Fate's Playbook

Chapter 25 - Date One

"A lantern lighting festival is like a magical wonderland where dreams and reality come together, and hopes and wishes are set free to float up into the sky." - Unknown

The next morning I am woken up when someone knocks on the door. I run to my room and grab a robe before walking to the door.

I open the door and see one rose on the ground. 

I take the rose and read the note attached.

It says "You light up my world every time I see you. Would you accompany me to the Lantern-Lighting Festival tomorrow night at 7pm? All my love, Luca."

I read the letter a few times. Damn, this man is smooth. This note put a stupid smile on my face. I am starting to realize that my feelings for Luca are increasing rapidly.

He is so thoughtful.

I do not have classes today, so I can have a relaxing day reading.

I notice that Lily is not home and I remember that she had an early morning class.

I make myself scrambled eggs, toast and bacon. I eat my breakfast while watching "Brother vs. Brother"

After I ate my breakfast I take a long relaxing and refreshing shower. I get out of the shower and brush my teeth, before walking to my room to get dressed. I get dressed in a sunflower dress.

I quickly message Lily and ask her if she can maybe help me getting ready tonight, I also extend the invitation to Elle.

After I messaged Lily and Elle, I looked through my notifications and saw that Luca messaged me asking if I got the rose. I told him that I did indeed and thanked him. He then messaged me saying that he will pick me up at 7pm.

I spent the rest of my time reading under the tree behind our dorm, until I received a message from Lily saying that she and Elle have arrived.

I walked to the dorm and greeted them with a smile and led them into her bedroom, where they set to work on her hair and makeup.

As they chatted and laughed, Nora filled them in on the details of her date with Luca. "We're going to the Lantern-Lightning Festival," she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "It's supposed to be amazing – thousands of lanterns floating up into the sky, and lightning shows all night long."

Lily and Elle oohed and ahhed at the description, and Nora couldn't help but feel a little flutter of excitement in her stomach. 

As the girls worked on Nora's hair and makeup, they chatted about all sorts of things – their studies, their love lives, their dreams and aspirations. Nora felt grateful for their company, and for the way they made her feel – confident, beautiful, and ready to take on the world.

When they were finished, Nora looked in the mirror and smiled. She was wearing a pretty skirt and a top that fit her perfectly, with a pair of sandals that showed off her freshly-painted toenails. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and her makeup was natural and glowing.

"You look amazing," Lily said, giving her a hug.

"Luca won't be able to take his eyes off you," Elle added, grinning.

Nora blushed, feeling a surge of happiness. She couldn't wait to see Luca's reaction when he saw her.

As they said their goodbyes, Nora felt a pang of sadness that Lily and Elle wouldn't be joining them. She knew they had their own plans for the evening, but she couldn't help but wish they could all go together. She had always loved spending time with them, and she felt a little nervous about spending the evening alone with Luca.

But she pushed those thoughts aside and headed out the door, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation. The Lantern-Lightning Festival awaited, and she was ready to embrace it.

Luca was waiting for her outside the apartment building, looking handsome in a button-down shirt and jeans. He smiled when he saw her, and Nora felt her heart skip a beat.

"Wow," he said, taking her in. "You look amazing."

Nora felt herself blush, feeling grateful for the compliment. "Thanks," she said, smiling back at him.

They walked to his car together, chatting about their day and their plans for the evening. Luca was easy to talk to, and Nora felt herself relaxing in his presence. She had always been a little shy around him, but tonight she felt like she could be herself.

When they arrived at the festival, Nora was blown away by the sight. 

She had always loved the magic of festivals, and this one was no exception.

As they walked, Luca took her hand, and Nora felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her. 

They walked through the park, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. The lanterns glowed softly, casting a warm light over the crowds of people that meandered through the park.

As they strolled through the festival, Nora started to see the real Luca. He was so much more than the jock she had thought he was. He was kind and thoughtful, taking the time to point out things that he thought Nora would find interesting.

They enjoyed the various activities and sights the festival had to offer. They tried different foods, played games, and watched the performers put on a show. Luca won Nora a stuffed animal at one of the game booths, and they shared a laugh as they watched a group of acrobats perform daring stunts.

As they walked hand in hand, Nora felt a sense of ease and comfort with Luca. She had never felt this way with anyone before, and it was a new and exhilarating feeling. They talked about their hobbies, interests, and dreams, finding common ground in their love for books and movies.

As they approached a large field, Luca turned to Nora and said, "I have a surprise for you." He led her to a secluded spot where they could see the lanterns lighting up the sky. It was breathtaking. The lanterns, which were lit with candles, floated up into the sky, casting a soft glow over the crowd.

Nora couldn't believe her eyes. It was like something out of a fairytale. She turned to Luca, tears welling up in her eyes, and said, "This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Luca smiled, feeling a sense of pride and happiness. He had wanted to do something special for Nora, and he was glad that she appreciated it. They sat there, watching the lanterns float away into the sky, feeling a sense of peace and contentment.

As the night wore on, Nora felt a sense of sadness. She didn't want the evening to end. She felt a connection with Luca that she hadn't felt with anyone else, and she didn't want to lose it.

As they reached her dorm, Luca turned to her and said, "I had a great time tonight, Nora. Thank you for coming with me."

Nora smiled, feeling a sense of relief. She had been afraid that he didn't feel the same way she did, but his words reassured her. "I had a great time too," she said, feeling a flutter in her stomach.

She gave him a hug before entering her dorm.