#Flutter App Performance

[netscapelabsinfotech]

🚀 Boost Your Flutter App Performance — Speed Matters More Than Ever

At Netscapelabs, we believe that a stunning Flutter UI isn’t enough if your app lags, stutters, or bloats on real devices. Whether you're a startup or a solo dev, performance is no longer optional — it's the key to user retention.

We help you optimize everything from widget rebuilds and state management to API calls and rendering efficiency.

💡 Want to know how we make Flutter apps fast, smooth, and enterprise-ready?

👉 Read our full blog: How to Improve Flutter App Performance – Optimizing for Speed and Efficiency

🔗 [https://netscapelabs.com/2025/06/10/how-to-improve-flutter-app-performance-optimizing-for-speed-and-efficiency/]

[neiljordansimon]

Flutter App Performance: How to Optimize for Speed and Stability

When it comes to mobile applications, performance is everything. A slow or unstable app can drive users away in seconds, no matter how great the design or features may be. Flutter, Google’s UI toolkit, offers a solid foundation for building high-performance apps across platforms. However, optimizing Flutter apps for speed and stability still requires thoughtful implementation and a deep understanding of the framework.

One of the most effective ways to boost app performance is by reducing widget rebuilds. Flutter’s reactive UI design is powerful, but excessive rebuilding can create noticeable lag. Developers often leverage state management solutions like Provider, Riverpod, or BLoC to control what parts of the UI rebuild and when. Many experienced Flutter development companies apply these patterns to ensure responsive user interfaces without sacrificing performance.

Another major factor is the use of asynchronous operations. Improper handling of asynchronous data fetching or heavy computations on the main thread can freeze the UI. The best practice is to move time-consuming tasks off the UI thread and use isolates or compute functions where needed. This approach is standard among top Flutter development companies, who prioritize both user experience and app robustness.

Asset optimization is also essential. Flutter apps that include large images or uncompressed assets can suffer from high memory usage and long load times. Tools like flutter_image_compress and SVG-based assets help mitigate this issue. It’s common for leading Flutter development companies to implement asset bundling and lazy loading to enhance startup speed.

In terms of stability, automated testing and performance monitoring tools like Firebase Performance, Sentry, or Flutter DevTools can help identify memory leaks, jank, and other potential issues early in the development process. Flutter development companies that focus on long-term project health typically include these tools in their standard workflows.

Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of code architecture. Modular and clean code not only helps scalability but also contributes to better performance and easier debugging. This is why top Flutter development companies often follow best practices like Clean Architecture and SOLID principles.

To summarize, optimizing Flutter apps for speed and stability is a blend of technical best practices and strategic planning. Partnering with reliable Flutter development companies ensures that your app is built on a foundation designed for performance and longevity, helping your business deliver a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

[quantamo]

Flutter App Development USA – Cross-Platform Mobile Solutions by Quantamo

Create high-performance mobile apps with Quantamo’s Flutter app development services in the USA. Our custom Flutter solutions offer fast, reliable, and innovative app experiences.

[quokkalabs]

Quokka Labs provides top-notch Flutter app development services to craft visually stunning and high-performance cross-platform apps. Unlock faster development cycles and seamless user experiences with our expert team.

[innvonixtech]

Why Flutter is the Ideal Choice for Hybrid App Development

In today’s competitive app market, businesses are developing hybrid applications to create versatile applications that work seamlessly across multiple platforms. Flutter has emerged as the leading choice for developers and companies alike. But why is Flutter considered the best platform for hybrid app development? This article explores the advantages of Flutter and why many companies are opting for it to build cross-platform applications.

What is Flutter?

Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit (SDK) created by Google. It allows developers to create natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. With a growing developer community and continuous updates, Flutter has gained massive popularity for its ability to deliver visually appealing and highly functional hybrid apps.

Advantages of Flutter in Hybrid App Development

1. Single Codebase for Multiple Platforms

One of Flutter’s biggest strengths is its ability to develop apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase. This eliminates the need for separate development teams for each platform, saving time and resources. By leveraging Flutter’s “write once, run anywhere” approach, developers can ensure consistent performance and appearance across platforms, leading to faster development cycles.

2. Fast Development with Hot Reload

Flutter’s hot reload feature allows developers to instantly see changes made to the code without losing the app's current state. This significantly speeds up the development process by enabling real-time iteration and testing. With quicker debugging and faster adjustments, Flutter helps developers deliver high-quality apps more efficiently.

3. Customizable Widgets for Flexible UI

Flutter offers a rich library of pre-designed and customizable widgets that make UI development both flexible and intuitive. Whether you need a native look or a customized design, Flutter provides the tools to create a smooth user experience. The ease of designing attractive interfaces without compromising functionality gives it a huge edge in hybrid app development.

4. Excellent Performance

Flutter doesn’t rely on WebView components or JavaScript bridges, unlike other hybrid frameworks. Instead, it uses Dart, a modern programming language that compiles native machine code. This ensures Flutter apps perform nearly as well as native apps, offering smooth animations and fast response times that are critical for a good user experience.

5. Vibrant Community and Ecosystem

Another significant benefit of Flutter is its growing community and support ecosystem. The platform is backed by Google, which means continuous improvements, reliable updates, and a plethora of libraries and plugins to extend its functionality. Whether you're a Flutter app development company or a solo developer, the availability of community support can help you overcome challenges during the app creation process.

Why Choose Flutter for Your Next Hybrid App?

Choosing Flutter can provide businesses with cost-effective and future-proof solutions. With access to top-notch tools, reusable code, and superior performance, Flutter app development services offer a reliable path for hybrid apps that don’t compromise on quality. As more industries lean toward hybrid development, Flutter’s versatility makes it the go-to choice.

Conclusion

Flutter stands out as the optimal solution for businesses looking to create high-performance hybrid apps with minimal development costs. From its single codebase and customizable widgets to its excellent performance, it’s no wonder that more companies are turning to Flutter app development services to bring their app ideas to life. As a leading Flutter app development company, investing in this platform ensures you're ready to meet the evolving needs of users in today’s fast-paced digital world.

[crossdevverse]

Why Ionic Outperforms Flutter in 2024: 7 Data-Driven Reasons to Choose Ionic

In the competitive realm of hybrid app development, selecting the right framework is crucial for ensuring the success of your project. As of 2024, Flutter and Ionic are the two leading contenders in the field. While both frameworks have their strengths, an in-depth analysis of data and technical aspects reveals that Ionic may have the edge for many developers and businesses. Here’s why Ionic stands out, supported by compelling statistics and technical insights.

1. Hybrid Approach Enhances Performance

Performance is a pivotal factor in choosing a development framework. Ionic’s hybrid approach utilizes pre-existing plugins and technologies that enhance development efficiency while maintaining high performance. Ionic delivers a consistent 60 FPS across both desktop and mobile platforms, demonstrating its ability to offer smooth and reliable user experiences.

