The Ogre - 23

The last weekend before I returned to school had arrived. I’d been out for a few weeks due to my injuries, but thankfully, I was recovering well enough to finish the year. All that remained were my finals, and I was determined to push through. But for now, my focus was on something far more important: my first official date with Holly. Holly. My girlfriend. Even thinking the word felt surreal. Just a few months ago, I’d seen her as someone who might make my life a living hell—a bully who’d treat me like her personal punching bag. But now? Now, we shared an inseparable bond; two people who’d risked everything for each other. Literally. A smile tugged at my lips as I walked toward the mall, where we’d agreed to meet. I spotted her in the park just outside the mall, and my breath caught in my throat. She looked… stunning. Gone was her usual tough-girl aesthetic. Instead, she wore a pink pleated miniskirt, white ruffled lace socks, and a delicate blouse that softened her usual edge. Her hair was styled differently too, framing her face in a way that made her look almost ethereal. My jaw dropped, and when she noticed me staring, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “Holly… is that really you?” I asked, my voice tinged with awe. She crossed her arms, her trademark scowl returning, though her blush betrayed her. “If you make fun of me, I’ll send you back to the hospital,” she muttered, her tone half-threatening, half-embarrassed. I couldn’t help but laugh. “I wouldn’t dare. You look… incredible. Seriously, Holly, you’re beautiful.” Her face turned even redder, and she looked away, clearly unused to such compliments. “It’s… different. ‘Feathers’ suggested it. She said you might like it.” “I assume you mean Angela? Well, she has good taste,” I said, stepping closer. “But more importantly, do you like it?” Holly hesitated, then glanced down at herself. “I think… I can try something different once in a while,” she said, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s a nice surprise,” I admitted, my nerves bubbling up. This was our first real date as a couple, and I was painfully aware of my lack of experience. “So, uh, what do you want to do?” She took my hand firmly, her touch grounding me. “Let me handle it,” she said, her voice confident as she led me toward the mall. As we walked, I noticed the stares. It wasn’t just because Holly was a striking mutant—tall, strong, and undeniably unique—but also because we were an unlikely pair. Me, average in every way, and her, a force of nature. But I didn’t care. I was with Holly, and that was all that mattered. We reached the cinema, and Holly immediately zeroed in on a poster for a Japanese anime film, Kumo no Hazama de Kimi wo Matsu. “This one,” she said, pointing decisively. I raised an eyebrow. “Really? I’ve heard it’s… really sweet. Like, saccharin sweet, overly romantic.” She shrugged, her determination unwavering. “I want to try new things.” We bought our tickets, and as I went to grab popcorn, a group of guys nearby started making snide comments in Holly’s direction. “Hey, cutie, did you bring your little cousin to the movies?” one of them sneered. Before I could respond, Holly swept me into her arms like I weighed nothing. “Are you talking about my boyfriend?” she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness as she held me against her chest. “We’re here for the movie, and then we’re heading to a hotel. You know… adult stuff.” The guys froze, their smirks fading as Holly leaned in, her tone turning icy. “And just so you know, the last idiot who messed with him is still eating through a tube. So, unless you want to join him, I suggest you leave. Now.” They stammered incoherently before scrambling away. I sighed, half-annoyed, half-amused. “I could’ve handled that, you know.” Holly grinned, unapologetic. “I know. But I wanted an excuse to hug you.” Once inside the theater, we settled into the back row. Holly’s height made it the only practical option. She let me lean against her as the movie started, her arm draped comfortably around me. The film was… well, it was exactly what I’d expected: overly sweet, with a protagonist whose entire personality revolved around her crush. By the time it ended, I could tell Holly was struggling to stay polite. “So… what did you think?” I asked, breaking the silence as we walked through the food court afterward. She hesitated, then sighed. “It was… boring. I’m sorry, Ty, but I hated the main character. How could she revolve her entire life around that jerk Takeshi? And why was everyone so rich and snobby?” I laughed, relieved. “I thought the same thing. Not all anime is for everyone you know, and that’s okay. You don’t have to force yourself to like something because you think I’d like it.” Holly looked down, her cheeks pink. “I just… wanted today to be special. Romantic.” I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Holly, you are special. And this date is romantic because I’m with you. You don’t have to change who you are for me.” She smiled, her usual confidence returning. “Well, I might keep the outfit… but maybe add some leather. And spikes.” “Perfect,” I said, grinning. “Now, how about we grab some barbecue at ‘Embers and Smoke’? I’ve heard it’s amazing.” Her eyes lit up. “Now you’re talking.” She scooped me into her arms again, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “You don’t mind if I carry you, do you?” I blushed but didn’t protest. “It’s a little embarrassing… but I think I like it.” As we headed to the restaurant, hand in hand—or rather, hand in lower arm—I couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness. Our first date had been unforgettable, a perfect blend of her strength and my quiet determination. But little did I know, the challenges we’d face in our final days at school would test us in ways we never expected.