Chapter 5: CHAPTER 5:A Date to Remember"
The sun shone brightly over the bustling college campus, casting warm rays on the students milling around. It was a typical day, one filled with carefree laughter, quick footsteps as students rushed between classes, and the ever-present hum of youthful energy. But for DNS, today was different. He had spent the entire morning pacing back and forth, rehearsing what he wanted to say in his mind. It was a nerve-wracking day—he was about to ask Lily out on a date.
Background Music: A soft, playful guitar melody begins as DNS stands outside Lily's dorm, hands stuffed into his pockets, glancing at the ground and mumbling to himself.
DNS (thinking): "Alright, it's not that big of a deal. Just... ask her out. What's the worst that could happen?"
But every time he imagined the words coming out of his mouth, they stuck in his throat. DNS, the fearless leader, the man who could face down gangsters and criminals without flinching, was now terrified of asking out the girl he had known for years.
The camera pans up to the window of Lily's dorm, where she's inside, getting ready. She's humming a tune softly as she ties up her hair, completely unaware of DNS's inner turmoil just outside her door.
Suddenly, Neel walks up behind DNS, clapping him on the shoulder with a big grin.
Neel (teasing): "What are you doing, man? Planning a heist, or just standing around like a lovesick puppy?"
DNS jumps, startled, and glares at Neel.
DNS (grumbling): "I'm not standing around like a—never mind. Just... give me a second."
Neel raises an eyebrow and leans casually against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. "You're making this way harder than it needs to be. Just go up there and ask her. It's Lily, man. You've known her forever."
DNS lets out a long breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know. But this is... different."
Neel (chuckling): "It's only different because you're making it that way. You've faced way worse than this, dude."
DNS (sighing): "Okay, okay. I'm going."
He walks up to the door, hesitating for a brief moment before knocking. As the door opens, Lily steps out, smiling brightly. Her smile always had a way of calming DNS down, like the world's weight lifted off his shoulders for just a second.
Lily (cheerful): "DNS! What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Background Music: The guitar melody slows down, switching to a soft piano tune that captures the warmth of the moment.
DNS (nervous but smiling): "Hey, Lily. Uh... are you busy later? I was thinking we could... maybe grab some lunch together or something?"
Lily tilts her head, giving him a curious look. For a moment, DNS's heart races, convinced that she's about to turn him down.
Lily (smiling warmly): "You're asking me out on a date?"
DNS freezes for a second, blinking, unsure of how to respond. "Uh... yeah. I guess I am."
Lily giggles softly, a sound that makes DNS feel both relieved and embarrassed at the same time.
Lily (grinning): "I'd love to."
Later that afternoon, DNS and Lily stroll down a quiet street near campus, heading toward a cozy little café that DNS had discovered a few weeks earlier. The place had a charm to it, with its wooden tables, soft lighting, and the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.
Background Music: A light jazz tune begins to play, creating a laid-back, fun atmosphere as they enter the café.
The two of them settle into a booth by the window. DNS tries to relax, but he's still feeling a little nervous. He keeps glancing at the menu, trying to think of something clever to say.
Lily (smiling): "You know, you don't have to be so nervous. It's just me."
DNS lets out a small laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I know. But... it's still kinda hard not to be."
Lily (teasing): "The fearless DNS, nervous? Now that's something I never thought I'd see."
They both laugh, and the tension finally breaks. From that moment on, the conversation flows naturally. They talk about classes, their friends, and their favorite memories from growing up together.
Background Music: The jazz music fades into a soft, cheerful tune, matching the lightheartedness of their conversation.
At one point, the waiter brings out their drinks, and DNS decides to be a little adventurous, ordering a strange green tea latte that he's never tried before.
DNS (grimacing after his first sip): "Okay, this is... not what I expected."
Lily bursts into laughter, almost spilling her coffee. "I warned you! That stuff is an acquired taste."
Goofy moment: DNS tries to keep drinking it, determined not to look like a fool, but after a few more sips, he gives up and pushes the cup toward Lily.
DNS (grinning): "You can have the rest. I'll stick to coffee."
The two share a warm, lighthearted moment, and it's clear to the reader just how comfortable they are with each other. But there's also something deeper under the surface—something unspoken but undeniable.
After lunch, DNS suggests they take a walk through the nearby park. The autumn leaves have turned golden and red, falling gently from the trees and crunching under their feet as they stroll along the winding path.
Background Music: A soft, melodic acoustic guitar plays, evoking a serene and romantic atmosphere.
They walk side by side in comfortable silence for a while, until Lily suddenly reaches out and gently takes DNS's hand. DNS looks over at her, surprised at first, but then smiles. It's a simple gesture, but it means everything in that moment.
Lily (softly): "This is nice."
DNS nods, squeezing her hand lightly. "Yeah. It is."
They continue walking until they reach a small, secluded area of the park, where there's a wooden bench overlooking a pond. The late afternoon sun reflects off the water, casting a golden glow over everything.
They sit down, still holding hands, and just take in the beauty of the scene around them. For DNS, this feels like one of those rare, perfect moments in life—something he wants to hold onto forever.
Lily (quietly): "You know, I always wondered if you'd ever ask me out."
DNS turns to her, surprised. "You did?"
Lily (smiling): "Yeah. I mean, we've known each other for so long. I always thought maybe... one day..."
DNS feels his heart skip a beat. He realizes now, in this moment, that he's been waiting for this too—for a chance to be with Lily, not just as a friend, but as something more.
DNS (softly): "I guess I was just waiting for the right moment."
Lily (playfully): "Well, you took long enough."
They both laugh softly, and DNS takes a deep breath. He knows what he has to do next.
DNS shifts slightly on the bench, turning to face Lily more directly. His heart is racing, but he knows that this is the moment—the moment he's been waiting for.
Background Music: The soft guitar music fades out, replaced by a tender piano melody that builds slowly, creating an emotional, heartwarming atmosphere.
DNS (nervously): "Lily, I've been thinking a lot lately. About us. About everything we've been through together."
Lily looks at him, her expression soft and understanding.
DNS (deep breath): "You've always been there for me. You've seen me at my worst and still stood by my side. I don't know what the future holds... but I know that I want you in it."
Lily's eyes widen slightly, and she grips DNS's hand a little tighter.
DNS (smiling nervously): "What I'm trying to say is... Lily, will you be my girlfriend?"
There's a brief moment of silence, and DNS can feel his heart pounding in his chest. But then, Lily smiles—one of those bright, beautiful smiles that make everything feel right in the world.
Lily (blushing): "Yes, DNS. Of course, I will."
The tension melts away, and DNS feels a wave of relief and happiness wash over him. He pulls Lily into a gentle hug, and they sit there for a while, wrapped up in each other's warmth, as the golden light of the sunset bathes them in its glow.
Background Music: The piano melody swells into a soft, joyful crescendo, marking the perfect end to their date.
As the sun sets and the sky fades into hues of pink and purple, DNS walks Lily back to her dorm. They're both quiet now, but it's a comfortable silence—one filled with the promise of new beginnings.
DNS (smiling): "I had a really great time today."
Lily (smiling back): "Me too. We should do this more often."
DNS nods, feeling lighter than he has in a long