The excitement of their new relationship was still fresh when Josh finally asked Camille on their first official date. It had been a few days since they confessed their feelings for each other, and while they had spent time together since then, this was different. This wasn’t just two friends hanging out—this was a date.

The entire day, Camille had been a ball of nerves. As she stood in front of her closet, trying to decide what to wear, she couldn’t stop thinking about how much had changed between them. She had known Josh for what felt like forever, and now that they were finally together, everything felt new and exciting, but also nerve-wracking.

After what felt like an eternity of trying on different outfits, she finally settled on a simple yet chic look: a soft lavender dress with a jean jacket and ankle boots. Casual but cute, something that felt like her. She took one last look in the mirror, took a deep breath, and headed downstairs, where her dad, Shawn, was waiting.

Shawn had been protective, more so since everything that had happened with the stalker, but he trusted Josh. Still, he couldn’t resist making a little fuss. "So, this is your first date with Josh, huh?" he asked with a teasing smile, leaning against the kitchen counter as she entered the room.

"Dad, don't make it weird," Camille said with a smile, adjusting her jacket. "It's just a date."

"Just a date? With Josh?" Shawn raised his eyebrows. "That's a big deal. I remember him when he was just a kid, and now... well, I guess time flies."

Camille rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. "You act like I'm still ten. I'm sixteen now, remember?"

"I know," Shawn said with a sigh, giving her a quick hug. "Just... be careful, okay? Not about Josh, but you know, in general. If anything feels off, call me."

"I will, Dad. Promise."

Just as Shawn was about to say more, the doorbell rang. Camille’s heart did a small flip. Josh was here.

---

When she opened the door, Josh stood there, looking as handsome as ever in his dark jeans, a simple black button-down, and that easy smile that always made her feel at ease. In his hand, he held a small bouquet of daisies, her favorite flowers.

"Hey," he said softly, his eyes lighting up when he saw her. "You look amazing."

Camille blushed, taking the flowers from him. "Thanks. So do you."

Shawn gave Josh a friendly but firm handshake, and after a few more dad-like reminders, Camille and Josh were finally out the door.

---

Josh had planned something simple for their first date, knowing that Camille was still easing back into things after the past few months of chaos. They took a walk through Central Park as the sun began to set, the vibrant hues of pink, orange, and gold reflecting off the lake.

They talked about everything and nothing—about school, their friends, and how strange but exciting it felt to finally be on a date together. Camille couldn’t help but laugh as Josh told her a story about Riley and Maya’s latest antics, their laughter filling the quiet evening air.

After their walk, Josh took her to a small café nearby that was known for its amazing hot chocolate. The warm, cozy atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind, and they sat by the window, sipping their drinks as they continued to talk. Being with Josh felt so easy, like everything in the world was just... right. He always knew how to make her feel comfortable, even when she was nervous.

As the evening went on, they found themselves sitting closer, their knees brushing under the table. There was a tension in the air, but it wasn’t awkward. It was the kind of tension that comes from two people realizing how much they care about each other.

Josh cleared his throat, looking a little shy for the first time that night. "So... I’ve been thinking about this date for a while now. I wanted it to be perfect, but I realized that it doesn’t matter what we do. Just being with you... that’s what makes it special."

Camille’s heart melted at his words. "This is perfect, Josh. It’s exactly what I wanted."

Josh smiled, looking relieved. Then, after a pause, he leaned in slightly, his voice soft. "Can I... can I kiss you?"

Her breath caught, and for a second, time seemed to stop. She had imagined this moment a thousand times, but nothing could have prepared her for the way her heart fluttered in her chest when she looked into his eyes.

Without saying a word, Camille nodded, and Josh gently cupped her face in his hand, his thumb brushing her cheek. Slowly, he leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, tender kiss that sent a wave of warmth through her. It wasn’t rushed or intense; it was sweet and perfect, like a promise of all the moments they still had ahead of them.

When they finally pulled away, both of them were smiling, their faces flushed.

"That was..." Josh began, grinning. "Worth the wait."

Camille laughed, her heart still racing. "Yeah. Definitely."

---

After the café, Josh walked her home, the cool night air wrapping around them as they strolled through the quiet streets. They held hands the whole way, their fingers intertwined, both of them enjoying the simple pleasure of being together.

When they reached her doorstep, Josh turned to her, his smile soft but sincere. "I had an amazing time tonight."

"Me too," Camille said, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you for... everything."

Josh chuckled. "You don’t have to thank me. I should be thanking you for agreeing to go out with me."

Camille bit her lip, her heart full as she looked up at him. "I’m glad we finally did this."

Josh nodded, stepping closer. "So... when’s the second date?"

Camille grinned, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his cheek. "Soon. Very soon."

With a final smile, Josh waved goodbye, watching her walk inside before heading down the street. Camille closed the door, her heart still racing, a smile permanently etched on her face.

That night, as she lay in bed, Camille couldn’t stop thinking about how perfect the evening had been. Their first date had been everything she had hoped for and more—sweet, fun, and filled with moments she knew she’d never forget.

And as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn’t help but feel excited for what came next—for all the dates, the adventures, and the memories they would make together.