“But if they think we’re a couple, we'll get the couples discount!”

It was Friday night, and Sandra was exasperated. She had wracked her brain, trying to find a way to get Hardy's wavering attention. She needed an excuse, and she needed it now. 

"Ah!"

Her sudden exclamation costed her a few sideway glances from her neighbours in that small cafe. She cowered in embarrassment and tried her best to string the words in her head. She looked up again at Hardy McKenzie, who was chatting away with his bestfriend, Tom Forest at the wooden counter across the barista. With a determined look and a clenched fist, she stood up and started making her way to the pair of boys. 

Hardy noticed her and smiled anticipatingly, while his wavy hair bobbed around as he laughed at a joke that Tom made about ferrets. When she came by his stool and stood there awkwardly, he pretended he didn't see her so that he wouldn't look so eager to the fact that Sandra Woodland, the university's hottest nerd had came over to talk to him. 

"Hi Hardy", Sandra mumbled, trying her best to steady her voice. 

"Hey Sandy", he growled back with his deep voice. "What's up?"

Sandra's eyes darted from Hardy to Tom, and she swallowed a big gulp. "I.. I.." she stuttered, desperately looking for the lost words that she had memorized just 5 minutes before. Hardy's sharp eyes stared deeply into hers, as if searching her soul for answers as to why she was standing in front of him. 

"Saturday! Movie! You!" she blurted. There. It was over. 

Hardy cocked his head in confusion. "What?"

"She wants to go on a date with you, mate," said Tom with a chuckle. Hardy tried his best to hide his smile before replying, "Oh, is that what it was?" Sandra looked away in embarrassment. Hardy's dazzling smile nearly blinded her. She nodded shyly and said, "Action Man is on this weekend. They're having a promotion, so I thought.. You know, we could go together?"

Hardy could just eat Sandra up. She looked so cute with her dimple on her right cheek, her hair tied back in a French plait with a black glittered barrette tucked neatly near her ears. He pretended to give some thoughts on Sandra's invitation, and decided to tease her a bit. He smiled at Tom mischievously before turning to Sandra, "Sure thing. As friends or a couple?"

A wave of shock ran across Sandra's face. She had expected Hardy to decline her offer, but for him to accept it and ask her what were they going as? Her hands fumbled behind to prevent her from falling down. "Nno.. I mean.. As friends obviously," she stammered, her feet rooted to the ground. 

Hardy gave out a big laugh while Tom shook his head. Tom wanted to step in and help the poor girl, but Hardy nudged him not to and said to Sandra, "But if they think we're a couple, we'll get the couples discount!"

Sandra felt like her head was going to explode from all the blood rushing to her head. Her heart was beating so loudly that she was sure her grandma in heaven could hear it. "Bbbutt.." Hardy cut her off," Just kidding Sandy. So.. I'll pick you up at 8pm?". Sandra meekly nodded before quickly sprinted out of the cafe. 

Hardy stared excitedly at the doors where Sandra had just went through. He turned to Tom and said gleefully, "Guess we'll have fresh lamb for dinner, boys."