit cheeky?" Aiden countered, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "And I'm not. I'm worrying about a girl I like."
Whenever Aiden said something like that, Hazel found herself speechless.  His words, simple yet profound, had a way of disarming her, of making her feel vulnerable in the best possible way.
"By the way, your hands are very small," Aiden said, his gaze lingering on her intertwined fingers.
"It's not really small..." Hazel protested, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment.
"It's smaller than mine. Then it's small," Aiden declared, his voice laced with a playful teasing that made her laugh.
She couldn't imagine Aiden being shy or dishonest.  He was so open, so genuine, that she felt like she already knew him intimately, despite their short time together.  His quirks and habits were endearing, a testament to his unique and captivating personality.
"Okay, let's move on now," Hazel said, her voice regaining its usual confidence. "Did you think this was it? Remember, your day is mine today."
"It's great to hear that," Aiden replied, his voice filled with relief. "I was worried this was the end. Let's stay together all day today!"
Aiden's smile was infectious, a warmth that spread through Hazel like sunshine. He reached for her hand, his fingers interlacing with hers.  There was no hesitation, no awkwardness, just a natural ease that made her heart flutter.  She smiled back, her own heart filled with a comfortable familiarity.  This wasn't surprising anymore.  She was getting used to Aiden, to his confident charm, to the way he made her feel like she was the only person in the room.
The Pet Café was a haven of furry joy.  As they stepped inside, a chorus of excited barks greeted them, a symphony of wagging tails and eager sniffs.  Aiden's face lit up, his smile as bright as the sunshine streaming through the café windows.  He looked like a puppy himself, his eyes sparkling with pure delight.
"Oh, it's so cute! Come on... Good boy!" Aiden exclaimed, his voice filled with a gentle enthusiasm that drew Hazel in.
He knelt down beside a fluffy, brown-eyed puppy, his fingers gently stroking its soft fur.  Hazel watched him, her heart melting at the sight.  He was so genuine, so completely absorbed in the moment, that she couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Ah, why's he so cute?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Aiden looked up, his smile widening.  "Why are you just looking at them? Am I the only one who's excited here?"
"Ah, he looks just like you," Hazel said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.  "Stay still. I'll get a photo for you."
She raised her phone, capturing a picture of Aiden with the puppy, his face radiating pure joy.  The image was a testament to his genuine love for animals, a quality that made him even more endearing.
"Well, this puppy looks just like you," Aiden said, pointing to another puppy, a tiny ball of white fluff with bright, inquisitive eyes.
Aiden spent the next few minutes playing with the dogs, his laughter echoing through the café.  He turned to Hazel, his eyes sparkling with a playful glint.
"He says he wants to kiss you," Aiden announced, his voice laced with a teasing tone.
"Huh? Who?" Hazel asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Him," Aiden said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down Hazel's spine.
He stood up abruptly, his tall frame casting a shadow over her.  His presence was commanding, his gaze intense.  "He wanna kiss you," he said, his voice a playful murmur.
Aiden pointed at himself, a mischievous glint in his eyes.  He was being playful, but Hazel's heart pounded against her ribs, a frantic rhythm that echoed the strange excitement building within her.  It was as if something was tapping at her heart, a delicate, insistent rhythm that she couldn't ignore.
"Did you think I was talking about a puppy?" Aiden asked, his voice a husky whisper.
"Y-You said 'he'!" Hazel stammered, her cheeks flushing a fiery red.
"Well, I was being vague," Aiden said, his smile widening.
Hazel felt helpless, caught in the whirlwind of Aiden's charm.  He was determined to seduce her, to unravel her defenses with his words, his gaze, his touch.  She felt like a moth drawn to a flame, unable to resist his allure.
"How would I look in your eyes now?" Aiden asked, his voice a soft caress.
Hazel hoped she didn't look like a fool, reacting to every word he said, every gesture he made.  She tried to maintain her composure, but it was a losing battle.
