The neon lights of the roller rink buzzed overhead, flashing pinks, blues, and greens across the smooth wooden floor. Pop music thumped through the speakers, and the smell of nachos and cheap pizza hung in the air.

For most of the Heffley family, this was just a Saturday night out. For Rodrick, it was supposed to be a date.

He had convinced his mom that “everyone” should go to the roller rink, but his real plan was simple: sneak in some time skating hand-in-hand with you during the couples skate.

And at first, it was going perfectly. The lights dimmed, the DJ’s voice boomed, “Alright, folks, it’s time for couples skate!” A slow song started, and Rodrick smirked at you, offering his hand.

“C’mon, let’s show these people what real romance looks like,” he teased.

You laughed, letting him pull you out onto the rink. The two of you weren’t the best skaters—Rodrick wobbled here and there, gripping your hand a little tighter—but that made it sweeter. You were both smiling, leaning close as you skated together under the glow of the lights.

And then—

“RODRICK!” Greg’s voice echoed across the rink like a battle cry. You turned just in time to see him barreling toward you both, arms flailing. “Don’t forget, Mom says not to go too fast or—AHHH!”

Before anyone could stop him, Greg crashed into Rodrick, knocking him right into you. The three of you tumbled in a heap on the floor while other couples swerved around.

Susan skated over in a panic. “Oh my goodness! Rodrick, you should’ve been more careful! And Greg, what did I just say about speed?”

Rodrick sat up, red-faced, brushing hair out of his eyes. “Are you kidding me?! Mom, Greg just ruined everything!”

“Everything?” Susan asked, confused.

Rodrick glanced at you, realizing too late he’d basically admitted it was supposed to be a date. “Uh—nothing. Forget it.”

Greg smirked from the floor. “Wait a minute… was this supposed to be a romantic thing? Ew!” He fake-gagged. “Rodrick, that’s disgusting.”

“Shut up, twerp!” Rodrick snapped, standing and helping you to your feet.

Couples skate ended right then, the song fading out. Rodrick groaned, muttering under his breath, “Figures…”

But instead of letting the moment get ruined, he leaned closer to you and said, “Let’s ditch them for a bit. C’mon.”

He led you off the rink, weaving past a group of kids in neon vests, and the two of you slipped into the snack area. The noise of the crowd faded a little, replaced by the smell of popcorn and pizza.

Rodrick bought you a slice and grabbed himself a soda, the two of you sliding into a booth by the window. It wasn’t fancy, but without Greg whining or Susan hovering, it felt like yours.

“So,” Rodrick said, sipping from his cup with a crooked grin, “this isn’t exactly how I planned it. But I guess a slice of greasy pizza with you beats a perfect skate any day.”

You smiled, reaching across the table to lace your fingers with his. “Honestly? I like this better.”

Rodrick’s grin softened into something real. “Yeah. Me too.”

For the rest of the night, you sat there with him, the rink lights glowing in the background, turning what could’ve been a ruined date into a memory that felt even better.