We arrived at the supermarket and I went straight to get a cart. She walked beside me with that quiet confidence that seemed to dominate any environment. "Can I call you Edu?" she asked, her voice slightly provocative. I looked at her for a second and just nodded. "Yes, you can." She smiled, satisfied. "Then let's buy the meat first… Edu." The way she said my name made something strange happen inside me. "Sure," I replied, trying to seem normal. At the butcher's, we chose a nice fillet. She seemed to know her stuff, commenting on the doneness of the meat, the seasonings… I just agreed, feigning maturity. Then we went to the vegetable section. And that's when it got dangerous. She walked in front of me, her dress gently outlining her body. Each step was natural… but it seemed calculated. I tried to look at the shelves, at the prices, at anything. But my eyes always returned to her. She noticed. Of course she noticed. She turned her face over her shoulder and gave me that teasing smile. "Just don't trip and fall, okay?" she said, with that look that mixed amusement and challenge. I felt my face heat up, but this time something different happened. I mustered a courage I didn't even know I had. I looked away from her body and stared directly into her green eyes."I'm trying really hard not to do that," I replied, giving my best smile. For a moment, she was silent. Her smile changed. It wasn't just teasing anymore. It was curiosity. Maybe surprise. And maybe… something more. The cart stopped between us. The supermarket was still crowded, people passing by, carts bumping, voices in the background. But at that moment it seemed like only the two of us existed. And I was beginning to realize that this game wasn't as innocent as it seemed. When choosing the vegetables, she analyzed everything carefully, as if every detail mattered. She picked up a cabbage, carefully evaluating the leaves, then reached for a cucumber. The way she held it… slow, firm, almost studying its shape before putting it in the cart… made my brain work too fast. I felt the heat rise in my face. She noticed. Of course she noticed. When she looked up at me, there was that mischievous look—discreet, but full of intention. I didn't say anything. Neither did I. But the silence between us felt different. Heavier. More conscious. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure, and pushed the cart to the next section. "Is there anything else you need?" I asked, feigning nonchalance. "Maybe some wine," she replied, as if nothing had happened. We went to the drinks section. She calmly chose the bottle, running her fingers over the label before placing it in the cart. "To go with the meat," she explained, but her smile said it wasn't just that. We paid for the groceries almost in silence. The way back was strange. There were no more innocent jokes. There was anticipation. When we entered the building, the elevator seemed too small for the two of us. And I was beginning to realize that this night might not just be a special dinner.
