Shadowflame

First dates aren't supposed to feel like an interdimensional diplomatic summit, right? Wrong. When you're Harry freaking Potter—a wizard-turned-superhero from another dimension, heir to a mountain of gold, son of Wonder Woman, and, oh yeah, juggling four girlfriends—nothing is ever simple. Especially when the girl sitting across from you is Zatanna Zatara, with eyes so piercingly blue you'd swear she could hypnotize you without a spell.

And by the way, drop dead gorgeous.

We were seated at a small café tucked into the heart of Metropolis, a cozy little place Zatanna had picked. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow on the outdoor tables, and the air was filled with the smell of freshly baked pastries and coffee. It was… perfect. Or at least, it would be if my palms weren't sweating through the anti-perspiration charm I'd slapped on them earlier.

"So," she began, propping her chin on her hand as her smile played at the edges of mischief. "Tell me, Harry—what exactly is the point of these glasses? Is it a Clark Kent homage, or are you just trying to look intellectual for me?"

I adjusted the charmed glasses on my nose, the ones that ensured no one gave us a second glance, and leaned back in my chair. "Intellectual, obviously. I mean, have you seen me? Add these bad boys, and I'm basically the wizarding Ryan Gosling."

Zatanna snorted, a laugh escaping her that lit up her face. "Right. Because nothing screams 'sexy brooding intellect' like the guy who literally punches magical problems in the face."

"I'll have you know my approach is both refined and strategic," I shot back, smirking. "And hey, the glasses work. Look around—no one's even batting an eye at us."

"Hmm," she mused, taking a slow sip of her latte and letting her gaze linger on me for a beat longer than necessary. "I guess they're doing some heavy lifting."

Touché.

For the record, the glasses weren't just about anonymity. Tonight was about something more. A date. A real one. Not the 'meeting over the smoking remains of a battlefield' kind of bonding my life typically involves. And Zatanna? She deserved a night where she wasn't "Zatanna the Magnificent" and I wasn't "Shadowflame, the Guy Who Set Black Adam's Jaw Back a Century."

"So, do your girlfriends know about this?" she asked, her voice teasing, but her eyes sharp.

Ah, there it was. The elephant—or rather, the herd of elephants—in the room.

"They do," I said, meeting her gaze. "We've talked. A lot. Dee's surprisingly chill about all of this. Kara's fine as long as I'm honest, and Kori and Tia think the more, the merrier. But if you're uncomfortable, we can call this off. No hard feelings."

Zatanna tilted her head, studying me like she was reading a spellbook. "You know, most guys wouldn't be that upfront about it. I appreciate the honesty, Harry."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that secrets don't end well. Honesty might not always make things easier, but it makes them simpler."

She smiled again, this time softer, and leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. "Okay, then. Let's see how this goes."

The air between us lightened considerably after that. The conversation flowed easily—quips, stories, and the occasional banter about our respective approaches to magic.

"So, what's your guilty pleasure spell?" Zatanna asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Summoning snacks," I said without hesitation. "I've mastered a charm that brings me perfectly warm cookies no matter where I am."

Her laugh was bright, musical. "Seriously? You've got interdimensional magic at your fingertips, and that's how you use it?"

"Hey, you don't know what it's like having four girlfriends who can burn calories by existing. Snacks are essential."

"Fair enough," she conceded, grinning.

"Your turn," I said, gesturing for her to spill.

Zatanna leaned back, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright, but no judging. I have a spell that lets me instantaneously change my outfit. Do you know how annoying it is to deal with costume changes between shows and heroics?"

I raised my hands in surrender. "No judgment. I've enchanted my armor to disappear on command for the exact same reason."

"Practical and stylish," she teased.

As the night wore on, I found myself relaxing more and more. Zatanna was… easy. In the best way. Smart, funny, and just the right amount of snarky to keep me on my toes.

But there were moments—quiet, unguarded moments—when she'd look at me like she was trying to see past all the bravado and titles, and it was… disarming.

"So, what's next for the great Harry Peverell?" she asked as we walked back down the dimly lit street, her hand brushing against mine.

I glanced at her, considering. "Honestly? I'm just trying to take things one day at a time. Between leading the team, learning more magic, managing Peverell Industries, and keeping up with my girlfriends… it's a lot."

Zatanna smirked. "Sounds like it. But hey, you're doing alright so far."

