Nova stands at her locker in the back hallway of Fennel Fields, heart still fluttering with the memory of last night's stolen kisses. She's running late for her shift, but her fingers refuse to move any faster, tugging clumsily on the combination lock. Every time she tries to spin it, her mind flickers back to the feel of Adrian's lips, the low rasp in his voice when he murmured, "Nova-bear." A surge of warmth floods her cheeks, and she has to pause to collect herself.

She finally wrenches the lock open, swapping her jacket for the plain black sweater she's required to wear. Just as she's about to close the metal door, she senses someone behind her—there's that faint prickle at the base of her neck, the way the air shifts when he is around. She whirls around to see Adrian, hands jammed awkwardly in his pockets, hovering just a bit too close. Her pulse leaps.

"Hey," He says, voice soft in the cramped corridor.

His eyes flit from her face to the floor and back again, like he's gathering up the nerve for something.

"Hey," She echoes, the corner of her mouth quirking in a small smile.

She closes her locker, letting it clang shut. There's a warmth in his gaze that makes her legs feel a little unsteady.

He clears his throat, straightening his shoulders.

"So, um," He glances down the hall to ensure no one's eavesdropping, then lowers his voice, "I've been thinking... maybe we could hang out. Outside of work, I mean."

Nova feels her stomach flip. He's actually going to ask me out. She tries not to grin too broadly, biting her lip instead, "Hang out... like, a date?" Her voice catches on the word, unable to disguise her eagerness.

Adrian's cheeks redden slightly, but he maintains that focused intensity that always marks him, "Yeah, exactly. A... date. I was thinking, you know, movies? People do that, right?"

He draws in a breath, pushing his glasses up, "I read that it's, um, a good starting point. We can watch something and get snacks. I can buy you popcorn, if you like popcorn. Do you like popcorn?"

A laugh bubbles out of her, gentle and warm.

"I do," She says, stepping closer so the distance between them shrinks, "And I'd love to go to the movies with you."

Relief breaks across his features, forming a crooked smile.

"Awesome," He exhales, sounding almost startled at his own success, "Tonight? There's that new action movie playing at eight, I think."

"Tonight's perfect," Nova answers, pulse thundering in her ears.

She leans in, tempted to kiss him right there, but the distant shuffle of footsteps down the hallway nips that idea in the bud. Instead, she gives him a quick, promising smile and turns to head onto the restaurant floor. As she goes, she can feel his gaze trailing after her, and her heart thrums with excitement. A real date, she thinks, hardly able to contain the giddy rush.

That evening, Nova meets Adrian outside the local movie theater just as the sun sinks below the rooftops. The neon lights of the marquee reflect off the puddles at their feet, casting them in pulsing reds and blues. She clutches her small purse, nerves jangling. Adrian stands a few steps away, wearing a dark jacket over his usual casual clothes. He gives her a quick once-over, his eyes lingering on the slightly more fitted sweater and the jeans that hug her hips. She feels a surge of pride at the heat in his gaze.

"You look... really nice," He says, voice low but earnest.

"Thanks," She replies, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, "You too."

The moment stretches, tension weaving between them. She half expects him to pull her in for a kiss, but instead, he gestures toward the box office.

"Shall we?" He asks, almost formally.

She nods, and they head toward the bright-lit window where a bored teenager sells them two tickets.

Inside the lobby, the smell of popcorn and sugar hits them like a wave. Adrian insists on buying snacks, referencing his "research." She teases him about it, but secretly she's touched by how carefully he planned. He orders a large tub of popcorn, extra butter, and Nova can't help noticing how he watches her reaction, gauging each smile and nod with intense focus, like her smallest approval matters. A giddy warmth gathers in her chest.

They find the theater for their movie—an action film that promises explosions and stunts galore. The space is mostly empty on a weeknight, which suits them fine. They choose seats near the middle, settling in with the tub of popcorn between them. As soon as the lights begin to dim, Nova feels a thrill ripple through her. First official date, she tells herself, sneaking a look at Adrian. He's drumming his fingers on the armrest, gaze skittering around like he's hyper-aware of every detail—the flickering pre-trailer ads, the distant hum of the projector. Her heart squeezes at how earnest and alive he looks.

