It was one of those golden afternoons that felt like a movie — the kind where time slows down, sunlight hits just right, and laughter seems to hang in the air a little longer than usual. Malik and Tasha hadn’t planned much for the day; they just wanted a break from deadlines, traffic, and grown-up stress. So, naturally, they ended up at a petting zoo — because nothing says “mental health day” like feeding goats and pretending life’s easy.
They were halfway through their walk when Malik spotted a small white-and-brown goat lounging like royalty on a giant rock. “Yo, look at this guy,” he said, pointing and grinning. “That’s me after leg day.”
Tasha burst out laughing. “You mean that’s you after five minutes on the treadmill.”
“Wow,” he said, clutching his chest dramatically. “Coming for my cardio game like that? Cold.”
She smirked. “Truth hurts, baby.”
Malik shook his head but couldn’t stop smiling. He stepped closer to the goat, crouching down and gently patting its head. The goat blinked up at him, completely unimpressed, like it had seen a thousand city couples before and knew exactly how this was going to go.
“Hey little man,” Malik said softly. “You’re the real G.O.A.T, huh? Greatest of all time.”
Tasha rolled her eyes playfully. “You and this goat have the same attitude. Both of you think you’re celebrities.”
He looked back at her, grinning. “Can’t help it if greatness recognizes greatness.”
She giggled, joining him by the rock and running her hand over the goat’s back. It was surprisingly calm, its head tilting as if it enjoyed the attention. “Aw, he’s kinda cute,” she said.
“So am I,” Malik replied instantly.
“Oh my God,” she laughed, “you did not just compare yourself to the goat.”
He stood up proudly. “I’m the G.O.A.T of romance, thank you very much.”
“Romance?” she teased. “You forgot our anniversary dinner last year.”
“Yeah,” he said with a shrug, “but I brought you snacks from the gas station that night. That’s love.”
Tasha shook her head, trying not to laugh. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
He smiled, stepping closer. “I’m luckier that you keep me anyway.”
For a second, their jokes faded into quiet. The air felt warmer, softer. She looked up at him, and he looked at her, both smiling the way people do when they realize they’ve built a love full of laughter and little moments that matter more than grand gestures.
Then the goat let out a loud bleat, breaking the silence.
They both jumped, then laughed until tears rolled down Tasha’s cheeks. “See?” she said between giggles. “Even the goat agrees you’re full of it.”
Malik pointed at the goat. “Nah, he’s just jealous.”
As they walked away hand in hand, Malik turned back and called, “Stay legendary, little G.O.A.T!”
The goat didn’t move. But if it could talk, it probably would’ve said, “You two are ridiculous.”
And honestly — that was exactly what made them perfect.
