Mina peeked out from her hiding spot, still feeling flustered. “I didn’t expect it to be that scary! This is my first time watching a horror movie in 3D,” she confessed, her cheeks still rosy from embarrassment but her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Leo laughed softly, a warm smile spreading across his face. He gently ruffled her hair, making her giggle. “What did you expect? It’s supposed to be thrilling. Did you know I have a home theater in my mansion where we can watch 3D movies?”
“Huh? Really?” Mina looked up at him, surprise and curiosity dancing in her eyes. “I mean, your house is massive, but I’ve never experienced so many things before. I’ve always been too busy with college and work, just trying to get by day to day. After graduating, I thought finding a good job would be easier, but these days, it feels like you need connections and a strong network to get anywhere.” She sighed, her voice tinged with disappointment as she reflected on her struggles.
Leo nodded, his expression turning serious for a moment as he absorbed her words. “I get it. To be honest, this is also my first time watching a movie in a public theater. It’s quite fun. I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for you, Mina.”
Mina’s heart swelled at his words, feeling a sense of validation and warmth. “I’m glad we could do this together. I didn’t realize how much I needed a break from everything. It feels liberating, you know?”
“Let’s enjoy it while we can,” Leo replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as they found their seats in the dark theater. “You deserve to experience more than just work and studies.”
“You, too, Leo, you, too!” she retorted, her tone playful yet pointed. “Your life is just work, work, and more work. You’re going to end up an old bachelor because you’re too busy! Life is about having fun too!”
“Shhh!” Leo hissed, as he quickly covered Mina’s mouth with his hand. He shot her a glare, trying to suppress his laughter. “You’re going to get us kicked out before the movie even starts!”
Mina’s eyes widened in mock shock, and she tried to push his hand away, giggling despite herself. “I’m just speaking the truth! You need to loosen up, Mr. Workaholic.”
“Fine, fine. Just keep it down, or I’ll have to take you out for ice cream every time you raise your voice? Leo teased, letting go of her mouth but still leaning in a bit closer to her as the lights dimmed further.
Mina grinned at him, her earlier embarrassment fading as the excitement of the movie settled in. “Deal! But only if you promise to take me to that home theater of yours afterward. I want to see what it’s like!”
“Absolutely. But right now, let’s focus on the movie before you scare away all the other patrons,” he replied, as he turned his attention to the screen.
As the previews began to roll, the atmosphere in the theater shifted, filled with laughter, gasps, and the thrill of anticipation. Mina felt her heart race—not just from the suspense on screen, but also from the energy of being next to Leo, sharing in this unexpected adventure.
 It was a moment she’d remember, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of freedom and joy that she had been missing in her hectic life.
*
Their relationship continued to grow closer as Mina tried on various cute and affordable outfits, each one making her smile even wider. 
Leo couldn’t help but be captivated by how good she looked in every color and style, her cheerful personality bringing each outfit to life.
 “Maybe it’s because she’s the type to brighten up any room,” he thought to himself, grinning at her playful antics.
As Leo browsed the racks, he realized this was the first time he had ever visited a store that sold mass-produced clothing. 
He was used to custom-made pieces tailored specifically for him, and the sight of so many identical items hanging on the racks felt strangely liberating. 
Mina twirled in front of the mirror, testing a bright sundress, while nearby shoppers whispered excitedly. 
“Wow, lucky girl! That handsome, mature guy must really adore her,” they murmured.
Unbeknownst to Mina, Leo’s tall frame allowed him to see the whispers and glances from the other shoppers as he towered above the clothing racks.
 “This is actually pretty fun,” he mumbled to himself, amused by the spectacle.
“What?” Mina asked, spinning around to face him, her expression a mix of curiosity and excitement.
“Nothing, nothing,” he replied quickly. “Here, let me carry your bags,” he added, reaching out to take the heavy load from her hands. 
As he handed his limited edition black card to the trembling cashier, she looked at it as if it were a rare artifact, her eyes wide in disbelief.
“Kyaaa!” squealed some girls in the corner, their excitement palpable as they witnessed Leo’s gentlemanly gesture. 
With every glance and giggle directed at them, Leo felt a surge of pride. He straightened his posture, radiating confidence and showing off just how perfect he could be as a boyfriend.
“Leo, wait! That’s all my shopping! You only bought one sweater!” Mina protested, looking both flattered and worried.
“Shhh! Just let me treat you. You work so hard; you deserve this,” he said, grinning as he accepted his card back.
Mina’s heart raced as she watched him interact with the cashier. “You’re so sweet, Leo. But I really wanted to do this for myself.”
“Next time, I promise,” Leo said, leaning closer and giving her a wink. “Right now, just enjoy it.”
With their bags stacked high, Mina and Leo stepped out of the store, the mall around them alive with bustling shoppers and lively chatter. Mina’s eyes sparkled as she turned to him, “So, what’s next?”
“Let’s grab something to eat,” Leo suggested, giving her a warm smile.
They headed to a cozy restaurant and settled in for a break after hours of shopping. 
Mina silently hoped they wouldn’t run into any women trying to drape themselves over Leo, like last time.