Chapter [X+2]: The Movie Date (Revised)
I don't know why I was nervous. It was just a movie date.
But it was also one of my wishes.
And what made it even better-Diago was the one taking me.
I didn't want to give the Devil a reason to change his mind, so I got dressed quickly. He hadn't told me what we were watching. All he said was:
> "Be ready by seven. Wear something soft."
His deep, magnetic voice echoed in my head, making my stomach flutter.
I didn't even know what "something soft" meant, but I picked a light dress. Airy. Simple. Just in case.
When he arrived, he didn't speak at first. He stood at the doorway, silent, eyes scanning me from head to toe-face, neckline, legs-slowly.
> "Turn," he said, voice unreadable.
I turned, heat crawling up my neck. "Do I look okay?"
He let out a low hum.
> "Decent enough."
"Decent?" I raised a brow. "That's all I get?"
He didn't answer. Just opened the car door like a chauffeur, giving me that signature unreadable look-the one that said he was holding something back.
The ride was quiet. His hand rested on the steering wheel, controlling it like he was born to. Every movement was smooth. Measured. Captivating.
But he didn't speak. Didn't even glance my way. His mind was elsewhere.
Maybe he was just tired.
When we pulled into the movie plaza, he muttered,
> "Wait here. I forgot something in the trunk. I'll get the tickets too."
I nodded, brushing my fingers along the hem of my dress as he walked away. The sun was warm on my arms. I was about to check my phone when I heard-
> "Alora?"
I turned. My breath caught.
"Leo?"
He smiled wide, surprised. "I can't believe it. You look amazing."
I laughed. "Oh my God-Leo from Lit class?!"
We caught up quickly. I hadn't seen him since graduation. He looked different now. Taller. More confident. Still had that boyish grin, but his voice had matured. Stronger.
We laughed over silly throwbacks, old teachers, and memories I didn't realize I'd missed. I barely noticed how close we were standing.
> "You were always so quiet," I said, still smiling.
> "I was," he chuckled. "Too shy to say hi to you. Now look at us."
And then... he hugged me.
I froze for a split second, then hugged him back.
It wasn't romantic. Just friendly. Familiar.
But when I opened my eyes over his shoulder-
Diago was back.
He stood by the car, motionless.
Two drinks in his hands. Movie tickets slightly crumpled.
His eyes were locked on us. Cold. Intense.
I stepped away from Leo quickly.
> "Alora," Diago said, voice low. "The movie isn't going to wait all day."
"Right," I mumbled, walking over. "Diago-this is Leo. We were classmates."
Leo smiled, reaching out his hand.
Diago didn't move. Didn't blink.
Leo's hand hovered awkwardly, then dropped.
> "Well... it was nice seeing you again, Alora. Uh-here."
He pulled out a small card. "My number. In case you ever want to catch up properly."
Diago's body tensed beside me.
I took the card out of reflex. "Thanks."
Leo gave a nod and walked away.
Diago handed me a drink in silence and walked inside.
No comment. No smirk. Nothing.
---
The theater was dark. The movie started.
But my mind wasn't on the screen.
Diago sat stiffly beside me, arms crossed. His jaw clenched. He didn't look at me. Not when I laughed. Not when I teared up at the ending. Nothing.
The final scene wrecked me.
The girl died in her lover's arms, whispering his name. Rain fell like grief itself. The boy clutched her like he could hold her soul in place.
I wiped a tear, trying to be subtle.
Diago handed me a handkerchief without looking at me.
> "Not only are you talkative... now you're crying over fiction?"
His tone wasn't cruel-just cold. Detached.
I flinched. "It felt real. That's the point."
He said nothing.
When the movie ended, we walked out together. Still no words. Still no hand-holding. Just silence and tension.
Then-again-
> "Alora!"
Leo.
He jogged up to us.
> "Sorry-just wanted to ask. Could I maybe get your address? Or meet up sometime?"
The air froze.
Diago didn't move.
But I felt it-the storm rolling off him. His jaw clenched. His veins stood out. His chest rose like he was holding himself back.
I stepped closer to him, slipped my hand into his.
> "Leo," I said gently, "I'm really sorry... but I can't."
Leo blinked. "Oh-sure. I understand."
He gave a small nod and left.
Silence returned.
We walked back to the car. I finally stopped.
> "Diago?"
He didn't look at me.
I reached for his arm. "Did I do something wrong?"
Still nothing.
I stepped in front of him and placed my hands on his jaw, forcing him to look at me. His eyes were sharp. Possessive. Cold.
> "I thought your only friend was Sia."
"She is," I said softly. "Why?"
> "Then why did he hug you? Why did you take his number?"
His voice was low. Sharp enough to cut.
I smiled gently and opened my purse.
"He's just an old classmate. Nothing more. And I don't need his number."
I pulled out the card.
Held it between us.
Ripped it in half.
> "See? Problem solved."
Something flickered behind his eyes. A crack in the ice.
I tiptoed and kissed one cheek. Then the other. Then his forehead.
> "Now smile, Mr. Angry Lion. You're going to ruin our date with that face."
Finally-finally-a smirk tugged at his lips.
> "I am an angry lion," he murmured, voice low and dangerous. "And right now... I need some alone time with my prey."
His arms wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling me flush against him. His lips grazed my cheek, then dipped lower to my neck-slow. Teasing.
My breath hitched. "Diago... have some shame. We're outside."
He chuckled darkly against my skin.
> "Then don't tease me, kitten."
My cheeks flamed. My heart pounded.
And in that moment, wrapped in his arms, I knew-
He might still be angry.
But at least he was mine.
> "You've been a very naughty kitten today," he growled.
"Now... get in the car."