Trailers roll, and Nova tries to focus on the screen, but she's too conscious of Adrian's shoulder brushing hers. The darkness amplifies every accidental touch, every gentle shift of the seat. She can smell the faint scent of his aftershave. She sneaks handfuls of popcorn, savoring the buttery warmth, but mostly she's thinking about him. She wonders if he's just as preoccupied with her.

As the movie starts, loud music and fiery action scenes flood the screen. Nova tries to keep track of the plot, but it's a losing battle. Every so often, Adrian leans closer to whisper a wry comment about a ridiculous stunt or an overused special effect. His breath tickles her ear, sending tiny jolts of heat down her spine. She wants to lean against him, melt into that electric magnetism that's been building between them.

Halfway through the film, an intense car chase blazes across the screen. Nova stiffens as gunfire peppers the soundtrack. She's reminded, for a fleeting moment, of her own violent episodes, and a cold tremor of fear snakes around her heart. She inhales, trying to steady herself. Just as her thoughts threaten to spiral, she senses Adrian's hand shift.

He moves the popcorn tub to the empty seat on his other side, clearing the space between them. Then he edges over, letting his arm rest on the armrest behind her shoulders. She feels him hesitate, as though uncertain whether to follow through. Tension thrums in the small gap between their bodies.

Without giving herself a chance to overthink, Nova leans into him, letting her head dip against his shoulder. She hears his soft intake of breath, the racing of his heart beneath his shirt. A rush of warmth settles over her, soothing the flicker of anxiety. I'm safe here, she thinks.

They sit like that for a few minutes, the film's explosions washing over them, their shared silence more meaningful than words. Then Adrian shifts again. She thinks he might be adjusting for comfort until his fingers brush the edge of her jaw, tilting her face toward him. Her heart jumps into her throat as she meets his eyes in the flickering darkness. He's watching her intently—dark pupils wide, lips parted, like he's searching for permission in her expression.

Nova's breath catches, and she nods the tiniest fraction, lips curving up in invitation. The tension between them snaps taut as he leans in. He kisses her softly at first—a gentle press of lips that ignites a spark in her chest. She sighs into him, letting her eyes flutter shut. The leather seat creaks beneath them as they shift closer. She tastes the salt of popcorn on his mouth, catches a faint hint of mint on his breath. A giddy rush of sensation floods her, drowning out the noise of the movie.

Her hand lands on his chest, fingers curling into the soft cotton of his shirt. His response is immediate—he tilts his head, deepening the kiss with a careful hunger, one that's both restrained and urgent at once. It's like he's memorizing every angle of her mouth, every subtle gasp. Nova's pulse thunders so hard she's certain he can feel it through his shirt.

The kiss intensifies, breath mingling in the charged air between them. She can't recall a time she's felt so alive, the blood roaring in her ears. She slides her hand to the nape of his neck, drawing him closer, letting the world blur around them. The movie's gunshots and revving engines become distant background noise. All that matters is his warmth, his smell, and the tingling sensation of his lips moving against hers.

Finally, they break apart for air, foreheads nearly touching. The theater's darkness conceals most of their flushed faces, but Nova can still make out the glitter in Adrian's eyes. He exhales shakily, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

She leans her head on his shoulder, heart still galloping. Tension remains, thrumming in the air, but it's tempered now by a heady contentment. She notices Adrian's chest still rising and falling rapidly as he smooths a hand over her hair.

They settle back into their seats, entwined—her hand on his knee, his arm around her shoulders. The action scene on screen finishes, replaced by another quieter moment. But Nova's too aware of the heat of Adrian's body pressed against hers to pay attention. She shifts, nuzzling closer, and he presses a soft kiss to her temple.

For the rest of the movie, they alternate between watching the screen and stealing glances at each other, as if neither can quite believe they're here. Nova's fingers occasionally stroke the back of his neck, and she feels the shiver that runs through him each time. When the credits finally roll, they remain seated, lost in their bubble of tension and affection, letting the theater empty around them until the cleaning staff appears in the aisles.

