Benched

The boy and girl, who obviously liked each other, sat awkwardly on the bed. Their bodies were slightly tense, and their gazes shifted nervously around the room.

There was a palpable yet unspoken tension between them as if they were unsure of how to bridge the gap between friendship and something more. They maintained a cautious distance, their shoulders barely touching, while their fingers fidgeted with the fabric of the bedsheet. The air felt charged with anticipation as if they were both waiting for the other to make a move.

Despite their mutual attraction, their lack of ease in this intimate setting created a sense of discomfort that was reflected in their body language and strained conversation. It was evident that their feelings for each other lingered beneath the surface, but the room was filled with unspoken words and unexpressed desires.

"So", Zephyr muttered, refusing to look to his left.

"So", Alex responded, similarly refusing to look to her right.

A few minutes passed and a look of frustration appeared on Zephyr's face. Sighing, he turned to look at Alex, who emulated his actions and looked at his face. "I was wondering ..." Zephyr began.

"Yes?", Alex asked, a hint of excitement evident in her voice.

"My friend recommended this cafe to me and I wanted to ask if you wanted to come with me", Zephyr muttered, speeding up towards the end.

"Yes", Alex shyly answered, turning to look down at the floor, giving Zephyr a perfect view of her blushing cheeks.

Quickly enough, the awkward atmosphere evaporated with Alex and Zephyr sitting comfortably, engaging in a deep and animated conversation. Their faces were lit up with genuine smiles, and their eyes locked with an intensity that revealed their connection.

As they spoke, their words flowed effortlessly, punctuated by shared laughter and moments of thoughtful silence. Their body language was open and relaxed, leaning in towards each other, displaying a clear sense of interest and attentiveness. They were completely engrossed in each other's company, eagerly sharing stories and memories.

It was as if time stood still, and the world around them faded into the background. Their conversations were filled with moments of understanding, as they effortlessly finished each other's sentences and regularly exchanged knowing glances. The chemistry between them was palpable, and their interactions were a harmonious dance of intellectual stimulation and emotional connection. It was evident to Mitchell and Haley, who were observing them, that the two shared something special, a deep bond fueled by their mutual affection and attraction.

[Time Skip]

As they strolled through the bustling city streets, two individuals who harboured a mutual fondness for one another but were not officially dating embarked on a leisurely exploration. Their steps synchronized, each movement exuding a sense of comfort and ease. They exchanged stolen glances, their eyes meeting fleetingly, but lingering long enough to convey an unspoken connection.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by occasional laughter that blended harmoniously with the cacophony of urban sounds surrounding them. As they wandered through the cityscape, their destination secondary to the enjoyment of each other's company, they occasionally brushed against one another—a gentle graze of fingertips or a subtle hip bump. These fleeting touches ignited a flurry of excitement, leaving them both wanting more.

Their interactions were peppered with subtle hints of flirtation, a dance of innuendos and teasing banter that betrayed their underlying attraction. They revelled in the delicious tension, cherishing the electric energy that crackled between them as they navigated the bustling streets and vibrant alleys.

From time to time, they would pause to admire the city's architectural wonders or take in the breathtaking views. Their eyes, however, often wandered towards each other, their gazes lingering for a moment longer than necessary, basking in the shared affinity they held.

Though their status remained undefined, their journey through the city spoke volumes. They revelled in the simple pleasure of each other's presence, cherishing the delicate dance of friendship and romance that defined their uncharted path. And as they continued their exploration, their hearts brimmed with anticipation, secretly hoping that their affection would eventually blossom into something more profound.

Unfortunately, their journey came to an end, as they found themselves standing outside a cafe, nestled comfortably in the heart of the town. It exuded a quaint charm with its rustic decor and warm, earthy tones. The walls were adorned with vintage artwork and shelves displayed a collection of well-loved books. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, inviting patrons to settle into the cosy nooks and corners. Soft, mellow music played in the background, creating a soothing ambience.

Stepping inside, Alex and Zephyr were momentarily awed by how homely and welcoming the cafe appeared. Seeing the looks on their faces, one of the waiters smiled and guided them towards a table in the corner of the cafe. After sitting down and making their order, the two individuals began conversing intimately with bright smiles on their faces.

Outside the cafe, sitting in the driver's seat with binoculars in her hand, a blonde muttered, "Ugh. I can't see them anymore".

"I know what to do Claire", the Latino woman who sat next to Claire with binoculars and a baby muttered.

