Stella's P.O.V.

As Alex pulls into a parking lot at Rockefeller Center, I glance out the window and then back at him. "Alex, I visited here with Zoe and Selena last week. I was expecting you to take me somewhere else." I blurt out.

He raises an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Well, I guess my tour is off to a bad start, then."

I smirk, leaning back in my seat. "Not bad, just... predictable."

He turns off the engine and faces me. "Trust me, I have a few surprises up my sleeve. Just because you've been here doesn't mean you've done it in my way."

I shoot him a sceptical look. "You're really hyping this up. It better be good."

He chuckles, stepping out of the car. "Just wait."

I follow him as we walk through the familiar plaza. It's still crowded, even early in the morning, but Alex seems to know exactly where he's going.

"Come on." He gestures for me to follow as we head toward a line of food stalls I hadn't noticed the last time I was here. I glance around, half expecting him to drag me into some boring art gallery or something, but he stops in front of a small food cart.

"This place has the best street food," Alex says, not even looking at me as he orders from the guy behind the cart. He hands me one of the sandwiches wrapped in foil, and I stare down at it.

I wasn't expecting this. Not that I'm complaining—honestly, the food smells incredible—but Alex eating from a food stall? Where's the fancy restaurant I'd expect from someone like him?

I take a cautious bite, and my eyes widen as the flavours hit my taste buds. It's amazing. Savoury, spicy, and with just the right amount of tangy sauce. I look up at Alex, who's watching me, waiting for my reaction.

"Wow," I say between bites, trying not to look like I'm enjoying it too much. "This is... really good. Yummy, actually."

A small, pleased smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "Told you. Best food in the city." He takes a bite of his sandwich.

I roll my eyes but take another bite. "I'm impressed. Never thought I'd be enjoying street food with you, of all people."

He shrugs, still chewing. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Stella."

I pause, thinking about how different he's been lately—how unpredictable. Maybe there's more to Alex than the grumpy, cold guy I first met.

He finishes his sandwich and wipes his hands on a napkin. "Next up, we're going ice skating."

I freeze, my eyes widening with surprise and excitement. "Wow, ice skating? I've always seen photos of it, but I've never actually tried it before. Do you know how to do it?"

Alex nods. "Yup, I come here often. It's my second favourite spot."

"Really? Will you teach me? Please, please..." I request, joining my hands in front of him.

He chuckles, shaking his head. "That's exactly why we're here, Stella."

I let out a squeal of excitement, causing him to laugh.

We finish up at the food stall and head toward the ice rink. The sight of the ice and the crowd of skaters makes my heart race. I can't wait to step onto the rink and try it out for myself.

Wow! After a long time, I'm enjoying it so much.

Alex leads me to the rental area where we get our skates. As he hands me my skates, I stare at them for a moment. I've never worn skates before.

After settling down on the bench, as I wear the skates, I fumble with the laces, trying to figure out what I'm doing, but they seem impossible to tighten.

"Need some help?" Alex asks, catching my attention.

"I've got it," I mumble, but the moment I tug on the laces, they slip out of my fingers, and I huff in frustration.

Without a word, Alex crouches down in front of me. I freeze and my heart skips a beat as he takes the laces from my hands.

What is he doing? Now he is being overly sweet.

"I can do it," I say quickly, but I don't pull away.

He glances up at me. "You're struggling. Let me help you, Stella."

I bite my lip, watching as he effortlessly threads the laces through the holes, tightening them with just the right amount of force. Who can say he is the same Alex who wasn't leaving a single chance to annoy me? And now he is on his knees before me and tying my laces.

God! Life is super duper unpredictable!

"Done." He ties the final knot before looking up at me with a small smile. "Try to stand. You'll feel balanced now."

I nod slowly, still in a bit of shock. Since yesterday, he has been just shocking me with his side, which I have never seen before.

I stand, wobbling slightly on the skates, and his hands instinctively reach out to steady me. "There you go. You're ready."

I look down at him as he straightens up, and I feel something in my heart. Maybe he's right—there is a lot I don't know about him.

As we walk towards the ring, I warn him, "You better not let me fall."

"I'll do my best, but no promises." He grins, winking at me.

We laugh, stepping onto the ice.

The surface beneath my feet feels slick and unstable, and my heart races as I wobble, trying to find my balance. I immediately take Alex's hand in a firm grip.

"Nervous?" He asks as he skates effortlessly beside me.

I want to skate like him.

I shoot him a mock glare. "You better not let me fall," I warn again, gripping his hand even tighter. "Because if I fall, I'll take you with me."

He lets out a laugh. "I've got you, Stella. Just take it slow."

We glide along the ice, his hand firm in mine, guiding me with ease. At first, I focus on keeping my legs steady, but after a few minutes, I start to feel more confident. The cool breeze against my face and the rush of excitement make me want to push myself further.

After a few more laps, I feel ready. "Okay, let go." I glance up at him, and his eyebrows raise in surprise at my words.

"Are you sure?"

I nod, determined. "I want to try on my own."

He thinks for a second before slowly releasing my hand. I succeed in staying upright, wobbling a bit but holding my balance. A wave of pride washes over me, and I flash him a triumphant grin. "See? I'm doing it!"

He smiles, watching me. "Told you it wasn't so hard."

Feeling a rush of excitement and adrenaline, I push myself forward, trying to skate a little faster. But my confidence gets ahead of me, and before I know it, my foot slips out from under me.

With a gasp, I lose my balance, arms flailing as I fall—right into Alex.

Fuck! I feel so embarrassed.