Two days later, Charlotte found herself standing in front of a beautiful theater. This was when she knew that this theater was unlike any other, boring, old theater she had ever seen.

Twinkling, bright lights surrounded every corner of the room, making her feel at home. The lobby of the New Amsterdam Theater featured marble wall sculptures depicting moments from great Shakespearean plays.

Getting into her seat, she turned to see a young man dressed in a semi casual suit.

He turned to her, wanting to spark a conversation. "You here to see the show as well?"

She found herself unable to speak, her mouth suddenly dry.

"Um, hi? It's nice to meet you."

"H-hi."

Where was a drink when she needed one? Oh god, she could feel herself sweating.

Trying to calm herself down, Charlotte looked at the man in front of her, taking in his appearance. The mustache on his upper lip complimented his bronze skin and dark hair. He had a sophisticated, but charming aura about him, which drew her in like curiosity to a cat. Damn, he looks fine!

He chuckled. "Thanks, you're not so bad, yourself," he said with a wink.

Charlotte's cheeks turned scarlet. Oh, my god. She just said that out loud, didn't she? 

He took her hand in hers, kissing the top of it. "Ma cherie." She giggled, failing to keep a blush from gracing her cheeks.

Turning her attention to the stage, Charlotte's eyes twinkled in excitement as the lights dimmed down to where the entire room was pitch black until the show began.

The curtain opened to reveal a bronze-skinned man, dressed in what appeared to be a buttoned waistcoat, and trousers with long, black boots, walked onto the stage and addressed the audience.

The man had a distinct voice, his voice sounding powerful and strong as Charlotte continued to watch the show in amazement. Everything felt so magical, from the choreography to the set design and even the clothes.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Dorran whispered to her, causing her to meet his gaze. His light brown eyes drew her in, like a moth to a flame, and caused her to easily get lost in them.

The moment lasted for a few seconds before realizing he had asked her a question and was staring at him like an idiot. She nodded, her cheeks running ablaze as he sent her a teasing grin. "Sorry, it's just... that your eyes... they look really pretty." She winced, quickly putting a handful of popcorn in her mouth to get herself to stop talking.

"Ha-ha, you're so adorable," Dorran complimented, a smile gracing his features. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were taking a liking to me." He grinned like a cat who had caught the canary, not menacing, but a bit intimidating, yet playful.

Charlotte scoffed, turning her gaze elsewhere. "As if!"

"Shhhh!" She turned around to see a few people glaring at the two of them, causing her to sink down into her seat.

He nudged her shoulder. "Relax, I'm just teasing."

Charlotte rolled her eyes, giving him a playful grin as she nudged him like he had done earlier.

"Anyway, I was going to say that I liked how excited you seemed when the curtains opened up. Makes me feel like I'm not the only one who likes theatre."

Charlotte smiled, feeling like he had shared an intimate part of himself with her. "Well, I'm glad you think so." She turned her attention back to the show before he tapped her on the shoulder.

"I just realized something. I never even got your name.," the man piped up.

"Charlotte." She brought her hand for him to shake. 

"Dorran..." he said, returning the friendly greeting. "I'm one of the co-workers you work with at the Teatime Treats café."

"I thought you looked familiar."

He let out a laugh, which sounded like music to her ears.

"What brought you here?"

Charlotte chewed her lip, debating on whether to open herself up to him or not. Her thoughts started running rampant in her mind before she decided to put them to a stop. It can't hurt to try. Her lips twisted into a grimace. "My best friend thought I might be able to get some inspiration for her commissioned piece if I booked a trip to New York. Something about the atmosphere or environment..."

Dorran raised an eyebrow. "You're an artist? Now I'm curious."

"Well, if you must know, I started drawing when I started college and I've been doing it ever since."

"Sounds legit. Does it ever get difficult?"

Charlotte opened her mouth to speak but stopped when she looked at the people around her. They paid good money to see the show, and she wouldn't want to have their experience disrupted just because she wanted to get to know Dorran better. "Well, we can continue to talk during the intermission."

Dorran nodded. "Sounds good to me."

The two turned their attention back to the show, finding that a different man had taken center stage, dressed just like the first man who appeared before them was. He was light skinned, his hair looking like what appeared to be a manbun.

The man started speaking, sounding a bit unsure in his tone, but hoped to make a name for himself in the long run. The two watched as he sat down in the chair while a woman walked onto the stage after him, wearing what looked to be a blue nightgown.

»»————-　✼　————-««

After the show was over, Charlotte and Dorran walked side by side, with Charlotte talking to him, hoping she wasn't talking his ear off. "Since I've started drawing digitally, I'm finding it hard to get inspiration for my latest piece."