"Thanks," I said, grinning. "Though I think tonight is officially my new favorite thing."

Her cheeks turned just the faintest shade of pink, and she bumped her shoulder against mine. "Smooth, Potter. Real smooth."

As we reached her apartment, I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Thanks for tonight, Zee. I… needed this."

"Me too," she admitted, her voice softer now.

And when she leaned up to kiss my cheek before disappearing into her building, I stood there like an idiot, my hand brushing against where her lips had been, and realized that for the first time in a long time, I felt… normal.

Or at least, as close to normal as a wizard-turned-superhero can get.

—

As I stepped out of the Zeta-Tube, the automated voice of the computer greeted me with its usual monotone:

"Recognized: Shadowflame, B-01."

Before I could even take a single step forward, a blur of fiery orange and green collided with me.

"Harry!" Koriand'r—Starfire—practically sang my name, wrapping me in one of her bone-crushing hugs. Her bright orange skin glowed faintly, her long auburn hair swaying like liquid fire. "You are back! How was your date with the Zatanna? Did she impress you with her sparkly hand magic?"

I barely had time to process her excitement before Kara zoomed over, floating just above the floor with her arms crossed and her blonde hair tousled like she'd just flown through a storm. She looked down at me with a smirk that screamed trouble.

"Alright, Potter," she said, her Australian accent adding an extra layer of sass. "Spill it. Did she make you disappear halfway through dinner, or did you manage to charm her with your usual bumbling wit?"

I groaned, gently peeling Kori off me. "Not even five seconds in, and I'm already being interrogated. Can't a guy get a breather?"

"Nope," came a new voice from behind me. Tia—Galatea—strolled in with her usual effortless confidence, her platinum-blonde hair cascading over her shoulders like a model fresh off a runway. She leaned casually against the wall, her piercing blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "You went on a date with Zatanna Zatara, Harry. You don't get to just walk in here and not give us the juicy details. It's like, against the rules."

"Oh, totally," added Deedee, who had been lounging on the couch with her legs draped over the armrest. She swung them down and sauntered over, her black combat boots clunking against the floor. Her silver hair was tied into a messy bun, and her smirk was pure chaos. "Spill it, Potter. Or do I need to start interrogating you Death-style?"

"God forbid," I muttered, ruffling my hair. "Alright, fine. The date was… good. Great, actually."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "You're going to have to do better than that, mate."

"She's right," Tia chimed in, pushing off the wall and walking up to me. She poked me in the chest, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "We want details. Did she laugh at your jokes? Did she make you vanish? And most importantly…"—she leaned in conspiratorially—"did she kiss you?"

"Can you all calm down for like, two seconds?" I said, holding up my hands. "Yes, she laughed at my jokes. No, she didn't make me vanish. And yes, there was a kiss. On the cheek. That's it."

"Lame," Kara said, rolling her eyes as she floated down to sit cross-legged on the couch. "You're Shadowflame, the literal son of Wonder Woman, and you didn't even get a proper kiss?"

"It's called taking things slow, Kara," I retorted, shooting her a look. "Not everyone starts their relationships by accidentally walking in on each other in a shower."

Her cheeks turned red. "That was one time!"

"And we'll never let you forget it," Deedee added with a wicked grin.

Kori clapped her hands together, her excitement undimmed. "Oh, this is most wonderful! Zatanna must join us for dinner soon. I wish to know all about the date from her. Perhaps she and I can bond over our shared admiration for you!"

I blinked at her. "Kori, you could bond with a rock if you wanted to."

"That is true," she said cheerfully, not even remotely offended.

Tia stepped around me and draped her arms over my shoulders from behind, her chin resting on my head. "So, she's officially on the 'potential harem' list, right? Because honestly, Zee seems like a great addition."

"Can we not use the word 'harem' in polite conversation?" I muttered.

"Why not? It's accurate," Deedee said, leaning casually against the wall with her arms crossed. Her grin turned teasing as she added, "You've already got four girlfriends, Potter. What's a few more?"

I groaned, rubbing my temples. "You're all insane, you know that, right?"

"No, love, we're just very invested," Kori said brightly.

"Invested," Kara repeated with a smirk. "Sure, let's call it that."

"Alright, that's enough interrogation for one night," I declared, sidestepping out of Tia's grasp. "I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I need a shower. If you want more details, you're going to have to wait until tomorrow."

