When the Story Continues (Sequel to When the Script Changes)

Chapter 19: First Date

Mon was nervous.

Scratch that—she was terrified.

Because somehow, someway, she had managed to land a date with Sam.

The girl who, just a few months ago, seemed untouchable. The girl who rarely spoke to anyone, who carried herself like she didn't need a single soul in the world.

But now?

She was going on a date with Mon.

A real date.

Not just study sessions at the library. Not just walking together after class.

A real, actual, official date.

And Mon was freaking out.

"Stop pacing," Juno groaned, throwing a pillow at her from across the dorm room. "You're making me dizzy."

Mon caught the pillow and hugged it to her chest. "What if this is a mistake? What if she changes her mind? What if she realizes I'm not cool enough for her?"

Juno snorted. "She already knows you're a giant ball of sunshine and still agreed to go out with you. I think you're safe."

Mon groaned, collapsing onto her bed.

This was ridiculous.

She had dated before. She had been in love before.

But something about Sam felt... different.

Bigger.

Scarier.

Juno checked the time. "When is she picking you up?"

"She's not. We're meeting there."

Juno raised an eyebrow. "Classic Sam move. Mysterious, emotionally unavailable, and allergic to proper date logistics."

Mon threw the pillow back at her.

----------

The plan was simple.

Dinner at a small ramen shop near campus.

Not too fancy. Not too casual. Just right.

But as Mon stepped inside, she realized—

Sam was already there.

Sitting in a booth by the window, wearing her usual all-black outfit, looking like she belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine.

Mon?

Mon felt criminally underdressed in her cute-but-plain sweater and jeans.

She took a deep breath. You got this. Just be yourself.

Sam looked up as Mon approached.

And then—

She smiled.

A real, genuine, soft smile.

And just like that, Mon melted.

"You came," Sam said, as if there had ever been a chance that Mon wouldn't.

Mon slid into the booth, heart pounding. "Of course I did."

Sam studied her for a moment, then smirked. "You're nervous."

Mon choked on air. "I am not!"

Sam raised an eyebrow.

Mon groaned, covering her face. "Okay, maybe a little."

Sam leaned in, resting her chin on her hand. "Why?"

Mon peeked through her fingers. "Because it's you."