"You're a smooth talker," Hazel admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
"I said I'm not just good at talking," Aiden countered, his eyes holding hers captive.
"Then what else are you good at? Tell me," Hazel challenged, her curiosity piqued.
"I don't think I should talk about it now," Aiden said, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
"What is it? Tell me quick," Hazel urged, her heart pounding in her chest.
Aiden avoided her gaze, but Hazel followed his eyes, her intuition telling her that he was holding something back, something he didn't want to reveal.
"Do you really want to hear it? You look rather passionate today," Aiden said, his voice laced with a teasing hint of danger.
"You just said anything, right?" Hazel countered, her voice a mixture of amusement and frustration.
"Hmm... I didn't just say that," Aiden replied, his gaze lingering on her, a silent promise hanging in the air.
Aiden rubbed his chin, his gaze fixed on a point beyond Hazel, lost in thought.  Then, with a swift, decisive movement, he took a step towards her, closing the distance between them.  Hazel's breath caught in her throat.  They were so close now, their bodies almost touching, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.
"I'm definitely good at 'something'," Aiden said, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine.  "I'll show you next time after we leave the House."
He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Until then, even if you're curious, be patient."
Aiden pulled back, his smile as innocent as if nothing had happened.  But Hazel was left reeling.  His touch, his words, his gaze, everything about Aiden had her flustered today.  She bit her lip, her cheeks burning a fiery red, and turned her face away, unable to meet his eyes.
"It would be nice if we could keep a dog at the House," Hazel said, her voice a little shaky.  "I can take good care of it!"
"Don't you have a pet at home?" Aiden asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity.
"Nope," Hazel replied, shaking her head.  "I'm too busy with work, and I don't have time to spare for a puppy."
"Well, you're right," Aiden said, his voice laced with a hint of regret. "It's a pity we don't have a puppy at the Luv House."
"But there's something similar!" Hazel exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.
"Something similar? What is it?" Aiden asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Well, there's...!" Hazel hesitated, a playful smile gracing her lips.  "Yes, something similar... You, Aiden."
The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them.  She blushed furiously, her cheeks burning even brighter.  Unable to speak further, she patted the puppy beside her, her heart pounding in her chest.
The convenience store was a kaleidoscope of brightly colored snacks and drinks, a familiar haven of late-night cravings.  Aiden, however, seemed to have a different destination in mind.  He stopped before a towering claw machine, its glass case filled with plush toys of various shapes and sizes.
"Do you like dolls, Hazel?" Aiden asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Hmm? Yes, why?" Hazel replied, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"I want to get this for you," Aiden said, pointing to a particularly adorable plush puppy, its fluffy fur and big, brown eyes mirroring the one they'd just met at the café.  "It looks exactly like that puppy.  Since we can't keep a dog in the House, I'll give you this doll as a gift."
"Don't waste money on something like this," Hazel said, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and amusement.  "I don't know just how much money I spent on this machine when I was young."
"Well, I'm really good at this, Hazel," Aiden said, his confidence radiating like a beacon.  "Have you seen anything I can't do so far?"
He was so confident, so sure of himself.  Hazel couldn't help but smile.  She remembered how Aiden seemed to excel at everything he did, how effortlessly he mastered new skills.  And students, she knew, were notorious for their prowess at these claw machines.  He was bound to be good at this too.
"Wait a minute, Hazel," Aiden said, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper as he studied the machine intently.
"It's hard, isn't it?" Hazel teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Not at all," Aiden replied, his voice regaining its usual confidence.  "I think I know how to do it now."
He had boasted about his skills, but now, a hint of embarrassment crept into his expression.  "I can do it in three rounds! Wait!"
Hazel couldn't help but find his sudden flustered demeanor endearing.  Why was he so cute?  Aiden inserted a dollar bill into the machine, his gaze fixed on the plush puppy.  He looked so determined, so focused, that Hazel struggled to hold back her laughter.
