Brian slicked his stiff hair back with a grin. "Told you I'm the speed."
"I literally just stepped outside, honey" Katie hopping onto the back of his bike.
"Funny how you only rush when my dad isn't home," she teased.
"Haha, so you want to go for a walk after the movie?" he replied flirtatiously.
"I'll think about that later. let's roll," she added, without waiting for a reply.
"Rock n' Rollin!" Brian revved the engine, and the two-wheeler shot off toward the city's iconic movie theater. It stood tall and proud in the heart of Los Angeles, the "Angeles Complex," its spotlight beams slicing through the dusk sky like searchlights.
No matter where you came from, you knew this place was the crown jewel of the city.
The horizon faded into a burnt orange glow as the buildings lit up one by one, welcoming the night. Even from space, LA's night glow was clearly visible. Eventually, the bike came to a smooth stop in front of the theater, buzzing with people.
"We're here~" Brian announced.
He let Katie off near the entrance and sped off to find parking. She walked up to the ticket booth—a quirky robot with a TV screen for a face. Moments later, Brian darted through the crowd and pulled out his phone.
"I got this," he said, paying for the tickets before she could protest.
"Well, aren't you a gentleman? Thanks, hon'." Katie smiled and looped her arm through his.
The entrance floor shimmered with star-shaped lights, each etched with the names of Hollywood legends. Brian chuckled. "If it weren't for you, I'd be spending this cash on tater tots."
He scanned the robot's face screen, and a small amount was deducted from his account. The bot gestured them inside, where they settled into the plush seats of the massive theater, popcorn in hand. More people trickled in as the minutes passed. The two chatted about school, laughing and teasing each other, until the lights dimmed.
"Woohoo! Showtime!" Brian cheered, nudging Katie's thigh playfully.
The air was cool, perfect for a nap if not for the booming speakers. The sweet scent of Katie's perfume drifted toward him, making his heart race.
"Smells nice. What perfume is that? Vanver? Escanal?" he asked, leaning closer to her shoulder.
Katie grabbed his hand gently. "More like… 'ILY[1].'"
"Wahow~, was not expecting that." Brian shivered at the cheesy line, goosebumps rising on his arms. "Your hand's freezing, babe," he said, while checking her out with that alluring look.
"Huh, Romeo—you'll pee your pants after this," she said.
BOOM! A deafening explosion rocked the theater. Screams echoed—prisoners, soldiers, chaos. A splash of red mist hit Brian's face. It was a hyper-realistic 3D hologram from the film.
"Ahh! Blood!" Katie gasped, wiping her face in panic.
Brian laughed, clearly enjoying the action. "Haha, look who's peeing now! God, This is wild!"
The movie followed a soldier trained as part of the nation's final defense force, sent to the scorching deserts to stop a nuclear war and prevent World War III. They watched the epic battle scenes together. In the climax, the soldier sacrificed himself to intercept a missile and save the world.
"That's my man right there!" Brian shouted, fist-pumping the air.
[1] I love you.