At last, they gather their things, exchanging shy, excited smiles. They step into the lobby, neon lights flickering across their faces, the rain still pattering against the glass doors. Adrian shifts closer, gently lacing his fingers with Nova's. She tightens her grip, letting herself lean into that small sign of closeness.

They head outside, greeted by the cool drizzle. Her breath hitches when he turns to her under the theater's awning, a flicker of awkwardness returning to his expression, but also a quiet determination. He reaches up to brush a raindrop from her cheek, lingering so his thumb grazes her skin.

"I, um... I really like you," He says softly, as though it's the simplest truth.

Nova's lips curve into a smile that sends warmth spreading through her chest.

"I really like you too," She confesses, letting her other hand rest lightly on his arm.

The city lights glow in blurred halos behind them, and the rain's steady rhythm underscores her quickened heartbeat. She doesn't feel the chill at all. She's too busy reveling in the electric connection humming between them.

They stand there for a moment, soaking in the novelty of this new closeness. Nova thinks about how strange and terrifying her life has become recently—her secrets, her madness, her fear. But right now, in this instant, she can let herself be just a girl on a date with a boy she's falling for, pressing close in the rain, allowing the rest of the world to fade away.

Adrian squeezes her hand, that boyish grin breaking across his face.

"So, can we do this again?" He asks, as though it's the most important question.

She tilts her head, nodding.

"Absolutely," She says. And the promise hangs between them, charged with as much tension as every kiss they've shared tonight.

Rain-soaked pavement glistens under the flickering streetlights as Nova and Adrian exit the movie theater. The distant hum of traffic echoes off the dark buildings. It's late enough that the roads are mostly empty—just a stray car here and there weaving through the wet streets. Nova clutches Adrian's arm, her cheeks still rosy from their stolen kisses inside the theater. She should feel warm and content. And for the first few steps, she does.

Yet something else is stirring in her veins. It's a subtle, restless itch under her skin that she's felt before, but never in front of Adrian. Not now, she thinks, trying to push away the prickling sensation at the back of her mind. She tells herself she's just keyed up from the excitement of the movie, from the electric kisses they shared. But her heart pounds too fast, and her thoughts start spinning with an uncanny, jittery energy she can't fully ignore.

Adrian fumbles with an umbrella he brought—some old, battered thing with a bent wire. He pops it open, shielding them from the drizzle. Raindrops patter against the canopy, creating a soothing hiss. He glances sideways at Nova, a small grin quirking his lips.

"So, uh, are you gonna remember any of that movie?" He teases, leaning closer so his voice doesn't carry through the night, "Because I'm pretty sure we missed half the plot when we were... preoccupied."

Nova giggles, the sound a little higher than usual, "Oh, I got the gist: cars go boom, hero saves the day, that sort of thing."

She bites her lip, recalling the heated press of his mouth, "The rest of it was... nice too."

A smirk spreads across his face, "Nice, yeah."

He steps around a puddle, pulling her gently to avoid it, "I'd say nice is an understatement, Nova-bear." His tone is playful, referencing that nickname that makes her chest flutter.

She tries to focus on that warm glow of affection, on the gentle way he keeps her close under the umbrella. But that buzzing in her brain refuses to settle. She shifts her weight from foot to foot as they walk, an uneven pace that Adrian tries to match. The city feels alive in a way that almost dares her to do something reckless. The shining puddles, the neon reflections dancing across the asphalt—it all looks so vivid, like a stage set waiting for her to leap into the spotlight.

She doesn't want to leap. Calm down, she tells herself, but the mania creeps steadily, a crawling heat beneath her thoughts. She's too exhilarated to be tired, too wired to keep her voice at a normal volume. Every time she laughs, it rings too loudly in the empty street.

Adrian notices. He's too perceptive not to. He peers at her out of the corner of his eye.

"You good?" He asks, voice gentle, though his brows knit with mild concern.

She waves off his concern with a broad motion that nearly knocks the umbrella from his grip, "I'm fine! I just— I feel alive, you know?" Her voice trembles with excitement she can't tamp down, "It's like... everything's so real."

She giggles again, a sound that edges on the cusp of manic laughter, "I want to do something fun. Something crazy."

Adrian arches an eyebrow.

