ACT 1
Aurelia often travels around the globe, making unforgettable memories at the places
and sights she visits. On this particular trip, her friends and travel partners all encouraged
Sophia to attend a festival that had just opened near the area.
[THE HOOK]
This was where she met a local, Xavier, who essentially became her travel guide
around the festival. The more they interacted throughout the night, the more the pair realized
how well their personalities blended. Xavier was humble and attentive, while Aurelia was full
of vigor and life. Xavier is an anchor, bringing calm and a sense of home, and Aurelia shares
her excitement, sharing new perspectives and stories.
[INCITING INCIDENT]
However, Aurelia tells Xavier dejectedly that her tourist visa will end soon, and she
will return to her home country. Xavier understands wholeheartedly and suggests that they’ll
see each other once again at the same festival next year. Not wanting to wait that long,
Aurelia puffs up her chest with newfound confidence and blurts out that she will take him on
dates before her visa ends.
[PLOT POINT 1]
Amused, Xavier chuckled in mirth before he agreed without protest. With a strong
sense of conviction, Aurelia was going to make the effort in fighting for someone steady in
her traveling life and to earn Xavier’s affections. The problem suddenly hit her as she
realized… How do you court a man?
ACT 2
In her hotel room, Aurelia was pacing back and forth. Her fingernails are practically
gone from how much she chewed at them. She has gone on dates before, but it was usually
the guys trying to impress her.
[RISING ACTION]
Aurelia then shook herself to get a grip. It can’t be that hard… right? Fishing for her
phone in her suitcase, she plans out how their date will go. Everything must be perfect or
else she might embarrass herself and, by extension, Xavier.
[MIDPOINT]
On the date, Aurelia turned herself into the role of a suitor with almost theatricality.
She arranged the bouquet by herself, bought artisan chocolates, and rehearsed plenty of
small talk. Xavier’s warm laughter and easy acceptance lit up the moment, but instead of
taking it as encouragement, Aurelia saw it as pity. Every laugh felt like it was directed at her
instead of with her, and each smile was out of politeness. The more she tried to impress
Xavier, the more convinced she was that she was failing miserably, despite the evening
unfolding with charm and connection that she couldn’t see.
[PLOT POINT 2]
Once the evening wound down, Aurelia’s shoulders were slumping in a quiet form of
defeat. After everything that happened, she was still convinced that her efforts were nothing
but a ridiculous spectacle. Forcing a smile and masking her disappointment, Xavier noticed
the heaviness in Aurelia’s eyes. For the first time since the date started, he did not see the
lively traveler but someone who was terrified that she had failed him. The look deeply struck
him that it was enough for Xavier to speak up about it soon, or their connection, which he
cherished, would be lost.
ACT 3
Before Aurelia could return to the comfort of her hotel room, Xavier held her wrist as
an attempt to stop her gently. He asked Aurelia what was wrong, admitting to how strangely
defeated her eyes looked.
[CLIMAX]
The simple observation made Aurelia’s composure crack, spilling everything she had
bottled up in a rush. Her mouth moved faster than her brain could process the words.
Xavier's laughter had been pity; the gifts and rehearsed conversation starters made her look
absurd. By the time she realized how much she had confessed, her face was burning red,
and she buried her head in her hands to save what dignity she had left.
When Xavier laughed once more, her worst fears were confirmed until he quickly
explained that his laughter had never been cruel in the slightest. It was the joyful kind since
every bouquet, every box of chocolates, every awkward effort of hers had only made him like
her more.
[RESOLUTION]
A rush of relief ran over Aurelia so quickly that it turned into laughter, bubbling up and
breaking the tension that weighed her down all evening. Xavier only shook his head with
amused fondness as the heavy tension melted away into playful ease. When Aurelia slipped
her hand into his without hesitation, the warmth of his palm grounded her in a way no
destination ever had. For once, she wasn’t chasing the next adventure. Aurelia was simply
here, exactly where she wanted to be, ready to see where this imperfect and unexpected
romance would take them.