Flutter, known for its native compilation and custom rendering engine, also achieves 60 FPS. However, while Flutter’s hot reload feature can accelerate development, it doesn’t always translate to faster overall development time. Data suggests that Flutter's hot reload can reduce development time by up to 63%, but this benefit is often counterbalanced by the complexity of the app being developed.

2. Superior UI Customization and Flexibility

UI design flexibility is another critical factor where Ionic excels. Ionic leverages web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, providing developers with a comprehensive library of pre-designed components. This allows for highly customizable and responsive UIs, with standard-based web components that can be styled to resemble native elements, ensuring a consistent look and feel across various platforms.

Flutter, in contrast, employs its own rendering engine and offers a range of pre-designed widgets. While these widgets adhere to Material Design and Human Interface guidelines and provide extensive customization options, they may not offer the same level of flexibility as the standard web components used by Ionic. For businesses seeking a tailored UI with rapid implementation, Ionic’s approach offers a significant advantage.

3. Enhanced Code Portability and Maintenance

Code portability is a crucial aspect of modern app development, and Ionic’s use of web technologies facilitates this with ease. Developers can deploy a single codebase across mobile, desktop, and Progressive Web Apps (PWA), simplifying code maintenance and updates. This approach reduces the time and effort required to manage different platform versions.

Flutter also supports cross-platform code sharing but relies on Dart, which is less widely adopted than JavaScript. Although Flutter's single codebase approach is effective, developers may face a steeper learning curve with Dart, potentially impacting the speed of development and onboarding.

4. Developer-Friendly Ecosystem

The developer experience is greatly influenced by the ecosystem surrounding a framework. Ionic’s ecosystem is designed to enhance developer convenience, offering extensive documentation and compatibility with popular JavaScript frameworks such as AngularJs     , React, and Vue. This integration allows developers to leverage their existing skills and tools, facilitating faster development and maintenance.

Flutter requires proficiency in Dart, a less common language compared to JavaScript. Although Flutter provides comprehensive documentation, the learning curve associated with Dart can be a barrier for new developers or those transitioning from other languages. Ionic’s ecosystem, with its focus on familiar technologies, presents a more accessible option for many developers.

5. Accelerated Development and Deployment

Speed is critical in the app development lifecycle. Ionic’s hybrid approach and efficient use of web technologies contribute to quicker development cycles. With its vast library of components and plugins, developers can rapidly assemble and deploy applications, minimizing the need for extensive custom coding.

Flutter’s hot reload feature is designed to speed up development by allowing real-time updates without restarting the app. While this feature is beneficial, the overall speed of development can still be affected by the complexity of the application and the need for frequent updates. Ionic’s streamlined approach often results in faster development and deployment times.

6. Cost-Effective Development

Cost considerations are always at the forefront of app development decisions. Ionic’s utilization of web technologies and pre-existing plugins often results in more cost-effective development compared to Flutter. The use of JavaScript and established web frameworks typically leads to lower development costs, as teams can build on their existing knowledge and tools.

In contrast, Flutter’s development costs may be higher due to the need for specialized Dart expertise and potentially longer development times for complex applications. Although Flutter can deliver high-performance apps, the associated costs can be a significant factor for businesses operating within tight budgets.

7. Established Community and Support

Community support and available resources play a crucial role in the development process. Ionic’s longer presence in the market has fostered a robust ecosystem of resources, tutorials, and community support. This established network provides valuable assistance for troubleshooting, learning, and keeping up with the latest advancements.

While Flutter is supported by a rapidly growing community and benefits from Google’s backing, it is relatively newer compared to Ionic. As a result, the community support and resources for Flutter are still expanding. For developers seeking a well-established support network, Ionic’s longstanding presence offers a substantial advantage.

Ionic’s Technical Superiority

Ionic excels not only in performance and development efficiency but also through its robust technical features:

Plugin Integration: Ionic utilizes Cordova and, more recently, Capacitor plugins to access host operating system features such as Camera, GPS, and Flashlight. This integration allows developers to build applications that leverage native device functionalities while using a unified codebase.

Comprehensive Framework: Ionic supports building apps that can be customized for a range of platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Desktop (with Electron), and modern browsers. This versatility is facilitated through Ionic’s build tools and simplified command-line interface (CLI), which streamlines the app-building and deployment process.

Extensive UI Components: Ionic includes a wide array of mobile components, typography, interactive paradigms, and an extensible base theme. Web Components used in Ionic provide custom elements and methods for interaction. Notable components like virtual scroll allow for smooth scrolling through extensive lists, while tabs create native-style navigation with history state management.

Development Tools: Ionic offers services that enable code deploys and automated builds. Although its own IDE, Ionic Studio, was discontinued in 2020, the CLI remains a powerful tool for project creation, plugin management, push notifications, and native binary generation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Flutter and Ionic offer distinct benefits for hybrid app development, data and technical insights indicate that Ionic may be the preferable choice for many projects. With its hybrid approach, superior UI customization, code portability, and developer-friendly ecosystem, Ionic presents a compelling option for businesses looking to develop high-performance, cost-effective applications.

If you're considering developing a new application or updating an existing one, hiring Ionic developers could significantly enhance your project’s success. Ionic’s strengths in development efficiency and technical versatility make it a robust and effective choice in the competitive landscape of hybrid app development.

By choosing Ionic, and with the expertise of skilled Ionic developers, you can harness a framework with a proven track record, ensuring efficient development and deployment processes. For a well-established support network and a streamlined development experience, Ionic is the framework to consider.

[rubengrey]

Maintaining Robust Security In Flutter Mobile Apps

In the data driven fast paced era of technology, everything has a security aspect to it that cannot be overlooked. The amount of apps being made today on the Flutter framework might even seem almost insane, but mobile apps comprise most of the game here.

As of recent data, Flutter has totally surpassed other frameworks to become the number one framework to build mobile apps. With about 46% of software developers rooting for Flutter, there is no question about the indispensableness of the Flutter framework. But here’s one aspect that can help you make your apps more reliable: robust security.

Security is one facet in mobile app development that cannot be ignored; and it is also what makes any app stand apart from the rest. Since it garners more trust from the user end, especially for apps that involve storing critical information, any software developer, or mobile apps development agency spends a huge chunk of their time on the security aspect of mobile apps.

Whether you are a freelance software developer, or leverage custom app development services from time to time, this blog will give you a deeper insight into the security side of app development on the Flutter framework.

The Importance Of Building A Secure Fortress Of An App

Security is one of the biggest priorities when developer teams are creating mobile apps. Sensitive information related to many things like finances, contact information, personal health, as well as health issues can be used against users.

Since most apps nowadays store at least one of these types of information, it becomes imperative to set strong guard walls to avoid any data breaches. A strongly secure app also encourages the user to engage more freely with the app. This means that user trust has been earned, and your app can organically bring in more users based on this trust as well.

