It all started with a dare.
"Zara, truth or dare?" Leo asked with that signature smirk as they walked through the night market after their group's impromptu meeting.
"Dare," Zara said without blinking. "Always."
Leo grinned. "I dare you… to go on a real date. With me."
Zara stopped mid-step. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Leo said casually, picking up a stick of grilled squid from a vendor. "One date. No snark, no sarcasm. Just two people, being soft and romantic, like in those cringey K-dramas you secretly binge."
She crossed her arms. "First of all, I don't binge them. Second, are you trying to get rejected in 4K?"
Leo leaned closer. "C'mon. One date. If it sucks, I'll wear a cat onesie to our next team meeting."
She paused. "With a bell?"
"Full bell. Tail optional."
Zara looked away, trying not to smile. "Fine. One date. But if you get clingy, I'm ghosting you in real life."
---
One Hour Later — Local Karaoke Bar
Leo hadn't expected Zara to actually sing.
But there she was—belting out a power ballad with enough emotion to make three couples in the room question their own relationships.
He clapped slowly when she finished. "Okay… that was actually hot."
Zara sat next to him, still catching her breath. "Told you. I'm not just sarcasm and combat boots."
Leo looked at her—really looked. "I know. I've always known."
She blinked. "Wait. Are you actually being sincere?"
He took a breath. "Z, I joke because I'm scared. Scared that if I say something real, you'll run."
She was quiet for a moment.
Then she whispered, "What if I'm scared too?"
The tension between them was suddenly so thick, even the karaoke machine paused.
Leo reached over and took her hand. "Then maybe we're both cowards… who need to be brave for five minutes."
Her fingers curled around his.
"Okay," she said. "Let's be brave."
---
Twenty Minutes Later — Street Outside
They walked in silence, shoulders brushing.
"No kiss tonight," Zara said suddenly.
Leo smirked. "Aw, why not?"
"Because if we start that, I might not want to stop."
Leo blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Oh."
She glanced at him. "Still want that second date?"
He grinned. "I'd take a thousand."