End Game

CHAPTER 10 - THEIR FIRST DATE (THE ALMOST-ACCIDENTAL ONE)

Charn woke up earlier than usual - not because he needed to, but because his brain refused to let him sleep a second longer. His phone lay on his pillow, still warm from being held all night. Jet's last message glowed softly on the lock screen:

Jet: "Let's meet tomorrow. Not a fan-meets-actor thing. Just you and me. A... date? If you want."

Charn had tossed and turned for hours after reading it. The word "date" sat in his chest like a lit candle - warm, fragile, wonderful, and terrifying.

He dragged himself out of bed, showered mechanically, and stood in front of his closet. Panic hit him fast and hard.

What does someone wear on a date with a literal celebrity? He reached for a hoodie - too casual. A dress shirt - too formal. Black t-shirt - too boring.

He stood there for almost fifteen minutes, frozen.

Finally, he picked a soft cream sweater, jeans, and clean sneakers. Comfortable. Honest. Not too flashy - he didn't want to look like he was trying too hard.

He adjusted his glasses, took a deep breath, and forced himself out the door.

---

The café Jet had chosen was quiet, tucked behind a row of flower shops. No crowds. No fans. No cameras. Just a small wooden sign and warm light spilling from the windows.

Charn stood outside for a full minute before walking in, heart pounding so loudly he was sure the whole street could hear it.

Jet was already there.

He sat at a corner table, wearing a baseball cap and a gray sweater, sipping iced tea. He looked... normal. Human. But when he looked up and saw Charn, his entire face lit up - a slow, warm smile that could melt cities.

"There you are," Jet said, standing up.

Charn froze. "H-Hi."

Jet chuckled softly. "Cute when you're nervous."

Charn's ears immediately turned red. He wanted to sink into the floor, but Jet stepped closer instead.

"You look good today," Jet murmured.

"I..." Charn pushed up his glasses. "I tried."

Jet shook his head gently. "You don't have to try with me."

Charn's heart clenched. No one had ever said that to him before.

---

They sat down. Charn clasped his hands under the table, trying to stop them from shaking. Jet pretended not to notice - or maybe he noticed and didn't want to make him self-conscious.

"You know..." Jet said, stirring his drink absentmindedly, "I was nervous too."

Charn blinked. "You? Why?"

Jet smiled faintly. "Because I want this to go well."

Charn opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Jet... wanted this? Wanted him?

He stared down at the table, suddenly overwhelmed.

Jet leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Charn... look at me."

Slowly, hesitantly, Charn lifted his head.

Jet's gaze was steady. Gentle. Patient.
And then Jet smiled - small, genuine, warm.

"There you go," Jet whispered, "much better."

Charn felt himself blush, but he held Jet's gaze this time. It was terrifying. But it also felt... like something he wanted to be brave for.