maki ⋆𐙚₊˚

They tried. They really did try to make their relationship work.

Despite the whispers and words of caution from her friends, She paid them no mind. Deep within her heart, she knew what she wanted—and it was him, Sylus. He was the leader of Onychinus, an organization in N109 that he himself had built through illegal dealings and modified Protocores. That alone was enough for her friends and coworkers to warn her against getting involved with him. But she knew her heart, and it only beat for him.

As far as she could remember, it all began when he first visited the café where she worked as a barista. Soon, his visits became more frequent, and with each one came small moments that drew them closer—his daily coffee always accompanied by a note scrawled on the cup. Before long, he was taking her out on late-night drives across the city, and their connection deepened into something undeniable. Eventually, they became lovers, often finding themselves lost in each other’s arms long into the night. 

At first, their relationship was kept a secret, hidden from the world to keep her safe from the dangers that came with Sylus’s line of work. She respected that decision, fully understanding his intentions and the risks he bore. What mattered most to her was the quiet certainty of his presence—the way his gaze softened when it fell upon her, the gentle warmth of his touch, the unspoken promises between them.

As time passed, their secret meetings became moments of pure bliss—stolen hours wrapped in laughter, soft kisses, and whispered dreams of a life beyond the chaos surrounding them. What was once a secret born of necessity slowly transformed into something deeper, something sacred. Their love became an unspoken oath—bound not by words, but by trust, devotion, and the fierce longing that tied their souls together.

However, they say that everything must come to an end— and neither she nor Sylus could have ever expected that their relationship would soon face its own.

The last day they spent together was still as clear as a day as she remembered, the intense downpour of the rain accompanied by the harsh roars of the thunder in the night sky seems to sympathize with their current situation.

“I told you Sylus, I..I don’t want this anymore.” She murmured softly, her hands clenched tightly on her thighs as she watched him pace in front of her. His brows were furrowed, his hands buried deep in his pockets. Then, his gaze met hers.

Her breath caught, eyes widening the moment she saw his—those crimson eyes that once overflowed with love now clouded with sorrow. The warmth that used to light them had dimmed, replaced by a sadness so deep it seemed to drown everything it touched.

“[Name], please…”

His voice trembled as he knelt before her, his hands gently covering hers, thumbs brushing over her knuckles as if memorizing the warmth of her touch. When she finally looked at him, her heart nearly shattered—the sight of his tear-streaked face almost broke her resolve. For a fleeting moment, she wanted nothing more than to reach out, wipe his tears, press her lips to his cheeks, and take back every word she’d said. But she knew she couldn’t. Not this time. Not when safety had to come before love.

Biting back a sob, she shook her head and turned her gaze away from him.

“My decision is final, Sylus. I don’t want to do this anymore.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Her pulse hammered in her chest as he stayed still, saying nothing—just watching her with eyes that seemed to bleed sorrow. Then, at last, his voice came, quiet and breaking.

“If that’s what you wish… then I’ll respect it.” He leaned forward, pressing his lips to her hand. “I love you, [Name].”

A single tear fell onto her skin—warm, heavy, and final.

He wanted to beg her to stay, to promise that he could make things right, that he could keep her safe and still keep her close. But even as his heart screamed to hold on, he knew love meant more than possession. He couldn’t let her feel trapped in something that was supposed to set her free. So he swallowed the ache, choosing her peace over his desire to keep her.

Even if it tore him apart.

***

The morning air was filled with the comforting scent of freshly made pancakes, melted butter, and steaming cups of hot chocolate. Laughter echoed softly through the living room—sweet, innocent giggles from four-year-old Selene, their daughter. She was the perfect reflection of her father, with those bright crimson eyes and soft silver hair that gleamed beneath the morning light.

She watched her little girl twirl in her oversized pajamas, humming to herself as she tried to balance a strawberry on her fork. Her heart ached with affection—Selene was her everything, her reason to keep moving forward. Yet, sometimes, when she caught her daughter smiling a certain way, or when the sunlight caught that silver hair just right, an old ache stirred inside her chest. It was a reminder of the man whose eyes she could never forget.

“Mama, are there candies and ice creams?” Selene asked, voice bright and hopeful as she began braiding Selene’s silky hair.

“Mhmm,” She hummed softly, smiling despite the twist in her heart. “And your Auntie Isla will be there to join us too!”

She pressed a kiss to Selene’s cheek, earning a delighted giggle from the little girl. For a brief moment, the world felt simple again—just laughter, sunlight, and love.

But as her gaze lingered on her daughter’s crimson eyes, a whisper of fear flickered in the back of her mind. She pushed it away, forcing herself to focus on the day ahead.

***

The afternoon sun bathed the park in a gentle golden glow. Children’s laughter mingled with the rustle of leaves and the faint jingling of an ice cream cart. Selene ran ahead, her tiny boots thudding against the path as she and Isla followed behind, chatting and laughing softly.

“Mama! Auntie and I are playing hide and seek,” Selene whispered as she ran up to her mother, who sat on a nearby bench watching them fondly. Her crimson eyes sparkled with excitement. “Don’t tell Auntie where I am, okay?”

She chuckled, brushing a stray lock of silver hair from her daughter’s face. “Alright, sweetheart—just don’t go too far, okay?” she said, pressing a gentle kiss to Selene’s cheek.

Giggling, Selene darted off and crouched behind a row of bushes not too far from where her mother sat. A few moments later, Isla’s voice rang out from behind a tree, finishing her countdown.

“Ready or not, here I come!”

She smiled as she watched her best friend begin the playful search. For a fleeting moment, everything felt perfect—peaceful. She leaned back against the bench, letting herself breathe in the sweetness of the afternoon. The laughter, the sunlight, the scent of flowers carried by the breeze—it all felt safe.

But in the next instant, her heart dropped.

“Hey, [Name]?” Isla called, emerging from behind a slide, her expression shifting from amusement to concern. “I… I can’t find her.”

She blinked, the smile fading from her face. “What do you mean you can’t find her? She was just here.”

Her gaze darted toward the bushes where Selene had been hiding—empty. No little giggles, no tiny boots peeking out from behind the leaves.

“Selene?” she called, her voice trembling. Panic surged in her chest as she rose from the bench, eyes scanning the crowded park. “Selene!”

She called again, louder this time—desperation breaking through every syllable as the sound of children’s laughter suddenly felt too distant, too far away.

Meanwhile, Selene had wandered farther than she realized, chasing a butterfly that sparkled in the sunlight. When she finally stopped, she looked around—no Mama, no Auntie. Her lip trembled, eyes glistening. She turned to run back but bumped straight into someone.

A tall man steadied her, blinking in surprise. His crimson eyes softened at the sight of the little girl clutching her stuffed toy.

“Hey, careful there,” he said gently, crouching to her level.

Selene looked up, curious rather than afraid. “Sorry, Mister…” she mumbled, her voice small.

He smiled faintly, unaware of the strange tug in his chest—the feeling of something familiar, something he couldn’t name. And as their eyes met—crimson to crimson—neither of them knew that fate had just begun to pull its cruel strings once again.

“You seem troubled. Are you alright?” he asked softly, his tone careful, almost hesitant—afraid that the smallest shift in his voice might scare the little girl in front of him.

Selene looked up, her wide crimson eyes glimmering with unshed tears. “I can’t find my Mama and Auntie,” she whispered, clutching her plushie tightly against her chest.

Sylus crouched down to her level, offering a faint, reassuring smile. “Hey, hey… it’s okay. You’re safe now,” he murmured gently. “We’ll find them together, alright?”

She nodded slowly, her small fingers still trembling. There was something about her that made his chest tighten—a familiarity he couldn’t quite explain. Her voice, her eyes… even the way she pouted looked achingly familiar.

To distract her, he glanced around and noticed a small ice cream cart nearby. “How about this,” he said, pointing toward it, “let’s get you some ice cream first. I’ll help you look for your Mama after, promise.”

Selene’s expression softened, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Really?”

“Really,” he said with a smile that almost felt foreign to him now. “What flavor do you want?”

“Chocolate!” she beamed, her earlier fear melting away.

He bought her a cone—one scoop of chocolate with tiny sprinkles on top—and watched as she took her first happy lick. Her giggles filled the air again, light and bright, and for a brief moment, he found himself smiling for real.

They strolled along the path afterward, Selene chatting innocently about her toys and the park. Sylus listened quietly, nodding, his gaze soft yet distant. Something about her warmth stirred something deep in him—a memory, a ghost, a name he hadn’t spoken in years.

Then, as they rounded a bend, Selene suddenly gasped. “Mama!”

She sprinted forward, waving her small hand. She and Isla came into view—faces pale with panic that quickly turned into tearful relief. She dropped to her knees, scooping Selene into her arms, holding her so tightly that the little girl let out a soft squeak.

“Selene! Oh, thank God—where were you?” Her voice broke, trembling between fear and relief.

Selene blinked, confused but smiling. “I was with a nice man, Mama! He helped me and bought me ice cream and he also have pretty red eyes and silver hair like Selene!” she said proudly, pointing toward the direction where Sylus had been standing.

But when she followed her daughter’s finger—there was no one there. The space beneath the tree was empty, as though he’d vanished into the wind.

Her heart stopped. She didn’t need to see him to know.

She knew. It could only be him.

***

The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans filled the air as morning light filtered through the café windows. It was another slow day, the quiet hum of customers blending with the soft music playing overhead. She wiped the counter absentmindedly, trying to focus on the present—the safety of her routine.

Then, the bell above the door chimed.

She didn’t look up at first. “Welcome in, I’ll be right with—”

Her voice faltered the moment her gaze lifted.

He stood there—tall, composed, and heartbreakingly familiar. The same crimson eyes that once looked at her with so much love now met hers across the room, filled with a thousand unsaid words.

Sylus.

Her pulse quickened. “What are you doing here, Sylus?” she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay composed. “How did you even find me?”

He didn’t answer right away. His crimson eyes held hers with a weight that made her chest tighten. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and deliberate.

“I wasn’t looking for you,” he said softly. “At least… not at first. I’ve been staying in the district for some business. I didn’t know you were here until—” His breath hitched slightly. “—until I saw her.”

She froze, her throat tightening. “You mean Selene…”

He nodded slowly, his jaw clenching. “The little girl at the park.” He took a hesitant step forward. “She’s mine, isn’t she?”

The words hit her like a blade. Her eyes flicked toward the tables around them—customers sipping coffee, unaware of the storm about to break. She swallowed hard, lowering her voice.

“Not here,” she murmured, glancing toward the back. “Come with me.”

She led him past the counter and through the narrow hallway into the small storage room behind the café. The faint scent of roasted beans and vanilla syrup hung in the air. As soon as the door shut behind them, the tension became unbearable.

Sylus stood there, searching her face with quiet desperation. “Please, [Name]. I just need to know the truth.”

Her hands shook slightly as she met his gaze. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “She’s yours.”

For a moment, he said nothing—just stood there, staring at her as the truth sank in. His breath trembled, his crimson eyes glimmering with something between awe and anguish. 