First try... Fail.  The claw, clumsy and uncoordinated, missed the puppy completely.
Second try... Fail.  The claw, despite Aiden's best efforts, still failed to grasp the prize.
He looked so determined, so focused, that Hazel found it hard to resist teasing him.  But before she could say anything, Aiden's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh, there," he exclaimed, his voice laced with a mixture of excitement and relief.
The plush puppy, a testament to Aiden's newfound claw machine expertise, emerged from the prize chute, a fluffy victory in his hands.
"Actually, my friends told me how to do this well," Aiden confessed, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.  "I should've practiced then!  I've shown you the imperfect side of me."
He laughed, a sound that was as endearing as it was unexpected.  He handed the plush puppy to Hazel, his eyes sparkling with a warmth that made her heart flutter.  Then, he turned back to the claw machine, his determination reignited.  He spent the next few minutes playing, his skills now honed to perfection.  He pulled out a handful of plush toys, enough to give one to each of the guys at the Luv House.
"But see, I'm good at it now," Aiden said, his voice laced with a playful pride.
"But you were cute when you were trying earlier," Hazel teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Still, if I make a mistake... I should look super cool in front of a girl," Aiden said, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper.
"Well, you are always cool," Hazel replied, her voice filled with sincerity.
"Really? I'm glad to hear that," Aiden said, his cheeks flushing a faint pink.
"I didn't know you were thinking like that," Hazel said, her curiosity piqued.
"I don't act before I think," Aiden confessed, his gaze fixed on her, his honesty disarming.  "I want to show only the good side of me to a person I like.  That's natural.  I want you to remember me as a cool person.  An outgoing, nice person.  So I talk with my friends a lot, and think about how I should behave in front of you."
Hazel studied Aiden's face, his features softened by a shyness that she had never seen before.  His cheeks were flushed, his eyes filled with a vulnerability that made her heart ache with tenderness.
"I don't know if that worked so far," Aiden said, his voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.
"Yes, that's why we're spending a day together now," Hazel replied, her voice filled with a gentle reassurance.
"Really?" Aiden asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes," Hazel said, her smile widening.  "That's why I asked you out."
A slow smile spread across Aiden's face, a radiant expression that lit up his entire being.  Hazel had asked him out because she wanted to see that smile, to witness the joy that radiated from him.
"But that's not because you always look cool," Hazel continued, her voice soft yet firm.  "I saw the side of you that made me like you.  It all piled up and I asked you out.  So don't push yourself.  I like the way you are now."
"Ah... I'm touched, Hazel," Aiden said, his voice filled with a heartfelt gratitude that warmed Hazel's soul.
Aiden's laughter was like a warm sunbeam, melting away any lingering awkwardness.  He reached out, his hand gently stroking her hair.  "I'll show you a better side of me in the future, so you must date me again.  Okay?"
His touch, his laughter, sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of excitement and embarrassment that left her speechless.  A subtle thrill pulsed through her heart, a strange, exhilarating feeling that she couldn't quite explain.  The silence between them was filled with unspoken emotions, a delicate dance of attraction and uncertainty.
"Why are we saying these things?" Hazel asked, her voice a little shaky.  "Shall we go back now?  It's dark."
"Yes," Aiden said, his voice regaining its usual confidence.  "Give me the doll.  I'll carry it for you."
"Ah, it's not heavy," Hazel protested, her smile tinged with a stubborn defiance.  "I'm going to carry it since it's from you."
She hugged the plush toys to her chest, her smile widening as she looked up at Aiden.
"If you hold it like that, you can't use your hand," Aiden said, his brow furrowed with concern.
"But I don't have to use my hand," Hazel replied, her voice laced with a playful defiance.  "We'll be home soon."
"Oh, watch out!" Aiden exclaimed, his voice sharp with urgency.