"Well, maybe you'll find that inspiration tonight. I believe in you."

The two exchanged a soft glance at each other before Dorran coughed to the side. 

"So... why are you here?" she piped up.

"I wanted a change of scenery. Working at Teatime Treats is fun and all, but it gets a bit boring after a while." 

Charlotte nodded. 

Dorran looked around, trying to find something for them to do. "Where do you want to go?" 

"Oh, um, I wanted to go somewhere to see the fireworks."

"I know a great spot where we can see them. Come on!"

He quickly hailed a taxi and motioned for her to get in.

"I hope for your sake, you're not a serial killer. Because I'm not afraid to drop kick your ass."

He put his hands up in defense. "Of course not."

Sensing that the man had a good aura about him, Charlotte stepped inside the car as he made room for her.

"So where are you folks headed off to?"

"Grand Army Plaza to see the fireworks, Sir."

"I hear the fireworks are beautiful this time of year."

"This is my first time in New York, so I have high expectations."

"I'm keeping them low," Charlotte blurted out, a tear dropping onto her lap. "That way, you won't be disappointed when people let you down."

The man took his hand in hers. "Speaking from experience?"

"You have no idea," she said with a regretful tone.

"Well, maybe I can change your mind."

Charlotte looked at him with a smile. "Don't test your luck, Smartie."

"So, do you have a boyfriend?"

Charlotte made a tsk sound. "Didn't your mother always tell you to mind your own business?"

"Yes, but who's to say that I listened?"

Charlotte chuckled. "I don't. What about you?"

Dorran shook his head. "Haven't found one I'm interested in yet."

Charlotte bit her lip before responding. "Have I captured your interest?"

Dorran took her hand in his, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "You most certainly have, ma cherie."

Charlotte turned around, so he wouldn't see the blush on her cheeks. She looked out the window, entranced by the city lights. "So... do you have any family here?"

Dorran nodded. "Only my aunt. She lives in Manhattan. What about you?"

Charlotte shook her head. "No, but I do have family in Atlanta. It helps to video chat with them sometimes, but it's not the same as actually seeing them."

"Okay, we're here. You guys have a good night," the driver bellowed.

The two said their goodbyes to the cab driver before Dorran turned to Charlotte with a mischievous grin. "Hey, I'll race you to the park." He sprinted off, leaving Charlotte in the dust.

"No fair. You got a head start!"

He laughed as she quickened her pace, running as fast as her legs could carry her.

When they got the building, Dorran diverted his gaze from the building to her. "How did you catch up to me so fast?"

"That will teach you to never underestimate a girl." She looked at her watch. "The fireworks start in less than five minutes."

"Well, let's quickly find someplace to sit then."

The man walked up to an older couple and returned with a blanket in hand, laying it on the grass. "Let's get comfy while we still can."

The two sat on the blanket in silence, enjoying each other's company in the moonlight. "Ma Cherie?"

"I don't know what that means, but yeah?"

Dorran was silent for a moment, rubbing his neck. He licked his lips. "Do you mind if I, um, kiss you?"

Charlotte blinked, before shifting closer to him.

She could hear people in the background counting down from five.

"You may."

Dorran leaned in, closing the distance between them.

Her first kiss was everything she imagined it would be...and so much more. It was soft, but sweet. The experience made her gasp for air, his lips tasting like a hint of vanilla.

He took his time, drawing his lips along hers in slow strokes to make this moment last for as long as they both could.

I've never felt this way about a guy before. What do I do?

The need for air made the two stop, with the man smiling back at her.

"I have to say, that was pretty amazing for a first kiss."

"Same here. Hold up, that was your first kiss? I'm surprised. I thought a guy as handsome as yourself would have kissed someone by now."

"I could say the same for you."

He continued.

"Let's just say that I haven't found the right person yet. I'm considered what most girls would call lame."

"Are you kidding? You're anything but that?"

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Thanks. So... what's your story then?"

"I met a guy I was attracted to, right around my sophomore year. We weren't in a relationship though."

She continued.

"We kept messaging each other back and forth and it was really nice...until I caught him flirting with another girl."

"Oh..."

"Yeah...I had to set boundaries with him, so he knew where I stood."

"I'm sorry that happened."

Charlotte rubbed her arm self consciously.

"So am I."

After a moment of silence, Dorran spoke up. "Listen. I know you've been hurt in the past, but..."

He slowly reached for her hand, intertwining it with hers.

"I'd like to give us a try. That is, if you want to see where this goes."

Charlotte gave him a dazzling smile.

"I'd like that."

Dorran softly grabbed her hand.

She leaned onto his shoulder, finally finding the inspiration she was looking for.