Despite Zoey's attempt to quickly compose herself, Atticus's keen perception caught the subtle flush creeping onto her cheeks.
His eyebrows lifted in slight surprise. 'Is she... blushing?' Atticus couldn't help but wonder, a flicker of disbelief crossing his features.
He had absentmindedly said the first thing that came to his head because he had been caught off guard by Zoey's question.
The last thing he had been expecting was the girl actually being the one to get flustered.
Atticus's smile widened, 'Maybe I have a chance after all,' he thought in excitement.
Breaking the momentary silence, Atticus strode to the side, causing Zoey to come out of her thoughts and turn to face him.
Raising his right hand, he focused on his space ring. In an instant, a white cloth materialized in the air, unfurling and spreading out onto the soft grass below.
The cloth, adorned with simple red and white stripes, covered a 7 x 7 space of the earth.
With another deliberate gesture, an array of items erupted from Atticus's space ring: cups, plates, and an assortment of food.
After a few seconds, a setup that had an uncanny resemblance to picnics back on Earth was set up.
Turning back to face Zoey, Atticus gestured towards the cloth laden grass with both hands. "If you'll please have your seat," he invited warmly.
As soon as Zoey had accepted his offer to meet up, Atticus had immediately thought of different options he could choose from. Although neither of them would say it, this was clearly a date.
The only place they could meet was at the academy campus, and this region, the first years' area, had zero recreational activities. There was not a single restaurant present.
Atticus wanted to do something more than simply walking around the expansive garden, where a bunch of students would most definitely be staring because of their status.
Considering Zoey's appearance, Atticus wouldn't be too shocked to see one or two brainless fools who would want to interrupt their time together.
Which was why Atticus had decided to pick a quiet place. It was a place he found while roaming together with Ember.
As for what he should do, seeing the soft beautiful grass sprawled everywhere, Atticus didn't need to think that much; the word "picnic" instantly came to his head.
Lastly, for the cloth, food, and everything else he got, the academy store's miscellaneous section truly had everything one could need.
He had bought everything from the store. It was a good thing he was rich.
Despite everything, there was only one problem Atticus thought could arise, and to him, it was also a subtle way for him to test Zoey's character.
Would a girl whose beauty could cause wars, a girl who was next in line to become the matriarch of a tier one family, sit on a cloth on the floor?
Zoey's gaze swept over the beautifully arranged setup, her lips curving into a serene smile. Without a word, she gracefully made her way towards it, gliding past Atticus with effortless elegance.
With a fluid movement, she lowered herself onto one corner of the cloth, her posture exuding poise and grace.
Atticus's smile widened, he was glad she hadn't refused to sit. He had subtly been thinking of ways to convince her initially.
He might have found the one. Atticus quickly shook his head, clearing his thoughts of such cringe stuff. It was still very early to tell.
Atticus turned around and also took his seat on one corner of the cloth.
Silence.
An awkward silence ensued as both Atticus and Zoey sat without uttering a word. Neither of them knew what to say!
Breaking the tension, Atticus cleared his throat, his smile taking on a hint of awkwardness as he addressed Zoey.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not really good at this, haha. It's kind of my first time doing something like this," he admitted sheepishly.
And Atticus was being completely truthful. Apart from the fact that he hadn't even met any girl who he wasn't related to apart from Zoey and Lila, Atticus hardly had time for mundane things like this.
Even back on Earth, many would be shocked, but Atticus had never gone on a date with Kira before.
They had both either met in school or Atticus had stupidly escorted her back to her place. So it goes without saying that this was Atticus's first ever time on a date.
Zoey's gaze drifted downward, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she softly murmured, "Me too," her voice barely audible.
But despite that, Atticus was still able to hear her clearly.
Just as Atticus prepared to respond, Zoey suddenly lifted her eyes to meet his gaze, her question catching him off guard and sending a jolt through his core.
"Do you really think I'm the most beautiful lady you've ever seen before?" she inquired.
Atticus was completely caught off guard, not expecting her words. This was the words he had used in the elevator when he wanted to ask her out.
Atticus quickly composed himself, meeting her gaze. Although her current expression was neutral, Atticus could detect a hint of nervousness in her neutral expression.
With a charming smile, Atticus replied,
"Yes, I do. I've never seen anyone more beautiful before. I was instantly amazed the first time I saw you. You were like a beautiful enchanting fairy. There was only one way to describe your beauty, a beauty that could cause wars…"
Atticus's heartfelt words broke through Zoey's neutral facade, eliciting a radiant smile that seemed to illuminate the surroundings. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson hue in response.
"Stop stop stop! You'd give me diabetes!" Zoey interjected abruptly, her embarrassment evident as she turned her gaze downward.
"Huh? Diabetes?" Atticus questioned, his confusion evident.
Still bowing her head in embarrassment, Zoey explained softly, "Your words are too sweet."
'Wow,' Atticus thought with an open mouth while gazing at her embarrassed figure. Then, with a sudden "Pfft!" he burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement at the situation.