He pulled her close, his arm wrapping around her waist, his body shielding her from something unseen.  A few of the plush toys tumbled to the ground, their soft thudding a stark contrast to the sudden rush of adrenaline that coursed through Hazel's veins.  In Aiden's arms, she heard the roar of a motorcycle, its engine a deafening symphony of speed and danger.
"Gosh... Why would he drive like that?" Aiden muttered, his voice low and laced with a barely contained anger.
Hazel had never heard Aiden sound so angry.  He held her tighter, his body a comforting shield against the world.  Her face was buried in his chest, his scent a comforting balm against the lingering fear.  She stood still, catching her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Are you all right?" Aiden asked, his voice filled with a genuine concern that pierced through the lingering fear.
He slowly lowered his head, his eyes meeting hers.  This time, there was no playful glint, no teasing smile.  Just a raw, unfiltered worry that made Hazel's heart ache with tenderness.
"I think you're more surprised than I am," Hazel said, a small smile gracing her lips.  "Are you all right?"
She felt a surge of protectiveness towards him, a desire to reassure him, to make him feel safe.  She had never seen this side of Aiden, the vulnerable, protective side, and it only made her heart beat faster.  She had a feeling that this night, like the ones before, was going to be filled with surprises, with unexpected turns that would leave her breathless and her heart pounding with a joy she couldn't quite explain.
motorcycle, its engine a deafening symphony of speed and danger.
"Gosh... Why would he drive like that?" Aiden muttered, his voice low and laced with a barely contained anger.
Hazel had never heard Aiden sound so angry.  He held her tighter, his body a comforting shield against the world.  Her face was buried in his chest, his scent a comforting balm against the lingering fear.  She stood still, catching her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Are you all right?" Aiden asked, his voice filled with a genuine concern that pierced through the lingering fear.
He slowly lowered his head, his eyes meeting hers.  This time, there was no playful glint, no teasing smile.  Just a raw, unfiltered worry that made Hazel's heart ache with tenderness.
"I think you're more surprised than I am," Hazel said, a small smile gracing her lips.  "Are you all right?"
"Of course I'm okay," Aiden said, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down Hazel's spine.  "That could've been dangerous.  Did you get hurt?"
"You pulled me right away," Hazel replied, her voice a little shaky.  "Of course I'm fine."
"Ah, that's good," Aiden said, his voice laced with relief.  "I was so surprised."
He let out a long sigh, his body still tense with the lingering adrenaline.  They were so close, their bodies almost touching, his head resting against her shoulder.  He sighed again, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrated against her skin.  Hazel felt his hair brush against her neck, a sensation that sent a thrill through her.  It was strange, this feeling of intimacy, this closeness that made her heart race.  She tried to calm her breathing, to control the fluttering in her chest.  She reached out, her hand gently patting his back, a small gesture of reassurance.
"You're the one who almost got hurt," Aiden said, his voice a low murmur.  "What am I doing?"
He slowly raised his head, his eyes meeting hers.  Hazel's heart skipped a beat.  He was so close, his gaze intense, his features softened by a vulnerability that made her heart ache.
"Huh? Why?" Aiden asked, his voice laced with a playful confusion.
Hazel couldn't help but smile.  "Your face is red," she said, her voice barely a whisper.  "I wanted to touch it."
"Haha, really?" Aiden replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners as a grin spread across his face.  "But..."
He leaned in, his hands cupping her face, his fingers gently tracing the outline of her cheek.  "Your face is red too," he said, his voice a soft murmur.
Aiden's thumbs gently rubbed her cheeks, a sensation that sent a jolt of electricity through her.  They were so close, their hands intertwined, their faces inches apart.  Hazel felt a sense of danger, a thrilling awareness of the intimacy that hung heavy in the air.  This was too close.  Too intense.  Too real.
"What should I do?" Aiden asked, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine.
"Huh?" Hazel replied, her voice barely a whisper.
"I like it so much," Aiden confessed, his eyes searching hers.  "I'm having mood swings because of you, Hazel.  I must be crazy."
