Chapter 6 

 "¿Is it me?"

Bruno and I have been dating for a week. Today will be our first date, and I don't know where he's going to take me. That makes me very nervous.

Aster thought about that as she looked at herself in the mirror.

She looked at herself carefully and said quietly:

“I think I look bad today... these clothes look awful.”

She sighed.

“No, don't think like that... everything will be fine today. Relax.”

She went downstairs and ran into her mother.

“Where are you going?” her mother asked when she saw her all dressed up.

“On a date,” Aster replied nervously.

“Okay... but don't be late. It's dangerous outside,” her mother warned.

“Okay,” he said, leaving with his heart racing.

Bruno had told him he would wait for him in the park near his house. Knowing that calmed him down a little. Aster arrived at the park, excited to see Bruno. And there he was, standing next to a bench, smiling when he saw him.

“Hi,” said Bruno cheerfully.

“Hi...” replied Aster, somewhat shyly.

They looked at each other for a few seconds before Bruno gave him a big hug.

“Where are we going on our date?” asked Aster, with a nervous smile.

“It's a surprise,” replied Bruno, laughing a little as he took his hand. “Let's go.”

They walked toward the city center. Aster was quiet. Inside, he couldn't stop thinking:

“What if he doesn't like what I say? What if I do something weird? What if he gets bored with me?”

He just followed him, trying not to show his insecurity.

Bruno stopped in front of a café.

“We're here. Do you like it?”

“Um... yes,” replied Aster, although he wasn't so sure.

They went in. They found a table and sat down. The place was cozy, but Aster felt that the stares of the other patrons were making him feel uncomfortable.

“Oh, this looks delicious,” said Bruno, looking at the menu. “Do you see anything you like?”

“Um... I don't know... there are so many things.” I don't know what to order," said Aster, looking anxiously at the menu.

“Don't worry, order whatever you want, it's on me.”

“What?! No, no, don't worry... I'll pay for myself, you don't have to...”

“Aster, I brought you here,” smiled Bruno. “It's okay, really.”

But that only made Aster feel more uncomfortable.

The waiter arrived.

“What would you like to order?”

“I'll have a mocha coffee and a strawberry cake,” said Bruno.

“And you?” asked the waiter, looking at Aster.

Aster felt like everyone was staring at him. His mind went blank.

“I don't know what to order... I don't know what to do... Why am I always like this?”

“Um... I...” he stammered, his voice trembling.

Bruno looked at him, concerned.

“Do you want to order the same thing as me?”

“Yes... yes, that's better.”

The waiter took their orders and left.

“Are you okay?” Bruno asked him.

“Yes, don't worry... I just didn't know what to order,” said Aster, avoiding his gaze.

The food arrived. They ate in silence. Bruno tried to talk, but Aster barely said a word. Everything seemed too much for him. Too many people. Too much noise. Too much fear of failure.

When they finished, they left together and walked back. Bruno accompanied him home.

“Thanks for the date... I had a good time,” said Aster, looking down, not quite convinced by his own words.

“Uh... yeah, I had a good time too,” replied Bruno, confused.

There was an awkward silence.

“Are you sure everything's okay? You've been really quiet today,” asked Bruno in a soft voice.

Aster frowned, feeling exposed.

“Yes, I'm fine. See you in class. Take care. Let me know when you get home. Bye.”

He went inside without giving Bruno time to say anything else. Bruno stood there, in front of the door, his heart sinking and his head filled with questions.