The world seemed to stop for him. His breath hitched, his crimson eyes widening as his composure broke. “Mine…” he repeated softly, as if the word itself was fragile. “All this time… you kept her from me?”

Tears welled in her eyes, her voice cracking. “You don’t understand, Sylus. I had to. I had to keep her safe. Your world—it’s dangerous. I couldn’t let her grow up in the middle of it. I couldn’t let her live in fear.”

He shook his head slowly, his voice breaking into a quiet plea. “I would’ve protected you. I would’ve protected her.”

“And what would that have cost?” She snapped, her voice trembling between love and fear. “More blood? More people coming after you? After us? I won’t let our daughter be caught in that, Sylus. I won’t.”

He fell silent, the weight of her words crushing whatever argument he had left. His shoulders slumped as he looked down, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I just… want to see her,” he said. “Just once more. I need to.”

Her chest ached at the desperation in his tone, at the man who once held her as if she was his whole world now standing broken before her.

“You know I can’t let that happen,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “If anyone from your side sees her, even hears about her, she’ll be in danger. You will be too. I can’t risk it, Sylus. I won’t risk her.”

Sylus pressed his lips together, his jaw tight. “Then let me see her from afar,” he murmured. “You don’t even have to tell her who I am. I just… I need to know she’s real. That she’s happy.”

Her heart twisted painfully. She looked at him for a long moment, seeing the man she once loved—the same man whose world had nearly destroyed them both.

“Let me think about it,” she finally whispered, tears blurring her vision.

Sylus nodded once, slow and defeated, though a faint, broken smile tugged at his lips. “That’s all I ask.”

***

The living room was bathed in a soft golden glow from the lamp on the corner table. The faint hum of the television played in the background—Selene’s favorite animated movie queued and ready to start. She sat cross-legged on the couch, papers and documents spread across the coffee table before her. She was so absorbed in sorting through them that she didn’t notice her daughter’s gaze—wide, thoughtful, and filled with unspoken questions.

It wasn’t until she heard that small, hesitant voice that the walls around her heart began to crack.

“Mama? Do I have a dada?”

The sound of it froze her in place. She looked up, meeting Selene’s curious crimson eyes—those same eyes that reminded her too much of him. Her little girl’s voice trembled with innocent wonder, tinged by a sadness that she wasn’t prepared to face.

“Because… kids at daycare have their own daddy,” Selene continued softly, her lower lip jutting out into a pout, “but Selene doesn’t have any.”

She inhaled deeply, her heart tightening as she set the papers aside. She’d always known this day would come. No matter how carefully she avoided the subject, Selene’s questions were inevitable. And as much as she wanted to protect her, her daughter deserved to know the truth.

“Come here, baby,” She murmured gently, patting her lap.

Selene shuffled closer, her tiny feet padding softly across the carpet. She lifted Selene on her lap, wrapping her arms around her little body and pressing a kiss to her silver hair. For a long moment, she simply brushed her fingers through Selene’s locks, gathering the courage to speak.

“Yes, my love,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You do have a dada.”

Selene’s eyes widened, surprise and excitement flickering in them like starlight.

“I do?!” she gasped. “When can I meet my dada?”

She smiled faintly, though her heart ached. “Sweetheart… you already met your dada,” she said carefully. “Remember the nice man who helped you at the park when you got lost?”

Selene blinked, thinking. “The man with silver hair and red eyes?”

“That’s right.” Her voice trembled as she nodded. “That’s your dada. That’s why you and he look so much alike.”

Selene’s small hands fidgeted with the edge of her blanket. “But… dada doesn’t know about me?” she asked quietly. “Does dada not want me?”

The question pierced straight through her chest. She cupped Selene’s cheeks and shook her head quickly, her own eyes glistening.

“Oh, baby… no,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “It’s not that dada doesn’t want you. He loves you—more than you could ever imagine. Mama just needed some time before telling him about you. I wanted everything to be right, so that when you meet him again, it would be special.”

Selene tilted her head, her brow furrowing in confusion. “So… he’s a good dada?”

A soft, bittersweet smile curved her lips. “He is,” she said, her voice tender. “He’s brave, gentle, and he has the kindest heart. And if things were a little different, he would’ve been here with us every day.”

Selene thought for a moment, then rested her head against her mother’s chest. “I miss him,” she mumbled quietly, even though she barely knew him.

Her breath caught, her arms tightening around her little girl. “I know, my love,” she whispered into her daughter’s hair. “Mama misses him too.” 

As she embraced their daughter’s figure, she knew that maybe it’s time for Selene to finally get to know her dada.

***

At first, she thought Selene and Sylus’s first meeting would be awkward—perhaps filled with hesitation or quiet stares. She worried that Selene might shy away or find it difficult to adjust to having a father she’d only heard about in stories.

But to her surprise, the moment they met, everything fell into place.

Selene ran up to him with those same bright crimson eyes that mirrored his own, and without an ounce of hesitation, she smiled and said, “I’m happy that you’re my dada.”

The words caught both her and Sylus off guard. Sylus froze for a heartbeat, then knelt down, his expression softening as a warmth he thought he had long lost slowly found its way back into his chest. In that single moment, the world seemed quieter — just the sound of his daughter’s laughter and [Name]’s breath catching in the background.

From then on, weekends became sacred. Every week, it was scheduled for Sylus to take Selene out—to the park, the ice cream shop, or wherever her little heart wished to go. She had protested at first, knowing how busy Sylus could be, especially during weekends. But he simply smiled and told her, “I’ll always make time for her. No matter what.”

And he did.

Sometimes, Sylus would ask her to come along—to join them for lunch, or watch Selene feed the ducks by the pond—but she always gave him the same answer.

“This is Selene’s time with you,” she would say softly, avoiding his gaze. “Everything about this is for her.”

Still, every time Sylus looked at her—really looked at her. She could feel that silent longing in his eyes. The same one that once made her fall in love with him in the first place.

It went on for months—those stolen glances, quiet smiles, and the subtle brush of fingers that sent shivers down her spine. She would be lying to herself if she said that all the growing tension between her and Sylus went unnoticed. Hell, even Sylus himself was struggling to contain it. Every time their eyes met or her laughter slipped past her lips, he felt that familiar pull. But he kept his distance because the last thing he ever wanted was to make her feel cornered. Her comfort, after all, would always be his top priority.

Then one sunny Saturday, Selene managed to persuade her mother to come along with them to the amusement park. And so here they were, just like any ordinary family—Selene in the middle, her tiny hands clutching both of theirs as they walked through the lively park.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of cotton candy and popcorn, the laughter of children echoing around them. Sylus bought Selene a pink headband with bunny ears, a matching red one for himself, and after much convincing, a purple one for her.

“Mama, you look so pretty!” Selene chirped, clapping her hands as she shyly adjusted the headband. Sylus couldn’t help but chuckle, his gaze soft as he watched them.

“She always does,” he murmured, earning a flustered look from [Name] before she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the carousel ahead.

They rode the Ferris wheel next—Selene pressed against the glass, pointing excitedly at the tiny people below while [Name] and Sylus sat across from each other. The setting sun painted the sky in shades of rose and gold, and in that quiet space above the world, the tension between them seemed to hum louder than ever.

Sylus’s hand brushed against hers again—accidentally, or maybe not—and this time, she didn’t pull away.

Later, Selene tugged them toward the cotton candy stand, insisting they share one giant swirl of pink sugar. Her cheeks were sticky with sweetness, her giggles contagious, and for the first time in years, she felt something she thought she had buried long ago—peace.

They took pictures in the photo booth afterward—Selene making silly faces in every frame, Sylus smiling genuinely, and she was caught between laughter and nostalgia. When they looked at the printed photos, all three of them were laughing, shoulders touching, eyes glowing under the bright carnival lights. But in that one perfect shot, the middle frame of the strip, Sylus’s gaze wasn’t on the camera—it was on her. His expression soft, almost reverent, as if he were memorizing her all over again.

Her breath hitched when she noticed it. For a second, she couldn’t look away.

And in that fleeting moment, it almost felt like they were whole again—like time hadn’t taken anything from them at all.

***

When nighttime came, Sylus entered [Name]’s apartment with a sleeping Selene nestled safely in his arms. She quietly shut the door behind them, her movements careful not to wake their daughter. She set their bags down on the coffee table and walked toward him, her gaze softening at the sight of them together.

“You can place her on the couch for a while,” she murmured as she brushed a few stray strands of hair from Selene’s face. “I’ll get some of her clothes upstairs and prepare some lukewarm water and a towel to wipe her down. I don’t want to disturb her sleep too much.”

“It’s alright,” Sylus replied softly, his voice low and tender. “I’ll keep her in my arms for a bit.”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile before she went upstairs.

As he sat on the couch, Sylus gently tapped Selene’s back, the rhythm calm and steady. His gaze wandered around her apartment—warmly lit, filled with soft hues and little touches that reminded him of her gentleness. Then something on the shelf caught his eye: a small brooch. The one he’d given her years ago.

For a moment, his breath hitched. She’d kept it. Displayed it, even.

And though they had gone their separate ways, seeing it there sent a quiet, hopeful ache through his chest.

A few minutes later, she returned with a small basin of water and clean clothes in her arms. “Here,” she whispered, setting them down on the coffee table. “Let me help.”

Together, they carefully wiped Selene’s hands and face, changing her into soft pajamas. Sylus’s large hands moved with surprising gentleness, and she couldn’t help but notice the way he looked at their daughter—with tenderness, with awe, as if holding something sacred.

When they finished, Sylus scooped Selene up once more and carried her upstairs. She followed closely behind, watching as he laid their daughter onto the small bed filled with plush toys. He pulled the blanket up to her chest and brushed her hair aside before pressing a light kiss to her forehead.

She felt her heart tighten at the sight—so tender, so natural. She leaned down and placed her own kiss on Selene’s forehead before whispering, “Goodnight, my love.”

They lingered for a moment, standing quietly by the bedside, the room filled with nothing but the soft rhythm of Selene’s breathing. Then, she gently tugged at Sylus’s sleeve.

“Come,” she said softly. “Let’s go downstairs. I’ll brew us some tea.”

Sylus nodded, his gaze still lingering on their daughter before he followed her down the stairs. The faint clinking of teacups soon filled the silence, blending with the warmth that seemed to settle between them.  

As she placed their cups on the table before sitting next to him, she spoke softly, her voice almost hesitant. “You know… you’re free to stay for the night. Plus, Selene would love to see you here in the morning when she wakes up.”

Sylus blinked, a little caught off guard. His gaze drifted from the steaming cup of tea to her face, searching for any trace of uncertainty — but all he found was quiet sincerity.

“You’re sure?” he asked, his voice low and careful.

She nodded, her fingers brushing against the rim of her cup. “You’ve been spending so much time with her lately,” she murmured. “It wouldn’t feel right for you to just… leave tonight.”

A smile tugged his lips as he sipped in his cup. “She’s wonderful, like a pocket full of sunshine everywhere I go.” He spoke then their eyes met, she smiled at his words before averting her gaze.