"Oh, we'll wait," Deedee said with a sly smile. "But don't think for a second we're letting you off the hook, Potter."

Kara laughed, leaning back on the couch. "Yeah, enjoy your food, mate. You'll need the energy for tomorrow's round two."

I rolled my eyes and started walking toward the kitchen, their laughter following me down the hall. As exhausting as they could be, I couldn't help but smile.

Complicated? Sure. Chaotic? Definitely. But with them, life was never boring—and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

—

The warm scent of coffee and freshly cooked pancakes welcomed me as I stepped into the kitchen of Mount Justice, still rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The golden morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing the room in a gentle glow. My four girlfriends were already there, scattered around the kitchen in various states of activity.

Deedee, ever the agent of chaos, was lounging on the counter in her black leggings and oversized graphic tee, her hair tied up in a messy bun. She had that mischievous glint in her eyes, the one that usually meant I was about to get blindsided.

Kara was perched on a stool, her blonde hair tied back in a casual ponytail as she absently stabbed at a stack of pancakes. She wore a simple tank top and shorts, her freckled face aglow with her usual blend of youthful energy and quiet sass. She glanced up at me with a crooked smile, her blue eyes sparkling. "Morning, boss. You look like you got hit by a bus."

"Thanks, Kara," I muttered, reaching for the coffee pot. "Nice to know my girlfriends are full of compliments."

Kori floated across the kitchen, humming a cheerful Tamaranian tune as she flipped pancakes with practiced ease. Her long black hair was tied into a sleek braid that swayed with her movements, and her bright green eyes were alight with warmth. "Good morning, Harry! Did you rest well after your date with Zatanna?"

Ah, yes. The date. A whirlwind of magic, confessions, and cheeseburgers and coffee that somehow still left me feeling like I was running on fumes. "Yeah," I mumbled, pouring myself a cup of coffee. "I'm starting to think I need a vacation from my life."

Tia, lounging in the corner with her arms crossed, gave me a smirk that practically screamed trouble. Her golden-blonde hair was perfectly tousled, and her piercing blue eyes glimmered with amusement. She wore a loose crop top and joggers, looking both intimidating and ridiculously attractive. "You'll survive, champ. But you might want to sit down for this."

I froze mid-sip. "For what?"

Deedee's grin widened, and she twirled her spoon lazily in her coffee. "Oh, nothing major. Just that you have another date today."

I nearly choked. "I what?"

Kara snickered, leaning back on her stool. "You heard her. Another date. Welcome to your life, Harry."

I put my mug down slowly, trying to process this new bit of insanity. "With who, exactly?"

Deedee tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh, just Mareena."

"Mareena," I repeated, my brain short-circuiting. "As in the Mareena? Atlantean royalty? Daughter of King Orin and Queen Mera? That Mareena?"

"Bingo," Deedee said with a wink, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Kara smirked. "Honestly, Harry, I'm impressed she waited this long to make her move. It's kind of a rite of passage at this point."

Kori clapped her hands together, her voice bright and cheerful. "Oh, Mareena is most delightful! She has told me many wondrous tales of the sea. You will enjoy her company greatly, Harry!"

I turned to her, desperate for some semblance of sanity. "Kori, you're supposed to be on my side here."

She tilted her head, her expression genuinely puzzled. "I am on your side! That is why I am encouraging you to give Mareena a chance. She is very kind and very beautiful."

Tia chuckled, crossing her arms. "You're doomed, Potter. Might as well just go with it."

"Great," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose. "First Zatanna, now Mareena. I'm starting to feel like the universe is running some kind of experiment on me."

Deedee leaned forward, her grin positively wicked. "Relax, Harry. It's just a date. What's the worst that could happen? Besides, you're basically a prince now. Dates with royalty are part of the job description."

"I don't remember signing up for this job," I muttered, glaring at her.

Kara laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, please. You love it. Admit it."

Tia smirked. "And don't even try to play the victim. You've got four of us already, and now the Atlantean princess wants in. You're living the dream, Potter."

I groaned, slumping into a chair. "If this is the dream, I'd like to wake up now."

Deedee chuckled, finishing her coffee and hopping off the counter. "Too late, champ. Now eat your pancakes. You're going to need all the energy you can get to keep up with Mareena."

