The rain had stopped while we'd been in Starbucks and the pavement was wet beneath my feet, the air moist and fresh with the essence of rain. I could hear the comforting sound of Dan's plimsolls, thudding softly in the wet next to me as we walked. My Converse were soaked with mud, the orange and white now a gloomy muddy brown. Mum was going to kill me. But I was too wrapped up in my own glowing bubble to really mind.
'Hey - we should do this again.' Dan said abruptly. I looked at him. His eyes had that weird, concealed look in them again.
'Minus the getting mugged part?' I said, smiling. My head was pounding…Dan was asking me to come out with him again… Almost like a date.
'Yes, that bit we'll try to avoid.' He said, his smile so sincere and cute that my legs almost buckled.
I was silent for a few seconds…Trying to digest what had just happened. My eyes began to sting again – but I wasn't unhappy – far from it. My insides were glowing. It took a few moments for me to realise I'd stopped walking and was staring stupidly at the pavement.
'Bella, are you okay?' Dan asked.
I nodded slowly. 'Yeah, I guess I didn't think I'd be… I never thought that you'd want to spend time with me. I'm just surprised…'
Dan's eyes clouded over again, the disguised emotion still prowling there. He looked down at the floor, and his grip on my hand slackened slightly. 'I'm sorry… I – I didn't mean to like… push you into anything-'
Oh god, I've offended him- Bella, you twat.
I took his hand back and entwined my fingers through his. He looked down at me, his eyes cutely surprised. I felt his fingers relax in my grip and I smiled softly. 'Dan, please just forget what I said. Basically...Oh god this sounds so stupid… But I don't feel like I deserve any of this. You're famous for craps sake – I'm just so insignificant,' I stammered. I felt my face grow hot as a warm blush spread across my cheeks. 'I'm sorry… just today's been so crazy-'
He kissed me. Dan Howell kissed me. My heart stopped as his lips pressed against mine, soft, perfect and sweet. I felt his arms wrap around my waist and pull my body in against his, soft brown hair falling against my forehead. For those few seconds I was infinite. I slipped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer, not wanting this immeasurable moment to end.
After a few perfect seconds, he pulled gently away, his right hand still softly resting around my waist. I stared up at him, my cheeks hot.
'Sorry – couldn't resist any longer.' he murmured. 'Is Friday a good time for you?'
I nodded, unable to speak.
'Okay. Meet me at the park at five.' he said, his arm still looped around my waist.
'For Starbucks?' I asked softly, my voice finally returning.
Dan smiled and my heart cut out again. 'Yes. For Starbucks.'
