casey and izzie I don't need it to be easy

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the window and gently woke me from sleep. I blinked drowsily and reached for my phone on the bedside table. Two messages were waiting to be read: one from Evan and one from Izzie.

I opened Evan's message first: *"Hey Casey, I'm sorry about last night."* I sighed. *He's apologizing, but somehow I still feel hurt.* My heart felt heavy, and I set the phone aside for a moment. *Why does he always have to be so stubborn?*

After taking a deep breath, I opened Izzie's message: *"Hey, good morning Newton! I'm really looking forward to our hiking adventure. I'll pick you up at 10, is that okay?"* I couldn't help but smile. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

I typed back: *"Yes, that's perfect. I'm really looking forward to our hiking adventure too! See you later!"* My finger hovered over the send button for a moment before I finally pressed it. A warm feeling spread through my chest. *Hanging out with Izzie is going to be amazing.*

I swung out of bed and walked over to the wardrobe. *What should I wear?* After a bit of thought, I decided on my favorite jeans and a comfortable t-shirt.

In the kitchen, I grabbed my backpack from the hook and began packing it. A water bottle, a few snacks, and—with a grin—a pack of Twizzlers, Izzie's favorite candy. *She's definitely going to be happy.*

While I looked around the kitchen, I noticed the family photo on the refrigerator. *I should let Mom know I'm heading out.* But before I could do that, the doorbell rang.

My heart skipped a beat as I opened the door and found Izzie standing there. She was wearing a casual outfit, and her cheeks were slightly flushed, probably from the fresh morning air.

"Hey, Izzie!" I greeted her with a broad smile.

"Hey, Newton!" she replied brightly, and without hesitation, we hugged. I felt the warmth of her embrace, and a slight tingle ran down my back. *Why am I suddenly feeling so nervous?*

"Ready for our adventure?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Absolutely!" I answered, trying to hide my sudden nervousness. "I even packed your favorite candy."

She grinned. "Twizzlers? You know me too well."

We walked to the car and got in. As she started the engine, soft music filled the vehicle—a song I knew and liked. "I love this song!" I said, leaning back in my seat.

"I knew you'd like it," Izzie said with a sideways glance at me.

During the drive, we chatted about school. "Have you studied for the math test next week?" she asked.

I made a face. "A little, but honestly, I still don't quite understand the new topic."

"Maybe we can team up and study together?" she suggested.

"Thanks, that would be great." *She's always so helpful,* I thought, feeling that warm feeling again.

Then I told her about my new favorite series. "It's about a group of friends who go on adventures and surpass their own limits."

"That sounds exciting," she said with interest. "Maybe we should watch it together."

"Yeah, definitely!" I replied enthusiastically.

As she drove, I watched her out of the corner of my eye—the way the wind played with her hair through the open window, or how focused she was on the road. *Why am I suddenly noticing all of this?* My heart started beating a little faster, and I felt my hands getting slightly sweaty.

"Everything okay?" she suddenly asked, glancing at me.

"Uh, yeah, of course!" I answered hastily, hoping she wouldn't notice the blush on my face. *Pull it together, Casey. She's your girlfriend.*