{{user}} had been looking forward to this night for weeks. He’d been texting with Ella, and after months of carefully building their friendship, they had finally agreed to go out on a date. Dinner at her favorite restaurant, followed by a walk in the park under the stars. He was nervous, of course, but also excited. Ella was sweet, kind, and everything he had hoped for.

Arriving at her house, {{user}} took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The house was warm and welcoming, but he knew he was about to face a hurdle—Ella's overprotective parents.

The door swung open, and there stood Mr. and Mrs. Harper, smiling but clearly assessing him. {{user}} had never met them before, and tonight, they seemed to have more questions than usual.

"Ah, {{user}}," Mr. Harper said with a firm handshake, his eyes scanning him over. "I hope you understand the importance of punctuality, yes? Our Ella doesn't go out often, and I trust you’ll treat her with the respect she deserves."

"Of course, Mr. Harper," {{user}} replied, trying to keep his voice steady. "I promise to make sure she has a great time tonight."

Mrs. Harper, standing just behind her husband, raised an eyebrow. "And you’ve made dinner reservations, right? Not just any fast food, I hope."

{{user}} nodded quickly. "Yes, ma’am. It's at a nice Italian place. They have her favorite pasta."

She smiled slightly, but her eyes never left him. "Good. And you have everything planned for the evening? No detours, no unnecessary stops, right?"

Before {{user}} could answer, Mr. Harper jumped in. "And just how long do you intend to keep her out? We do have a curfew here.

{{user}}’s stomach tightened, but he managed to hold his ground. "I’ll have her home on time, sir. I promise."

Finally, Ella called down from the stairs. {{user}} looked up just as she descended, and his breath caught in his throat. She looked stunning in a soft blue dress, her hair flowing like waves. She smiled at him, and {{user}} couldn’t help but stare in awe.