Two Worlds Between us

After classes, Lua and Barron walked to the museum, the cloudy sky and light rain creating a calm, almost magical atmosphere. The museum was empty, making the place feel even more spacious, and they could observe the sculptures without hurry, enjoying the peaceful vibe. Lua was fascinated by the works of art, but Barron... well, Barron seemed more focused on something much more complex.

He was so distracted by his own thoughts that, every now and then, he would make small jumps or sigh deeply, as if he were trying to make a important decision. For a moment, Lua thought he was calculating the safest way to ask for an autograph from a famous artist. But no, he was simply trying to decide if he had the courage to ask a question.

After a few minutes, they stopped in front of an abstract sculpture, and Barron, visibly nervous, suddenly froze, as if he had been shocked. He was so quiet that Lua thought for a second that he had turned into a statue too. She looked at him, curious.

- Barron, are you okay? - She asked, noticing how confused and a little pale he looked. - You look like you're about to faint!

Barron blinked several times, almost falling backward, before he started to speak, but his voice came out very softly, almost as if he were trying to solve a great philosophical dilemma.

- Uh... it's... Lua... I... I have a question, but... you know... I don't know if I should - He was stuttering so much that it seemed like his tongue wasn't working properly.

Lua looked at him with curiosity.

- Barron, just say it! - She said, laughing at him. - If you don't ask it soon, I'm going to think you're asking for my help to save the world from an alien apocalypse!

Barron looked like he might actually faint at any moment, but he took a deep breath and, finally, blurted out the question, in a totally disconnected way:

- Lua... you... ever... ever dated anyone?

Lua looked at him, surprised, but also amused. She couldn't help but smile at his nervousness. Barron was as red as a tomato, and she felt an urge to make the conversation even more uncomfortable for him, just to have some fun.

- Why the question? - She raised an eyebrow. - Dated? Hmm... never! And, by the way, I've never kissed anyone either. - Lua said calmly.

Barron was in shock. He opened his mouth, speechless, staring at her as if he had just heard a science fiction story. His face turned even redder, and he swallowed hard, trying to process the information. It seemed like he was waiting for Lua to say it was a joke, but nope.

- Really? Never? - He asked, still incredulous. - But you're 18! How come? And... nothing ever happened? Really?

Lua chuckled softly, enjoying his reaction, but she was calm and sure about her answer.

- Yep, never. I've always thought that dating is something serious, you know? I've never met someone who made me want to do that. I prefer to wait for the right moment. I don't see the point in rushing things just because everyone else does, you know?

Barron was still trying to process it, but after a few seconds, he mumbled:

- Wow, I didn't expect that!

- And you, Mr. Trump, have you ever dated anyone? - She asked, sounding like a detective.

- I... I have, yes, but it was something temporary - He said, looking away, blushing.

After a few minutes, Lua looked at him with a mischievous smile. She was starting to see how cute he was with his shyness, and it only made her more curious to continue the conversation.

- Oh, so you've dated someone? - She asked, teasing, still enjoying the situation. - That's good to know, Barron!

- Yes... just once. But it wasn't anything big, it was pretty... temporary. It wasn't serious, like a movie romance. I'm a bit lost when it comes to these things. - He looked at her with a nervous smile.

Lua laughed, no longer able to hold back her amusement.

- You're so shy, Barron! - She gave him a light shove, making him blush even more. - But it's good to know you've had a "romance," huh?

He laughed nervously, wanting to change the subject. But Lua, with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, had an idea.

- And you, Barron... - She started with a mysterious tone. - Do you think I'm ready for my first kiss?

Barron, who was already completely lost in the conversation, practically choked on his own saliva. He turned quickly, his face so red it seemed like he had been steamed.

- What? - He asked, his voice faltering. - No... I don't know! I think it's you who should know... about something like that!

Lua laughed even more, loving his reaction. She was completely enjoying his shyness.

- I just wanted to know if you'd be the right person for... Forget it! - Lua said with a mischievous smile, looking at him in a way he couldn't interpret.

Barron, completely embarrassed, gave a nervous laugh.

- Well, it's getting late... - He said, sounding like he wanted to run away from here.

Lua couldn't hold back anymore, laughing out loud this time.