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T he city lights blur as I step out of the bar, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stuffy, alcohol-scented atmosphere inside. Nick is beside me, his laughter easy and carefree as he recounts a story from earlier in the night. I smile, but it doesn’t quite reach my eyes. My mind is elsewhere, already drifting away from this half-hearted attempt at a connection.

We end up at a taco truck parked on the corner, the kind of place that stays open late to cater to the night owls and the restless souls who roam the city after dark. The smell of grilled meat and spices fills the air, making my stomach growl despite the knot of unease that’s been tightening there all night.

“Two carnitas, extra hot sauce,” Nick orders with a grin, glancing at me. “You want the same?”

“Sure,” I reply, my voice lacking enthusiasm. I’ve been going through the motions all night—smiling, laughing, flirting just enough to keep the conversation flowing—but my heart’s not in it. It hasn’t been for a while now .

Again, I feel like on paper, Nick is everything I should want. He’s smart, driven, wildly attractive. But there is zero chemistry.

We find a spot near the curb to eat, the taco truck’s neon sign casting a warm glow over the street. Nick is talking, something about a project at work, but I’m barely listening. Instead, I’m focused on the taco in my hand, taking small bites and nodding at the right moments.

“You’re quiet tonight,” Nick says, his tone light but with a hint of something more. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just tired, I guess,” I lie, forcing a smile. The truth is, I’m tired of this—of the dates that go nowhere, the endless small talk, the hollow flirtations. It’s all starting to feel the same, and I’m realizing more and more that it’s not enough.

Nick finishes his taco and leans closer, his arm brushing against mine. “You know, Zara, I’ve had my eye on you for a while. You’re different from the other girls in the office. More fun, more… interesting.”

I chuckle softly, but there’s no real amusement behind it. “Thanks, I guess.”

He reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering a bit too long. “Come on, don’t be so modest. You know you’ve got that spark. That thing that makes guys want to get closer.”

There’s a shift in his tone, a subtle edge that makes my skin crawl. I pull back slightly, trying to keep things light. “Maybe, but not everyone gets to see it.”

Nick’s smile falters, just for a second, before he recovers. “Come on, Zara. We’ve been having a good time, right? You can’t deny that.”

I take a deep breath, my mind racing as I search for a way to let him down gently. “It’s been fun, Nick, but… I’m not really looking for anything right now. ”

His expression hardens, and the easygoing charm slips away, replaced by something darker. “You’ve been flirting with me all night, and now you’re telling me you’re not interested? That’s kind of messed up, don’t you think?”

Before I can respond, Nick moves in closer, his hand sliding around my waist as he leans in to kiss me. Instinctively, I push him away, the force of it surprising both of us.

“Nick, no,” I say firmly, stepping back to create some distance between us. My heart is pounding now, more out of frustration than anything else.

Nick’s eyes narrow, and he steps closer again, invading my space. “You’re just playing games, aren’t you? Acting all interested and then pulling back at the last minute. What’s your deal, Zara?”

I feel the anger rising, hot and sharp, but I keep my voice steady. “My deal is that I’m not interested in you like that. And if you can’t respect that, then we’re done here.”

He scoffs, taking a step back, his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Whatever. You’re just a tease, you know that?”

His words sting more than I’d like to admit, but I refuse to let it show. “And you’re just another guy who thinks he’s entitled to something he hasn’t earned. Goodnight, Nick.”

I turn on my heel, walking away before he can say anything else. My heart is pounding, a mix of anger and disappointment churning in my gut. I raise my hand and hail a cab, sliding into the backseat and giving the driver my address.

As the cab pulls away, I lean back against the seat, closing my eyes. This night was supposed to be a distraction, a chance to have some fun, but all it’s done is remind me of what I’m missing—something real, something that actually excites me .

The cab weaves through the city streets, and I let out a long, slow breath. Maybe Lena was right. Maybe it’s time to try something different. Something that actually makes me feel alive.