“She is,” she murmured, her gaze softening as she stared into her cup. “I’m actually glad that she’s able to meet you. I know it was partly my fault for keeping her a secret from you… but seeing how happy she is whenever you’re around—it makes my heart full. And it makes me regret not telling you about her sooner.” Her voice trembled at the end, fragile yet honest.

Sylus’s brows furrowed slightly, surprise flickering across his features. Before he could stop himself, he reached out and placed his hand gently over hers. His touch was warm, grounding.

“There’s no need to be sorry, [Name],” he said softly, his thumb brushing the back of her hand in slow, soothing circles. “I understand your decision. You did what you thought was right. You wanted her safe—any parent would.”

“I know,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “But she’s still your daughter… and you’re her father.” She turned a little more toward him, her knees brushing his, her eyes glimmering in the soft light. “You deserve to know her, to be there for her in ways I couldn’t give you before.”

Sylus’s breath hitched, his hand tightening just a little over hers. “[Name],” he murmured, her name leaving his lips like a prayer. “You’ve done everything right. You raised her into someone bright and kind. I’m just… grateful to finally be part of her world.”

Her lips parted, as if to speak, but no words came out. The look in his eyes—so full of warmth and unspoken longing—left her heart in disarray.

“I only ever wanted what’s best for her,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Even if it meant keeping my distance from you.”

He exhaled slowly, his thumb tracing small, absentminded circles on her skin. “And yet,” he said, his tone low, “here we are again… sharing tea in the quiet, talking about our little girl like we used to dream about.”

Her chest tightened at that. The memory of those dreams—of laughter, of warmth, of love—hung in the air between them, too fragile to touch yet too powerful to ignore.

“Do you think things would’ve been different if we didn’t… uhm… if I didn’t end our relationship before?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper, as if afraid the answer itself might hurt to hear.

Sylus looked at her for a long moment, the weight of her words sinking into the quiet between them. His fingers stilled above hers, then tightened ever so slightly—a gentle reassurance rather than restraint.

“I’ve thought about that a lot,” he admitted softly. “About how things could’ve turned out… if we’d held on just a little longer.” His voice was steady, but beneath it was a rawness that only she could hear.

He drew in a slow breath before continuing. “But I don’t blame you, [Name]. You made a choice that you believed was right—for both of us, and especially for her. I’ll always respect that.”

Her chest tightened. The sincerity in his tone, the quiet acceptance—it made her heart ache all over again. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught somewhere between her heart and her throat.

Sylus’s gaze lingered on her face—on the faint quiver of her lips, the way her lashes fluttered as she looked away. “Still…” he began, his voice low, hesitant, “would it be wrong to want to try again? To see if maybe… we could find our way back this time?”

Her breath hitched, eyes widening slightly as his words hung heavy in the air. The silence between them was no longer soft—it was electric, charged with everything they hadn’t said for years.

She didn’t move, didn’t speak. But she didn’t pull her hand away either.

Sylus leaned in slightly, his voice a whisper now, rough around the edges. “Would it be bad… if I asked to kiss you right now?”

Her heart raced, her lips parting as she searched his eyes—those familiar crimson eyes that once made her feel seen, safe, and loved. The air between them grew unbearably close, her pulse fluttering in her throat as the world seemed to shrink down to just the two of them.

And though she didn’t say a word, the faint tremor of her breath, the way she didn’t move away, was answer enough. 

***

Neither she nor he knew how they ended up at that moment. One second, they were sitting next to each other—too close, breaths uneven, and the next, Sylus was lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

He carried her toward the bedroom, the world outside falling away with each step. The soft click of the door closing behind them echoed in the silence, and for a heartbeat, all she could hear was the sound of their breathing—shallow, trembling, full of everything they’d been holding back.

When their eyes met, it felt like time stopped. Sylus reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face before his forehead rested gently against hers.

“[Name]...” he whispered, his voice low, unsteady.

She didn’t let him finish. Her hands found his face, pulling him closer, and their lips met again — not rushed this time, but deep and lingering. It was a kiss heavy with memory and longing, with all the things they’d lost and found again.

The next thing she knew was their clothes being discarded one by one as he lay her down on the bed. Their chests heaved as they tried to catch their breaths, the air between them still trembling with everything left unsaid. Almost hesitantly, Sylus lifted a hand and cupped her face, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek as if afraid she might disappear if he touched her too roughly.

“[Name]…” he murmured, her name falling from his lips like a prayer. His gaze searched hers, full of longing and apology, of every word he’d never been able to say.

Her eyes softened, and without thinking, she leaned into his touch, closing the tiny distance between them. His thumb traced her skin again — slow, reverent — before he rested his forehead against hers. “Do you want this?” He asked softly as he pressed a kiss on her forehead.

“Yes.” She spoke.

“I don’t want to lose you again,” he whispered, his voice breaking with sincerity.

She swallowed hard, her fingers curling against his chest. “Neither do I,” she admitted. 

Then Sylus claimed her lips once more in which she responded eagerly, her arms wrapping his nape as she pulled him impossibly closer. A whimper escaped her lips as Sylus began to nip at her earlobe and pressed kisses along her jaw and neck. Then his hands made their way down to her breasts, massaging them softly. His gaze went up to meet hers, a smirk tugging his lips as he licked each of her nipples before wrapping his lips around it, while his hand squeezed the other.

A gasp tore from her throat, while her fingers, still tangled in his hair, tightened, pulling him closer even as her back arched, offering herself more fully to his ministrations. Her head fell back, resting against the pillows, her eyes fluttering closed as she gave herself over entirely to the sensation. His free hand, meanwhile, slid lower, tracing the curve of her hip, then dipping further, teasing the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. 

"Sylus," she breathed, his name a broken plea on her lips. 

“Yes love, I am here.” He whispered, his kisses traveling down her body until it reached her core. She attempts to close her legs shut when she feels a wave of embarrassment course through her. With a chuckle, Sylus gripped each side of her thighs to prevent them. “There’s no reason to feel embarrassed now. I am only claiming what is mine.” He mumbled before dipping his head lower ‘til she felt his lips licking her drenched slick.

She moaned as Sylus began to lap on her pussy, his finger already curling inside. As the pace of his tongue and fingers fastened, a familiar knot started to form on her lower abdomen. Sylus already knew that she’s almost at her peak just by the clenching of her pussy around his fingers. 

“Let go for me, let me hear you.” 

Her hips arched instinctively and breath hitched as her nails dug into the sheets beneath her. He lifted his head just enough to meet her dazed, heavy-lidded gaze, his eyes dark with hunger and satisfaction and the faint glow of his crimson eye didn't go unnoticed. A low, guttural growl rumbled in his chest as he plunged his fingers deeper, his tongue sweeping over her clit with a sudden, forceful pressure that sent a shockwave through her core.

Then, her pleasure came quickly, leaving her breathless and utterly undone. Sylus held her tight, his hand gripping her hip, his tongue still lapping, savoring every last drop of her release, a smile curving his lips as her pleasure echoed in his own body. 

He leaned closer to her face and kissed her once again, allowing her to taste her own through his lips. Then, he rubbed his growing arousal against her pussy to tease her even more since he knew that she’s still sensitive from her previous orgasm.

“Do you need a break? I can stop if you want me to.” He whispered softly, kissing her forehead and cheeks. “No, I want you Sylus. Please.” 

"As you wish, my love." Then, with a slow, deliberate thrust, he entered her, filling her completely, eliciting a sharp, exquisite cry that he swallowed with a deep, passionate kiss.

He paused for a moment, allowing them both to adjust. Then, he pulled back just an inch, feeling the tightness of her core around him, and then drove forward again, deeper this time, eliciting a choked gasp of pure pleasure. He began to move with a steady rhythm, slow enough to savor the depth, which soon became fast enough to drive them both toward the edge. Each thrust was a declaration, targeting the exact sensitive spot that made her hips buck up to meet him, urging him deeper still.

“Yes, Sylus, just like that,” she gasped out between ragged breaths, her voice strained with mounting ecstasy. Her legs wrapped around his waist, anchoring him to her, ensuring he couldn't pull away even if he wanted to. Her nails were digging lightly into the muscles of his back, which only fueled his urgency.

He lowered his head, trailing open-mouthed kisses down her jaw to the frantic pulse in her throat. "Tell me you feel this," he growled, the words barely coherent as his movements intensified, becoming faster, harder, driven by the knowledge that she was right there with him, utterly consumed. The air in the room grew heavy with their mingled scents and the sounds of skin meeting skin, a wet, rhythmic slapping that was the only music they needed. 

He then lifted her hips and rested them on his shoulder which allowed him to thrust deeper in her. She almost screamed at his sudden thrust, but luckily Sylus was quick to capture her moans by kissing her lips. His tongue plunged into her mouth with the same fierce intensity as his cock plunged into her. Her hands, previously clutching his shoulders, now tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as if to devour him whole. Each deep thrust brought a new wave of sensation, a delicious ache that spread through her core, making her hips instinctively buck against his, begging for more.

The kiss broke as they gasped for air. Sylus tore his mouth away, a guttural sound ripping from his chest as he buried his face in the sensitive curve of her neck. 

“Where do you want me?” He asked for permission as he felt his own pleasure approaching.

“I-Inside.. I’m near Sylus..” She moaned and that’s what all it took for him, biting on the curve of her neck as he released inside her. Which then was followed by her own as well with her leg trembling on his shoulder and breaths coming in ragged.

A quiet stillness filled the room, broken only by the sound of their uneven breaths and the thundering rhythm of two hearts finally finding their way back to one another. Her fingers gently brushed through Sylus’s silver hair, her touch soft and trembling. He stayed close, his forehead resting against her shoulder, their warmth mingling in the dim light. Neither of them spoke — too afraid that words might shatter the fragile peace that had settled over them.

Then, after a moment, her voice broke the silence — small, uncertain, but sincere.

“Sylus… were you serious? About starting over?”

He lifted his head, crimson eyes meeting hers. There was no hesitation there, only truth.

“I was,” he said quietly, his hand coming up to cradle her face. “And I still am. I don’t ever want to lose you again, [Name]. Not you, not Selene.”

Her breath caught, tears welling in her eyes as his thumb brushed the corner of her lip.

“I know I can’t undo the past,” he continued, his voice soft but steady, “but by all means, I swear I’ll protect you both. No matter what it takes.” 

A single tear fell from her eyes which Sylus instantly wiped away before pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“I know it might be too early to say but,” he murmured, his voice low and trembling as his thumb brushed along her skin. “I love you, [Name]. I never stopped, even after we went our separate ways years ago. Not a day passed that I didn’t think of you—of what could’ve been.”

Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, she could only look at him. The sincerity in his gaze, the warmth in his touch, and the familiar softness in his tone all wrapped around her like a memory she’d been trying so hard to forget, but never truly could.

“Oh, Sylus…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You don’t know how many times I wished things had been different. That maybe, if I hadn’t been so scared, we wouldn’t have lost all those years.” 

He shook his head gently, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “We can’t change what’s already done, but we can choose what comes next.”

That made her smile—small, fragile, but real. She took his hand, guiding it to rest over her heart. “Then I want to choose this… us. I still love you, Sylus. I think a part of me always will, no matter what happened before.”

