I’ve had my small share of first dates, but I can tell you that the bad ones can really shape you. It made me realize where I am in my own life and learned how to deal with certain social situations - like being able to stand up for myself and NOT punching some dude in his perfectly polished teeth. I’ve learned that dating can reveal parts about yourself that you wouldn’t normally venture into. It’s daunting, but an important experience nonetheless.
I noticed that I take a lot into consideration when I plan a first date: how far is the drive is for both of us? What’s the parking like? How much can I really afford? Is there somewhere we can go after? Do I have an exit strategy?
Luckily, this isn’t a story about a bad first date. In fact, it may be one of the best ones I’ve ever been on.
After my recon, I decided on Tsujita on Sawtelle because I have fond memories of meeting my cousin’s newlywed wife - a foodie, a chef, a nurse, and an overall amazing person. This place was one of her favorites and it connected her, myself, and my cousin, whom I haven’t seen in ages. I guess great food bonds people. That’s what I was hoping for, a conducive yet delicious place to get to know someone.
I arrived early and I waited anxiously for him to get out of class. I paced the corner and walked the surrounding blocks before even putting my name on the waiting list. After about 15 minutes of swirling thoughts, he turned the corner with a warm smile. He hugged me and said, “How did you know that this was my favorite ramen place?!”
Score. My inhibition lowered. We both ordered the Tsukemen as it’s the specialty there.
I can’t speak for him, but I was nervous as fuck. However, one must stay engaged in a conversation on a first date, right? It wasn’t until I thought I made a mistake about speaking on my My Hero Academia costume. He had no idea about the show and there I sat, thinking that I over-nerded. He started talking about 7 Deadly Sins, and to even the score, I had no idea what that was either. I asked, “So... what is that? A live action show? A drama?” “No. Anime. It’s on Netflix,” he said. Confidence restored. As he fervently explained the show, my flaccid nerd boner was back on board. I can’t recall what else we talked about besides the basic “getting to know you” kind of questions, but sooner than later, our bellies were full and we were both on the hunt for sweets. I didn’t let him pay the bill though. After all, I asked HIM out.
I was still a little unsure how I was faring on this date, but as soon as he got up, he placed his hand on my shoulder and suggested that we take a walk to get dessert. All I’ll say is that after some wandering, some Honeymee, and some Sake Jelly Shots, I was about to drive him back to his car...
Instead we sat inside, seat belts still unattached, and talked. About what? I couldn’t recall well enough to remember. We both joked about being so full that we could throw up. He turned to me and said, “Please don’t throw up.” I laughed. “Why?” “So I can do this...” He leaned in and kissed me gently, taking me by surprise. For the rest of the night, all that mattered was feeling his heartbeat, pulsing against the sound of freeway traffic, softly wafting in. There was nothing but starlight and street lamps highlighting the two of us. We sat there breathing, resting. I smirked, and I asked, “So... can we go on another date?”
“Of course.” he whispered.
