As they walked, Lucas' arm brushed against hers, sending a shiver down her spine. She couldn't deny the feelings that stirred in her whenever he was close, the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach. But she tried to push those thoughts away, reminding herself that he was her best friend, nothing more. Besides, he probably didn't even feel the same way. So, she forced herself to ignore the feelings and focus on their friendship.

Still, a small part of her hoped that maybe one day, he would feel the same way. Maybe one day, they would be more than just friends. 

****

Mirabel knew that New York City was busy, but she just didn't realize how busy. She was surprised by how many people were on the streets and how loud the city was. But she also loved it. The city was full of life and energy and she loved that. It was so different than Texas, and she loved the change.

"It's a lot, huh?" Lucas asked, watching her take in the city. She was smiling and her eyes were bright, full of awe and wonder. It made his heart race, seeing her so happy. He was glad that she was adjusting well. He knew it could be overwhelming, and he was relieved that she seemed to be handling it well.

"It is. But I love it." Mirabel replies, her gaze never leaving the sights around her. "It's so different from Texas. And I love that."

"Yeah, it is pretty different. But you'll get used to it, I promise. And if you need help, or anything, my friends and I are here for you. You know that, right?" Lucas said, a hint of concern in his voice. He knew that moving to a new city could be difficult, and he wanted to make sure that she knew she had someone she could turn to.

"I know. Thank you, Lucas. I appreciate it." Mirabel replied, smiling at him.

"Anytime, mi sol." Lucas returned her smile, feeling his heart skip a beat at the sight. She was so beautiful, and he couldn't help but admire her. She was like a ray of sunshine, brightening up his world with her presence. He was grateful to have her in his life, grateful for their friendship. And deep down, he hoped that maybe, one day, their friendship could become something more.

As they walked, Lucas couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her, his heart racing. He wondered if she felt the same way, if she had the same feelings for him that he had for her. He wanted to ask her, but he was afraid of ruining their friendship. So for now, he kept his feelings hidden, buried deep down. But he couldn't help but wonder, and hope, that maybe one day, he could be brave enough to tell her the truth.

****

Eventually they went back to the school so Mirabel could get her car and then they suggested on going to that cafe they walked by. It was called Sunflower Cafe. Mirabel and Lucas entered Sunflower Cafe, the cozy atmosphere welcoming them in from the bustling city outside. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, along with the sweet scent of pastries and baked goods. They found a table by the window and settled in, grateful for a moment of relaxation after a long day.

The cafe was decorated with sunflower-themed decor, from the vibrant yellow walls to the delicate paintings adorning the walls. It was warm and inviting, the perfect place to unwind and enjoy each other's company. They ordered coffee and pastries and soon they were enjoying their drinks and food. Mirabel looked out the window, taking in the view of the city. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the buildings and streets. It was beautiful, and she couldn't help but feel lucky to be there, sharing this moment with her best friend. She didn't know that he was staring at her with a look of adoration on his face, a soft smile on his lips. He admired the way the soft light of the setting sun illuminated her features, casting a warm glow on her skin. He admired the way her dark hair framed her face, the way her eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity. He couldn't help but think that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, inside and out.

"Lucas?"

Mirabel's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, locking eyes with her. Her expression was one of curiosity and amusement. She must have caught him staring at her. He hoped he didn't look like a creep or something. "Yes, mi sol?" He felt his face warm up at getting caught staring at her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stare," Lucas said, trying to play it off casually, though his cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. "I was just...Admiring the view."

Mirabel chuckles softly, a warm smile gracing her lips as she tries to ignore the blush appearing on her face and the way butterflies swarmed in her stomach. "Well, thank you, but I think the real view is outside." She gestured toward the window, where the sun was casting a beautiful golden hue over the cityscape.

Lucas wanted to protest, wanted to tell her that no view could compare to her, but he knew that would be too much. They were just best friends, nothing more. So instead, he smiled and nodded, following her gaze to the view beyond the window.

"You're right," He agrees. "It is a beautiful view." But in his mind, he was thinking, "Not as beautiful as you though."

****

They spend the next hour or so talking, catching up, and just enjoying each other's company. Their coffees are long gone, and their pastries have been reduced to crumbs, but they couldn't care less. They're having fun and enjoying themselves, and that's all that matters. As the evening progresses, the cafe starts to fill up with people, and the once cozy and quiet atmosphere is replaced with a lively buzz of conversation and laughter.