His breath hitched, eyes softening as if her words were the very thing he’d been waiting to hear for years.  For a long moment, neither of them moved. Then Sylus leaned forward, pressing his forehead against hers, his thumb tracing slow, reverent circles over her hand.

“Then we’ll do it right this time,” he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. “No more running. No more fear. Just us—and her.”

A soft laugh escaped her lips as she nodded, tears slipping freely down her cheeks. “Just us,” she echoed, before Sylus closed the distance between them, sealing their promise with a tender kiss that spoke of love lost, found, and reborn.

You’re currently immersed in your laptop as you browsed for available lodging, flights, and trips to Snowcrest. You’ve only been there for a few times, not as often as Zayne, since his work demands take him there more frequently. Even though your back already aches and your eyes are already screaming and crying for rest, you pay no mind as you continue to browse the internet. Zayne’s birthday is one of your highlights every year, since you want to make every birthday you celebrate with one another be cherished and memorable. 

You didn’t even manage to check the number of hours you spent hunched over Zayne’s desk with only the desk lamp and the bright screen of your laptop emitting within the dark lit room of Zayne’s study. With how busy you are, you didn’t even hear the sound of a car being parked outside or even the screeching of the door behind you which was followed by light footsteps.

“Hello, My Love.” The sudden whisper on your right ear accompanied by a light kiss on your neck caused you to startle, upon realizing that Zayne is already home and is standing beside you, you immediately closed your laptop shut and faced him.

“Z-Zayne! How long have you been there?” You asked him, trying to sound composed as possible as you stood beside him.

“Well, I just got home and it seems that you’re busy enough not to notice it..” He said with a visible pout as he wrapped his arms around you and he rested his head on your shoulder. His sudden reaction earned a small giggle from your lips, so you wrapped your arms around his form as well and swayed a little in your spot. “Anyway, it’s already late and care to share whatever it is that seems to catch your interest which made you stay up late tonight my darling?” 

“Hmm, I was just doing my research about a specific topic.” You answered, hoping that he won’t get too suspicious about it. 

“And does this specific topic interesting enough to keep you awake until 2 o’clock in the morning?” 

You paused at his response, surely it is not 2 o’clock in the morning. Maybe he’s only teasing you. So you cleared your throat and he lifted his head from your shoulder to meet your gaze.

“Last time I checked, it’s just 10 o’clock in the evening..”

“Hmm.. It seems that the last time you checked the clock was hours ago, My Love.” He mumbled softly, shaking his head slightly as he checked his watch. “Because it says here in my watch that it’s currently 10 minutes past 2 o’clock in the morning. Which means that it’s time for bed, My Love.” He said pulling you close as he pressed a kiss on your forehead. 

“Sorry, I didn’t notice the time..” You replied, wearing an apologetic smile as your eyes met his.

“It’s alright, just try not to stay up late next time.” He replied, “I’ll be heading for a quick shower, care to join me?” 

“No thank you, I already finished showering a few hours ago and I’ll meet you in our bedroom after a while.” You replied, poking the tip of his nose. 

“Alright, I won’t be long. I love you.”

“I love you too..” With a quick kiss on your lips he walked outside the room. You chuckled softly as you turned and began to clean up your mess and opened your laptop one more time to close the tabs on your web browser before padding towards your shared bedroom with Zayne, hoping that he didn’t catch a glimpse of your planned surprise for his birthday. 

***

Convincing Zayne to come along hadn’t been as easy as it sounded. You had your excuses ready, but he always managed to counter them, repeatedly asking what the purpose of this trip was.

After what felt like thousands of questions, here you were at last—sitting side by side on a train bound for your destination. The drive from your shared home had already taken hours thanks to the suffocating traffic, and the train ride was proving just as exhausting. You’d been in the same seat for the past two hours, and according to your ticket, your arrival time was set for six in the evening—only thirty more minutes to go.

You turned your head slightly, a soft smile tugging at your lips as you found Zayne fast asleep, his head resting against your shoulder. The past few days had been hectic for him due to emergency operations, two meetings in a row, and a pile of paperwork. So, you were relieved that he finally had some break and that he’s resting and able to spend some quiet time alone with you to celebrate his birthday.

The journey passed faster than you expected. Just a moment ago, you were lost in the scenery rushing past the train windows, and now here you are, finally arriving at your cabin. A short set of five wooden steps led up from the ground to the porch, where two rustic chairs sat on either side of a small coffee table. Zayne gently took the keys from your hand, volunteering to unlock the door. The hinges creaked softly as the cabin welcomed you in, and your gaze immediately began to wander over the warm, homey interior.

“Everything looks cozy my love..” He mumbled as he approached you from behind as he wrapped his arms around you before pressing a soft kiss on your cheek. “Since it’s almost dinner time, I’ll check the pantry to look for the available ingredients so I can make dinner.” He said as he made his way to the kitchen.

You slipped your coat off and wandered toward the kitchen, the warm glow of the hanging lights making the polished countertops gleam. “How about I help you with dinner?” you offered, glancing over at Zayne, who was already inspecting the cabinets.

He raised a brow playfully. “Volunteering already? I was half-expecting you to just sit back and relax.”

You smiled, stepping beside him. “I insist love..”

With that, the two of you set to work. You washed and chopped vegetables while Zayne worked on heating broth on the stove. Soon, the rich aroma of simmering soup began to fill the cabin, blending perfectly with the faint scent of pine lingering in the air. You tossed together a fresh salad, the vibrant greens and sliced tomatoes bright against the wooden bowl, while he stirred the pot with quiet focus. By the time dinner was ready, the table looked simple but perfect—bowls of steaming soup, the salad glistening with a light dressing, and two glasses of warm milk to complete the meal. Conversation flowed easily as you ate, laughter bouncing between you both as the stress of the journey melted away.

Afterward, you carried the dishes back to the sink, but Zayne quickly stopped you, insisting, “I’ll handle that. You pick a movie.”

And so, you found yourselves curled up together on the massive couch, a cozy blanket draped across your laps as the flickering light from the TV mixed with the gentle glow of the chandelier. Jas, your cat, eventually leapt up and nestled comfortably at your feet, purring softly.

Later, the two of you decided to end the night with a warm bath. The steam curled lazily into the air as you both slipped into the soothing water, the silence between you filled only with the sound of the water rippling whenever you moved. It was quiet, intimate—your shoulders touching, his hand occasionally brushing yours beneath the surface.

By the time you both headed to bed, the cabin had settled into stillness. Wrapped in thick blankets, Zayne’s breathing soon evened out, his arm draped lazily around your waist as he drifted off first. You, however, stayed awake, glancing now and then at your phone.

Your heart beats with a mix of excitement and nerves—waiting for the delivery notification. The cake you’d ordered, carefully chosen for his birthday, was on its way. You smiled softly as you brushed a strand of hair from Zayne’s forehead. Soon, everything would be ready for the surprise.

As the clock strikes at 12 midnight, Zayne was awakened when he heard your voice, singing to him. He straightened up and leaned his back against the headboard as you approached him, holding a candle-lit cake.

“Happy birthday, My Love..” You mumbled softly, leaning to press a kiss to his cheek while still holding the cake carefully.. 

“Thank you, Love..” He spoke, his voice still a bit hoarse. “So, this is what this trip is about? No wonder you chose to have a trip here in the Arctic.. I thought we’re having a vacation of some sort, and here you are preparing all this for me.” He smiled at you, tucking a few strands of hair behind your ear.

“Go on, make a wish..” He closed his eyes for a moment, then after a few seconds he blew out the candles and pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, down to your cheeks, and lastly to your lips.

“As for my wish, I couldn’t ask for anything more because the very person I’ve been dreaming of, the one my heart has longed for, is sitting right here in front of me.” 

***

The next morning, the two of you woke up early, eager to catch the first light of dawn. Zayne joined you in the kitchen, helping prepare a simple yet heartwarming breakfast—golden French toasts, sizzling bacon, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Together, you carried the plates outside, settling on the porch of the log cabin as the horizon blushed with the rising sun.

When breakfast was done, Zayne pulled you gently back inside. The crackling fireplace filled the room with a cozy glow as he caught your hand and drew you into his arms. The two of you swayed slowly across the living room floor, your head resting against his chest, his steady heartbeat matching the rhythm of the quiet music only the two of you seemed to hear.

After a while, the two of you soaked in the warm tub, letting the steam curl around your faces as your muscles melted into relaxation. Once you were refreshed, you dressed in cozy layers and set off toward your first itinerary—snowboarding.

The mountainside stretched before you, glistening under the late morning sun. Zayne fastened his snowboard with ease, his hands moving with steady confidence as he secured each strap. The way he moved was so natural, like muscle memory etched into him from years of practice. You couldn’t help but pause and watch, admiration softening your gaze. His hair was tousled from the winter breeze, his breath rising in faint clouds of white, and there was a spark in his eyes that only appeared when he was doing something he loved.

“You look like you were born to do this,” you said, smiling as you tugged on your gloves.

He chuckled, tightening his straps. “Maybe not born, but I’ve spent enough winters practicing. I thought it might be nice to show you something I love.”

“That’s sweet,” you replied, your cheeks warming more than the scarf around your neck. “Though I can’t promise I’ll look half as graceful as you.”

Zayne stepped closer, brushing a stray lock of hair away from your face. “I don’t need you to be graceful. I just want you to have fun—with me.”

When you finally took to the slopes, Zayne glided down with smooth, effortless turns, his confidence shining through. You tried to follow, but gravity had its own plans. With a soft laugh, you landed in the snow.

Zayne was beside you in moments, crouching down with concern in his eyes. “Are you hurt?”

You shook your head, laughing at yourself. “Just a little embarrassed.”

His smile softened, a laugh escaping from his lips. “Don’t be. You’re doing great. And besides…” He offered you his gloved hand. “Falling just means I get to catch you.”

***

Hours slipped by almost unnoticed, and before you knew it, the sun had vanished behind the horizon, leaving the moon to cast its silver glow across the night sky. With your fingers laced tightly with Zayne’s, you wandered down the lively stretch of Downflake Avenue.

As you turned a corner, your breath caught—the avenue was aglow with rows of ice lanterns, their soft light shimmering like frozen stars against the winter night. The warm hues danced across the snow, creating a magical glow that pulled you in instantly. Without a second thought, you tugged Zayne’s hand excitedly, weaving the two of you through the bustling crowd, eager to see it all up close. 

The store owner greeted the both of you and presented a few selection of lanterns that you can choose from. Then, Zayne picks up an ice lantern that’s about as big as a wine glass and grabs two carving knives before leading you to an empty table. 

“I heard that carving ice lanterns for Frostseal Day carries a special meaning,” He began, his gaze finding yours. “Why don’t we carve a jasmine together?” He suggested. 

“Of course, I would love that.” You smiled at him, holding onto the carving knife with both hands. Before you could steady your grip, Zayne stepped closer, his presence enveloping you. His larger hands slid gently over yours, guiding your fingers as he adjusted the knife’s angle with effortless ease. 

