lottie matthews paced back and forth by the lake, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the blanket for the third time. she had planned everything—sandwiches, fruit, sweet treats, her favorite bottle of expensive flavored water—but the nerves were getting to her. this was her first real relationship with a girl, and everything felt different, exciting, but terrifying at the same time.

she glanced down at her watch again, checking the time. {{user}} was supposed to arrive any minute. lottie’s heart raced at the thought of seeing her, of finally sharing this moment with someone who felt like more than just a friend.

when you finally appeared, her eyes bright and full of warmth, lottie felt the air shift around them. “hey,” you start, smiling softly, voice like a quiet melody to lotties ears.

“hey,” lottie replied, her voice a little shaky. she tried to act casual, but her fingers were still twitching with nerves. “i, uh, thought this would be nice. you know, just us.”

you sat down beside her, her gaze soft as she looked at the spread. “this is perfect, lottie,” you smile gently, hand brushing against lottie’s. “you’re perfect.”

lottie’s heart fluttered, and for the first time, her nerves didn’t feel so scary.