A Night to Remember

After the theme park, they went to a movie theater and watched a newly released fantasy film together.

As they stepped outside afterward, Aria stretched her arms, holding the plushie. “Wow… that was amazing. I can’t believe I cried during a fantasy movie. The 6 is definitely going in my all time fav list.”

“It was good,” John agreed.

“The main character was so brave,” she said. “Marching straight into the enemy fortress like that.”

“There’s a difference between not being afraid of death and having a death wish, Aria,” John replied. “He had nothing left to live for.”

She went quiet for a moment.

“So,” he added gently, “do you want something to eat or drink?”

“I ate way too many hot dogs—and popcorn,” she said, patting her stomach. “I’m stuffed. Let’s just get a drink.”

John smiled. “I know just the place.”

*****

John took her to the Sax bar. It was empty. “Hey, Mike,” John said. “Need customers?”

Mike smiled. “You know I always do.”

They took seats at the bar stools.

“This place is cozy,” Aria said, setting the plushie on the stool beside her. “I can finally take my mask off.”

“What’ll it be?” Mike asked.

“The usual,” John said. Then he glanced at Aria.

“Whatever he’s having,” she added.

“Got it,” Mike replied.

Aria tapped her fingertips together. “So… since we’re drinking together, can I ask you something? Something private?”

“If you answer mine, I’ll answer yours,” John said.

“Deal.”

She downed her first shot in one go. “Why does Vincent call you Johnny Boy?”

John exhaled softly. “The Adventures of Johnny Boy was a kids’ cartoon in the late ’80s. The main character got hit with plasma rays and de-aged into a middle schooler. Whenever people were in danger, his emotions neutralized the plasma particles, and he’d turn back into his adult self to save the day.”

He smirked. “Apparently, I look like a less muscular version of his grown-up form.”

“I thought it was a nickname from a close friend,” she said. “Didn’t realize it was a character reference.”

“My turn,” John said. “Was Ryo always like that—arrogant and cocky?”

“Yes,” Aria replied, pouring her second shot. “He was like that from the moment I met him.”

“Did you meet him before or after his mother passed away?”

“I met him for the first time at her funeral,” she said. Then she pointed a finger at him. “That was two questions. I get two.”

“Fair.”

“First—why did you become a bodyguard?” She tilted her head. “Or should I say… a soldier? You’re tall and good-looking.”

John took a sip. “I can’t sing, can’t act, and I’m not photogenic. So I picked a different career path than yours.”

She frowned. “That didn’t really answer the question… but I’ll let it slide.”

She took her third shot. “Second—what happened between you and your ex?”

John paused. “It got messy. I misunderstood things and my bad judgment and poorer decisions ruined people's lives in the process.” He paused. “People got hurt because of me.”

“Oh.” Aria hiccupped. “I didn’t know it was that heavy. I’m sorry, John—I didn’t mean to push.” She flinched. “I’m also… a super lightweight.”

“It’s fine,” he said quietly. “I’ve moved on. It doesn’t bother me anymore.”

At that moment, the jukebox in the back shifted to a soft jazz tune—slow, almost intimate.

“I like this song,” Aria said after listening for a moment. “Would you dance with me?”

John hesitated. Then he finished his drink, stood, and took her hand. He pulled her close as they swayed gently. Midway through the dance, Aria rested her head against his chest.

“John… if you’ve moved on, why didn’t you take my kiss at the dojo? Or look at me when I was behind you at Madam’s store?” She lifted her head slightly. “Am I not attractive to you?”

“No,” John said immediately. “You’re beautiful, Aria. But you had a fiancé. And I’m your bodyguard. It didn’t feel right.”

“Then will you now?” she asked softly. “Now that I’m single?” She leaned in for a kiss.

John stopped her, holding her at arm’s length, his head lowered. “Stop, Aria. You’re drunk. This isn’t right.”

She stared at him. “Liar.” Her voice hardened. “You haven’t moved on from her. I know a liar when I see one.” She stepped away. “I want to go.”

“Okay,” John said calmly. “Let me close the tab.”

Outside, she stumbled slightly. “You good?” he asked.

“I don’t think I can make it home like this,” she said. “Is there a hotel nearby?”

“No,” John replied after a moment. “My place is close. Let’s go there.”

*****

John opened the door to his house, and Aria followed him inside. 

He slipped off his shoes, turned on the lights, and placed the plushie on the couch. When he turned back around, he froze.

Aria was pulling off her hoodie—her shirt coming with it.

“What are you doing, Aria?” John asked, his voice tense.

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Tonight,” she said softly, “we’re both going to move on from our exes.”

“We can’t,” John said. “Aria, you’re—”

“What?” she interrupted, moving even closer. “Drunk?” She smiled faintly. “I know a liar when I see one, John. Because I’m a liar too. A really good one.” Then she kissed him.

This time, he didn’t stop her. He lifted her up pinned her to the wall then carried her to the bed.

In that moment, they forgot where they were—and who they were supposed to be. Passion drowned out reason, and everything else faded away.

John’s phone buzzed on the floor, still in his pants. A message from Rina lit up the screen.

“John, why is Aria’s phone off? Why aren’t you answering yours?”

Another message followed immediately.

“Tell Aria dad is coming. He’s on his way to see her.”