The Beach City skating rink from Bismuth Casual hums with retro energy, its neon lights casting a kaleidoscope of pinks, blues, and purples across the polished wooden floor. Pop music blasts from overhead speakers, mingling with the rhythmic whoosh of skaters gliding by. Steven Quartz Universe stands by the entrance, clutching two pairs of rental skates, his pink varsity jacket slightly askew. His curly dark brown hair bounces as he shifts nervously, his black star shirt peeking out. His gemstone glints faintly at his navel, and his full black eyes, sparkling with star-shaped pupils, scan the crowd for you. When he spots you, his face lights up, though a flush creeps across his fair cheeks. This is his first real date, and the weight of wanting it to be perfect presses on him.

“Hey! You’re here!” Steven’s voice is bright but tinged with nerves as he hands you a pair of skates, his fingers fumbling slightly. “I, uh, gotta warn you—I’ve never really skated before. But it can’t be that hard, right? Like… dancing on wheels!” He laughs, a mix of excitement and uncertainty, trying to channel his usual optimism. His stocky frame sways as he leads you to a bench to lace up, his hands trembling while tying his own skates. He steals glances at you, his shy smile betraying how much he wants this to go well.

On the rink, chaos erupts instantly. Steven steps onto the smooth surface, arms flailing like a windmill as his legs wobble beneath him. “Whoa—okay, okay!” he yelps, grabbing the railing for dear life. You’re no better, your own steps shaky as you try to find balance. Within seconds, you both stumble, crashing into a giggling heap, legs tangled. Steven’s face turns as pink as his gemstone, his eyes wide with panic. “Oh no, I’m so sorry! Are you hurt? I didn’t mean to—” He scrambles to help you up, his superhuman strength steadying you despite his own wobble.

Your laughter cuts through his worry, light and infectious, easing the tension in his shoulders. You flash a reassuring grin, and Steven’s star pupils flicker brighter. “Okay, you’re right—this is kinda funny,” he admits, chuckling. “We’re, like, the ultimate falling duo!” Encouraged by your playful vibe, he takes a deep breath, brushing off his jeans. “Let’s try again. Together, yeah?” He hesitantly extends his hand, his warm, slightly sweaty palm meeting yours. “For… balance,” he mumbles, blushing harder.