Secure mobile apps also guarantee compliance with data privacy regulations (depending on regions and countries) as well. If there are, indeed, data breaches because of a lax attitude on the security front of the mobile app, there is bound to be repercussions - at the least, hefty fines to be paid.

Consequences Of Neglecting Security

A security neglect is a foolish play, in any arena, and custom app development services are no exception. Security breaches and data leaks aren’t just headlines anymore, they cost - a lot. According to a study done by IBM last year, the global average cost of a data breach had surmounted up to $4.45 million.

While the numbers definitely are daunting, all of it is accompanied by a loss of user trust. This leads to a belief that users might abandon the app if there are issues related to data and security. This paints a crystal clear picture: that security isn’t just a feature, it is actually a business imperative.

Flutter: A Security Darling

Let's first recognize the security benefits that come with Flutter. Flutter provides a single codebase for various platforms, in contrast to native app development, where vulnerabilities might arise from platform-specific peculiarities (iOS and Android). As a result, there is less room for assault and less chance of exploitation.

Furthermore, Flutter uses the Dart programming language, renowned for its robust typing system and garbage collection (which ensures clean efficiency).

These features help to guard against memory leaks and buffer overflows, which are frequent security flaws in other languages. No matter how performant your app is across different platforms, if it isn’t secure, it isn’t reliable, and cannot win user trust.

Easy Steps For Ensuring Your Flutter App Is Reliable And Secure

Here are a few ways how you can make sure that your Flutter mobile app is secure, reliable, and isn’t prone to data breaches.

1. Security Measures For Cross-Platform Devices

Certain security measures cannot be used on both iOS and Android devices due to their inherent differences. As a result, it's critical to comprehend how the two differ from one another and concentrate on the specific metrics that will matter most for each platform.

One easy way to go about this would be to include multi platform measures to build a Flutter mobile app. This way, you can recognise and make sure that your mobile app development agency is focusing on the right sensitive points in the app.

2. Encryption For Extended Protection

Mobile app development using Flutter allows encryption of most data that needs to be stored on the app or device. This encryption can take care of two aspects - privacy, as well as data encryption to avoid any kind of breaches.

This enables only authorized users to access the data, as well as prevents any misuse of data by an attacker - because of the encryption.

3. Reliability Check

The new app must be tested in a variety of situations and scenarios to make sure it is as dependable as possible. Testing every codebase, new feature, cross-platform screen reader, debug mode setup, user interface model, etc can guarantee an understanding of how well the app can perform in different scenarios.

This also includes testing for stability and performance in both virtual and real-world settings, in order to find any possible problems or faults before the app is made public.

4. Background Protection

Our ability to access data and information while on the go has greatly improved convenience thanks to mobile devices. However, there is always a possibility of security risks associated with this convenience - such as the possibility that the task -switcher feature might unintentionally divulge confidential data.

Thankfully, developers can address this problem by using the secure_application package in their mobile apps, allowing users to feel secure, knowing that their data is safe, without having to sacrifice the mobile app's usability.

5. Monitoring App Performance

Since Flutter's architecture prioritizes efficiency, developers already know that their apps are performant. But it does make sense to test it for themselves a few times.

Setting up application performance monitoring is a great way to address that. A number of application performance monitoring tools are available to identify any problems or lags that might occur when using the app; this can help to swiftly and effectively identify any issue areas, and tackle them immediately.

6. Regular App Updates With Latest Security Patches

No matter how feature-rich your quick apps are, you still need to update them frequently since things change, just like anything else.

Flutter does give developers this benefit of regular updates with security patches along with bug fixes. To ensure that your Flutter mobile apps are reliable and secure, keep them updated, check for any further issues within the app, and ensure to always check for latest updates as they become available. This is also one way to stay in the game.

7. Third-party Libraries For Extra Security

For developers providing custom mobile app development services using Flutter, third-party libraries are extremely helpful since they frequently aid in accelerating development and enhancing app security.

Flutter apps can benefit from an additional security layer provided by a range of third-party libraries, which range from analytics services to authentication solutions.

However, these third-party libraries also need extra access or permissions for both iOS and Android projects. To ensure that a new library complies with the platform's policies, thorough tests should be done before adding it to the codebase.

8. Authentication

Speaking of security, depending on the kind of app you are building, Flutter mobile apps may need a certain amount of authentication. Tokens and passwords are two of the most used techniques used to guarantee user data security.

While two-factor authentication is the norm in development environments, you might want to think about implementing it for your Flutter application as well. This will enable your potential users to enjoy an additional degree of security to their account before using the app's features.

9. Code Obfuscation

Apparently, humans can reverse engineer anything these days. As for Flutter mobile apps, if your app code is out there in plain text for anyone to read, they can reverse engineer the app codes.

To tackle this, Code obfuscation can be used by developers to disguise codes used in developing the app - by hiding functions and class names in the compiled Dart code!

Conclusion

Today, with all the noise around privacy and security, it is imperative that all apps have a solid layer (maybe two?) of security. The idea behind this isn’t to make developers’ work harder, but to win user trust organically.

While Flutter already has many advantages, security and reliability are some of its strong points too. With the help of tools for app performance monitoring for reliability, data obfuscation, and cross-platform security measures, developers can easily build an app that is solid with both security and absolutely reliable for users.

[grey-space-computing]

How Flutter’s Features Enhance Your App: 7 Key Benefits

Nowadays In the digital world, developing an app that stands out is crucial. One tool that’s been gaining significant attention is Flutter. But what makes Flutter so special? Let’s dive into how Flutter’s features can enhance your app, highlighting seven key benefits that can make a difference.

1. Single Codebase Advantage

One of the standout features of Flutter is its single codebase advantage. Imagine being able to write your app’s code once and have it run smoothly on both iOS and Android platforms. This is not just a dream; it’s a reality with Flutter. This saves a tremendous amount of time and effort, allowing developers to focus more on enhancing the app rather than rewriting code for different platforms.

2. Fast Development with Hot Reload

Have you ever wished for a magic wand that could instantly show the results of your code changes? Flutter’s hot reload feature is just that magic wand. This feature lets developers instantly view their changes without the need to restart the entire application. This speeds up the development process significantly, making debugging and UI tweaks a breeze.

3. Beautiful, Customizable UI

Flutter is known for its ability to create stunning and highly customizable user interfaces. With a rich set of pre-designed widgets and the flexibility to create custom ones, Flutter ensures that your app doesn’t just perform well but also looks amazing. The layered architecture of Flutter allows for full customization, right from the design to the behavior of each widget.

4. High Performance

Performance is a critical aspect of any app. Flutter applications are renowned for their high performance because they are compiled directly into native ARM code. This ensures that the app runs smoothly and efficiently, offering users a seamless experience. Whether it’s handling complex animations or rendering multiple elements on the screen, Flutter ensures everything works flawlessly.

