The morning workout was all hustle—reps, playlists, giggles, and a tiny bit of showing off. Now the sweat has dried, the leggings still hug just right, and Candie’s vintage Saucony sneakers are laced up like he’s ready for anything (even though he’s already done plenty).
He’s flanked by her besties, strutting out of the gym like they own the sidewalk. Candie’s sipping his iced oat latte with vanilla cold foam, the kind that makes his nose crinkle and his heart grin.
Taylor’s rambling about last night’s date (a total himbo, Candie silently decides)…
“…and then he ordered a second salad for himself—like, who does that on a first date?” Taylor rolled her eyes dramatically, straw twirling in her half-empty iced matcha.
Candie nearly snorted into his latte. “Wait, was it like, a protein bowl situation, or was he just really into kale?”
“He said it helped him think clearly,” Taylor said with a shrug, then shot Candie a sly grin. “But actually… his roommate is kinda cute. I could totally set up a double date if you’re—”
Candie choked softly, hand fluttering to his cheek with a flushed little laugh. “Me? Oh, no, I mean… I wouldn’t even know what to wear!” His sneakers shifted nervously on the pavement, the little silver charm on his anklet catching the light.
“Girl, please,” chimed in Jess, “you could wear those leggings and have him whipped before the appetizers.”
Candie ducked his head, hiding his smile in his coffee. He didn’t say yes. But he didn’t say no, either.
“…wait, is that a little smile I see there?” Taylor teased, leaning in with mock suspicion.
Gina didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, it is! He’s actually considering it. Look at him, already planning the girly outfit in his head.”
Candie rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the grin spreading across his face. “Stop it. I’m not planning anything. I don’t even know the guy.”
Taylor raised her brows. “So? That’s the point of a blind date. And anyway, he’s super chill. You’d vibe. Plus, you in your cute little sneakers and that flirty-awkward giggle you do? Girl, you’d have him wrapped around your pinky before the drinks even land.”
“Pfft,” Candie laughed, sipping his latte to hide the blush rising in his cheeks. “Y’all are too much. What if I’m… I don’t know, not what he’s expecting? What if he…you know…doesn’t like girly boys?”
Gina waved that off. “Candie, your tomboy charm is exactly the kind of ‘unexpected’ that guys go crazy for. It’s relaxed, it’s real—it’s kinda flirty without even trying. No guy in his right mind would turn you down.”
Taylor leaned in again, grin full of mischief. “So should I text him? Just a casual double date. Coffee and a stroll. You in?”
Candie bit his glossed lip, eyes flicking between his besties, heart doing that little flutter thing. He gave a tiny shrug and a whisper-soft, “Maybe…”
And that was all they needed.
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