The laughter that filled the kitchen was warm, teasing, and maddeningly infectious. Despite my grumbling, I couldn't help but smile. Because, as chaotic as my life was, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Well, maybe a little peace and quiet. But who was I kidding? That was never going to happen.

—

The sun was dipping low on the horizon, the sky streaked with hues of amber and violet as I adjusted the cuffs of my shirt, waiting at the edge of the dock. A gentle breeze carried the tang of salt and seaweed, rustling my hair in that charmingly disheveled way that probably made me look less like a dashing hero and more like I'd just wrestled a kraken.

I glanced at the water, its surface calm but shimmering with an iridescent glow. Somewhere beneath those waves was Mareena, an Atlantean princess and my date for the evening. Let that sink in: a princess. Not just any princess—an actual, honest-to-Merlin Atlantean princess.

"No pressure, Harry," I muttered under my breath, trying not to pace. "It's just a first date. With a literal mermaid. Totally casual."

Before I could spiral any further, the water in front of me rippled, glowing faintly with an otherworldly blue light. The ripples intensified, and Mareena emerged with an elegance that made my stomach flip. Her auburn hair, cascading down her back in soft waves, caught the last rays of sunlight, shimmering as though it held a piece of the ocean's magic. Her deep teal eyes met mine, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"Am I late?" she asked, her voice melodic, each word carrying a faint lilting accent that made her sound as though she was speaking directly from the heart of the sea.

"Nope, perfect timing," I managed, my throat suddenly dry. "Fashionably punctual."

She stepped onto the dock, barefoot, her every movement so graceful it was almost unfair. She wore a simple yet stunning white dress, the fabric flowing around her like water and cinched at the waist with a silver belt that shimmered like fish scales. A delicate necklace adorned her neck, the pendant a tiny pearl encased in what looked like coral.

"You look—" I paused, trying to find words that didn't make me sound like a bumbling idiot. "Incredible."

She tilted her head, her smile widening. "And you're quite charming when you're flustered, Harry."

I cleared my throat, offering my arm with a lopsided grin. "Shall we?"

Her fingers brushed against my arm as she looped hers through mine. "Lead the way."

---

I'd picked a cozy little seafood restaurant near the pier, the kind of place with wooden walls adorned with fishing nets and nautical trinkets. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, the soft hum of conversation mingling with the faint strains of a guitar playing in the corner. The hostess led us to a booth by the window, where we could watch the waves lapping against the shore.

As we settled in, Mareena picked up the menu with an expression of genuine curiosity. "So… crab legs?" she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

I froze mid-reach for my water. "Uh, yeah, is that… okay? I wasn't sure if—"

She laughed softly, setting the menu down. "Harry, just because I can talk to sea creatures doesn't mean I'm a vegetarian. Crabs are notoriously bad-tempered. They probably deserve it."

"That's fair," I admitted, laughing along with her. "Just promise me you won't start chatting with the lobster in the tank."

Her grin turned mischievous. "No promises."

As we ordered, the conversation flowed easily, much like the gentle rhythm of the ocean outside. Mareena told me about her adventures growing up in Atlantis—racing dolphins, exploring bioluminescent coral reefs, and sneaking out of the palace to swim under the stars. She painted a picture of a world so vivid and magical that for a moment, I forgot I wasn't part of it.

"So, what about you?" she asked, resting her chin on her hand as she leaned forward. "What's it like being a wizard in a world that barely believes in magic?"

I shrugged, twirling my glass of water in my hands. "Honestly? It's a bit surreal. One moment I'm the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, and the next, I'm in a world where Wonder Woman's my mom and people think magic's just sleight-of-hand. It's… a lot."

She nodded thoughtfully. "And yet, here you are, somehow managing to juggle heroics, wizardry, and"—her lips curved into a teasing smile—"a harem."

I choked on my drink, coughing as Mareena laughed, her voice ringing like wind chimes. "It's not—it's not like that," I protested weakly, my ears burning. "It's… complicated."

"Oh, I bet it is," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But don't worry, Harry. I can handle complicated."

---

After dinner, we walked along the beach, the cool sand sinking beneath our feet as the waves lapped gently at the shore. Mareena held her sandals in one hand, her other hand brushing against mine as we walked. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over everything.

"It's beautiful," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I always forget how different the surface world feels. It's… freer."