"What Gloria?", Claire asked.

"Let's go into the cafe", Gloria suggested, "That way we can hear what they're saying".

"That sounds like a great idea", Claire complemented, "But how are we going to get in there without them noticing us?"

"That's easy", Gloria replied, "Disguises". Gloria pulled out a bag, which contained wigs and glasses, from the back seats.

Hurriedly grabbing a black wig, Claire paused for a second, turning to look at Gloria, "Do you think it's weird that we're spying on two teenagers".

"Nooooo", Gloria waved off her concerns, "We're just making sure that they don't do anything inappropriate. Regardless of how mature they are, they are teenagers in the end and teenagers do things spontaneously".

"What do you think Lily?", Claire asked. Instead of answering, Lily picked up sunglasses with the lens shaped like stars.

"I think that's your answer", Gloria said, putting on a sunhat on top of her blonde wig.

[In the cafe]

Unaware of the plot, Alex and Zephyr continued their conversations, laughing occasionally at a comment or joke one of them made. Unfortunately, their joy wouldn't last long. A group of three teenage girls walked down the street and paused when one of them noticed the two. The girl then pointed at Zephyr and Alex, bringing the attention of the other two girls in the group to what was happening.

After discussing between them, the girls didn't hesitate to enter the cafe and made their way towards the two, who finally noticed the trio of teenagers headed their way. Halting their conversation, Zephyr looked at the three girls with a strained smile and forced out a greeting, "Hey".

"Jenna", Alex greeted, recognising the leader of the trio, "Emma. Olivia".

"Hey guys", Jenna greeted, "What are you talking about?"

"Jenna", Emma intervened, "Can't you see they're on a date"

"No way", Olivia argued, "There's no way he's actually dating Alex".

"I have to agree with her", Jenna added, "Zephyr's so hot, while Alex is so ... meh".

"That's so rude", Emma whispered, giving Alex and Zephyr a side glance with an apologetic look on her face.

Just as Zephyr was about to say something, they were cut off by two voices.

"How dare you call Alex ugly?", a woman with brown hair and sunglasses asked.

"Yeah", a woman with blonde hair and a baby on her lap added, "She's so cute and smart and funny and clearly better than you".

Staring at the two women, Alex muttered, "Mom. Gloria"

"What are you doing here?", Zephyr asked, "And with such bad disguises as well".

"I thought I looked quite good", Gloria argued, running her fingers through her blonde hair.

"Were you following us?", Alex asked, disbelief evident in her voice.

"Yes. I mean no", Claire stuttered, "That doesn't matter".

"Exactly my point", Gloria said, nodding her head, "What matters is that these girls were insulting Alex".

"Like hell it doesn't!", Alex screamed, "You're embarrassing me in front of my classmates".

"And that's what you care about?!", Claire shouted back, "And not about how rude these girls are being to you, huh?"

"Enough!", Zephyr shouted, having had enough, "We will talk about this later. Let's go Alex", he commanded and grabbed Alex's hand, walking away from the commotion, leaving a few notes at the counter before exiting. Alex didn't respond, too busy blushing from the sensation of Zephyr's hand in hers.

"Ayyy", Gloria muttered, "I think we made them angry Claire". Then, under the stupefied gazes of the three girls, they too walked away.

[Time Skip]

"I can't believe you followed me!", Alex shouted, "I thought you trusted me!".

"I do trust you Alex", Claire pleaded, "But you're still a teenager. You can't expect me not to worry".

"So your immediate reaction is to wear a disguise and stalk me, huh!", Alex screamed.

"It's fine", Zephyr tried calming her down by placing his hand on her shoulder.

Alex slowly calmed down, feeling his hand on her shoulder, and let out a sigh. "I get it, but you know me and Zephyr. You should have confidence in us".

"I know", Claire muttered, "And I'm sorry. I promise I won't do it again".

"You better not", Alex retorted.

"See. Everything's better now", Zephyr said.

"I should apologise to you too Zephyr", Claire said.

"No need Mrs Dunphy", Zephyr said, shaking his hands, "I forgive you. It's fine".

Claire let out a sigh of relief, and muttered, "Thank you. Despite how I was at the start, you were always calm and receptive, putting Alex before you. So, I give you my permission to date Alex".

Hearing her words, their cheeks reddened, with Zephyr coughing into his hand. "Thank you", he muttered, just quiet enough for Claire to hear.