5. Strong Community Support

No developer is an island. The strength of a development tool often lies in the community behind it, and Flutter boasts a vibrant and supportive community. From extensive documentation to numerous forums and user groups, you’ll find a wealth of resources and support. This makes troubleshooting and finding best practices easier, ensuring your app development journey is smooth and supported.

6. Rich Set of Widgets

Widgets form the core components of any Flutter app. Flutter comes with a rich set of pre-designed widgets that cater to almost every need. Whether you need simple buttons and sliders or more complex elements like grids and lists, Flutter has you covered. These widgets are not only functional but also customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your app’s specific requirements.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Developing an app can be expensive, but Flutter helps in reducing costs significantly. By allowing a single codebase to be used across multiple platforms, development time and resources are saved. Moreover, the lower maintenance costs and the availability of free resources from the Flutter community contribute to overall cost savings. For startups and small businesses, this cost-effectiveness is a game-changer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Flutter app development offers numerous benefits that can greatly enhance your app. From its single codebase and fast development process to its beautiful UI and high performance, Flutter provides a comprehensive solution for building cross-platform apps. The strong community support, rich set of widgets, and cost-effectiveness further add to its appeal, making Flutter an ideal choice for app developers.

FAQs

What is the main advantage of using Flutter for app development?

The main advantage of using Flutter is its single codebase that works across both iOS and Android platforms, saving time and resources.

How does Flutter’s hot reload feature benefit developers?

Flutter’s hot reload feature allows developers to view updates instantly without restarting the application, significantly speeding up the development process.

Can Flutter create high-performance apps?

Yes, Flutter compiles directly to native ARM code, ensuring high performance and smooth user experiences.

Is Flutter suitable for small businesses and startups?

Absolutely. Flutter’s cost-effectiveness, due to its single codebase and lower maintenance costs, makes it ideal for small businesses and startups.

Where can I access support and resources for Flutter development?

Flutter has a strong community with extensive documentation, forums, and user groups where you can find support and resources for your development needs

[appmasterd]

Flutter App Performance Optimization Techniques in 2024

Flutter, Google's open-source UI software development kit, has rapidly gained popularity among developers for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. With the relentless advancement in technology, understanding and implementing robust performance optimization techniques is crucial to delivering a top-notch user experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best strategies to optimize the performance of your Flutter apps in 2024.

Optimizing app performance can significantly impact user engagement, retention, and even app store rankings. We'll take a deep dive into the core performance principles, essential optimization techniques, and advanced strategies that will keep your Flutter apps running like a well-oiled machine.

Core Performance Principles

Before we jump into specific optimization techniques, it's essential to understand the core principles that govern performance in Flutter App Development.

Understanding the Rendering Pipeline

Flutter's rendering pipeline constructs the user interface by constantly rebuilding UI elements based on the current state. The rapidity and efficiency with which this pipeline operates significantly impact the app's overall performance.

Frame Rate and User Experience

A consistent and high frame rate is the hallmark of a smooth user experience. The rendering pipeline must build and render each frame within 16 milliseconds to achieve 60 frames per second (FPS), ensuring a seamless and responsive app.

Timing and Threading

The precise timing of work across various threads is crucial for performance. Offloading heavy tasks to isolated threads or processes prevents the app's main thread from being blocked, which can lead to stuttering and unresponsive user interfaces.

Memory Management

Memory allocation and deallocation impact app performance. Effective management – from minimizing the size of app resources to judicious use of cached and preloaded data – can ensure efficient memory utilization and a snappy app experience.

Optimization Techniques

Now, let's look at practical methods to enhance the performance of your Flutter apps.

Widget Efficiency

Widgets are the building blocks of a Flutter UI, and optimizing their usage is key to a performant app.

Stateless vs. Stateful Widgets

Stateless widgets are immutable and only rebuild when the app's state changes. In contrast, stateful widgets can rebuild multiple times per second, often unnecessarily. When possible, favor stateless widgets for improved UI performance.

The 'const' Keyword

Using the `const` keyword constructs widgets that are compile-time constants. This optimization reduces the overhead of creating new widget instances, and benefits flutter app performance and memory usage.

Efficient Data Management

Managing app data efficiently minimizes the time spent on state updates and UI rebuilds.

ChangeNotifier and InheritedWidget

ChangeNotifier is a lightweight solution for managing the state of a widget. Combine it with InheritedWidget to propagate changes through the widget tree without unnecessary rebuilds.

Caching and Preloading

Caching often-used data and preloading assets can mitigate network delays and loading times, significantly speeding up your app's performance.

UI Optimization

Flutter App’s UI Optimization is often the focal point for performance improvements due to its direct impact on user interaction and perception.

List and Grid Views

Optimize list and grid views with techniques like item recycling, where only the visible elements in a list are rendered, and others are reused as they scroll off the screen.

Animations

Employ lightweight animation libraries and design simple, effective animations to prevent jank and maintain a smooth app experience.

Opacity and Clipping

Use opacity and clipping judiciously as excessive use can have performance implications, especially when used on complex widgets or large lists.

Code Optimization

Efficient code not only reduces development time but also enhances the app's performance.

async/await

Leverage the async/await pattern for managing asynchronous operations. It keeps code readable and maintainable, essential for team collaboration and identifying bottlenecks in asynchronous work.

Profiling and Debugging

Regularly profile your app using tools like the Flutter DevTools to identify issues and areas for improvement, allowing for a more targeted approach to optimization.

Advanced Techniques

In complex apps, advanced performance optimization techniques become essential.

Platform Channels

When integrating Flutter with native code, platform channels provide performance-critical pathways between the Flutter engine and the native platform. Understanding and leveraging platform channels can improve efficiency.

Isolate Management

Distribute and manage isolates effectively to optimize memory usage in multi-threaded environments. This can be particularly useful in processor-intensive apps or those with complex business logic.

Conclusion

By applying the performance optimization techniques outlined above, you can ensure that your Flutter apps are responsive, snappy, and a joy to use. Stay attuned to the latest trends and tools within the Flutter ecosystem to remain at the forefront of app development.

Remember, performance optimization is not a one-off task. It's an ongoing process that should be integrated into your development workflow from the outset. Businesses and users alike are increasingly discerning when it comes to app performance; by investing time in these techniques, you're not just making a faster app – you're making better business decisions.

[justnshalom]

10 Essential Tips for Developing a Flutter Application

Introduction Flutter has gained immense popularity among developers, thanks to its ability to build high-performance, cross-platform mobile applications. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned developer, it’s important to follow best practices and understand the key aspects of Flutter development to create top-notch applications. 1. Understand the Widget Hierarchy In Flutter, everything is a…

[hybridappbuilder]

Boost your Flutter app's performance with these 9+ effective optimization techniques. 🚀💻

From widget optimization to code splitting, we've got you covered!

[minkieater]

selfish — choi san ⋆˙⟡

san x fem!reader | smut minors dni san is rough | 2.8k

San isn’t, and has never been, a cocky man by nature. 

