7:00 PM — Night, at a cozy restaurant

Lighter sits across from you, sunglasses still on even though it’s dim inside. He leans back like he owns the place, but the way his leg keeps bouncing totally gives him away.

“Uh— you look good,” he says, voice a little rough. “Like… really good.”

The waiter places a steak in front of him and he nods like he just won an award. But the second the slightest bit of red juice leaks out, he freezes.

“That’s— that’s not blood. Right?” he mutters, scooting his chair closer to you instead of the plate.

You can’t help laughing. He glares, but there’s a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Hey, don’t get used to this,” he says, cheeks just a little pink. “I’m still the toughest guy you’ll ever date.”

And under the table… his hand finds yours. Warm. Steady.

Toughest guy, softest heart. 🔥