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

Chapter 32: The Date That Changed Everything

But also—she couldn't look like she was trying too hard.

It was a delicate balance.

And Pin was failing.

-----------

They met at a bookstore.

Because of course they did.

Anil knew Pin would never say yes to a typical date—movies, dinner, anything that felt romantic.

But books?

Pin could never say no to books.

Which was why Anil cheated.

"This isn't a date," Pin muttered as she walked beside Anil, hands stuffed in her jacket pockets.

Anil grinned.

"Sure," she agreed too quickly.

Pin narrowed her eyes.

"I mean it."

Anil hummed, unconvinced.

She led the way inside, her confidence annoyingly effortless.

Pin tried not to stare.

Failed.

Anil caught her.

Smirked.

Pin turned away immediately.

Anil chuckled.

---------

Pin had been in her element for the first twenty minutes.

Shelves upon shelves of books.

Quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

Anil had let her wander, trailing behind without interrupting.

It was nice.

Pin had almost—almost—forgotten that this was technically a date.

Until—

"What about this one?"

Pin looked up.

Anil was holding a book.

Not just any book.

A romance novel.

Pin stared.

Anil grinned.

Pin frowned. "You don't read romance."

Anil shrugged.

"I will if you like it."

Pin froze.

Anil's voice was too casual.

Too serious at the same time.

Pin's heartbeat stuttered.

"I—" she cleared her throat. "I don't read romance either."

Anil tilted her head.

"Liar."

Pin bristled.

"I'm not lying."

Anil's eyes twinkled.

"Then why do you own four books by this author?"

Pin's jaw dropped.

"How do you—"

Anil grinned wider.

"I pay attention."

Pin felt her entire soul leave her body.

She grabbed the book out of Anil's hands and turned away.

"Shut up."

Anil just laughed.

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They walked side by side, Pin clutching the romance book she swore she didn't like.

The sun was setting.

The streets were quiet.

And for once—Anil wasn't talking.

Pin glanced at her.

The usual energy, the playfulness—it was still there.

But there was something softer now.

Something real.

And for the first time, Pin wasn't terrified of it.

She hesitated.

Then, in a voice so soft it almost wasn't there—

"I had fun today."

Anil stopped walking.

Pin tensed.

Oh god. Why did she say that?

Why did she—

Then—

Anil smiled.

Not her usual teasing smirk.

Not the playful grin.

But a real smile.

Soft.

Warm.

Like sunlight through a window.

Pin's breath caught.

Anil took a step closer.

Leaned in, just slightly.

Pin's heartbeat was a mess.

And then—

"You like me," Anil whispered.

Pin swallowed.

Slowly—very slowly—

She nodded; it was a confession, sort of. But Anil will take whatever she can get until Pin is ready to confess for real.

Anil's smile grew.

"Good," she murmured.

And just like that—

Pin knew.

She was in so much trouble.