Lily's POV

We pull up to the arcade and I feel my phone buzz, I pick it up and notice I have a message – it's Finn.

'Where are you? Can we meet up?' – Finn

You've got to be kidding me, why did he message me, now of all times.

Ignoring Finn's message, I shift my attention back to Nate. As we pull into the arcade's parking lot, Nate glances over at me, concern evident in his eyes. "

Are you okay?" he asks, his voice filled with genuine care.

I wave off his concern with a smile, trying to push aside the nagging thoughts about Finn and his unexpected message.

Nate smoothly parks the car and steps out, rushing to open the door for me like the gentleman he is.

Inside the bustling arcade, Nate and I navigate through the flashing lights. Despite the initial distraction, I'm determined to enjoy the evening with him.

As we approach a claw machine adorned with plush toys, Nate grins mischievously.

"I bet I can win you something cute," he declares, flashing a confident smirk.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Sure, let's see your skills then."

With focused determination, Nate inserts a coin and manoeuvres the claw with precision. After a few tense seconds, the claw descends and miraculously grabs hold of a fluffy panda plush. The machine releases it into the chute, and Nate triumphantly retrieves the prize, presenting it to me with a wide grin.

"Ta-da! A little something to remember tonight," he says, handing me the adorable panda.

I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Thank you, Nate. It's adorable."

We continue our arcade adventure, trying our luck at various games and sharing laughter over silly mishaps.

Later, as we sit at a table enjoying some snacks, Nate leans in with a playful glint in his eyes.

"You know, I might not be able to play football like Finn, but I can definitely win at claw machines," Nate chuckles.

I laugh, playfully nudging his shoulder. "You definitely can. And you've won me this adorable plushie," I say, wiggling it in front of him.

"What are you going to call him?" Nate asks, taking a sip of his cola.

"Hmm, how about Mr. Dimps?" I suggest, smiling.

"Mr. Dimps?" Nate looks amused and a little confused.

"Well, yeah. You won it for me, and you have dimples, hence Mr. Dimps," I explain, shrugging.

Nate smiles. "Well then, are you and Mr. Dimps hungry?"

Before I can answer, my stomach growls loudly, and I feel the heat rise to my cheeks.

"I'll take that as a yes," Nate says with a grin, standing up and holding out his hand. I take it, feeling a flutter in my chest, and we head towards the exit.

We reach Nate's car, and he courteously opens the door for me before getting in on his side. The short drive to the bar is filled with light banter and the shared excitement of continuing our enjoyable evening.

As we arrive at the cozy bar, the warm glow of lights and the inviting aroma of food welcome us inside. Nate guides us to a booth by the window, offering a charming view of the bustling street outside. We settle in comfortably, and I can't help but notice how Nate's easy going nature and thoughtful gestures put me at ease.

After ordering our drinks, Nate leans in with a playful twinkle in his eyes. "So, what does Mr. Dimps think of our dinner choice?"

I chuckle, glancing at the plush panda sitting next to me. "I think Mr. Dimps approves. He's excited to join us for some delicious food."

Nate grins, his dimples becoming more pronounced. "Excellent. Let's make sure Mr. Dimps gets a front-row seat to the feast then."

Throughout the meal, Nate's company proves to be comforting. We share stories, laughter, and moments of genuine connection.

As the night draws to a close, our laughter and conversation create a cocoon of comfort in the bustling bar. Time seems to slow down as we savour the last moments of our evening together. Nate's genuine interest and kind gestures have made this date truly memorable.

As we finish our dessert, Nate checks the time and sighs softly. "I wish this night didn't have to end," he admits, his gaze meeting mine with sincerity.

There's something vulnerable in his tone, something that makes me pause. I meet his gaze, and for a moment, I forget about Finn. Nate is here. He's sweet, patient, and kind. And yet... why does it feel like something's still missing?

"I know what you mean," I reply.

Nate pays the bill, and we step outside into the cool evening air heading towards my accommodation.

********

As Nate pulls up outside my building, there's a sense of contentment between us. But beneath that, there's something else—a reluctance, maybe? A hesitation? I can't quite put my finger on it.

He walks me to my door, his eyes warm as he watches me fumble with my keys. "I really enjoyed tonight, Lily," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I did too," I reply, my heart feeling both light and heavy at the same time.

Before I can say anything else, Nate steps closer, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His hand lingers on my cheek, his touch warm and familiar, and my breath catches in my throat as our eyes lock. There's a silent question in his gaze, one I'm not sure I'm ready to answer.

But I don't pull away.

He leans in, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that's soft and sweet. It's not like the kiss we shared at game night—it's slower, more deliberate. And yet... it's not what I expect. It doesn't leave me breathless. It doesn't make my heart race the way I thought it would.

Just as we pull apart, a sudden noise echoes from down the hallway. We both turn, startled.

A small vase has fallen from a nearby table, its contents spilling across the floor.

"Way to ruin the moment," Nate laughs, gesturing toward the broken vase.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Guess it's a sign."

"A sign of what?" he asks, a curious smile tugging at his lips.

I shrug, suddenly feeling the weight of everything. "Maybe that tonight's been filled with unexpected moments."

We stand there for a moment longer, his hand lingering in mine. But I feel it—the uncertainty, the confusion. And I wonder if he feels it too.

"Goodnight, Nate," I finally say, offering him a small smile.

"Goodnight, Lily," he replies, his voice soft, filled with something that feels like hope.

*******

Finn's POV

Twenty minutes earlier...

"Fuck this."

I bolt upright from my bed, the frustration boiling inside me. The thought of Nate and Lily together is driving me insane. I can't lose her to him. I won't.

I grab my coat and rush out of the house, adrenaline coursing through me as I sprint down the street. I need to see her. I need to fix this.

But just as I reach for my phone, ready to call her, my heart sinks. It's dead.

"Of course," I mutter bitterly, shoving it back into my pocket. There's no time to waste—I need to get to her before it's too late. So, I run.

Every step feels like I'm racing against time, my mind filled with nothing but her. Her smile, her laugh, the way she looks at me with those big brown eyes. I can't let her slip away. Not like this.

I reach her building, breathless and panicked. As I sprint up the stairs, I see them—Lily and Nate, standing at her door.

And then, it happens. They kiss.

My stomach lurches, and for a second, everything stops. The air is knocked out of me, my heart sinking as I watch them together. I stumble back, my foot accidentally knocking over a table. The vase crashes to the floor, but I'm already halfway down the stairs, my fists clenched so tightly it hurts.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut, and I feel something break inside me.

I was too late.

She kissed him.