He laughed, a sound that was as charming as it was disarming.  The way he stroked her cheeks, the warmth of his touch, made her heart flutter.  She felt a strange mix of exhilaration and apprehension, a feeling that was both intoxicating and terrifying.
"W-We need to pick up the dolls first," Hazel stammered, her voice betraying her nervousness.  "Oh, what if they got dirty?"
She knew she was in danger if she stayed in Aiden's arms any longer.  She needed to break the spell, to create some distance, to regain her composure.  She gently pulled away, her fingers reaching for the scattered plush toys.
"Let me carry this much," Aiden said, his voice laced with a gentle insistence.
"Huh? I can do it myself," Hazel protested, her voice a little shaky.
"What if you're in danger again?" Aiden countered, his eyes filled with a protective concern that made her heart ache.  "Come close to me."
They divided the dolls, each taking a handful.  Hazel's hand was free now, and Aiden, with a gentle tug, pulled her further away from the road.  He reached for her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers.
"Let's go like this," Aiden said, his voice a low murmur.
They walked side by side, their hands clasped tightly, their fingers intertwined.  It was a simple gesture, yet it felt incredibly intimate, incredibly charged.  Hazel couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened, about the warmth of his touch, the intensity of his gaze.  Her head felt dizzy, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Ah... It's good," Aiden said, his voice laced with a mixture of embarrassment and exhilaration.  "But it's quite embarrassing... But I like it."
Aiden's voice, laced with a shy hope, echoed in Hazel's ear.  "How was the date today?  Did you like it?"
He looked at her, his eyes filled with a cautious yet hopeful anticipation.  Hazel felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling that was both comforting and exhilarating.
"Huh," Hazel replied, her voice a little shaky.  "It was nice to be with you all day today.  It was so good."
She didn't regret asking Aiden out.  She had been struggling with the decision, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.  But the warmth in his eyes, the kindness in his voice, the way he cared for her, had made her realize that she had made the right choice.
"It was great to be with you today," Hazel said, her voice filled with a sincerity that touched Aiden's heart.
"Thank goodness," Aiden replied, his voice filled with relief.  "That's what I was thinking, too."
Hazel was glad she had taken the chance, the leap of faith.  If she hadn't asked Aiden out, she wouldn't have experienced this day, this whirlwind of emotions, this glimpse into a side of him she never knew existed.  She squeezed his hand, her fingers tightening around his, a silent declaration of her feelings.
They walked side by side, their hands clasped tightly, their fingers intertwined.  As they headed home, Hazel couldn't help but steal glances at Aiden, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights.  She loved the way he looked in that outfit, the way his smile lit up his entire being.  She wanted to see him wearing it more often, to witness that smile, that warmth, that genuine joy, again and again.
The familiar scent of lavender and the soft glow of the fairy lights in the girls' room created a cozy haven of shared secrets and whispered dreams.  Some of the girls had returned from dates, their faces flushed with excitement, their voices buzzing with stories of stolen kisses and whispered promises.  Others, like Hazel, had spent their day in a more ordinary way, their hearts filled with a quiet anticipation that was no less thrilling.
As they chatted, their voices weaving a tapestry of shared experiences, they decided to send their text messages first, to let their dates know they had arrived home safely, before delving deeper into the details of their day.
Hazel's fingers flew across the keyboard, her heart pounding in her chest.  She typed a message to Aiden, her words a reflection of the warmth and joy she felt.
"I love how you're always energetic and happy!" she typed, her smile widening as she reread the message.  "And be careful not to catch a cold.  It's still cold at night."
She sent the message, her thumb hovering over the send button for a moment, before finally releasing it into the digital ether.
One of her friends, her face flushed with a rosy glow, sent a message to her date, her words a testament to the intensity of her feelings.  "I miss you when you're away, and even when you're with me.  Can I just keep you by my side all the time?"