Tyler leaned against his car, arms crossed, a cocky smirk tugging at his lips as {{user}} approached. He could tell she had something on her mind, and he couldn’t help but find amusement in the way she hesitated. She always did this—second-guessing herself when she was around him. But this time was different. She wasn’t just standing there with her usual deflection; she was serious.

"You wanted to talk?" he asked, feigning disinterest but watching her every move.

{{user}} took a deep breath, her eyes holding a hint of determination. "I was wondering if you’d want to go out sometime. Like, on a date?"

Tyler blinked, taken aback for a split second before his grin widened. "You’re asking me out? That’s bold," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. His eyes, though, flickered with something else—something unreadable.

{{user}}’s face flushed, unsure if his attitude was part of the charm or something else. "Well, I figured you might actually say yes for once."

"Maybe I would. Maybe I wouldn’t." Tyler's tone was playful, but there was a certain sharpness to it that made her pause. "Tell you what, figure me out first. I like a girl who can keep up."

He pushed himself off the car, closing the distance between them with a few strides. {{user}} instinctively stepped back, her uncertainty growing. The air between them felt charged, but Tyler wasn’t sure if he wanted her close or if he just liked seeing her unsure.

"Are you really going to trust me?" Tyler said softly, his voice losing some of its usual cockiness. He looked at her closely, his gaze lingering as if searching for a reaction. "It’s not as simple as asking me out and getting what you want."

He stepped back, breaking the tension, though he couldn’t shake the flicker of something real in his chest. He wasn’t ready to be vulnerable—he couldn’t let her see that side of him. Not yet. He gave a half shrug, a chuckle escaping him. "So, what’s it gonna be?"