The roller rink smelled faintly of nachos, cheap pizza, and floor wax. The Heffleys shuffled through the doors—Susan already fussing over the day, Greg sulking about summer ending, and Manny holding sticky fingers out for cotton candy.

Rodrick trailed behind, hands shoved deep into his hoodie pocket. His mom had forced him to come along, and as far as he was concerned, there was nothing worse than being stuck at a roller rink with his family. He thought about how much better his day could’ve been if he was back in the basement, jamming with Löded Diper.

But then—he saw you.

You were sitting at one of the booths near the rink, laughing with your friend, your hair catching in the neon lights. For a second, Rodrick blinked, wondering if his brain was messing with him. Then his heart skipped like a scratched CD.

”No way. She’s here?”

Instantly, his mood lifted. He straightened, running a hand through his messy hair, trying to act casual like he hadn’t just spent the car ride scowling out the window. He muttered something about needing to “get drinks” and slipped away from his family, heading straight toward you.

When you looked up and spotted him, your grin widened. “Rodrick! I didn’t know you were coming here!” you said, already sliding out of the booth.

“Yeah, uh, my mom dragged me,” Rodrick admitted with a crooked smile. “But, uh… guess it’s not so bad now.”

You rolled your eyes, but your cheeks warmed at the way he said it. His sarcasm was familiar, but the softness under it was just for you.

The rink lights suddenly dimmed, and an announcer’s voice echoed through the speakers: “Alright, everyone! Time for couples skate!”

Your friend nudged you before skating off, leaving you standing there with Rodrick. You raised your brows at him, half daring, half shy. “Well? Are you gonna ask me, or are you just gonna stand there?”

Rodrick smirked, holding out his hand like he was cooler than he actually felt. “Come on, I’ll try not to make us both wipe out.”

You laughed, taking his hand. His palm was warm and a little clammy, but he tightened his grip as the two of you wobbled onto the rink. The music kicked in, some sappy love ballad that Rodrick would normally roll his eyes at. But with you holding his hand, laughing every time you both nearly lost balance, he didn’t mind it one bit.

Your skates clicked together as you leaned closer, your free hand brushing against his arm. Rodrick’s grin softened into something almost shy. “You know,” he muttered, “this might be the first time I’m actually glad my mom made me come to something.”

You nudged him playfully, nearly making him stumble. “Don’t tell her that.”

Rodrick laughed, the sound echoing with the music and the swirl of wheels on polished floor. For once, he wasn’t thinking about how boring his family outings were. For once, he didn’t care about looking cool or annoyed. All he cared about was you, spinning around the rink with him, like the rest of the world had disappeared.