After finishing dinner, they hurried to the Major Cineplex Hall to catch the movie. It was already 7:40 pm, and they were cutting it close. The automatic ticket machine wouldn’t allow them to purchase tickets as it was more than 30 minutes after the showtime. Unfazed, he approached the ticket officer and managed to secure two late tickets. Seats 17-18. The movie was Twister.
The cinema was dimly lit as they entered, with the movie already in progress. She led the way, and he followed close behind, his heart beating with a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Seats 17-18,” he whispered, but she kept walking, choosing to sit in seats 12-13 instead. When he gently reminded her of their assigned seats, she simply responded that she preferred it here. He smiled to himself, letting her have her way. Everything felt right as long as she was comfortable. He was happy to be so close to her, feeling her warmth just an armrest away. As the movie played, she leaned her head on his shoulder, her gesture so peaceful and natural that it caught him by surprise. He reached out for her hand, his heart fluttering as she intertwined her fingers with his without hesitation. For a few minutes, they sat like that, savouring the quiet intimacy.
But soon, she decided she wanted to sit at the back. He assumed she meant the seats behind them, further from the screen. But to his surprise, she moved to the opera chairs designed for couples at the back of the theatre. He hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit out of place, but followed her like an eager explorer, a country old man exploring adventure with a young, beautiful city girl, not wanting to be apart from her. The opera chairs were empty, and they were the only ones there. “Is it okay?” he asked, half-worried, half-excited. She reassured him, “It’s okay, no one is sitting here. These chairs are available.” With no armrest separating them, the seats felt far more comfortable and intimate. He reached out and gently pulled her closer. She settled onto his lap for a brief moment, but then quickly straightened up, realizing it wasn’t the best way to watch a movie. They both laughed softly, their shared amusement adding to the growing connection between them.
Suddenly, a security guard appeared at the entrance, moving to the right side of the room, scanning the audience. His heart raced with anxiety, worried they might be asked to move, as the opera seats were more expensive. He quickly devised a plan to pay the difference if needed. But after a few tense moments, the guard left without saying a word, leaving them in peace. He exposed a relieved look, then turned his attention back to the screen. The movie wasn’t particularly captivating, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that they were together, surrounded by this little world. He wrapped his arm around her, and she leaned in closer, resting her head on his shoulder. They talked quietly, sharing thoughts and feelings as the movie played in the background.
He was feeling the effects of the wine, his thoughts flowing freely. He confessed how happy and lucky he felt to have her as his meimei, his close and intimate soulmate. They held hands tightly, not just with one hand, but with both, fingers intertwined, creating a bond that felt unbreakable. His thumb gently caressed her hand, a small gesture that spoke volumes. He felt a surge of emotions – he wanted to give her all the best, take care of her, and ensure her happiness during the last days before they might depart for good. He wanted this moment to last forever.
He repeated his sentiment, telling her how lucky he was to have her as his meimei. She looked at him with bright, wide-open eyes full of warmth and emotion, and then, out of nowhere, she asked, “What if I like you?” His heart skipped a beat, but he responded with uncertainty, saying he didn’t know and that it wouldn’t happen. Deep down, though, he wanted it to happen – he liked her too, but had tried to keep his feelings in check, seeing her only as a meimei.
She didn’t let the conversation end there. She repeated her question, “What if I like you?” Before he could respond, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. The surprise left him momentarily speechless, but a small smile crept onto his face. His thumb stopped moving, and to his astonishment, she began to caress his hand, her thumb gently tracing circles on his skin. She kissed him again, and then again, a total of six or seven kisses on his cheek, each one sending his heart into overdrive.
It felt almost unreal, but it was happening. They were both tipsy, relaxed, and simply enjoying each other’s company. The movie continued to play, but they were lost in their own world. The two hours flew by in what felt like minutes. As the movie ended, they left the theater together, not needing to say a word. Both of them wanted to continue the evening, to hold on to this perfect night for just a little longer.
He suggested going to her place to watch football, and she agreed. They stopped by the mall to pick up some snacks, ready to spend more time together, cherishing every moment of a day that had already become unforgettable.
Bio:
A PhD in English Language Studies and Teaching with a love for romance and photography