"Okay, I'm down with fun and crazy," He says, adjusting the umbrella, "But maybe we avoid too crazy? You know, the kind that leads to paramedics and me having to explain your injuries to Jerry? I hate filling out incident reports." He tries for a light-hearted tone, but there's a flicker of genuine worry in his gaze.

Nova just grins, letting the mania spark a reckless idea.

"How about we take the long way home," She suggests, pointing down a side street that leads to a pedestrian bridge spanning the highway. The bridge's dull metal frame arches overhead, dotted with a row of streetlights that cast harsh halos in the rain. She's never been drawn to it before, but right now, something about walking over the cars, the height, the sense of openness, thrills her.

Adrian hesitates, scanning the empty road that leads toward the bridge.

"Uh, that's definitely longer," He points out, "We could just—?"

"Please?" Nova presses, hooking her arm through his and giving him an imploring look, "It'll be fun." The mania in her voice is subtle but insistent, like a child begging for more candy.

He sighs, running a hand through his damp hair, "All right, fine." His small grin returns, but it's edged with caution, "Let's do it. But if you break something, you owe me dinner... again."

She laughs, voice echoing down the empty street, "Deal."

They head toward the bridge, shoes splashing in shallow puddles. The rumble of nighttime traffic grows louder as they approach, an undercurrent that vibrates through the concrete pillars. The footpath on the bridge is narrow, caged in by a chain-link fence on one side to prevent people from climbing. Normally, Nova would find the enclosed space claustrophobic, but tonight, she's too charged with energy to care.

Halfway across, she stops. Cars whoosh beneath them, headlights streaking by in glowing arcs. Rain patters against the chain-link, dripping in rivulets that glisten in the orange glow of the streetlamps. Nova tilts her head, enthralled by the movement below. The mania hums in her veins.

"Nova?" Adrian's voice is cautious. He steps behind her, still holding the umbrella.

She turns to him, eyes sparkling, "Let's look over the edge!" Before he can respond, she's darting past the fence opening, heading toward the low railing that runs along the edge of the bridge. There's a flimsy barrier of cable wiring meant to deter people from going over, but Nova ducks under it in a fluid motion.

"Whoa, whoa, wait!" Adrian hisses, dropping the umbrella in his rush to catch her. He curses under his breath. She's fast. It's like she has the energy of a thousand volts. He scrambles forward, grabbing at her arm just as she attempts to climb onto the rail.

"Nova—holy shit—what are you doing?" He exclaims, voice pitched with alarm. He locks a hand around her wrist, heart pounding. She's going to slip, he thinks, imagining her toppling into the dark void above the speeding cars.

But Nova only laughs, a sound that's both giddy and borderline hysterical. She places a foot on the narrow ledge, arms outstretched for balance. Rain slicks the metal, making it treacherous.

"Just seeing the view!" She shouts over the highway noise below. The mania surges in her chest. She feels invincible, blood buzzing with unstoppable energy.

Adrian's breath catches, "Nova—seriously, this is not a great idea." He slides a foot closer, trying not to spook her, "Come on, you can see fine from, like, a foot back—"

She wobbles a bit, gripping a vertical support beam. Her head whips around, eyes wide and bright, "You worry too much." Another half step forward, and she's teetering like a tightrope walker.

Adrian's eyes dart to the drop beneath them. Cars zoom by, oblivious to the drama overhead.

"Well, yeah, I worry you'll go splat on the windshield of some Honda Civic," He says, voice taut with a forced, dark humor, "That's not exactly on my bucket list, you know?"

Nova lets out a wild laugh, but even in her mania, she sees the raw alarm in Adrian's eyes. Something about his rigid posture, the tension in his shoulders, pricks at her through the euphoria. She inhales sharply, a tremor running through her. He cares... The thought grounds her, if only a little. She starts to realize how precarious her position is.

Adrian capitalizes on her hesitation. With a deliberate move, he loops an arm around her waist, steady but firm, and tugs her off the railing. She stumbles against his chest, the momentum sending her heart into a fresh gallop. For a moment, she's enveloped by the scent of his damp jacket, the warmth of his body. Rain mats their hair, trickling down their faces. The chain-link fence rattles as a gust of wind whooshes by.