Always humble, always giving rather than taking, San couldn’t imagine himself living a life only worried about his own needs. His friends, his family, his staff, the elderly woman he helped cross the street just last week, San never ran out of pieces of himself to give away. Always smiling, always empathetic, always there when you need him. 

Always attentive. Talents aside, singing, dancing, his ear for music, your favorite thing about him was how much he knew about you. He could read your thoughts before you had them, read your feelings on your face, he even kept a period tracker on his phone so he could bring you what he called a ‘feel better basket’, he filled the same wicker basket every month with every single snack you like (he keeps a list of them in his notes app). 

Tonight was a big night for him. It was his company’s annual gala thrown to celebrate their achievements throughout the year, a true extravaganza with a buffet, live music, the whole thing. All eight of them were here with their partners, who you were gathered with at a standing table in the back, watching them go one by one, speaking on the stage. 

San was an incredible speaker, his stage presence wasn’t exclusive to performing music, when he spoke, the world listened. He looked incredible. Hair styled back to perfection, suit tailored to his body down to the millimeter, his posture so straight he radiated elegance. You couldn’t be happier for him, your beautiful boyfriend was succeeding, growing, under the spotlight. He deserved it all and more.

Yet you were sulking– and you couldn’t pinpoint why. Several glasses of champagne and too many horderves deep, you let the group surrounding you lead the conversation while you shift your weight back and forth on heeled feet. You scowled at the black glitter and silver stars scattered across the table, wondering why you couldn’t let yourself shine as brightly as they were. 

You knew why, deep in your gut, but it was selfish, and you couldn’t admit it to yourself let alone out loud. The room was filled to the brim with people, his coworkers, staff, employees and important people from other companies who came to network and enjoy the free food. They all came to gawk at the eight boys who were to thank for their companies success, San had spoken to and thanked every single one, of course he did, leaving you to your own devices for ages. Too fucking long. 

You had the partners, you’d made a group of your own, but you didn’t have him beside you. Neglect, abandonment, he left you all alone. Why not introduce you to all the important people filling the room, drinking up every single moment of his spare time? Let them learn your name, your face, so everyone would know you’re his, and have been his for years now? It pissed you off.

As he walked off the stage after a deep, low bow, you shot the rest of whatever was left in your glass down your throat. You were feeling the buzz, your irritation dancing on the edge of rage, the champagne only encouraging you to act on it. 

You made eye contact from across the ballroom, your glass held up to your lips, your eyes meeting for just long enough to tell San everything he needed to know. He started for your table, body moving as quickly as it could in his form-fitting tuxedo, yet he was stopped. Pulled aside. Again. 

You rejoined the conversation when Yunho returned to the table, the only single one out of the group. If San wasn’t available to give you the attention you desperately needed, maybe Yunho would. Ears perking up just to hear the tail end of his joke, you giggled, eyelashes fluttering, body leaning inward, Yunho didn’t catch it, nor did anyone else, but you could feel San’s eyes on you. Out of your peripherals you watched his head turn back and forth, focus leaving the people currently holding him in conversation to you, still across the room, clearly flirting with his friend. 

Now it felt like a game: How far could you get before San reached you? Head tilted to the side, smile glued to your cheeks, one leg crossed in front of the other beneath your skin-tight evening gown. You even matched Yunho, the deep green of your dress corresponding to his tie, a detail you didn’t even consider. San did. 

When he finally reached you, heavy palms on your waist and a soft kiss pressed to your cheek, you wondered if he caught any of it at all. It wasn’t until Yunho excused himself to use the bathroom that San pulled you into his side, a sweet, dimpled smile on his cheeks, an opposing look to the words he growled in your ear. “Meet me in the east stairwell. Ten minutes.”

A shiver ran down your spine as a fire bloomed in your chest, quick to burn your body up to your ears as he left your side again. You watched him strut to where Seonghwa and Hongjoong stood, fingers toying with the buttons on his suit jacket, chin held high as if he didn’t just repeat what pissed you off in the first place. The stairwell? At a gala? San was always one to talk things out, to see a situation from all perspectives, one half of you assumed he wanted a private area to quickly hash this out, the other knew that tone he’d just used on you all too well. Either way, you knew he’d put you back in your place.

You scurried off to the bathroom, fixing your hair, your makeup, even adding some extra lip gloss before you began your hunt for the stairwell. You gave yourself a minute or two of extra time for your hunt, you’d never been to this hall before, nor did you know where he wanted you. 

Heels clacking against tiled floor was all that could be heard down the hallway as you carefully read each door you passed, until one opened up, pulling you through the threshold by the wrist. A yelp leaves your throat until you’re pressed against it, your boyfriend instantly pressed up against you, eyebrows laid heavy over his pointed gaze. “One fucking night that’s all about me.”

You glance around, eyes grazing the cement painted walls, the platform of the second floor under your feet. Your breathing comes out heavy yet scattered, a tremble to your voice from the shock of being pulled inside so harshly, San’s grip on your wrist tight. “W-what?”

“Every year,” you can feel his breath against your face, his forehead just centimeters from yours, “I have one night that’s all about me. You couldn’t let me have that?”

Your eyes go wide, you must be numb, you can’t feel the anger stabbing you with each pointed word, instead all you feel is the fire from ten minutes ago. His eyes were crazed, pupils blown, a smirk so devious stretched across his face it could’ve been sent from hell itself— his chuckle is dark and low, sinister, your knees threaten to buckle at the sound. “So needy for my attention it’s embarrassing. Didn’t think I saw you with Yunho?” 

He lets go of your wrist, planting his hand against the door just behind your head. You can’t answer, not with him so close, frozen in confusion because you didn’t know if you were scared or horny. “Didn’t think I saw you down there, miserable, as if you’d rather be anywhere else than celebrating me?” 

You swallow, words at the tip of your tongue, but all you can do is shake your head. San lets out a sound of amusement, but nothing about this was amusing to you. “You were chatting it up with Yunho, now you can’t speak? Funny.” 

You shake your head again, fighting your chest to let words out. “I’m sorry.” 

“You’re sorry?”

“Yes,” you breathe out and your body pushes forward, leg lifting to graze his own, your front pressing against his. San typically treated you nicely, your sex life was just a step up from purely vanilla, no choking, no slapping, no role playing— this felt like something neither of you have explored before, and god, you wanted it. Needed it. The pulsing in your core answered all your questions for you. 

“Too fucking bad,” he grabs onto your thigh and pushes you backward against the door again, your skin hitting the cold metal with a thump, a whimper leaving your lips at the contact. 

He kisses you with that same anger, with force behind it, not the sweet and passionate kisses you were used to receiving. He pushes his body into yours instead, pulling your dress up your leg so it rests on your thigh, his fingers gripping at your bare skin. You whimper again, core grinding into his, kissing him back with that same roughness while balancing one heeled foot on the floor. You wouldn’t just take it, no, but challenge it. 

