Daniel had been buzzing all week about their third date.

Beth could practically feel his excitement through the small things, little countdowns he sent at random times of the day, voice notes filled with nervous laughter, and that one text where he accidentally sent eight screaming emojis in a row before apologizing. It was sweet, and it made her feel warm in a way she wasn’t used to.

Now they were standing outside the arena, the huge glowing sign Daniel Caesar – Live, lighting up the night. The crowd around them pulsed with energy, the air rich with excitement and perfume. Beth wasn’t even inside yet, but her chest was already vibrating with the bass of the pre-show playlist.

You ready? Daniel asked with a grin that reached all the way to his eyes.

Beth smiled. I’ve been ready since the day you told me.

He chuckled and, after a tiny moment of hesitation, slipped his hand into hers. Beth’s stomach fluttered as she squeezed back.

Inside the arena, the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted in a roar. Purple beams cut across the smoke-filled air, and then Daniel Caesar’s smooth voice slid over the room like velvet.

 Beth felt Daniel lean close to whisper, 

This one is my favorite,

before the chorus dropped, and she found herself laughing because he looked like a kid seeing his hero live for the first time. 

Through the songs, they grew more comfortable, shoulders brushing, singing along badly, catching each other’s eyes and laughing during the high notes they missed.

There were small glances Daniel kept giving her, warm, soft, almost shy. Each one made her melt a little more.

During a break between songs, they left to grab drinks. Daniel handed her a cup just as a voice called out from behind them.

Daniel?

Beth turned. Her breath caught.

The woman approaching them was stunning. Effortlessly stunning. Glossy curls, perfect makeup, sharp jawline, a cropped concert tee with leather pants that looked like they were tailored for her body. Her smile was confident the kind of confidence that didn’t need permission to exist.

Daniel blinked. Karina…. Hey.

Karina.

She looked Beth up and down with a polite little smile. And who’s this?

Daniel cleared his throat. This is Beth... My Date.

Beth managed a soft.. Hi, even though her pulse was hammering.

Karina’s eyes flicked over Beth again, this time with a faint smirk. 

She’s cute.

Cute.

Not beautiful.

Not stunning.

Just cute.

Beth swallowed, forcing a smile she didn’t feel. Karina continued chatting with Daniel effortlessly funny, effortlessly confident, effortlessly everything. Beth felt like she was shrinking just standing beside her.

When Karina finally waved and disappeared back into the crowd, Daniel let out a breath and looked embarrassed. That was my ex.... Sorry about that. I didn’t think we would run into my ex today.

It’s fine, Beth said too quickly, her voice a little tight. Really.

But it wasn’t fine. The entire time they walked back to their seats, Beth felt a heavy knot tightening in her chest. She kept replaying the way Karina had smiled, the way Daniel had once looked at her, the ease between them. The difference between Karina’s bold presence and Beth’s softer, quieter one felt huge all of a sudden.

The rest of the concert was beautiful and magical, but Beth struggled to enjoy it. Daniel kept giving her soft smiles, nudging her playfully, trying to pull her back into the moment, but her thoughts kept drifting back to that comparison she didn’t ask for but couldn’t stop making.

Why me?

Why would he choose me after someone like her?

Am I enough?

By the final song, Beth’s smile felt fragile and thin.

After the show, they exited the arena into the cool night. Fans spilled into the streets, humming melodies and replaying videos they recorded. Daniel turned to her with a hopeful smile. I had a really good night with you.

You did? Beth asked before she could stop herself.

Yeah, he said, a gentle laugh escaping. Didn’t you?

She hesitated, forcing a smile. Yeah. I really did.

Daniel stepped closer, nervous in a way that made him endearing. I want to see you again.

Beth’s heart should’ve leapt, and part of it did. but another part was drowned by the insecurity still weighing on her chest.

 Before she could say anything, Daniel leaned in, ever so slightly, clearly unsure. Beth leaned in too, the moment soft and trembling…

Then Daniel panicked, freezing halfway. He flinched back, stumbling over his words. S…sorry, I didn’t want to assume… I just

It’s okay, Beth whispered, though the rejection stung more than she expected.

Daniel’s cheeks flushed. I really am sorry.

Don’t worry, she forced out, but the air between them felt different now, not warm and sweet, but awkward and bruised.

They said goodbye. Daniel gave her one more hopeful smile, and she gave him a small one back, her chest tight and aching.

Later that night, Daniel texted her:

Got home safe! Hope you did too 😊

Tonight was amazing.

Beth stared at her screen.

Her insecurities whispered louder than her feelings.

Karina’s perfect face replayed in her mind.

Daniel’s nervous flinch felt like confirmation of all the doubts she already carried.

Maybe he realized I’m not as pretty.

Maybe I’m not his type.

Maybe someone like him deserves someone like her.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.

But she didn’t reply.

Not that night.