They moved through the crowd, which buzzed with whispers and amused glances. Some let out soft chuckles, others exchanged looks while quietly gossiping about Caitlin. Being carried like this was incredibly embarrassing—far worse than showing up at a party in the wrong outfit. Her face had gone pale from the humiliation, yet her arms remained tightly wrapped around Daniel’s neck. She was too mortified to protest, too awkward to break free.
“I thought you were going to take the train. Where are we actually going?” Caitlin asked.
“No idea,” Daniel replied nonchalantly. “I had it all planned out, but since you suddenly decided to go full drama queen, I had to improvise.”
Caitlin started hitting him lightly. “Put me down. I can walk just fine.”
“Shhh… Princess, hush now. Just go with the storyline.”
There was a playful smirk tugging at Daniel’s lips, making Caitlin want to bury her face in her hands. Where even were they? Caitlin had no clue, but it was clear Daniel had walked quite far. When they arrived at their destination, he crossed the street and stopped in front of a small park surrounded by green grass. He gently set Caitlin down. The night breeze greeted them, cool and tender, making Caitlin shiver slightly. Daniel seemed about to leave. Caitlin frowned. Was he really going to leave her here?
“Stay right here. Don’t go anywhere, okay?” Daniel pointed at her.
“Where are you going?”
“Just wait here.”
He walked off briskly, leaving her behind. Caitlin stood alone, hugging herself against the chill. She yawned a few times, exhausted from the earlier chaos with Daniel. Tonight was supposed to be fun, but maybe this was still better than staying cooped up in her room.
“Why am I here this late at night?” she muttered to herself.
It was only then that she noticed the gentle sound of trickling water nearby, reflecting the streetlights that shimmered on its surface. Young couples sat side by side; even a small family was playing catch with their child. Children’s laughter mingled with the breeze and the aroma of food. It suddenly made Caitlin realize how hungry she was—she hadn’t eaten much since leaving her apartment. A small smile curled her lips. Did Daniel choose this place on purpose? It almost felt like… a date.
“Interesting,” she murmured in admiration.
Just as she was about to sit on the soft grass, plush like an expensive carpet, a shout came from across the way.
“Caitlin, don’t sit yet!”
Daniel rushed over, slightly breathless, carrying two large bags and a rolled-up plastic mat. He handed her the bags and began unfurling the mat with care, as if preparing a tiny stage for two. Caitlin sat down beside him and peeked into the bags. Her eyes widened.
“Sandwiches, milk, soda, fries, fried chicken, bottled water. This is a lot,” she said.
“I’m starving. And you need to eat too.” Daniel flashed her a wide grin as he took a bite of his sandwich.
They ate in companionable silence, accompanied only by the sound of water and the distant hum of other couples chatting nearby. Quiet, but not lonely. In fact, Caitlin felt perfectly at ease.
“So, if nothing had gone wrong earlier, what was your plan?” she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
Daniel chewed, swallowed, then answered while sipping his soda, “Five-star restaurant, steak dinner, opera, roller coaster or else, then back home.”
“Wow. Sorry.”
Daniel turned to her, noticing the slight pout on her face. “Relax, there’s always next time.”
“This isn’t so bad either. I actually like it,” Caitlin admitted shyly.
Daniel chuckled, nodding in agreement. Then he got up, gathered the trash, and tossed it away. When he returned, he found Caitlin staring wistfully at a young couple playing with their child. She quickly averted her gaze, choosing instead to look up at the beautiful night sky. Daniel sat beside her, wrapping an arm warmly around her shoulders. Caitlin turned her head to look at him. He always seemed so unbothered, as if life never fazed him.
“So, what’s next?” she asked softly.
Daniel didn’t answer. He simply took her hand in both of his, rubbing her chilled fingers gently. “Your hands are freezing, Cat. Let me warm them up first—then I’ll tell you.”
Caitlin smiled, letting him be sweet. She liked this side of him. “Alright.”
“Count to three,” Daniel suddenly said.
“Huh?”
“Just do it. Don’t ask.” He winked playfully.
Caitlin blinked in confusion but obeyed. “One… two… th—”
The sky suddenly burst into flames of color. Fireworks lit up the darkness, scattering brilliance in every direction, flaring and vanishing in moments. People cheered. Children squealed with delight. Caitlin gazed upward, mesmerized by the breathtaking display.
“You planned this?” she whispered, still in awe.
“Nope. Why would I waste money like that? I’d rather spend it on fried chicken. Just a lucky coincidence—I knew there’d be fireworks tonight.”
Caitlin smirked. “Even if you were lying, I’d never know.”
Daniel laughed, raising two fingers in a playful oath. “Swear on the life of my fizzy soda.”
Caitlin chuckled softly. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen something like this.”
He tightened his hold on her hand and looked into her eyes. In that moment, Caitlin wished time would stop. She didn’t need anything else—just this attention, this affection. If they were a real couple, she was sure she’d forget her heartbreak faster.
“Happy?” Daniel asked gently.
“Pretty much. Better than being stuck in bed.”
Daniel turned to her. “I always feel good when I’m with you. Sometimes, it feels like I’m the one hired to cheer you up… but in the end, you’re the one who cheers me up. You’re like a kid, Cat. Your heart is so pure. I’m jealous of Tobey… being loved like that.”
Caitlin blinked. Jealous? Daniel? She could barely believe it. “Why?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Being loved unconditionally… sounds nice.”
Caitlin didn’t know what to say. She did like Daniel, but not as deeply as she’d once loved Tobey. Daniel felt more like a safe haven in the middle of a storm, while Tobey was the storm she couldn’t stop thinking about. She knew it—and it hurt.
“So… there’s no one you like? Besides money, I mean.” Caitlin frowned slightly.
“No one,” Daniel answered quietly.
“Well then, want me to love you?” Caitlin teased.
He burst out laughing. “Not like that, Cat. That’s not what I meant. I just envy your childhood. Love is heavy for me.” He tapped her forehead gently. “Stop thinking so much when you’re with me. Just let go.”
“Ow!” Caitlin winced, then leaned against his shoulder.
“Whatever.”
Suddenly, Daniel’s phone rang. He answered it, his other hand still holding Caitlin’s, unwilling to let go. “Hey, I got your message earlier.”
Caitlin could faintly hear a woman’s voice on the other end.
“I can’t do spontaneous. We need to schedule. Not now.”
His tone turned slightly firm, though still soft. Meanwhile, his grip on Caitlin’s hand tightened, as if channeling the emotions he couldn’t let out in that call. Maybe the person on the other end was irritating him. Or maybe… it was something he didn’t want to talk about tonight.