“Still gonna be a brat?” He asks against your lips, mouths barely a centimeter apart as he slips his fingers farther up your dress. “Be good and take it.” 

“Why should I?” You counter, breath still hot and heavy, arms swung over his shoulder pads. “You ignored me all night.” 

“I was doing my fucking job,” he hisses, fingers slipping up to your panties, fingers toying with the elastic. You gasp, hips bucking forward, and he places his thumb over your clit and presses. You jerk forward, met with a wall of a man as a moan slips through, and that devilish smirk plasters itself across San’s face once more. “Still gonna be a selfish brat? Or are you gonna let me have my way with you?” 

You look up at him through your lashes, a sweet face spitting words. “I don’t want anything from you.” 

“Who said anything about you wanting it?” He asks as he steps back, and a full body shiver racks through you. San, always selfless, always humble, this was a side of him you’d never seen before, you didn’t want him to stop. Luckily for you, he had no plans of stopping, especially not now that he’s cracked through your bratty exterior. “On your knees.” 

You drop, your dark, tight evening gown met with the cement of the floor, knees screaming but you barely hear them as San slips off his jacket, laying it over the railing beside you. He makes quick work of his belt, pulling his cock out without barely pulling his pants down. 

“Put that mouth to good use.” 

You nearly moaned, but your mouth was too full too fast. Wasting no time, you let your tongue glide on the underside of him, his cock heavy in your mouth as he pushes in. His palm goes to your hair, gripping at your roots despite how you’d styled it for the night, pushing your head down. You gagged around him, not quite opened up yet, you tried your hardest to relax your throat, eyes screwed shut and fists clenched at your sides. 

San is insane above you, a crazed smile on his lips, pupils still blown and wide. “This is what you needed, huh? Some attention? A cock to fill your throat?” 

You looked up at him through wet lashes as he bobbed your head for you with his tight grip in your hair, San’s demeanor almost cracked, eyebrows bending inward with his lips parting just slightly. You’d smile if you could, but you were focused now, spit gushing around your lips as you took him down to the hair at the base of his shaft. 

“There you go,” he groaned out, looking down at you like you were nothing. Your thighs clenched, core still pulsing, begging to be touched. “Just like that, slutty fuckin’ mouth taking me so well. You love this cock, huh?” 

You tried to say mhm, tried to nod your head, and he laughs. “Can’t talk now with that mouth full, can you?” 

He pulls out of your mouth while still holding you by the hair and you gasp, clearing your throat, trying to give yourself some form of reprieve. “Stand up. Wanna see if that slutty cunt can take me well, too.” 

You stand, mind starting to get fuzzy around the edges, losing your thoughts as quickly as they come. You turn around without him asking, placing your palms against the door, legs spreading on their own. He’s on you in an instant, hoisting your dress onto your hips, and he whistles. 

“So fucking wet, you like this?” 

“Yes.” 

“Of course you do,” he laughs, pulling your panties down to your thighs. “Who would’ve thought you were such a fucking slut?” 

“F-Fuck,” you cry out as he slips two fingers inside, your head hanging below your shoulders, eyes screwed shut and mouth hanging open. 

“Shut up,” his voice is sharp, commanding as he lines his cock up with your entrance. “The whole party doesn’t need to hear you crying like a dog.” 

He pushes inside and your arms give out, one hand slapping over your mouth as your other elbow hits the metal of the door, catching you. He sets a brutal pace, giving you no time to adjust. “Look so pretty in this dress, would have taken you home and treated you right.” 

Your back arches, moans muffled by your palm. “Instead you wanted to mope around like a fucking child that didn’t get what they want. Is this what you wanted, baby? Wanted to get fucked like a slut?”

“Yes.” 

“Yes what?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Sir,” he repeats from behind you, pace still brutal, seeming completely unaffected. “I knew it, you fucking love this, love this cock, huh? Say it.” 

“I love it.” 

“Love what?” 

“Love your cock,” you cry, your other elbow pressing against the metal of the door to hold you up. “Love your cock so much, Sannie, feels so fucking good, please don’t stop.” 

“Say it again,” you finally hear the desperation in his voice, the underlying pitch of a whine, a crack in his demeanor. 

You turn your head over your shoulder, looking at him through lowered, glassy eyes. “Love your cock so much, Sannie, feels so good, wanna cum so bad.” 

You watch his face contort, stoic demeanor turning strained, eyebrows upturned, bottom lip between his teeth. “Please make me cum, I’m sorry I was a brat, love your cock so much. Please.” 

He moans, a low, deep noise, his head falling forward. You couldn’t afford to slip a hand between your legs. His pace grows harder, his hips twitching with each thrust and your eyes blow wide. Is he really going to do this? Going to fuck you without making you finish?

You whimper, tears filling your waterline, voice strained and high pitched. “Please, Sannie, shit— Please.” 

He wraps his arm around your hips, moving your dress out of the way as he circles his fingers tightly over your clit, still thrusting into you steadily. You sob at the relief, knees buckling, your orgasm almost immediately approaching from stimulation and how long it’s been building. 

“Cum,” he barks out with an edge that hasn’t left him yet, and you can’t do anything but obey. Head drooping as your orgasm rips through you, his hips still inside you, feeding you shallow thrusts to ride you both through it. Your orgasm lasts, aftershocks making your knees threaten to really give out, tight fists you formed finally releasing their grip. 

He pulls out slowly and lays your panties over the mess, pulling your dress back over your legs, and your body gives in to the door. He smiles as he tucks himself back in, pulling you into him by your hips. 

“You okay?” He asks sweetly, pressing a kiss to your temple, moving a hair out of your face. “Wasn’t too much?” 

“Fuck no,” you breathed, letting your head fall back onto his shoulder, eyes closed. “You need to get like that more often.” 

He chuckles and it vibrates through you, you let out a hum of comfort. “Let’s get you home.”

“Let’s say goodbye—”

He sucks in a breath through his teeth when he sees your face. “We should Irish goodbye, trust me.” 

You scowl, and he smiles sheepishly. He gives you a pat on your butt, ushering you forward. “Come on, when we get in the car you can tell me why all this happened, anyway.” 

You groan, “Sannie, you already fucked it out of me. Can’t we leave it at that?” 

“No,” he says shortly, simply, and it leaves no room for argument. “We’re gonna talk it out.” 

masterlist

[graywaynewriter]

hihi love your work, im wondering if youre down to write abt uni meet cute with dick; the way im thinking of it is thru either a dating app (like tinder u, which btw makes me so insanely uncomfortable bcs almost all of the content is filmed at my uni lmao) or some mutual club...?

Your choice on if hes frat or some other kind of student idm whatever but i look forward to seeing whatchu think abt it :)

Crush and Swipe

Warnings: Some language; I went a little over board Sorri!

