Summary: Taylor's still nosy, but not nosy enough.

A/N: don't read old chaylor fics on here UNLESS you wanna feel betrayed by the amount that haven't been updated in YEARS when they're so good :( but it's crazy how quick i am to creating a new chapter RIGHT AFTER i just published the other one lol

— — — — — —

After Chad declared a secret surprise regarding him and his girlfriend's date, Taylor has been keeping invisible tabs on her boyfriend. She always seems to hear his convos, which consisted of…nothing regarding the date, really. But one really caught her ear during passing period one morning. Surprisingly, he was talking to Gabriella about dating advice.

"Gabby, what could Taylor expect from me on our first date?"

"Chad, I have no clue. But I feel like she would at least expect you to gift her something meaningful, not expensive."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Maybe…one of your basketball jerseys? She did say she likes seeing you in them."

Chad cocked a brow with a smirk, already envisioning his girlfriend looking at him in just a jersey; "Oh really?"

Gabriella giggled with a smile, "Mhm! Remember when we were in the gym the other day? She was checking you out with no shame."

"Noted."

"But don't give her just your jersey, Chad. Give her favorite flowers."

"Which are?"

"…Just get an assortment."

— — — — — —

Break period came a little after second hour, helping many students with sleeping for a bit or just chillin'. But Chad couldn't do any of that because he started to feel guilty. He felt the emotion eat away at him, all because he told his girlfriend he had everything planned when he didn't have jack shit ready. All he had was his newly furbished (and purchased) car that didn't cost too much, along with some gas money. He felt bad for lying to Taylor about everything.

Yeah, he had thought about their first date before but he didn't know what she wanted to see or experience with him when it came to that type of stuff. Chad thought to just give her a book with some space since she liked quietness and being alone when she was free. But then that wouldn't be beneficial to either of them. So…what could Chad do? That's the question he asked Zeke when they were in the cafeteria kitchen, helping unload shipments of food.

"Zeke, how do I come to clean?"

"To who?"

"Taylor, bro. I've been lying to her about having a planned out date when I don't have shit ready for us."

"Uh…maybe try comin' to her as a man but not like an asshole?"

"...What."

"What I meant was try to have a heart-to-heart with her about it. Simply tell her how you feel, and hopefully she won't blow up over it like she's Sharpay or something."

"Dude. Sharpay and Taylor are completely different people. I know Taylor wouldn't blow up like your girlfriend, but I got a feeling she might be disappointed. Even if it hurts my heart."

"You never know until ya try."

— — — — — —

The school day was over within a snap, which relieved most students at East High. Once Taylor got back home, she greeted her parents and then texted her older sister while changing into one of Chad's shirts she stole from his closet. She settled into her bed, pulling a thin blanket over herself and shooting her boyfriend a quick text.

"chad, my fav flowers r honestly all kinds ;)"

Chad, who was occupied with his cleaning, immediately dropped his pile of clothes on the floor and attended to the unanswered text message on his phone before he forgot.

"what made u tell me that?"

"oh, no reason" "just in case you need the tip lol"

Chad cocked a brow, not remembering why Taylor would tell him that. But he shrugged his shoulders and put his phone away, swiftly returning to cleaning his room. While he did that, Taylor turned her phone off too, and grabbed a book. She flipped to the page she bookmarked and started reading, aligning her ears with the sounds of quietness that lingered throughout her room.

After a good thirty minutes, she began to doze off. But before she fully fell asleep, Taylor used her remaining energy to bookmark the newest page she left off and put her book away. She softly laid on her bed, curling up with her blanket a bit. She didn't even tussle when Chad secretly came over, trying to quietly open her door.

Taylor stirred a bit but didn't seem to wake up from the sound. However, she did start to open her eyes once she felt a pair of arms around her waist. She didn't know who it was, obviously.

"What the…Chad?!"

"Hey."

"What're you doing here? How did you even get in?"

"Your mother let me in after I said that I had left something."

"But why are you here?"

Chad's chill demeanor fizzled short once his brain reminded him of the reason why he was even here in the first place, "Because…I wanna apologize to you. I'm sorry for lying to you these past few days all because I haven't figured out what we're gonna do for our date. All I have is my new car, not even a planned surprise like I said I had."

Taylor's sleepy persona suddenly disappeared, but wasn't replaced with irritation or anger. Instead, she felt happy that Chad was being honest with her, which brought a smile to her face.

"Chad, really? You've been lying to me for the past few days just to keep me happy?"

"Basically. I'm really sorry, Tay."

"At least you're being honest. But the only way I'd accept your apology is if you treat me to a simple dinner date."

"...That's all it took, Taylor? A simple cozy date at home would've done enough?!"

"Y'know I prefer the simpler things in life if it's not work or school-related. But remember what Gabriella told you. Wear ya jersey, clean of course. And pick me up from here with flowers."

"You heard me and Gabby's convo earlier?"

"You're naturally loud, Chad. Even in a room full of people."

Chad laughed, expecting that one from Taylor; "Apparently. But I'll see if the ice-princess can hook me up. Otherwise, you might just get somethin' else."

Taylor cocked a brow at Chad's statement with blatant curiosity, "Like what?"

"You'll just have to wait and see, Tay. I promise I'll keep my word this time."