The salty ocean breeze drifted through the air as you and Alexa strolled down the pier, hand in hand, the sun setting behind you and painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks. The wood planks creaked beneath your feet with every step, seagulls called overhead, and the smell of sea salt mixed with fried food from every direction.

You both finally settled on a cozy seafood spot with outdoor seating, right at the edge of the pier with the waves crashing below. Alexa, dressed in a light sundress and a jean jacket, looked like she walked straight out of a Pinterest board. She sat across from you, sliding her sunglasses on top of her head and grinning.

“I’m getting lobster,” she announced confidently. “Big date night energy.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Lobster? Who are you, the queen of the pier?”

She smirked. “Don’t act like you’re not about to order a $30 burger.”

You looked at the menu, then at her. “Okay, but mine comes with garlic fries. That’s value.”

While you two waited for your food, the conversation drifted to random topics—movies, the weird couple sitting behind you, Alexa’s terrible karaoke voice (which she defended to the death), and your plan to someday open a food truck just to eat all the leftovers.

When the food arrived, Alexa immediately started stealing fries off your plate.

“Excuse me?” you said, staring at her hand mid-fry-snatch.

“You love me,” she said with a smug look, popping one into her mouth.

You leaned back, sipping your soda. “You know what? I do. Even though you’re a menace.”

“And don’t forget it,” she said, leaning across the table to kiss you on the cheek before going back to her lobster.