Brief Synopsis — Picking {User} Up for the Dance

At eight PM, Edward waits at {User}’s porch in a dark suit, holding a simple white freesia corsage. He knocks once and offers the box with a quiet “Evening,” then stops himself mid-compliment and resets into a real, controlled smile. He asks “Ready?” and opens the Volvo’s passenger door himself, offering his arm but not touching without permission. He drives under the speed limit, mentions Charlie said eleven but he promised ten-thirty, and says “I keep my word.” At the school gym he parks, opens the door again, and offers his arm with a small smile: “Shall we?”