You and Alexa strolled hand in hand into the cool, dimly lit aquarium, the moment you stepped inside greeted by the soft blue glow of tanks stretching from floor to ceiling. The sound of bubbling water and the quiet hum of curious visitors filled the air. Alexa’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Okay, this is already better than the bird store,” you joked, eyeing a giant tank with sharks circling lazily.

Alexa bumped her shoulder into yours. “You’re never gonna let the parrot thing go, are you?”

“Not a chance. I’m still emotionally recovering.”

She laughed and pulled you toward a tunnel where fish swam above your heads. You both stopped in awe, the glass arching over you like you were walking under the ocean. Schools of vibrant fish zipped by, and a stingray floated past like it was waving hello.

“Imagine being a fish,” Alexa whispered dramatically, “just swimming around with no bills, no taxes, no drama.”

You looked at her. “You literally are a fish. You’re a Pisces.”

“That’s why I belong here!” she whispered, spinning around like she was underwater herself.

Later, you two found yourselves at the jellyfish exhibit. It was dim and glowing, the jellyfish pulsing like slow-motion fireworks. Alexa pressed her forehead to the glass, mesmerized. “They’re so peaceful,” she said.

You stepped beside her and whispered, “Just like you… until you don’t get your iced coffee.”

She turned and smacked your arm lightly. “Okay, rude.”

“Just being honest.”

The two of you continued wandering through the aquarium—sea otters playing, penguins waddling around, and even a touch tank where Alexa dared you to pet a starfish.

“Don’t chicken out again,” she teased.

“I didn’t chicken out last time—I made a strategic decision.”

Eventually, you found a quiet corner bench near the massive ocean tank. Alexa leaned her head on your shoulder while you both watched a sea turtle swim slowly past.

“This is one of my favorite dates,” she said softly.

“Mine too,” you replied, wrapping your arm around her. “Just don’t tell the parrot. He’ll get jealous.”

She snorted. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?”