Sarah crossed her arms, trying to steady herself as Mark continued his quiet campaign. “I’m serious,” she whispered, shaking her head. “This is not a movie. This is my house, with my parents inside, and very real consequences.” Her voice softened slightly, but her resolve didn’t. “You’re asking me to risk my life for a porch moment.”
Mark sighed, running a hand through his hair as the reality of the situation finally began to settle in. The thrill of the idea started to fade, replaced by the image of a porch light flicking on and a very unimpressed father standing in the doorway. He let out a quiet laugh, half amused and half defeated. “Okay… yeah, when you put it like that, it does sound like a terrible plan.”
Sarah exhaled in relief, a small smile finally breaking through her anxious expression. “Thank you,” she said, nudging him gently. “Now say goodnight like a normal person before we both regret it.” Mark chuckled, leaned in for one last quick, safe kiss, and stepped back toward the walkway—this time choosing common sense over confidence as he headed home into the quiet night.