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The day of the date arrived, and Benji found himself nervously pacing his bedroom. He'd never felt this way about a date before, but then again, he'd never dated Joseph. He was his best friend, his confidant, his... everything. He took a deep breath and checked his reflection in the mirror. He had to look perfect.
The doorbell rang, and Benji's heart leaped into his throat. He rushed downstairs to find Joseph standing there, dressed to the nines, holding a bouquet of roses. He looked up, his eyes meeting Joseph's, and felt his knees go a little weak. "Wow," he managed to say. "You didn't have to do this."
"Everything's gotta be perfect," Joseph said, handing over the bouquet. "You deserve it."
Benji took the roses, feeling the velvet petals against his skin. He couldn't help but smile as Joseph took his hand and led him to the Escalade. The ride to the restaurant was a blur of anticipation, their fingers entwined the whole time. The car pulled up to a dimly lit Italian restaurant, the kind that had candles flickering on the tables and a live violinist playing in the corner.
"This is... wow," Benji said, taking in the romantic setting.
"It's our first date," Joseph said, his voice a low murmur. "It had to be special."
📍Italian Restaurant
They stepped out of the car and into the warm embrace of the restaurant. The scent of garlic and tomato sauce wafted out, mingling with the sweet aroma of the roses in Benji's hand. The hostess led them to a table by the window, the city lights twinkling outside like distant stars.
The menu was a blur of Italian delights, but Benji couldn't focus on the words. His eyes kept drifting back to Joseph, who was studying the wine list with a furrowed brow. He looked so handsome, so serious, so... different from the friend Benji knew so well. And yet, underneath it all, he was the same Joseph, the one who had held him close when his mom had passed, the one who had stood up for him countless times over the years.
The waiter arrived, and Joseph ordered a bottle of their best Chianti, his voice steady and confident. Benji felt his own nerves settle a bit as Joseph's hand found his under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was a familiar gesture, but now it was charged with something more. They shared a knowing smile, and Benji felt the warmth spread through his chest.
Dinner was a delicate dance of conversation and glances, each bite of pasta more delicious than the last. They talked about everything and nothing, the easy banter they'd always had now laced with something deeper. Benji found himself hanging on Joseph's every word, his heart skipping a beat every time their eyes met.
The moment came when their dessert plates were cleared and the violinist began to play a hauntingly beautiful tune. Without a word, Joseph took Benji's hand and led him to the small dance floor in the center of the restaurant. The world around them melted away as they swayed together, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.