Heat rushed to your cheeks, spreading like wildfire beneath your skin. When he leaned in, his lips brushing just near your ear, you caught the low timbre of his voice. His warm breath contrasted sharply against the cold, crisp air of the shop, and the sensation sent a shiver spiraling down your spine.

“You’ll have more control like this,” he murmured softly, his tone carrying a mix of patience and something tender, something that made your heart race even faster. 

Then, he carefully steadied the ice lantern with one hand while guiding yours with the other, the two of you moving in unison as the carving knife traced its first marks. Together, you outlined the delicate curves, your breaths misting in the cold air as you focused on each gentle cut.

Bit by bit, the rough edges softened, and soon the beginnings of blossoms emerged. A few moments later, the faint shape of jasmines started to bloom within the crystal-clear ice, their petals catching the lantern’s glow as if they were quietly coming alive beneath your hands.

“I heard that Frostseal Day was a festival in ancient times,” you spoke quietly, your voice almost blending with the murmur of the crowd.

“To escape the polar night’s bitter cold, people rarely ventured outdoors. So they made ice lanterns to symbolize the joy of gathering together before the long polar night,” he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at you.

“Then, I learned that ice lanterns have another meaning,” Zayne continued, his voice soft as he carefully smoothed the edges of the jasmine petals. “Once the polar night ends… during the first sunrise, people who were temporarily separated would reunite in front of doorways marked by these lanterns.”

A fragile silence lingered between you as his words sank in. You forced a smile, clutching onto the thought before it could slip away. “If we’re still here, we should put a lantern outside the door like the locals.”

But even as you said it, the thought you’d been pushing back resurfaced—what if the day came when you and Zayne would be separated, not just by distance or time, but by circumstances you couldn’t control? The idea ached like frost beneath your skin, a fear you couldn’t voice. So instead, you watched the soft glow of the lantern reflect in his eyes and silently wished that moment would never come.

“Their significance was never in their tradition. It’s in the act of doing these things together,” Zayne said, his voice steady, but gentle. He paused for a moment, brushing a few stray ice shavings off the lantern’s edge before continuing. “The lanterns might fade, the ice might melt, and the festival will pass… but the memories we make while we’re here? Those last. What matters is that we’re side by side now, carving these little moments into something permanent.”

He glanced at you then, his eyes carrying that quiet conviction that always seemed to dissolve the doubts you tried so hard to hide. “Even if life pulls us in different directions someday… I believe what we share will always lead us back to each other.”

***

By the time the two of you finished carving the ice lanterns, you decided to head back to the log cabin. The sky was already dipped in indigo, and a glance at your watch told you it was nearly seven in the evening—dinnertime. You swore the both of you had to prepare something warm to eat.

While Zayne busied himself with the soup in the cabin’s small outdoor kitchen, an idea sparked in your mind. The snow beneath your boots crunched invitingly, and before you could second-guess yourself, you crouched down to scoop up a handful. The chill stung your fingers as you quickly packed it into a neat little snowball. A mischievous smile tugged at your lips as you straightened up, aimed carefully, and launched it right at Zayne’s back.

The snowball hit with a soft thud, scattering white powder across his coat.

Zayne froze mid-stir, shoulders stiffening. Slowly, he turned his head toward you, a glint of playful menace flickering in his eyes. “Oh… so that’s how it’s going to be?”

You giggled as Zayne turned off the fire on the stove, his movements deliberate as he turned toward you. Without breaking eye contact, he crouched to scoop up a handful of snow, already shaping it into a ball.

Your heart leapt, and with a squeal, you spun on your heel and bolted across the snowy yard, your boots kicking up soft powder behind you. The cold air nipped at your cheeks, but the laughter bubbling from your chest kept you warm.

“You know that running won’t exactly save you” Zayne called after you, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and mock warning. You glanced back just in time to see him pull his arm back, snowball in hand, a mischievous grin plastered across his face.

The cold Arctic night was filled with laughter and giggles as you played in the snow, your voices carrying through the stillness of the frosted landscape. Snowballs flew back and forth, bursting into soft flurries as they hit coats and scarves, each playful throw sparking another round of laughter.

Your cheeks burned from the chill and from smiling too much, but you didn’t care. Zayne was chasing you through the yard, his footsteps crunching against the snow in quick pursuit.

“Here, this is my surprise,” he muttered, and in an instant, a snowball materialized in his hand with the help of his evol. Before you could react, he launched it straight at you.

You yelped, raising your arm just in time to shield yourself as the snow scattered across your sleeve. “Hey! Using your evol is cheating!” you accused with a playful laugh, forming a finger gun and aiming it at him dramatically.

But Zayne only smirked, his strides deliberate as he closed the distance between you. Realizing his intent, you turned on your heel and sprinted away, heart racing with excitement. You dove behind a snow mound, hands quickly scooping and packing the snow into a lopsided ball.

Just as you straightened, ready to strike, a shadow fell over you. You looked up to find him towering above you, his grin mischievous and victorious.

“Got you!” he declared.

Without thinking, you lunged at him, throwing yourself into his chest. The force knocked the both of you off balance, sending you tumbling into the soft snow. You landed in a heap of laughter, your breaths clouding the air as flakes clung to your hair and coats.

“It turns out you can hold your own in a snowball fight, Dr. Zayne.”  you teased, laughing as you moved to lie beside him. “Do you think we’ll be buried in the snow if we stay like this?” you asked, turning your head to look at him.

“Assuming that I’m here with you then, no.” He said softly, his voice low and steady. His fingers laced through yours, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. Then, leaning closer, he pressed your intertwined hands to his lips in a soft kiss.

With a subtle movement, he combined his evol with resonation, and a dome of frost began to form around the two of you. The air shimmered as delicate patterns spiraled into place, wrapping you in a translucent cocoon that sparkled under the moonlight. It was as if you were both trapped inside a magical snow globe, the outside world fading away until only the two of you remained—warm, close, and suspended in that perfect, frozen moment.

Then, you quickly stood up, offering your hand to him and pulling him to his feet. He rose beside you, and soon he was standing behind you, his warmth brushing against your back as you admired the frost dome. Your hand reached out instinctively, tracing the delicate patterns of ice as your gaze wandered over the sparkling landscape, but his eyes never left you. His arms wrapped around your waist, fingers curling gently over yours, grounding you in his presence.

“Compared to a frozen landscape, a place where snowflakes dance is more suitable to be my world,” he murmured, his voice carrying a quiet intensity. “To sense snow, is to sense my presence.”

You turned slightly, cradling his cheek in your hand. “Zayne, you’re warmer than everything here.” His lips brushed your touch, leaning into it, grounding you further.

“If only I could freeze time, I would,” he said softly, pressing gentle kisses along your forehead, down your cheek, and to the tip of your nose. The warmth of his lips against your skin made your chest tighten with a mix of longing and fear. What if this moment couldn’t last? What if a day came when the snow fell and he wasn’t there to hold you like this? The thought sent a shiver through you that had nothing to do with the cold.

“Even though you’re right in front of me, I’m looking forward to my next birthday, and…” His lips hovered just above yours, teasing and tender. “Our next snowy day together,” he whispered, finally closing the distance and pressing his lips to yours in a kiss that was both passionate and reassuring, melting away the tiny pangs of worry in your heart—if only for now.

***

Your mind swirled in a haze, barely processing the moment. The last thing you remembered was being with Zayne, kissing beneath the dome of frost you had created together. And now, you were here, in your bedroom, lips still locked as your hands moved over one another, hurried and desperate, shedding layers of clothing as if the world outside didn’t exist. Every touch, every glance, burned with an urgency that left your thoughts scattered and your heart racing.

“Z-Zayne..” Your voice barely a whisper as your lips parted, his hand still cradling your face while the other is resting against your waist..

“Yes, love?” He asked, his voice hoarse and eyes meeting yours. “Are you cold? Do you wish to stop?”

A soft giggle escapes your lips, then you shake your head slightly. Your lips brushed against his as you spoke, “No, don’t stop my love.. Never mind the cold, let’s keep each other warm.” 

“Good, that’s what I intend to do…” he murmured, voice low and steady, sending a rush of heat down your spine. In a blink, his hand slid upward, cupping your breast with a firm yet tender touch as his lips trailed deeper into the curve of your neck. The suddenness of it stole your breath, and a sharp gasp slipped from your lips before you could stop it.

“A-ahh… Zayne…” you breathed, arching helplessly into him. Your voice wavered with need, and he answered with a hushed groan, his fingers teasing with just enough pressure to make your pulse quicken. His lips brushed your ear, warm and commanding as he whispered,

“Lie down for me, love.”

The words struck something in you, and without hesitation, you obeyed. Your body sank into the sheets, heart pounding as he followed, hovering above you with a gaze so intense it nearly unraveled you. His hand braced beside your head, while his other gently cradled your cheek, grounding you in the moment.

Then, with an urgency softened by tenderness, his lips found yours once more. The kiss was deeper now—slower, hungrier—as if he wanted to memorize the shape of your mouth, to remind you with every press of his lips that you were his and he was yours.

His hands traveled down your body memorizing each curve until they found your core which is now drenched with slick. He made slow circles against your clit before slowly inserting his finger inside. Your grip on his shoulder tightened with each thrust of his fingers and the continuous stimulation of his thumb on your clit.

“Are you near, my love?” He asked as his kisses lowered down your body, from your breasts down to your stomach and until his face was hovering on your pussy. “Come on my mouth.” He didn’t even give you a chance to react when he darted his tongue out and gave your slit a one deliberate lick before sucking. 

“F-Fuck.. Zayne.” You moaned, hands gripping on his hair as he curled his fingers inside and fastened its pace. His other hand is gripping on your thigh, keeping it in place as he lapped and sucked on your pussy like a starving man devouring his last meal. 

Your back arched, a helpless cry escaping you as waves of pleasure washed through your body. The tension snapped, leaving you trembling beneath his touch, chest rising and falling in frantic rhythm as you tried to catch your breath. For a moment, you thought he might relent, give you the space to recover—but Zayne wasn’t finished.

His touch remained steady, unyielding, each movement calculated to prolong the fire he had ignited. You whimpered softly, torn between sensitivity and desire, your hands instinctively gripping the sheets. 

“Z-Zayne… I can’t anymore, please…” your voice cracked, half a plea, half a whimper, your body trembling from the overwhelming waves already coursing through you.

His gaze lifted briefly, locking with yours. What you saw there made your breath catch—smoldering determination tempered with a deep, unshakable affection. The corner of his mouth curved into a faint, knowing smile.

“I’m not completely finished with you yet,” he murmured, his tone low but threaded with warmth. “After all, it’s my birthday. Don’t you think I should take my time tasting every bit of sweetness you give me?”

The heat of his words sent another shiver racing down your spine, and though your body cried out for rest, your heart betrayed you—fluttering wildly in anticipation. You clutched the sheets tighter, torn between surrender and resistance, only to find yourself melting once again as he leaned closer, determined to unravel you piece by piece until there was nothing left but the two of you, bound in the intimacy of his devotion.