I glanced at her, taking in the way the moonlight caught her features, highlighting the soft curve of her jaw and the faint freckles dusting her nose. "I think you're pretty amazing," I said before I could overthink it. "Not because you're a princess or an Atlantean. Just… because you're you."

She turned to me, her teal eyes searching mine. "Harry…"

I wasn't sure who moved first, but suddenly, our lips met. Her kiss was soft and warm, tasting faintly of salt and something sweet. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us and the rhythm of the waves.

When we finally pulled apart, Mareena's smile was teasing. "So… does this mean I'm officially part of your harem?"

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "Please don't let Deedee hear you say that. She'll never let me live it down."

Mareena laughed, the sound light and carefree. "Relax, Harry. I'm just teasing." Her expression softened, her hand brushing against mine. "But… for what it's worth, I think I could get used to this."

---

When we returned to Mount Justice via Zeta Tube, Mareena gave me one last smile before heading off to her quarters. I stepped into the common room, where Deedee, Kara, Kori, and Tia were waiting with varying degrees of curiosity and amusement plastered across their faces.

"So?" Deedee said, smirking as she leaned against the couch. "How'd it go, lover boy?"

"Please tell me you didn't embarrass yourself," Kara added, her arms crossed but her lips twitching in a barely hidden grin.

Kori clapped her hands excitedly. "Was it magical? Did you kiss? Did you hold hands?"

Tia raised an eyebrow, her tone dry. "Or did you trip over your own feet and end up in the ocean?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I dropped onto the couch. "You know, I don't think I'm going to tell you guys anything."

Deedee snorted. "Oh, please. We can already tell by the dopey grin on your face."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands as my girlfriends burst into laughter. And despite the teasing, I couldn't help but smile. Because honestly? It had been a pretty great date.

—

The sun was barely up the next morning when Kara stormed into the common room, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. She didn't even give me a chance to sip my coffee before she dropped the bomb.

"So, big news, Harry," she said, flopping onto the couch beside me, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "You're going on a date today."

I looked up from my mug of coffee, the fog of sleep still clinging to me. "I'm sorry, what?" I managed, still a little groggy from the night before.

Kara didn't wait for a response before delivering the punchline. "You're going out with Megan. Miss Martian."

I froze mid-sip, staring at her, the mug hovering just inches from my lips. "Miss Martian?" I repeated, my brain; still processing the fact that Kara was so casually dropping this on me. "Today?"

She nodded, clearly enjoying the reaction. "Yep. You two have bonded over that weird show, Hello Megan, and I figured it was time to see if that chemistry can translate into an actual date."

I choked on my coffee, the hot liquid splashing onto my shirt. "Are you serious right now?"

Kara raised an eyebrow, leaning back casually against the couch. "What? It's Hello Megan. You've been raving about it for weeks. And from what I've seen, you two get along pretty well."

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, still trying to wrap my head around this. "This is my third date in as many days, Kara. Am I running a dating service for superheroes or something?"

Her grin grew wider. "Well, to be fair, you started it. With Zatanna, then Deedee put Mareena in the mix. I'm just helping you out. Gotta keep you busy while you save the world."

I rubbed my temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "I didn't sign up for this kind of workload, Kara."

"Oh, please. I love seeing you squirm," she teased, sticking her tongue out at me. "Now go on. Get ready for your third date. Don't keep Megan waiting."

I groaned, but she was already standing up, clearly in no mood to entertain my complaints. "Fine, fine. I'm going," I muttered, setting my coffee cup down with a sigh.

—

The day had been full of surprises, but nothing compared to the twist Kara threw my way this morning. After a few minutes of forced "recovery" from the shock of my third date in as many days, I was already heading out for my rendezvous with Megan—Miss Martian herself. Of all the women in my life, Megan was probably the one who was least expected. Sure, we bonded over the Hello Megan show (and trust me, no one else gets it quite like we do), but there was something different about her. Something about the way her green skin glowed under the sun and how she looked at me with that knowing, playful glint in her eyes.

I arrived at the park near Mount Justice, the soft glow of sunset casting long shadows across the empty paths. As I walked toward the small clearing by a cluster of trees, I spotted her immediately. Megan stood there, leaning casually against a tree, her red hair cascading over her shoulders. She was dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, her arms folded across her chest in that effortlessly cool way that only she could pull off. Even with the casual stance, there was something...magical about her presence. Maybe it was her aura, maybe it was her quiet confidence, but I was pretty sure I was in for one of the best dates of my life.

