“So it’s a date?”
Haru takes the bag from me, lacing his fingers with mine. It feels so natural, the way our hands fit together. Strings of lights blink from above us as we head down the street. As we turn the corner, my phone vibrates in my pocket. There’s a new text message. But the number is unknown. I open it anyway.
What are you up to tonight?
It’s Christian btw
I let go of Haru’s hand, nearly dropping the phone. “Oh my god, he texted me.”
Haru looks at me. “Who?”
“Someone I met last night,” I say. “I thought he wouldn’t remember me.”
“What did he say?”
“He wants to know what my plans are tonight.” I take a moment to think about how to respond.
Hi! I just got out of work
What about you?
Christian responds almost instantly.
About to grab a drink. You should come by
I text him back.
You mean right now?
A few seconds later, he sends the location to a restaurant in River North. I pull up the address on my phone. Is that the place he pointed out from his rooftop last night?
Another text from him.
I’m heading out soon. I hope I see you there
I turn to Haru. “He wants to meet up.”
“When?”
“Apparently right now.”
A silence.
“And you want to go?”
I hesitate. I’ve been looking forward to spending more time with Haru. But I wasn’t expecting this text from Christian. It’s not often someone like him asks to see me again. What if I don’t get a second chance? Haru and I can see the movie another time, right? I turn to him and say, “They play movies at the park all week. Maybe we can catch one tomorrow. I mean, if you’re okay with that.”
Haru stares at me for a moment. Then he shrugs. “That’s fine. Do what you want.”
“You won’t mind?”
“I’m not going to stop you.”
“Well… okay.”
I send Christian another text.
Sounds fun. I’ll be there soon!
