Chapter Thirty-Six Mia #2
Violet smiled. “Sounds good. But also, I am really interested! Like, I appreciate you setting expectations and all that, but trust me, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t
want to get to know you more. I do have to ask you something, though. Before we go any further.”
“Hm?”
“Do you like anime? Sorry for the random question, but the last guy I was with . . . he didn’t like that I love nerdy stuff
like anime and Marvel movies. And I don’t really want to be with anyone who shames me for my hobbies.”
Carlos clapped his hands. “Are you freakin’ kidding me? I love anime! And comic books, too! I literally grew up going to Comic-Con.”
“That’s amazing!” Violet exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to go, but I usually don’t stay in California during the summer.”
“We should totally go next year! Wait, sorry, is it too soon to make plans like this?”
Violet giggled. “Not at all. I’d love to go with you.”
As the cuffle continued their conversation, Mia smiled.
After seeing how much of a not-so-good time Carlos and Violet had on the show, she was glad they had found each other.
Their date raced by, and in what seemed like almost no time at all, Mia stood in front of the camera again to say, “We’ll be right back with the second cuffle after a short break. ”
Damien paused the stream, and the crew prepared for the next cuffle date. Sunset was fast approaching, so Mia went around
to light the candles on the table while Alex set up light panels to brighten the space. Kallie adjusted the camera while Damien
double-checked the stream connection. The way they worked in perfect harmony made Mia smile. She was going to miss her crew.
She hoped this wouldn’t be the last time they could all work together.
Shirin and Tiana couldn’t stop smiling at each other when they came out for their date, so much so that Mia felt euphoric
just watching them. Both girls looked amazing; Tiana wore a Cinderella-esque sky-blue chiffon dress while Shirin was in a
sleek, long-sleeved black evening gown.
“Okay,” Mia said once the girls were settled in their seats. “Ready to go?”
“Yup,” replied Shirin.
“It’s now or never,” said Tiana.
Mia stepped in front of the camera again, and Damien raised his hand to signal he’d resumed the stream.
“Welcome back, everyone, to the final date of The Cuffing Game,” she said. “Our current cuffle has been best friends for ten years, truly showing the power of friendship. I, for one, am very much excited for this date. And I hope you are, too.”
Mia retreated to the laptop to watch the audience reactions coming in.
OMG, they look so nice!
Wait, are they JUST FRIENDS or do they actually like each other that way?
AH! I hope Shirin confesses to her crush!
From across the candlelit table, Tiana shyly smiled at Shirin. “Hi.”
“Hi,” replied Shirin. She glanced at her friend and then at the camera before continuing, “Before we get started, I want to
say something. Just so it’s clear. This is not a friend date. Or at least, it’s not for me.”
Damien’s jaw fell open, while Alex stifled a gasp with their hands. Kallie’s entire body tensed, and from the way she was
practically vibrating, Mia could tell she was trying her best not to physically react for the sake of the camera.
Slowly, Tiana smiled. “I know.”
People immediately flooded the chat with AHHHHs and celebratory emojis. Mia smiled.
“Wait, what?” Shirin asked. “You knew I liked you this entire time?”
Tiana shook her head. “No . . . it’s complicated. I think some part of me always liked you in that way, too. I was just deep in denial at first, and then I was too afraid to act on my real feelings. So when I got the invitation to
go on this show and saw that you were also going to be on it, I had my hopes! But I wasn’t sure. It got really obvious toward the end, though. Sorry I kept you waiting.”
She reached out and took Shirin’s hand. The other girl stared at their joined hands like she wasn’t sure if she was dreaming
or not.
“Y-you’re fine,” Shirin said. “It took me a long time to admit it, too.”
“At least you did something. And I’m so grateful you did.”
The girls grinned at each other; their fingers interlaced as they kept talking.
The Cuffing Game had been a mixed bag for everyone, including herself, but as Mia watched this final date, her chest swelled up with pride
and joy for everything that had led to this final episode. Shirin and Tiana were so cute together, as were the other cuffles
that had met through the show.
She looked at her friends, who were also smiling as they watched Shirin and Tiana’s date. This had always been the goal for Mia and her crew, after all. Making a show where other people confessed to their crushes. Not herself. She had to remind herself of that.
In the soft glow of the candlelight, the two girls ended their date with a kiss. Everyone cheered as they walked off-screen.
Mia stepped back into frame. “Thank you, Shirin and Tiana. There you have it, everyone. The final two cuffles of The Cuffing Game. For the next fifteen minutes, please cast your votes using the poll link provided in the comments. We will announce the winner
shortly—”
“Wait!” someone said, off in the distance. “I have something to say!”
“What kind of joke—shit, I forgot we’re live!” Damien slapped a hand across his mouth, and Alex snickered.
“Sorry, babe,” they said. “I can’t fix things in post this time.”
Mia ducked behind the camera to check the responses that were coming in on the laptop screen.
LOLLLLLLL
WHAT IS HAPPENING? Whose voice was that??
This show is a wild ride from start to finish!!!
Wait, it’s our boy, Noah! Look at him run!
Alpha Tau! Alpha Tau!
Mia’s heart pounded in her chest as quick footsteps approached, muffled by the sand. When she looked up, Noah was there, standing right in front of the camera. He was panting and breathing heavily, like he’d just run a race.
When their eyes met, Noah held out his hand.
“Hi, Mia,” he said. “Can you please come stand here with me?”