She blinks, fighting a swirl of conflicting impulses: mania telling her to push away, climb higher, chase the thrill, and something gentler—maybe reason—telling her to hold still. Adrian's heart thuds so hard she can feel it through his jacket. He huffs, half in exasperation, half in relief.

"Jeez," He mutters, voice still edged with adrenaline, "You're, like, two steps away from an audition for Jackass."

She snorts, although her breath is shaky.

"Sorry," She murmurs, embarrassment creeping in around the edges of her mania, "I just... I felt like I had to." Her mind still zips with restless energy, but the stark fear she glimpsed in his eyes shakes her.

Adrian steadies her on the safe side of the rail, releasing her waist only when he's certain she's not going to dart off again. He steps back, raking a hand through his soaking hair.

"Look, I'm all for risk-taking," He says, forcing a shaky smile, "But, you know, there's a line between fun-crazy and like, homicide by highway crazy. Let's not cross that line." He quirks a brow, "At least not without a GoPro to capture the footage."

She laughs—truly laughs, albeit breathlessly. Something about his absurd humor cuts through the tension, easing the needle-like prickle in her brain.

"Right," She agrees, stepping away from the railing. The mania still drums in her veins, but the urge to fling herself into danger has lessened. She notices how her hands tremble at her sides.

Adrian stoops to retrieve the battered umbrella, shaking off water. He approaches her more carefully this time, gentling his voice, "Can we walk the rest of the way without you pulling an Evil Knievel? Because I do not want to have to explain to Felicia that you're a pancake on the highway."

Nova nods, her heart still beating an erratic rhythm, but a faint smile ghosting her lips.

"Yeah," She says, swallowing, "I promise, no more stunts." She can't quite meet his eyes, guilt fluttering in her chest, "Sorry if I freaked you out."

He exhales, brow furrowing. Then he slides an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in for a brief, awkward side-hug.

"Don't be sorry," He murmurs, "Just... keep yourself in one piece, all right?" His tone is still playful, but there's a note of genuine tenderness there, something she's rarely heard from him, "I like you. Very specifically not splattered."

Nova's chest warms. She leans into him, letting him lead her back toward the footpath. The traffic noise fades behind them as they continue across the bridge. She can't quell the jittery swirl in her chest, but it's tempered now by Adrian's presence, by the memory of how panicked he looked at the thought of losing her. He cares, she realizes again.

They walk in near silence for several blocks, the drizzle easing into a faint mist. Adrian keeps a watchful eye on her, as if expecting her to bolt for the nearest death-defying stunt. She's tempted a few times by random impulses—like climbing the scaffolding outside a closed store or dashing into the middle of an empty intersection. But each time, she glances at him, sees the subtle crease of worry in his brow, and reins herself in.

Eventually, they near her duplex, porch light illuminating the damp walkway. Nova stands at the foot of her small driveway, her breath still unsteady from the mania that lingers in her system. Adrian lowers the umbrella, the spattering droplets tapping against their shoulders. He meets her gaze, lips curving in a small, relieved smile.

"You gonna be okay tonight?" He asks, the question direct and gentle, his usually awkward facade softened by genuine concern, "No more tightrope acts in your living room or anything?"

Nova shakes her head, adrenaline still coursing.

"I'll try to keep a lid on it," She jokes weakly, though her eyes betray how rattled she really is, "Seriously... thanks for keeping me safe. Sorry I—"

He cuts her off with a simple shake of his head.

"Don't mention it."

A beat passes, the tension between them morphing into something more comforting. Then he exhales, half grinning, "Look, if you're feeling that restless, call me. I'll figure out something less deadly for us to do. Maybe, like, an indoor trampoline park? Or a 24-hour axe-throwing place—assuming I can find one."

She can't help a laugh, short and heartfelt.

"Deal," She whispers, warmth surging through her that's separate from the mania.

She steps closer, going on her tiptoes to press a quick, grateful kiss to his lips. He returns it softly, lingering, the patter of rain around them creating a cocoon of sound.

When they pull apart, Nova's eyes shine, a mixture of mania and affection.

"Good night, Adrian," Her voice quivers at the edges, but she manages a steady smile.

"Night, Nova-bear."

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