A/N: OMG THIS IS SO CUTE!!! I only say this because I did meet my boyfriend on bumble when I was about to start Uni😭 I think I might do it that way 👀

"Come on! It’s Richard Grayson! He’s got to be on there," your best friend Rachel insisted, her voice brimming with certainty. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes, though your heart betrayed you with a flutter. You had a massive crush on the campus heartthrob, Dick Grayson. Sure, beauty might only be skin deep, but Dick had so much more going for him.

He wasn’t just attractive—he was brilliant, consistently ranking among the top students in his class. As a star on the gymnastics team, his athleticism was nothing short of mesmerizing. But what truly made you fall head over heels was his kindness. Dick Grayson wasn’t just a pretty face; he was the kind of person who made the world feel a little brighter.

You’d only had one real interaction with him, but it was enough to leave an impression—a dangerous impression. It happened when you’d accidentally collided with him, spilling your drink all over yourself—and, unfortunately, a little on him too. While your face flushed red with embarrassment, Dick had barely seemed to notice the mess on his own clothes. His concern had been entirely for you.

“I’m so sorry,” he had said, even though it was clearly your fault. The sincerity in his voice made your chest tighten, and before you knew it, he was offering you a spare shirt from his gym bag. The plain grey tee was soft and simple, but the moment you pulled it on, you caught a hint of his cologne. The subtle, intoxicating scent sent your stomach flipping in ways you couldn’t explain. You knew then and there—you were hopelessly trapped.

When Rachel discovered your little crush, it was as if you’d handed her a winning lottery ticket. She was convinced you could snag a date with him, her confidence almost overwhelming. “Come on, he’s Dick Grayson! He’ll say yes in a heartbeat,” she’d declared with maddening enthusiasm. But you weren’t buying it.

“He’s going to reject me before I even finish the sentence,” you insisted, trying to temper her wild optimism with a healthy dose of your own doubt. After all, he was Richard Grayson—campus heartthrob, class ace, gymnastics team star—and you were just…well, you.

Rachel, he probably has a girlfriend…maybe even multiple! I don’t know!" you groaned, letting yourself collapse dramatically onto your back. Your phone slipped from your hand, landing beside you with a soft thud.

"Girl, just make the account and find out," Rachel said, undeterred. She snatched up your phone and held it in front of your face, her grin practically glowing with mischief. "Besides, if Grayson doesn’t work out, there are plenty of other hot guys on here." She punctuated her pitch with a wink, clearly pleased with her own logic.

You stared at the screen, your profile ready and waiting. All it would take was one tap—just one—and you’d be in. The forum, the possibilities, the potential embarrassment…it was all right there. With a grumble, you snatched your phone back, muttering under your breath.

The screen glowed yellow as you were warmly welcomed onto the dating platform. You performed some test swipes, recognizing familiar faces you had encountered on campus. While swiping back, you received a few matches, but most were obnoxious or frat boys, which wasn’t exactly your preference. Until either fate intervened or the devil’s influence reached you, you continued swiping, and then, to your astonishment, you found none other than Dick Grayson. You couldn’t help but wonder if your heart was pounding from a mix of nerves and excitement.

“There’s no way….” You mumbled slightly

“You found him?! Girl, swipe on him right now!!” Rachel nearly snatched the phone from your hands, eager to help you out.

“What?! No! For all I know it could be a fake account and just embarrass myself!” I couldn't bring myself to do such a simply action. One that could either bless me or damn me.

"Come on aren't you just a little curious?" she asked making a pinching motion "This is your chance to know if you have a shot! RIght?"

"Ugh..." you groan putting a pillow over your face. Your heart thumped with excitement and nerves. Lifting your arm your raise your phone

"Here you do--" she took it from your grasp before your could even finish

Rachel shrieked, “Swipe!!” and your finger barely grazed the screen before she snatched the phone out of your hand and did it herself. “There. Done. You're welcome,” she said smugly, tossing the phone back like it wasn’t now a live grenade in your possession.

You scrambled to look, heart hammering—and froze.

It was a match.

“…oh my god.”

“OH MY GOD,” Rachel echoed, clapping her hands like this was the finale of some dating show she was personally invested in.

“No—no no no, what do I do?!” You sat up, clutching your phone like it could explode. “Do I message him? Do I wait? What if he unmatched already?!”

Rachel snorted. “Please. He matched instantly. That boy has been waiting for this moment his whole life.”

You were about to reply when your phone buzzed.

Dick Grayson: So… do you always spill coffee on people to get their attention, or am I just special?

You stared at the message like it was written in an ancient language.

“He messaged. He actually messaged,” you whispered, holding the phone like it might vanish.

Rachel practically dove across the bed. “Let me see.”

You reluctantly handed it over, and she read it aloud, grinning. “‘Do you always spill coffee on people to get their attention, or am I just special?’ Okay, that’s smooth. That’s dangerous-level smooth.”

You groaned, covering your face. “What am I even supposed to say to that?! Ugh I can't believe he knows me because of that!”

Rachel didn’t hesitate. “You say something flirty back. Fun, a little teasing. He opened the door, now walk through it.”

You peeked at her through your fingers. “…Like what?”

She smirked and started typing before you could stop her:

You: Only the cute ones. Consider yourself honored 😉

You yelped. “Rachel!!”

“Trust me,” she said, tapping send with zero remorse. “If he doesn’t flirt back after that, he’s not worth it.”

Your phone buzzed barely a second later.

Dick Grayson: Honored and intrigued. Should I be worried about more surprise coffee attacks, or is that a one-time thing?

Rachel squealed. “He’s into it! He’s so into it! He's SO into you!”

You, meanwhile, were trying not to combust. You were flattered he seemed to want to speak with you, but at the same time what if it was all a joke? Just a pass time for him? Someone like him had millions of swipes a day

“Rach we don’t know that, he could be leading me on for all I know,” there was another ping after my comment.

Dick Grayson: I’m not really the “lead people on” type. I just like people who surprise me. Like rogue coffee missions. Or bold texts. 😉

Rachel dramatically threw herself across your bed, clutching your pillow like it was the only thing grounding her to the earth. “If you don’t marry this man, I will.”

You stared at your screen, thumbs hovering. “What do I even say to that?”

“Um, thank you, handsome stranger, I accept your love and devotion? Or maybe, I’m free Friday night?” she offered, grinning way too wide.

Your brain had fully short-circuited. He wasn’t just being polite—he was engaging. He was flirting. He was interested.

“…Okay,” you murmured, more to yourself than to her, before typing carefully:

You: If you like surprises, I might have a few more up my sleeve. Hope you’re good at keeping up.

You hit send before your anxiety could rip it away.

Rachel gasped. “OH. You’re getting bold. That’s what I like to see.”

Your phone buzzed again almost instantly.

Dick Grayson: Bring it on. I’m good at handling surprises. And I’d really like to see you again. Are you free this Friday at 3?