After a while, he shifted his position between your thighs, his movements deliberate, his gaze never once leaving you. You lay before him—skin glistening with sweat, cheeks flushed a deep crimson, strands of hair clinging to your forehead as the pillow cradled your head in disarray.

The sight stole his breath. For a fleeting moment, it was almost too much—enough to undo him then and there. He swallowed hard, steadying himself, forcing restraint where his body demanded release. Leaning closer, he brushed his warmth against you, slow and teasing, his touch heavy with intent yet careful with reverence.

“Beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely, his voice trembling with both awe and need. Then he gave his cock a few deliberate strokes before rubbing it against your entrance to tease you a little bit. “Breathe for me darling, okay?” He muttered, pressing a kiss to your forehead before slipping inside. The sudden stretch stole the breath from your lungs, a gasp escaping as your hands instinctively clutched at his shoulders, pulling him impossibly near. His warmth enveloped you, grounding you as your racing heart struggled to steady itself.

When his hips began to move, the pace was unhurried—measured, almost reverent. Each motion seemed deliberate, as though he wanted to savor every second, to feel and memorize the way your body responded to his. The intimacy of it made your chest tighten, every slow thrust carrying with it not just desire, but a depth of connection that left you trembling beneath him.

Once he found the rhythm he sought, his movements grew sharper, each thrust more deliberate, more consuming. He shifted, lifting your left leg and resting it against his shoulder, the new angle pulling a cry from your lips as he sank even deeper. The room filled with the sound of your gasps and whimpers, your body yielding to his pace until you were nothing but a trembling mess beneath him.

His brows furrowed as he looked down at you, gaze dark with intensity, as if every ounce of his focus was poured into the moment. Then, a sudden thought flickered across his expression. Without a word, he brushed his index and middle finger against your lips, the silent request clear.

You parted your lips willingly, drawing them in, the gesture laced with both trust and longing. Your eyes never left his, and the connection between you burned hotter, wordless yet profound, as though you were speaking in a language only the two of you could understand.

“Haa.. I-I could fuck you all night if you kept on looking at me like that..” He mumbled, “Maybe that was your sole purpose after all, lying pretty on the bed as I fucked you roughly until the only thing that’s on your mind is my name.” And with that he withdrew his fingers from your mouth, and a moan escaped from your lips as he did so.

“Mph.. Aaah! Zayne!” You moaned as he teased your nipples by placing them between his fingers before giving it a light pinch.. “Mm..gonna..I-I..” 

“You’re close already, sweetheart?” he groaned, his voice low and strained as he pressed his forehead against your shoulder. You felt the sharp edge of his teeth graze your skin, a sting of pressure followed by the heat of his breath. But the fleeting pain was drowned beneath the overwhelming rush of sensation, your body too caught up in the fire consuming you both.

“Let go for me,” he whispered, his words rough, urgent, yet tender at their core.

The command unraveled you. A wave of release surged through you, leaving your body trembling as his name tore from your lips. It was only a heartbeat later that he followed, his grip tightening as though anchoring himself to you. 

Your breathing came in ragged gasps as he pressed his forehead against yours, grounding you in the shared heat of the moment. You barely had time to process before he shifted, gently guiding you to lie on your stomach.

“Z-Zayne?” you whispered, breathless, uncertainty and anticipation lacing your voice.

A low chuckle rumbled from him, warm and teasing. “Think I’m finished with you already, my love?” he murmured, voice full of promise. His touch was steady, deliberate, as if savoring every second. “The night is still young… and there’s still so much I want to explore with you.”

He leaned closer, his lips brushing against your ear in a whisper that sent shivers down your spine. The warmth of his breath trailed across your skin, making your heart stutter in response.

“Besides, let’s keep each other warm on this cold winter night…”

You were lying unconscious in a cold hospital bed, the continuous beeping of the monitor echoing throughout the quiet, four-cornered room. Slowly, your eyes began to flutter, and you tried to move your fingers, feeling the warmth of someone’s hand wrapped around yours. As you slowly opened your eyes, you immediately tilted your head to get a clear view of the person sitting beside your bed.

“[Name]? Can you hear me?”

Your heart immediately dropped when you realized it was Yvonne sitting with you. A sharp pang struck your chest — you had expected him to be there, constant as always, staying by your side until you regained consciousness.

“Yvonne..?” you muttered, your voice weak as you tried to sit up. Yvonne immediately noticed and gently instructed you to lie back down. “What happened? Why am I— Where is he?”

“It’s been a few days since Zayne brought you here. You were limp and pale in his arms... I’ve never seen him look so horrified. He burst into the emergency room like a storm.” She muttered as she recalled how Zayne panicked and instructed every staff he saw to treat you immediately..

“But, where is he?” You asked softy, a part of you hopes that he’s currently busy treating patients but the other part of you is scared to hear Yvonne’s answer.

“Well, about that..” She said, a bit of hesitancy is laced in her voice then she placed both of her hands on your arms, using her thumb to caress it gently before speaking in a more serious tone.. “Once you got admitted here in your private room, he went to the Director’s office immediately as he submitted his resignation papers. I’ve never seen the director looked so upset as Dr. Zayne announced his wish for resignation, The director even advised him to take a few days off to think things through but he was determined and even mentioned that his decision won’t change, he also wished for his resignation to be effective immediately.” She stated, voice laced with sadness due to the sudden news that she had to share with you. Knowing about your relationship with Zayne, she’s certain that this news is like a bomb for you..

“Then news about his resignation reached the other hospital staff and even with the patients, they’re all confused and surprised with Dr. Zayne’s sudden wish for resignation. Even Greyson and I were surprised because he never mentioned anything to us, or even to Greyson.. When he came back to gather his belongings, he told us to always take care and look after you..”

Your ears start to ring as your chest heaves— breathing unstable as your heart constricts in your chest as you try to process what Yvonne said. Your eyes began to well up with tears, hands pressed against your chest as an attempt to ease the pressure building.

“N-No.. It can’t be, he can’t..” You mumbled, still in-denial about the information you just heard from Yvonne. You felt her grip on your arms tighten, as if to assure you that she’s with you..

“I’m so sorry [Name]..” She apologized, her hands caressing your cheek as she pulled you in a comforting hug.. However, all you could feel at the moment were grief, loss, and the feeling of abandonment..

“He can’t leave.. Not when I– No, I refuse to believe..” You shook your head, refusing to face the harsh reality that he left.. “I– I have to find him..” You said as you pushed Yvonne, then you removed your IV and whatever that is attached to your body before bolting outside, you heard Yvonne call out your name but you kept on running..

You went to all the places you hoped you could find him, or even a few traces that he was once there. You went to the subway station just in case he went for a trip without telling you, next you hurried to the nearby supermarket to ask the guard at the main entrance just in case he bought groceries and fruits for you. However, they shared similar answers in which they said they never noticed him within the area.

Clinging on your last string of hope, you went next to the nearby cafe– where you and Zayne frequently visited, you’re sure that the owner knows the both of you because you and Zayne are regular customers. As you entered the cafe, the tables and chairs were neatly placed and the owner was busy at the counter. Then, she noticed you..

“[Name]? Oh, it’s you!” She exclaimed before approaching you, then she noticed the few bandages on your arm and head.. “Are you okay? You look pale, why don’t you sit down first–”

“No, I won’t be long..” You interrupted, you bit your inner cheek as you prepared to ask her a question in which the answer terrifies you.. “Have you seen Zayne? Was he here?”

“Oh, Dr. Zayne? Well, he dropped by a few days ago and told me to deliver desserts to your address everyday for a whole month since he’ll be gone for a trip..”

Gone. Gone. Gone.

A whole month. Gone. Gone. He left.

The words replayed in your brain as you tried to process what you just heard..

“[Name]? Are you okay? You don’t look too good sweetheart..” The owner asked, concern purely etched on her. Her voice was a bit distorted and muffled as your thoughts were immediately flooded with why’s and what ifs. Before giving her the chance to speak again, you stood up and ran outside.. As you did, the cold droplets of the pouring rain welcomed you, but you didn’t mind being drenched by the heavy rain. All you could ever think at the moment was Zayne, as you wandered along the streets of Linkon, your feet brought you to a familiar neighborhood. This is your last straw, and you hoped to find him here.

You arrived at his doorstep and rang his doorbell a few times. After your 10th ring but there were still no response, you decided to enter his passcode. The door finally opened and you stepped inside his house. As you did, the chilling air welcomed you. His house was dark and a few traces of frost were all over the furniture, the walls, and the ceiling. The chilly atmosphere sent shivers down your spine as you wandered inside his empty house..

“Zayne? Are you there?” You called for him, but all you heard was the echo of your own voice. There were no other signs of life inside his home, only you. You wrapped your arms around yourself as you headed upstairs.

You knocked a few times in his study, a part of you hopes that maybe he’s inside.. Napping or maybe doing some paperworks. “Zayne? Love?” You said, and once again there were no response. You turned the knob, the creaking of the door was loud but the unusual beating of your heart was louder.

As you entered, it was a pure mess. Papers scattered everywhere, a couple pages of his medical books now torn apart, a couple of table ornaments were now lying on the floor— broken..

You made your way out of his study and headed for his bedroom– a part of you was scared just by thinking of the possibilities of what you might encounter as you opened the door to his room. To your surprise, the bed were untouched as if he didn’t drop by to take a rest.. You wandered inside then your feet led you to his closet, you opened the closet door and his familiar comforting scent greeted you. You grabbed his black polo, the one you gifted him and embraced it tight as you lay on his bed.

You decided to grab the nearby telephone to dial his number, however no matter how you tried the other line says “The number you dialed is currently unavailable.” To your frustration, you threw the phone and you heard it shatter against the wall before falling on the floor. But you didn’t care.. You let your tears fall as it drenched his pillow and the shirt you’re hugging.

“Why did you leave me? I–I thought you said you would constantly remain by my side… Why did you leave with no trace…” Your voice cracked under the weight of the words, trembling as if your body couldn’t bear to release them. You clutched on his shirt tighter, in an attempt to calm yourself down. “You promised,” you whispered, almost choking. “You looked me in the eyes and said you weren’t going anywhere. That no matter how hard things got, you’d stay. I believed you. God, I believed every single word…”

Silence followed. Not the peaceful kind, but the deafening kind — the kind that echoes between the cracks of a heart breaking wide open.

And still, he wasn’t there.

****

“[Name]? Love? Wake up.” The constant shaking and the familiar voice ringing in your ears woke you up from your deep slumber. “There you are,” He said softly as your eyes began to flutter open, he cupped both of your cheeks as he used his thumb to wipe your tears away..

“Zayne? Is that you?” You hiccuped as you blinked slowly to help your vision adjust.. “Love?”

“Yes it’s me, my love, I am here..” He whispered as he pressed a soft kiss on your forehead before pulling you in a tight embrace. “I’m sorry I got home late, the cases of patients with Protocore Syndrome were multiplying each day and I had to work overtime..” He mumbled as he continued to caress your back gently..

“Can you tell me what you’re feeling right now? You were sobbing in your sleep and no matter how I tried to wake you, you weren’t responding..” He asked gently, before slightly pulling away so he could take a good look on your face. He brushed a few strands of your hair away from your forehead as he cupped your cheeks.. “Were you having a nightmare, love?”

