This is not a Date 02

Josh was determined to try one more time, no matter what had happened before. This time will be different, he thought as he carefully placed the elegant box of Swiss chocolates in Chloe's locker. On top of it, he left a note written in his best handwriting: “Chloe, I’d love it if we could talk. I’ll be waiting outside school today after the final bell. Please come.” He'd spent almost all his allowance on the chocolates and two tickets to a romantic movie that, according to IMDB, had a "heart-melting" scene. He had it all planned out. All he needed was for Chloe to show up. ________________________________________ When Josh arrived at the spot, there was someone there… only it wasn't Chloe. It was Jordan, again. And she was talking to Ryan, one of the most popular guys in school. Josh hid behind a corner to listen. "What do you mean she's not interested in me?" Ryan looked annoyed. “Yeah, that’s pretty much it. She's just not interested. She thanks you for the offer and hopes you find someone who feels the same way,” Jordan said, as if reading from a script. "This isn't over!" Ryan exclaimed, stepping toward her menacingly. She quickly changed her expression and let out a low growl, baring her fangs. Ryan, frightened, stumbled backward and landed on the ground. "The sooner you accept it, the better," Jordan said, her voice still threatening, her claws now bared. Ryan scrambled to his feet and fled. Jordan cleared her throat and looked directly over to the corner where Josh was hiding. “Hey, you can come out now.” Josh clumsily stepped out, still a little terrified of Jordan. “That was intense,” he said. “Thanks. It helps a lot when they get aggressive,” Jordan replied. “Yeah. So… where's Chloe?” Jordan looked at him for a few seconds with a condescending expression before pulling the box of chocolates out of her bag. "What do you think? Now it's your turn," she said, handing it to a dumbfounded Josh. "She appreciates your attention and your gift, but she has to decline. The chocolates were delicious, though, thank you," Jordan said, her tone flat and rehearsed. "S-She rejected me? Again?" Josh asked, his heart sinking. “I warned you last time. But like you saw with that loser, she does this with everyone who asks her out,” Jordan said, taking a chocolate from her pocket and popping it into her mouth. "Was that one of the chocolates I bought for Chloe?" Josh asked, noticing the box was now completely empty. “Yep. They were really good, I have to admit.” Josh frowned, hurt. “Why does she always send you?” Jordan sighed and crossed her arms—all four of them. “Because apparently I'm the only one with the stomach to reject her suitors. But this," she said, lifting the empty box, "This was unnecessary. I told you to stop trying. You didn't listen, and now I have to be the bad guy again. When will you get the message?" "It shouldn't bother you so much if you ate all the chocolate anyway!" Josh protested. Jordan blinked in surprise, then gave a crooked smile. “Touché.” Josh dropped his backpack on the ground and sat on the curb. ”Now I've wasted the movie tickets, too. It was all part of the plan. A perfect date: chocolates, a cheesy movie, a couples' promo with popcorn. All for nothing.” Jordan looked at him silently, then took out another chocolate, unwrapped it, tossed it in the air, and caught it in her mouth. “What movie?” “Eternal Hearts. Don't laugh. I know it's super cheesy.” “Is that the one from the trailer with the love letter in the rain?” Josh nodded, his spirits completely gone. Jordan shrugged. “Don't throw the tickets away. I want to see that movie.” Josh looked at her as if she had just spoken in another language. “You…? Really?” “What? You think just because I look tough and wear a leather jacket, I can't enjoy a sappy romance?” “Well… yeah. A little.” Jordan glared at him. “You're an idiot. A prejudiced idiot.” “So… you want to go with me?” he asked, still incredulous. “It's not a date,” she quickly clarified. “Of course it’s not a date,” Josh repeated, raising his hands in surrender. ________________________________________ At the movie theater, Josh redeemed the couples' promotion, which included a volcano-sized tray of popcorn, two sodas, and an extra box of chocolates. The cashier smiled at them and asked to take their picture for the couples' wall. They both froze. "A picture?" they said in unison. “Come on, it's just a picture,” said the cashier, annoyed. Jordan took the drinks from Josh, walked over, and faked a smile. Josh tried not to look nervous as he put an awkward arm around her. Flash. "I've never done that before," he murmured. "Me neither," Jordan replied. During the movie, they shared the sweets in silence. During a couple of the more romantic scenes, Jordan sipped loudly on her drink to hide her interest, and Josh noticed. ________________________________________ As they left the theater, the sky was already turning orange. They walked slowly, talking about the film. "I have to admit, it was better than I expected,” Josh said. “Me too. Although if anyone ever writes me a letter in the rain, I'm punching them for not using an umbrella.” “Right? It was kind of silly,” Josh agreed. They stopped at the corner where they usually went their separate ways. Jordan, for the first time, hesitated before speaking. “Josh… listen to me. Stop chasing Chloe. She's not worth it. And believe me, I'm telling you this as someone who really knows her.” Josh looked down, thoughtful. “I know, but… I don't know. Maybe if I just talked to her myself…” Jordan interrupted him, rolling her eyes and flicking her tail in annoyance. “Josh!” “I’m just saying… maybe.” Jordan shook her head in resignation. “You are impossible.” And before leaving, she added: “But hey… if she does reject you again… make sure you buy chocolates that are just as good,” Jordan said with a mischievous smile before turning around and waving one of her hands in farewell. Josh watched her walk down the street. And although his heart was broken, he had to admit the day hadn't been bad at all. I have a lot to think about tomorrow, he thought as he turned and headed for home.