Tate stood in front of the mirror, phone in one hand and a pile of rejected outfits in the other. She was supposed to meet Martha and the others in less than an hour, and she still hadn't settled on what to wear.
Casual—but not too casual.
Cute—but not like she was trying too hard.
She sighed and glanced at the top in her hand. It was cute. Cropped. A little bold. She'd never actually worn it out before.
Without thinking too hard, she paired it with baggy jeans and white sneakers. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she did her hair—nothing fancy, just enough to look like she tried. Which… she had. But why?
It's not like she was trying to impress anyone.
Especially not Damien.
She told herself that twice, but even in her own head, it didn't sound convincing.
Downstairs, the smell of fried plantains filled the kitchen. Her mom turned from the stove and blinked.
"You look good, Tate," she said, surprised. "First time I've seen you wear that top since I got it for you. And you did your hair. Are you going on a date?"
She added a playful wink.
Tate rolled her eyes. "No, Mom. I'd tell you if I was going on a date. I'm just hanging out with my project group. We're celebrating the win."
Her mom held up her hands. "Okay, okay. I'll stop teasing."
Tate grabbed her phone and bag. "Bye, Mom."
Just as she reached the door, her mom called her name.
Tate turned.
"I'm proud of you," she said simply.
Tate's heart tugged. She smiled. "Thanks," she said, and stepped outside.
---
The park buzzed with weekend energy. Tate called Martha, who gave her directions to their spot.
As she made her way over, she spotted the group gathered near the carousel—Martha, Lexi, Leo… and Damien.
When she approached, they all looked up.
Tate felt their eyes on her, and for a split second, her confidence faltered.
Martha stood first. "You look pretty, Tate."
Lexi grinned. "To think you didn't even want to come today."
Tate smiled, a little awkwardly.
Damien didn't say anything. He just stared.
No sarcasm. No teasing. Just a quiet, unreadable look.
It made her stomach twist.
"Now that Tate's here," Martha said, "what should we start with—rollercoaster or water ride?"
"Rollercoaster," Leo said immediately.
Damien nodded. "Obviously."
"I'm not trying to get flung into the sky," Lexi said, pulling a face. "Water ride for me and Martha."
All four turned to Tate.
"I think I'll just hang out by the churro stand," she said.
Damien finally spoke, eyes narrowing. "There's no way we're leaving you here."
Tate raised a brow. "I'm not the biggest fan of rides, remember?"
Martha offered gently, "What about the merry-go-round? It's basically just sitting and spinning slowly."
Tate considered, then shrugged. "Fine. Merry-go-round it is."
They all agreed to meet up in two hours.
After the ride, Tate wandered a bit, then suddenly had to pee. She followed signs to the restrooms—only to find a long line.
She glanced around and spotted another bathroom across the path—empty.
Without a second thought, she darted over and slipped inside. It was spotless. Quiet.
When she stepped out, she nearly crashed into someone.
Damien.
He looked surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you the same thing," she said, then looked up.
A sign hung above the door she'd just exited: MALE.
"Oh my God," she muttered. "I didn't know it was the guys' bathroom."
Damien crossed his arms, clearly amused. "Sure you didn't."
"I really didn't," she said quickly, face heating up.
She tried to walk past, but he stepped sideways, blocking her.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
His voice dropped. "You look pretty."
Her heart skipped.
Then he stepped back, casually. "Don't think skipping out on activities is gonna stop me from kicking your butt at the games later."
Tate raised a brow. "What makes you think I won't beat you?"
"Because you can't," he said, almost amused.
She smirked. "Just wait and see."
He grinned. "Let's make it interesting. If I win, you do whatever I want at the park. If you win… I'll do whatever you want."
She hesitated, then held out her hand. "Deal."
He shook it, warm and firm.
Tate had no idea how to play most of the park games—but she wanted to prove him wrong.
---
Two hours later, they regrouped by the snack stands. Everyone was flushed, laughing, eating fries and cotton candy.
Tate was sipping her water when Damien walked up, holding a chilled chocolate drink.
"For you," he said casually.
She blinked. "You went all the way back for this?"
He shrugged. "You like it."
Before she could reply, she noticed Martha watching. Not angry—just unreadable. Still, it made Tate uneasy.
"Thanks," she muttered.
They headed for the game booths. The place buzzed with noise—ring toss, basketball shoot, balloon darts.
Everyone split into pairs, competing. Leo dominated the water gun race. Lexi missed almost every balloon but laughed anyway. Martha stayed focused and even cheered Tate on once or twice.
Eventually, it came down to Tate and Damien at the ring toss.
"I'm going to win this," Tate said, lining up her shot.
Damien smirked. "In your dreams."
It was close. They tied. Scored. Missed. Matched each other.
And then—Damien landed the final ring.
He whooped softly, turned, and claimed a fluffy pink teddy bear from the vendor.
Leaning down, he whispered, "You have no idea what I want."
Tate froze.
Then he turned to the group. "Tate and I had a deal."
"Oh?" Lexi raised an eyebrow.
Martha's gaze flicked between them.
"She has to do whatever I want," Damien said.
Tate crossed her arms. "Don't get too excited."
He tossed her the bear. "First thing—you're carrying this around the rest of the day."
She rolled her eyes.
"And," he added, "you're going on a ride with me."
"You know I don't like rides."
"I know," he said, "that's why I want you to come."
Tate stared at him, confused. Why would he make her do something she didn't like?
Martha stepped in. "I don't think that's a good idea. Can you pick something else?"
"No," Damien said, unmoving.
Tate saw the tension in Martha's face and sighed. She didn't want them fighting—especially over her.
"Fine," she said. "I'll go on the roller coaster. Happy?"
Martha looked worried. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Lexi and Leo waved. "See you guys later."
As Tate and Damien walked toward the ride, she noticed no one else in line—but brushed it off.
Inside, as they buckled in, Damien asked, "Are you mad at me?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry," he said. "I know you don't like rides, but I want to help you get over the fear. I want you to have fun today."
Before she could answer, the ride reached the top.
She started to panic. Then—she felt his hand cover hers.
"Breathe," he said. "I'm with you. Nothing will happen."
His voice calmed her. The ride plunged.
She screamed. He screamed. But… she wasn't afraid.
She enjoyed it.
Her heart was pounding when they got off.
"Do you want to go again?" Damien asked, watching her reaction.
Tate surprised herself. "Yes."
They sat down again.
She looked around, then asked, "Why is it just us?"
"I rented it out," he said.
"What?"
"I didn't want anyone making you feel more uncomfortable than you already were."
Tate stared. She didn't know what to say. He was different. Softer. Not the same boy from the beginning of 10th grade.
He placed his hand over hers again.
When they got off, he turned to her. "You okay? Want to go back?"
Tate stared at him.
He looked perfect. He had always looked perfect. And suddenly, she did something she never thought she'd have the nerve to do.
She kissed him.
He froze—then kissed her back.
Their mouths moved together. Tongues. Warmth. Electricity.
She was melting.
And then—
A voice shattered it all.
"What are you guys doing?"
Tate pulled away, stunned.
Martha stood there, her face a mix of shock and something worse—hurt.