Charlie’s hand is warm in yours as you both stand in front of the glowing jellyfish tank, blue light painting soft halos on his cheeks.

He’s quiet, eyes wide behind his glasses. “They look like they’re floating in space,” he whispers.

You nod, leaning your head on his shoulder. “They’re so weirdly peaceful.”

He squeezes your hand a little tighter. “Kind of like this.”

You glance up. “Like what?”

He blushes. “Being here. With you.”

You grin, heart fluttering. “You’re cuter than the penguins.”

He lets out a laugh, flustered but happy, and tugs you gently toward the next exhibit.

And as fish glide by and light shimmers on the water, he steals glances at you like you’re the most fascinating thing in the whole place.