"It's getting a bit crowded in here," Lucas observes, glancing around the cafe. "Do you want to head out?"

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," Mirabel replies, standing up from her seat. She grabs her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. "Let's go."

They leave the cafe and walk through the busy streets of the city. The sun has fully set, and the lights from the buildings and street lamps illuminate the night sky. Mirabel noticed it was harder to see the stars in the city unlike in Texas back at her family's ranch. But it was still beautiful. They walk in comfortable silence, neither of them feeling the need to fill the space with words. When they get to her car, she offered to take him home and he agreed, not wanting to part ways yet.

After he told her where he lived, Mirabel started driving there. The drive was relatively short and filled with comfortable silence, only broken by Lucas occasionally giving directions. Soon they arrived at his house and Mirabel pulled up to the curb, parking the car.

"Well, this is me," Lucas said, turning to face her with a small smile. "Thanks for the ride."

"It's the least I could do since you showed me around the city and paid for our food and drinks. I could've paid for mine, but I really appreciate it, Lucas. Thank you." Mirabel smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling.

"Anytime, mi sol. You're welcome." Lucas replies, returning her smile. "I should get inside, but I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow. Have a good night, Lucas." Mirabel spoke. She didn't want him to leave yet, but she knew she had to.

"You too, Mirabel." Lucas voices, leaning over to kiss her cheek before he grabbed his backpack and got out of the car. She sat there, her face turning bright red as she's frozen in shock by the sudden kiss. He then turns back to her, looking nervous as he leans down to the open window. "Sorry, was that too much? I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No! It's okay." Mirabel blurts out, her face turning more red out of embarrassment. "It wasn't. I just, wasn't expecting it, is all."

Lucas smiles softly at her, relieved that he didn't make her uncomfortable. "I'm glad. Text me when you get home so I know you're safe. Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Mirabel." He waved at her before heading towards the front door. She watched him walk up the path and enter his house. Her face still burned red, the spot where he kissed her tingling.

Mirabel waited until he was safely inside before driving off. As she drove home, she couldn't help but replay the kiss over and over again in her mind. Her face was still warm, and her heart was still racing, but she couldn't stop smiling. It was just a simple kiss on the cheek, but it meant so much more to her. She couldn't deny the feelings that were growing inside her for him. She wasn't sure what it meant, or what was going to happen, but she knew one thing for sure.

She was falling in love with Lucas Friar.

****

Soon Mirabel arrived at home and she had immediately texted Lucas, letting him know she was home safe. He replied back, telling her to have a good night. She smiled at the text, butterflies swarming in her stomach. As she walked inside the house, she replied back to him.

"Hey, you're finally home." Beatrix spoke up from her place in the living room. She looks over at her daughter from the TV that was on. She then notices the expression on her daughter's face as she texted someone. She could tell it was Lucas by the smile on her face and the blush on her cheeks.

Mirabel looked up, her cheeks still flushed from the encounter with Lucas. She couldn't help but smile even wider at the mention of his name. "Yeah, Lucas offered to show me around the city and then we found this cute cafe we went to called Sunflower Cafe. It was a lot of fun."

Beatrix smiles softly at her daughter, glad that she's enjoying herself in New York. She knew her daughter was hesitant of moving to New York away from everything she ever known. But she was happy to see her settling in. "That's good. I'm glad you had fun, Mirabel. I was thinking of pizza for dinner, you good with that?"

"Yeah, sounds good, mama." Mirabel agrees. "I'm gonna go shower and change and then I'll come down." 

She quickly made her way up to her room, still feeling the remnants of excitement from her time with Lucas. As she showered and changed into comfortable clothes, her mind kept wandering back to him and the kiss he had placed on her cheek. She couldn't shake off the feeling of warmth that spread through her whenever she thought about it. After getting dressed in comfortable pajamas, Mirabel joined her mother in the living room where they order pizza and spend the evening chatting and watching TV together. It was a nice, relaxed evening, and Mirabel was glad for the time to unwind after a long day.

As the night comes to an end, and the two of them head off to their respective bedrooms, Mirabel couldn't help but feel like her life in New York was finally starting to look up. And she knew that a big part of that was thanks to Lucas. He had been there for her, supporting her and cheering her on, and she was grateful for that. She knew she would be lost without him, and she vowed to do the same for him, no matter what. She just hoped that one day, she could tell him how she felt, and that he would feel the same way. Until then, she would be content with being his best friend. But, little did she know that Lucas felt the same way.

A/N mirabel & lucas >>>>