CITY CHAOS AND CHEMISTRY
545 Words
Aria never expected a simple scouting trip to turn into a full-blown adventure.
It started innocently enough. Liam wanted to check a potential outdoor venue for the gala. Aria, clipboard in hand, followed him through the bustling streets of Solara Heights, trying not to trip over uneven pavement—or Liam himself.
“Watch your step,” Liam said, glancing back at her with a half-smile. “You nearly face-planted twice this morning.”
“Very funny,” Aria muttered, brushing off imaginary dust. “I’ve got this under control.”
Liam raised an eyebrow. “Clearly.”
They reached the venue: a rooftop garden overlooking the city skyline. Perfect for sunset photos and elegant cocktail tables.
“See?” Aria said, gesturing dramatically. “This could be magical. People will love it.”
Liam nodded, impressed. “I admit, it’s nice. But the logistics…” He waved toward a narrow staircase leading to the roof. “Getting catering, equipment, and guests up here could be tricky.”
Aria grinned. “Tricky is my middle name.”
“Your middle name is chaos,” Liam corrected, smirking.
As they began walking around the space, discussing table layouts and lighting, Maya suddenly appeared… out of nowhere, of course.
“Ta-da!” she shouted, holding a basket of snacks. “Rooftop picnic vibes! Also, I brought glitter, just in case!”
“Not the glitter again,” Aria groaned.
“Perfect,” Liam muttered under his breath, trying not to laugh.
Then came the pigeons.
A flock, attracted by leftover crumbs from Maya’s picnic basket, swooped down on them. Aria screamed, tripping over a flower pot in the process. Liam lunged, catching her just in time.
“Got you,” he said, steadying her with strong arms.
Aria’s heart skipped. “Thanks…” she whispered, too close to notice the way his tie brushed her shoulder.
Liam’s eyes held hers for a moment longer than necessary before he stepped back. “We’re… okay,” he said, trying to mask his smile.
“Absolutely,” Aria said, cheeks burning.
Once the pigeons flew off, Aria and Liam explored the rooftop further. They laughed over mismeasured tables, argued playfully about flower colors, and accidentally knocked over a small decorative fountain—thankfully, without casualties.
By the end of the day, Liam admitted: “You’re… different from anyone I’ve met. And surprisingly fun.”
Aria, despite the chaos, felt a warm thrill. “You’re… easier to work with than I thought.”
He smirked. “Careful. That sounds dangerously like a compliment.”
“Then take it as a warning,” Aria teased, smiling.
That evening, as the city lights of Solara Heights twinkled below, Liam and Aria packed up the rooftop, tired but satisfied.
Liam glanced at her. “You know… you handle chaos well.”
Aria grinned. “It’s a gift. Mostly accidental.”
He laughed softly, shaking his head. “I think it’s… charming.”
Aria’s chest fluttered. And for the first time, she realized: maybe chaos wasn’t so bad when it came with a view, a rooftop, and a smile like Liam Carter’s.
Little did they know, this rooftop was only the beginning.
The city—and their hearts—had far bigger adventures in store.
- Writer