You bit your lip as you looked at him, you slowly raised your hand to rest on his face. Your fingers grazing slightly on his brows down to his cheeks. Then you feel another batch of tears breaking free from your eyes..

“Oh, my love.. I’m here, I got you..” He pulled you closer again ‘til he’s cradling you as you sat on his lap, legs wrapped on his waist as your arms were tightly wrapped around him. “I’m not going anywhere, I’ll stay here with you..”

“I had a dream, you left me..” You choked on a sob as you clung on him tighter. “In my dream, I was in Akso Hospital and Yvonne was with me. She told me you filed a resignation and left. You left me without a word. You just vanished. I went to the subway, supermarket, cafe, and your house. You weren’t there.. I tried calling you but you’re not answering, I was so scared and lost..”

“I would never…It’s only a dream, my love.. I won’t leave, I would never do that..” He reassured, his voice soft as he gently rocked her— pressing soft kisses along her neck and shoulder as he did. “How could I ever leave the woman I love the most? Hmm..?” He said as he pulled away— tucking a few strands of your hair behind your ear as he stared at you.

“Because the vow I made all those years ago is still fresh in my memory—like it was only yesterday.”

He took both of your hands in his, holding them close as he pressed a kiss to each knuckle with reverent care.

“I vow to stand beside you, in light and in darkness, in certainty and in doubt.”

Then, he gently intertwined his fingers with yours.

“When the world shakes beneath us, I will be your steady ground. When silence falls, I will listen. When storms rise, I will hold your hand,” he murmured, kissing the back of your hand before reaching up to cup your cheek with his other hand.

“No matter what happens, no matter how hard it gets—I choose you.”

He began placing soft, lingering kisses across your face—your forehead, your cheeks, your nose—like he was memorizing you all over again.

“Always,” he whispered, his voice warm and steady. “And all ways.”

Then, he kissed your lips—slowly, deeply—as if pouring every unspoken promise into that one moment, where time seemed to pause just for the two of you.

The world seemed to stop in the way he kissed you—slow, tender, and full of quiet desperation. Each brush of his lips against yours felt like he was trying to erase every trace of the nightmare that had haunted you. As if he could kiss the fear away, replace it with warmth, with certainty. It was more than affection; it was a silent promise. That you were safe now. That in his arms, no shadow could touch you.

You glanced at the calendar. They were due back in two days, and you couldn’t wait to hug her again and hear all about their little adventure.

You went through your other notifications, eyes scanning for your husband’s name. These past few weeks had been hectic for Zayne—back-to-back surgeries, endless meetings, and a mountain of paperwork waiting on his desk. The exhaustion was written all over his face, dark circles shadowing his eyes. You’d been gently urging him to take a day off, but being the workaholic he was, he always found a reason to decline. He insisted he couldn’t step away, not wanting to fall behind on his responsibilities.

You were about to take a nap when you heard the doorbell ring. You immediately sat up and padded toward the door. As you peeked through the peephole, you realized it was just a delivery. Opening the door, the delivery man gave you a polite nod and handed over an electronic pad for you to sign. You signed your name and thanked him, then took the medium-sized box into your hands. It wasn’t heavy, but it felt like something carefully packed. Closing the door behind you, you walked back into the living room and placed the box on the coffee table.

You felt your phone vibrate in your pocket. When you checked the notification and saw it was from a clothing brand, your lips curled into a small smirk. Wasting no time, you grabbed a cutter to unbox the package that had just arrived. As you peeled back the flaps, a smile spread across your face—it was the lingerie set you’d ordered online. Without a second thought, you picked up the box and made your way to your shared bedroom, eager to try it on.

It was a pastel pink babydoll-style nightdress made from sheer, lightweight fabric.The bust area features embroidered floral lace with underwire support and satin ribbon detailing in the center. It made your cleavage pop due to its padding. Thin double shoulder straps add a dainty touch, and the skirt flows gently down about a few inches from your intimate area, ending in layered ruffled hems for a soft, romantic look. It also came with a laced pink thong that goes well with the lingerie, as well as an accessory which is a pearl choker and a simple necklace with a small pendant.

And of course, being the little tease you are, you couldn’t resist. After slipping into the delicate lingerie, you sat on the edge of the bed, angled your phone just right, and snapped a mirror selfie. With a sly smile, you sent it to Zayne—who was still at work—along with a message that read: “When are you coming home? I miss you...”

It hadn’t even been five minutes when his reply came through.

“Sweetheart, you look gorgeous. However, I’m in the middle of an important meeting right now.”

You bit your lip, amusement dancing in your eyes. Switching to the front camera, you adjusted the angle and took another photo—this time showing only from your chest down to your thighs, the sheer fabric leaving little to the imagination. With a light tap, you sent it off.

Not long after, another message lit up your screen.

“I’ll be home in ten minutes.”

You couldn’t help but laugh softly, setting your phone down as you settled back on the bed. Mission accomplished.

***

You heard your front door and that signaled that Zayne is already home. With a soft giggle, you stepped out of your shared bedroom then went downstairs to greet him.

“Hello, my love—“ He was suddenly taken aback and his coat dropped to the floor when he saw you standing before him, wearing the lingerie you bought. He cleared his throat before speaking. “Aren’t you cold?”

“Hm? Why would I be? I feel perfectly fine..” You answered before placing a peck on his lips, “Welcome home.”

You caught the faint flush creeping up his neck, his ears turning a telltale shade of red as his eyes roamed over your figure. His gaze faltered, locking onto the curve of your hips—specifically, the absence of that laced thong you’d been teasing him with earlier. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, trying (and failing) to keep his expression neutral.

You bit your lip, barely containing a giggle at the way his composure unraveled.

“Hungry?” you asked, your voice low and teasing, the double meaning lingering in the air.

He gave a slow, slightly dazed nod.

You reached out and laced your fingers with his, giving his hand a gentle tug. “Come on, then.”

Guiding him to the kitchen, you revealed the small dinner setup you’d prepared—candles flickering, plates warm, and everything in place. The contrast between the tension in the air and the peaceful domesticity made it all the more intimate.

You both sat down to eat, the silence between you charged but comfortable, like a storm waiting just past the horizon.

As you finished, the two of you did your usual routine— wiping the table, washing the dishes, placing the leftovers inside the fridge.. However, the way his eyes flicker to you, the clenching and unclenching of his hand, his reddened ears, and deep breaths doesn’t go unnoticed by you.

Currently, the both of you are enjoying ice cream for dessert, the quiet clink of spoons filling the cozy air between you. The soft lighting casts a gentle glow, making everything feel just a little more intimate.

You glance at him, a small smile playing on your lips as you tilt your head.

“So, how are you, my love?”

He looks up from his bowl, his expression calm, almost unreadable. He gives a small shrug, stirring the ice cream around absently.

“Same old,” he replies casually. “Had three surgeries, two meetings and finished the paperworks that was sitting at my desk for days. How about you?”

He scoops another spoonful without looking at you, but there’s the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth—like he’s trying not to let on too much.

“It was fine, just missing our little girl. Your mother sent a picture earlier, Hyacinth is cradling a tiny kitten in her arms and she wants to take it home with her..” A quiet laugh slips from your lips, fond and wistful, as you glance at him.

“I have no objections to that,” he said smoothly—but just then, you noticed a small smear of ice cream at the corner of his lips. Instead of reaching out to wipe it away, you leaned in slowly, eyes locked on his, the air thick with unspoken tension. Your lips brushed the corner of his mouth as you licked the bit of ice cream off, lingering just a second longer than necessary.

When you pulled back, a playful smile tugged at your lips.

“You missed a spot,” you whispered.

His eyes darkened slightly, jaw tightening just a fraction as he stared at you, that neutral composure starting to crack.

“[Name].. Love..” He muttered, gaze locking into yours. “What?” you respond, a small smile curling on your lips.

“You’re being such a tease..”

“I am not…” you denied with mock innocence as you hopped off the stool, deliberately swaying your hips on the way to the fridge. Bending down slowly, you opened it with an exaggerated hum. “Hmm, what should we—ah!”

You yelped softly as a sudden, firm smack landed on your ass. Glancing over your shoulder with a smirk, you found him standing behind you, eyes dark with intent.

“Oh?” you teased, scooting your bare ass back until it pressed against the hard outline of his clothed crotch. You gave the slightest roll of your hips, just enough to feel the sharp breath he drew in behind you.

Before you could even process his next move, strong arms wrapped around your waist, and in one smooth motion, he hoisted you over his shoulder.

“Hey—!” you started, laughing, but his voice cut through, low and full of heat.

“I’ve had enough of this teasing, my love…” he growled as he began striding purposefully toward the stairs. “Let’s see if you can hold onto that attitude of yours.”

You gasped, heart pounding with anticipation, the fridge long forgotten as he carried you up to your shared bedroom like a man on a mission.

As you both enter your room, he strides towards your bed before gently tossing you to lie down, the mattress dipping beneath you as he looms over, eyes dark with intent. You used your arms to anchor yourself as you stared at him..

“Hm??” You teased, brow raising at him as hig gaze trails from your face, to your chest, and down to your exposed cunt. Then you felt his fingers teasing your folds which caused you to whimper..

“Z-Zayne..” you whimpered as he began to massage your wet folds..

“Yes, my love? Wouldn’t want your effort to go to waste, hm?” He whispered as he leaned in to press a soft kiss to your cheek. “My wife waited for me to come home dressed like this, all dolled up just for me. I am a lucky man.” He muttered before his lips met yours, melting in a passionate kiss.

His lips moved against yours with slow, deliberate tenderness, savoring every second like he’d been starved of your touch. Then, you felt him insert his finger inside your pussy which made you moan, he used it to deepen the kiss, his tongue slipping past your lips to taste you fully—hungry, aching, possessive.

A soft moan escaped as he pressed closer, his body flush with yours, the weight of him grounding you in the moment. He pulled back just slightly, his lips brushing over yours as he whispered, “You have no idea what it does to me, seeing you like this… knowing you’re mine.” he whispered as his kisses trailed down your neck, nibbling on your sensitive skin. Hard enough to the point he’s certain that it’ll leave a mark.

Then he pulled back slightly, taking in the sight of you— face flushed with lust and desire, lips kiss-swollen and parted, chest rising and falling with every shallow breath. His eyes roamed over you, dark and hungry, as if trying to commit every detail to memory.

“God, look at you,” he murmured, almost to himself. His thumb brushed over your bottom lip, admiring the way it trembled beneath his touch. “So beautiful… and all mine.”

“Z-Zayne— ahh!” You arched your back as you felt him fasten the thrusts of his fingers in your wet heat, back arching as you gripped the sheets.

“That’s it, say my name.. My love..” He mumbled as his kisses went down your pussy, “Let me have a taste of you, wife.” He whispered before he used his tongue to lick your slit. His fingers still pumping in your pussy, while his other hand is gripping your hips to keep it from moving.

“Mmphh!” You moaned as he continued to flick his tongue against you, his fingers curling inside as he kissed and lapped on your sensitive flesh. Then, you felt the tension building in your core and you’re sure that he feels it— the way your legs tremble and pussy clenched around his digits.