When she saw me, her face broke into a wide grin, and she waved at me. "Harry! You actually showed up on time!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not that bad, am I?"

She raised an eyebrow, giving me a playful once-over. "Well, you've been pretty punctual lately. But I wasn't sure if today would be the day you'd turn into a superhero and get stuck saving the world last minute."

I smirked and shrugged. "I've been known to multitask."

Megan's laugh was light, carefree. "Good to know you're not too busy saving the world to hang out with your favorite green-skinned Martian."

I grinned back, feeling my heart do a little flip in my chest. "You're my favorite Martian, Megan."

Her grin softened as she pushed herself off the tree, stepping toward me. "You're too sweet, Harry."

For a moment, we just stood there, the weight of our shared love of Hello Megan filling the space between us. It was one of those rare moments where I didn't feel the pressure of being "Harry"—the hero, the guy with the secret identity, the one who constantly juggled more responsibilities than I could handle. With Megan, I could just be...me.

"So, what's the plan for today, Miss Martian?" I asked, trying to keep the mood light.

Megan smiled, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Well, I figured we could watch Hello Megan. What else would we do?"

"Of course." I laughed, nodding. "I think we're both contractually obligated to watch at least three episodes on any given date."

"Exactly," she replied, her voice full of mischief. "And you can't skip ahead! We have to watch them in order."

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't know... I might get really tempted."

"Oh, no," she said, mock horror in her voice. "I can't be seen with someone who cheats the system!"

We both laughed, the tension between us easing further. I felt a warmth in my chest as we walked over to a nearby bench, sitting down with our backs against the cool metal. Megan was already pulling out her phone, navigating to the Hello Megan episode we'd left off on last time.

"I'm so glad you agreed to do this," she said after a beat, her tone suddenly a little more serious. She looked over at me, her green eyes searching mine. "It's been a while since I've had someone to watch it with who truly gets it. You're the only one who can actually laugh at all the ridiculousness."

I smiled at her, my heart giving another little flip. "I get it, Megan. I really do. Honestly, you're the only person who could appreciate the brilliance of that show the way I do."

She smiled back, and it was one of those moments where I felt like I was really seeing her—Megan, not Miss Martian. She was more than just the superhero, more than just the person who could shape-shift and read minds. She was someone who cared about the things that made us both laugh, someone who could appreciate the joy in something as simple as a goofy TV show.

We settled into the familiar rhythm of our favorite show. The opening credits blared on the screen, and I could already hear Megan mouthing the theme song under her breath as I tried not to burst out laughing. She was just too adorable when she did that. And, honestly, I kind of felt the same way about Hello Megan.

"Oh my god, I love this part!" Megan said suddenly, nudging me with her elbow. "This is where Megan accidentally turns the house into a giant marshmallow!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, it's hilarious. I'm still trying to figure out how they thought that would be a good idea."

"I mean, it's definitely ridiculous," Megan admitted, her voice dropping into a more thoughtful tone. "But I think that's why I love it. It's just...fun. And sometimes, that's all we really need."

For a brief moment, the world outside of our bubble—the responsibilities, the looming threats, everything—faded away. In that moment, it was just me and Megan, sharing a simple, silly joy. And that was more than enough.

"So," I said after a while, turning to face her, "how about we grab some food afterward? I don't know if you're into pizza, but I know a place that does a mean veggie one."

She turned toward me, smiling that radiant smile of hers. "Pizza sounds perfect."

We continued watching Hello Megan, letting the laughter and lightheartedness of the show take us both away from our responsibilities. It wasn't until the credits rolled that I realized how much I'd enjoyed myself—how right it felt to be here, with Megan.

It wasn't just another date for me.

It was something special.

"So," Megan said, her voice a little quieter now, "we could do this again, right? I mean, I hope this wasn't a one-time thing."

I turned to her, my heart pounding a little faster. "I'd like that. More than you know."

She smiled at me, her eyes softening with affection. "Good. Because I'm not done watching this show with you."

And just like that, I knew. I wasn't done with her either.

We had our Hello Megan moments, but it felt like this was just the beginning of something much more.

---

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