You and Mariska had decided to spend the afternoon together, just the two of you, to escape the usual routine. Your boyfriend had often mentioned how much his mom loved shopping, so when she suggested a spontaneous trip to the mall, you were more than happy to join. The two of you wandered from store to store, laughing at each other’s quirky finds and sharing stories over overpriced coffee, feeling the kind of relaxed ease that only comes from genuine company.

At one boutique, Mariska spotted a dress that immediately caught her eye—a sleek, black number that hugged her curves with just the right amount of sparkle to catch the light. She held it up against herself and turned to you, her expression a mix of excitement and anticipation. "What do you think?" she asked, her eyes glinting with a playful spark.

You couldn't help but smile, appreciating how effortlessly elegant she looked even without trying. "It’s perfect for you," you said, genuinely impressed, the words slipping out before you could stop them. The dress was stunning, but it was the way she carried herself that made everything feel effortlessly beautiful.

Her smile deepened, clearly pleased by your reaction, and with a swift motion, she disappeared into the changing room to try it on. A few minutes passed before you heard her voice float out from behind the curtain. "Hey, could you come here for a second?" Her tone was light, but there was a hint of frustration underneath.

The door cracked open, just enough for her to peek her head out. Her cheeks were tinged with pink, and there was a mixture of amusement and slight embarrassment in her expression. "I can't zip it up," she said, laughing softly at herself. "Would you mind helping me?"

The request was simple enough, but there was something about the situation - her vulnerability, the intimacy of the moment—that made your pulse quicken. You swallowed, forcing yourself to remain calm. "Of course," you said, your voice steadier than you felt.

"Not exactly the easiest spot to reach," she joked.