Page 90 of I Don't Need Your Romance

“Ugh,” I say as I hit my forehead.

“What?”

“I won’t be able to pay for my ticket. Seriously, my parents. They don’t usually ruin my life, but...”

“I already paid for the tickets. Don’t worry about it.”

“But, Damian—”

My lips zip up when I take in the inside of the cinema. The entire place is adorned in the theme of my favorite romantasy, which is based on a book series. There are pictures and signs all over the place, a cut-out with the hero and heroine in a striking pose, the workers are dressed as some of the characters, and the soundtrack from the movie is playing.

I stare at Damian. “What is this?”

Trying to hide a smile, he says, “I asked your friends for a list of your favorite movies and I searched online if they were playing anywhere. Luckily, I struck gold here.”

I continue to gape at him. “You purposely chose this movie theater because of me?”

“Yes.”

“But…why?”

He shrugs. “You were down because of the whole Axel situation. And I felt guilty for pushing you into it.”

“I already told you that you’re not responsible for what happened.”

“I just wanted to make you feel better,” he admits, averting his eyes to the floor. “I wanted to see you smile.”

Before I know what I’m doing, I leap at him and throw my arms around him. Then I remember he doesn’t like hugs. I’m about to pull away, but his arms come around me and his body sags, like he very much enjoys this hug.

“You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” I whisper in his ear.

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.” I press my lips to his cheek. “You pretend you’re a bad boy, but you’re the nicest guy in the world.”

“I…thanks.”

I step out of the hug and immediately feel cold again.

“We have some time before the movie starts,” Damian tells me. “We can look around and maybe buy some things.”

I kick my shoe against the floor. “I don’t have money.”

“I’ll pay—”

“No, Damian. You already spent enough money on me.”

“Want if Iwantto?” he challenges.

“It’s really hard to fight you on this when I am literally broke.”

He grins. “And the fact that you won’t be able to say no to all the amazing things they sell here. I bet you’ll want to buy everything they have.”

“Ugh, you’re so right.”

“Just tell me what you want and I’ll buy it.”

“Damian…”