OH. LORD. You were on the verge of panicking! He's asking to see you on Friday! Your hands shake from the anxiety and anticipation, your heart was leaping and your stomach was in a knot from the excitement!

Your fingers hovered over your phone, frozen. What were you even supposed to say? Cool. Casual. Not like you’d imagined talking to him a hundred different ways—only for all those fake scenarios to crumble in the face of actual reality.

You: Friday at 3 works for me. You better brace yourself—my surprises might be a little too much for you.

It was bold. For you, anyway. Flirty without sounding too desperate. At least, you hoped. He replied instantly again, like he was waiting.

Dick Grayson: I like a challenge. I’ll send you the details. Dress comfortably—no spoilers, but I’ve got something fun planned.

You set the phone down like it was radioactive, face burning. “Comfortably?” you muttered to yourself. “What kind of surprise is that supposed to be?”

Rachel let out a squeal from across the room. “Are you kidding me?! You’re going out with Dick Grayson?! You matched with him on an app and now you’re going on a date?!”

“I don’t even know how it happened,” you confessed, flopping back on your bed. “It was like… fate or a glitch in the system. Either way, I swiped right as a joke, and then boom—there he was.”

Rachel flopped beside you, grinning like the cat who got the cream. “Girl. Universe said, ‘Let’s give her a win.’ Don’t question it. Just run with it.”

You tried to breathe. You really did. But your chest felt tight, your thoughts racing. You liked him—really liked him—and now you had three days to somehow not spiral into full-blown panic.

And the worst part?

You were already halfway there. The week had sped up, and before you knew it, Friday arrived. To make matters worse, you had been spending your free moments texting Dick back. You had even transitioned from Bumble messaging to regular texting. You had agreed to meet in front of the library at 3 p.m. since you both had class. You wore something comfortable yet cute—simple jeans, a tank top, and a cardigan. You pushed your hair out of your face with a headband and even asked Rachel to help you with some soft makeup.

You checked your phone for the fifth time in two minutes. 2:47 p.m.

Not that you were counting… except you absolutely were. Every buzz made your stomach flutter, and when a message from Dick popped up—“Almost there. Try not to fall in love before I get there 😉”—you snorted before immediately panicking about how to respond.

You stared at the screen, thumbs hovering, before sending back a weak “No promises.” Too much? Not enough? Whatever. He was probably already around the corner anyway.

Rachel, who had walked halfway with you before peeling off toward the student center, had given you one last dramatic wave and whispered, “If he looks nothing like his pics, blink twice and I’ll fake a family emergency.”

Classic Rachel. You reached the library steps just as someone called out,

“Hey, Bumble girl.” You froze.

And then your eyes landed on him—leaning casually against a pillar, grinning like he already knew all your secrets. Dark hair slightly messy, that stupidly pretty face framed by golden sunlight like he was in some indie romance movie. His eyes flicked down to take you in, and he gave a low whistle.

“Wow,” he said, stepping closer. “If I knew you were this cute, I would’ve ditched class.”

You blinked. “That’s a terrible academic decision.”

“Yeah, but I think I’d learn more from you anyway.”

You tried not to smile. You failed and couldn't help but look to the side and avoid eye contact.

"Come on, I rented a study room for us to use," he said, holding the door open with a playful bow. The gesture was so over-the-top that you couldn’t help but giggle, thanking him in return with an equally exaggerated curtsy. He flashed you that signature grin, the kind that made your heart skip in ways you tried to ignore.

The study room was simple—just a table, a few chairs, and a whiteboard mounted on the wall. Yet tonight, it felt like a stage, its spotlight falling solely on you and Richard Grayson. The realization hit you like a lightning bolt: two hours. Just the two of you. Alone. Oh god.

He casually slipped into the chair Next to you, pulling his notebook and pens from his bag with effortless grace. Meanwhile, you scrambled to compose yourself, though your fingers betrayed you, fumbling with the cap of your highlighter. English class had brought you together—specifically, the ridiculously long poem assigned yesterday. And as much as you dreaded deciphering its maze-like verses, sitting here with him almost made it bearable.

Your eyes flitted to his face as he read aloud the poem’s opening lines, his voice steady and rich with thought. The way he spoke hinted at a deeper intelligence, a sharper curiosity beneath his easygoing demeanor. For a moment, you wondered if he noticed your glances. Or worse, if he could hear the rapid drumming of your heartbeat echoing in the quiet room.

“Okay,” he said, leaning over your notebook. “Why do your notes look like actual art? Do you use a ruler for this?”

“I just... like making things neat.”

“That’s hot.”

You coughed, flustered. “Highlight the reading. Don’t highlight me.”

He laughed, reaching over to grab a highlighter from your side of the table.

You both reached at the same time.

Your fingers met—skin on skin, a brush of warmth. Neither of you pulled away.

Your eyes flicked up at the same time, meeting his. The room felt smaller suddenly. Quieter. Your breath hitched.

He didn’t say anything right away, just looked at you with something unreadable but intense. Then, his voice dropped slightly, softer now.

“Sorry,” he murmured, though he didn’t actually move his hand yet.

You shook your head, whispering, “It’s okay,” but your heart was hammering in your chest.

He finally let go, letting you take the highlighter. But the air between you had shifted—charged now, like a match had been lit but not struck.

Neither of you said much for the next minute, but your hands stayed closer than before. Almost like you were waiting to reach again.

Your fingers finally pulled away from his, the highlighter now sitting uselessly in your hand. But your focus was shot. All you could feel was the ghost of his touch still tingling along your skin.

Dick didn’t move much, just shifted slightly in his seat—his arm still resting near yours, his body turned just enough to face you more directly. He wasn’t smirking anymore. He was watching you.

You tried to shake it off, flipping back to your notes. “We should, um… get through at least one page before we completely give up, right?”

“Right,” he said, but his voice was quiet. He hadn’t looked away.

You glanced back at him, meaning to say something else, something teasing to break the weird silence—but your words died on your tongue. He was already closer than you realized, his eyes flicking from your lips back up to your eyes. Slowly. Purposefully.

Your breath caught. His leaned in just a little, enough to close the space between you by inches. His hand grazed yours again, like he was asking permission without words.

Your heart was thundering. You didn’t move away.

And then—

Knock knock.

You both jumped.

Someone was at the door, peeking through the glass window, holding up a phone. “Hey, sorry—study room’s reserved at four!”

Dick blinked, then looked at the clock. “Seriously?”

You laughed, a little breathless, tucking your hair behind your ear to hide how flustered you were. “Guess time flies when you’re… barely studying.”

He grinned at that, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. But uh… can I admit something?”

You looked up, still caught in the buzz of what almost happened. “What?”

“I wasn’t actually planning to study.”

You snorted. “No kidding.”

He held the door open for you again as you both stepped into the hallway. “But I was planning to kiss you.”

You looked at him, heart skipping again. “Next study date?”

His smile deepened. “It’s a date.”

-🧚🏼‍♀️