Warm With Happiness

Continuing their simple, inconsequential chattering, as they walked again, it really chased off all the awkwardness and stretches of quiet that accompanied them from that point on. 

As the two left the outskirts of town, Sofia spotted Maya, who was delivering something for her parents, though she considerately gave the passing pair plenty of space, merely exchanging a small wave from afar, and then a quick thumbs-up, before letting the other friend go by without a word between them.

As both walked with ease, their words flowed naturally too, while neither covered any crucial topics, it passed the time away as they neared their destination.

"I'm glad everything's calmed down a bit."

Although with the added injection of drama from their recent guests in Sofia's life - she had taken a few big steps of her own.

I guess all that mess did get me a bit more... quality time with Luke...

But it did feel more content when everything was more or less back to a regular 'normal', which had been missing in Sofia's world for a little while. There had been some big changes recently, pretty life altering stuff, but getting along with Luke again was more than acceptable - it was wonderful.

"Luke, I just wanted to let you know; I liked hanging out with you."

She said, fairly confidently.

"I enjoyed spending time with you too..."

She received back, making her feel slightly lightheaded, while Sofia drifted a little closer on the thinner path, while Luke didn't notice or didn't care that she did.

"...it was quite fun in the end, I mean - it was real nice."

"I'm glad you liked it too..."

Sofia almost felt like skipping along the path then, since she was so joyful.

They soon passed by Luke's bigger home, and Sofia was pleasantly pleased that Luke stayed with her beyond it.

He has walked me home before, but today feels... special...

Their conversation turned to what the coming days would probably bring - for the plants they tended to at least, then to what needed doing and what they hoped for, before it changed slightly more personal.

"Did you need any help at home?"

Luke asked her, when they got closer to her isolated little house by the woods.

"Not that I think you need help... I'm just asking if you'd like some extra... assistance with anything in particular."

"No... Nothing important, but thanks for making sure I'm okay."

She got the warm fuzzy feeling again, and reciprocated.

"Did you... or your family need anything? Like, from my garden I mean."

Sofia offered kindly, and watched as Luke gave it some good thought.

"I'll ask about when I get home..."

Hum... this simple stuff, of just talking casually really does seem to work... I'm not stumbling and am far less worried or stressed now we're just... strolling about together... I'd just love for these kinds of moments to last forever...

It did slightly feel rather dream like, so she partly felt like she needed to pinch herself, since things were going so well, but then that just might ruin everything.

They reached her front steps, still close together.

"I guess this is me..."

She received her book from Luke gratefully and went for her door, before turning back to take in the current setting.

The slight breeze gently swayed their hair a little, as the setting sun cast them in a warm orangey glow, as they looked into each other's eyes again quietly for a prolonged moment.

This evening really did, well kind of did, felt like a real date... so...

Luke stayed on the lower step, even after Sofia had started to slowly backward step inside.

"Well..."

Now is the perfect moment...!

Sofia leaned over and gently touched his cheek with her plucked lips, before just as quickly, she stepped back inside the opened doorway and continued to pleasantly smile at the frozen man before her.

"Thanks' for everything Luke."

She let the door close softly, feeling her head rush with extra blood, having concluded their 'date' with her little, but very significant action.

I actually did it now... I finally made an undeniable move... And I actually kissed him..! I hope it wasn't too much...! Oh please let him not flee...

She turned away, and lost in her thoughts she immediately bumped into the nearest wall with a clatter.

"Sofia - are you okay?!"

Luke asked with alarm, obviously hearing her multiple loud bumping noises behind the shut door.

"Yeah - I'm totally fine... thank-you."

She sat up on the floor at looked at the door, still in a slight giddy daze.

"Okay then... See you tomorrow then."

She heard him say calmly and warmly.

"Yeah see you too..."

She could hear him slowly move off then, till her strongly beating heart became too loud.

That's a great sign right...? He didn't run away...! And he still wants to see me tomorrow... I'm so incredibly happy...!

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