However, it seems like he has other plans because just as you were about to come, he suddenly retracted his fingers and lips from your pussy, leaving it soaking wet and hole gaping.

“Zayne?!” you exclaimed, chest heaving and your pussy aching from your denied orgasm.

“What?” he said with a soft chuckle, his eyes never leaving yours as his fingers worked slowly down the buttons of his polo. The fabric parted to reveal the firm lines of his chest, and your breath caught just a little at the sight.

Once the shirt was off, he moved to sit at the edge of the bed, his posture relaxed but eyes burning with intent. He patted his thigh, gaze smoldering. “Come here,” he murmured, voice low and coaxing. “Right where you belong.”

You moved toward him, each step feeling heavier with anticipation. The moment you settled onto his lap, his hands immediately found your hips, pulling you flush against him. The heat between your bodies was undeniable, electric.

He let out a quiet, satisfied sigh as his hands slid up your sides, fingers brushing the fabric clinging to your skin. “There we go,” he whispered against your neck, placing a slow, open-mouthed kiss just below your ear. “You feel so good… so warm.”

One hand cradled the small of your back, holding you close, while the other traced slow circles along your thigh. “I could stay like this forever,” he murmured, lips trailing soft kisses along your jaw. “But you’re making it very hard to be patient.”

“Zayne.. please—“ you pleaded as he trailed wet kisses on your neck.

“Please what? Use your words sweetheart..” He replied, his hands traveling down your thigh then to your ass, cupping it gently. “Do you want to come, sweetheart?” He asked in which you nodded in response.

“Only good girls deserve to come, do you think you’ve been good? Hm?”

“Y-Yes, please, my love—ah!” You yelped as his hand came down on your ass with a sharp, unexpected smack. The sound echoed in the room, followed by a rush of heat blooming beneath your skin.

“Wrong answer.” He hand lingered, soothing the sting with a gentle caress before gripping you firmly, possessively. “Do good girls send suggestive pictures of themselves? Because I don’t think so, good girls earn a reward and what happened to bratty ones, like you?”

“Mm… Sorry—ah!” you gasped as his hand connected with your ass once more, the sharp sting making your hips jolt against him. The second smack left your skin tingling, heat flaring both where he touched and deep in your core.

He grinned against your neck, lips brushing the shell of your ear. “You’re not sorry,” he growled playfully, his voice thick with arousal. “You like it when I make you squirm. Since you wanted to come so bad, work for it.” He said as he guided your hips to grind on his clothed thigh, his hand finding its way to massage your clit while the other was cupping your breasts. Then he tugged the lingerie down, exposing your bare chest before leaning in to suck on your sensitive bud.

You clung to his shoulder for support, grinding desperately against his thigh. Your head fell back, a moan escaping you as the friction of your bare cunt dragging over the rough fabric of his pants sent lightning through your nerves. Every roll of your hips made your legs tremble, but you couldn’t stop—even if you wanted to.

He watched you, eyes dark with hunger, letting you use him, letting you fall apart. His fingers, which had been expertly circling your clit just moments before, suddenly withdrew. You whimpered at the loss, your hips stuttering, needing that contact again—but he had other plans.

His hand slid upward with deliberate slowness, trailing over your stomach, grazing your ribs, before finally cupping your breasts—firm, possessive. His thumbs brushed over your nipples, coaxing them into tight peaks. Then he leaned in close, lips brushing your ear.

“Touch yourself,” he growled, low and commanding.

Before you could even think to hesitate, his mouth closed around one aching nipple, tongue teasing, teeth grazing just enough to make your back arch. His free hand kneaded your other breast, palm warm, fingers rough with need as they rolled and tugged your nipple between them. You gasped, body torn between the heat building in your core and the overwhelming pleasure of his mouth on you.

You slid a shaky hand down between your thighs, fingers slipping over your soaked folds. The contrast of your own touch, slick and hot, while his tongue dragged over your skin, made you cry out. You rubbed small circles against your clit, pressure building again too fast, too strong.

"Good girl," he murmured against your breast, voice vibrating through your chest. "Don’t stop. I want to feel you fall apart on me."

“Z-Zayne... Mm, near…” you moaned, the words trembling from your lips, barely coherent through the haze of pleasure flooding your body.

He growled low in his throat at the sound of his name like that—half-whimpered, soaked in desperation. His teeth grazed your nipple, then he sucked hard, sending another jolt straight to your core. His hand tightened on your breast as he glanced up at you, eyes heavy with lust and control.

“Then come for me,” he rasped against your skin, voice thick and raw. “Don’t hold back—I want to feel it. Want to see you fall apart on me.”

His thigh tensed beneath you, giving you more pressure, and your fingers moved faster on your clit, chasing the wave that threatened to break. Every breath you took was laced with fire. The world narrowed down to him—his mouth, his voice, the way his body held you like he’d never let go.

Your moans pitched higher, body trembling as your climax surged, sharp and overwhelming. Your hips jerked against his thigh as the pleasure crested, stars exploding behind your eyes.

“Zayne—!” you cried out as you came, body locking up, then shuddering hard against him.

He didn’t let up. He kept his mouth on you, kept his hand steady, drawing out every pulse of your orgasm until you were a boneless mess in his arms, chest heaving, fingers still twitching where they’d been between your thighs. Then he pulled back just enough to look at you—flushed, wrecked, glowing with satisfaction. A slow, wicked smile curved his lips.

“Beautiful,” he murmured. “You should see yourself when you come for me.”

Then he lifted you with ease, strong arms wrapping around your waist as if you weighed nothing, and laid you back onto the bed with a gentleness that contrasted the heat still crackling in the air. The sheets felt cool against your overheated skin, but your eyes stayed locked on him, hungry, dazed.

He stood at the edge of the bed, gaze dragging over your body like a promise, dark and slow.

Without a word, he began to undress.

First, he discarded his unbuttoned polo. The fabric hit the floor somewhere behind him, forgotten. Your breath caught at the sight of him—broad chest, toned muscles, skin flushed with desire. Your thighs pressed together instinctively. Next came the belt. The soft click of the buckle sent another rush of heat through you. His fingers worked with calm precision, sliding it free, letting it hang from one hand for just a second too long—like he wanted you to imagine what else it could be used for.

Then he dropped it.

You watched as he unbuttoned his pants, the zipper dragging down with a low rasp. He let them fall, the fabric pooling around his feet. He stepped out of them, slow and deliberate, eyes never leaving yours. Now, all that remained between you and him was the tight press of his briefs—already tented with the unmistakable outline of his cock. Your mouth went dry.

His smirk deepened as he caught your stare. “Like what you see?” he asked, voice low, teasing.

But you could only nod, breathless, already aching for more.

He wrapped his hand around his cock, giving it a few slow, deliberate strokes. His eyes never left yours, watching your every reaction—the way your chest rose and fell, the way your thighs shifted, needy and slick with anticipation.

The sight of you spread out beneath him, still trembling from your last orgasm, clearly drove him wild. Then, with the grace of a predator, he crawled onto the bed—each movement controlled, powerful. The mattress dipped under his weight as he moved closer, until he was hovering above you, arms braced on either side of your head.

His cock rested against your stomach, hot and heavy, pulsing with need. You could feel the heat of him, the sheer size of him, and it made your mouth go dry all over again. He leaned down, lips brushing your jaw, then your neck, trailing kisses that made your skin burn.

"You’re so wet for me," he murmured against your throat, voice thick with praise and hunger. "You ready for more?"

His hips rolled ever so slightly, letting his length drag along your slick folds, teasing your entrance without giving in just yet. The sensation pulled a needy whimper from you, your hands gripping his arms, nails digging in.

"Say it," he whispered, mouth ghosting over your lips. "Tell me what you want."

“You… I need you, Zayne,” you breathed, voice barely more than a whisper as your hands rose to cup his cheeks, fingers trembling slightly with need.

He leaned into your touch, his eyes softening just for a moment, grounding you in the middle of all that burning heat. He turned his head and pressed a tender kiss to the center of your palm, as if anchoring himself there—before his gaze darkened once more.Then, without another word, he shifted his hips and thrust into you in one smooth, deep stroke.

You gasped—your back arching as he filled you completely, the stretch making your whole body shudder. He slid in with effortless ease, your slick heat welcoming him, clenching around him like your body already knew exactly who he was meant to belong to.

“Fuck,” he groaned, voice low and ragged, forehead resting briefly against yours as he held still inside you, letting you feel every thick inch of him.

The air between you buzzed with heat, your breaths mingling, your bodies already molding together like puzzle pieces that had finally locked into place.

“You feel like heaven,” he murmured against your lips, his voice reverent. “So tight… so perfect.”

You could only moan in response, your legs wrapping around his waist, urging him closer, deeper—already desperate for more. And then he began to move.

He didn’t ease into it.

Once he had you stretched around him, gasping and shaking beneath him, he pulled back—just enough to make you feel the loss—then slammed back in with a force that made the headboard rattle against the wall.

You cried out, nails digging into his shoulders, but he didn’t slow down. His pace was relentless, each thrust hard and deep, driving the breath from your lungs. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room, mixed with the wet, obscene sounds of your body welcoming him again and again.

“God—Zayne!” you gasped, legs tightening around him. Every time he bottomed out, you swore you saw stars. The way he filled you, stretched you, claimed you—it was almost too much.

But you didn’t want him to stop. You wanted more.

He grabbed your wrists and pinned them above your head with one hand, his grip firm, dominant. His other hand slid between your bodies, fingers finding your clit and circling it with quick, rough precision.

“You wanted this?” he growled into your ear, voice dark and wicked. “Then take it. Take every fucking inch.” Your back arched off the bed, body twitching under the dual assault of his cock pounding into you and his fingers working you to the edge all over again.

“Such a good girl,” he snarled, voice breaking with lust. “So wet, so fucking tight. You were made for this—made for me.”

You were unraveling fast, the pleasure coming in crashing waves. Your walls clenched around him, pulling him deeper, tighter.

“Come for me,” he demanded, thrusts growing faster, rougher, slamming into your sweet spot over and over. “Let me feel you fall apart.”

And with one more stroke—just right, just perfect—you shattered, your orgasm ripping through you like a storm. You screamed his name, body convulsing under him, toes curling, thighs shaking.

But he didn’t stop. He kept going—riding you through your high, chasing his own. His rhythm grew messy, desperate, and then with a strangled groan, he thrust one final time, deep and hard, before spilling inside you, his whole body trembling above yours.

Even as his body trembled, even with his release still pulsing inside you, he stayed hard—still hungry. He growled low against your throat, teeth grazing your skin as he pulled out slowly, leaving you slick and aching.

“Not done with you,” he muttered, voice thick, breath hot against your ear. “Get on all fours.”

Your body obeyed before your mind caught up—already sensitive, already spent, but somehow still needing more. You turned over, chest pressed to the sheets, ass lifted for him, trembling slightly as the cool air hit your slick heat.

Then he grabbed your hips, dragging you back until you were perfectly positioned—back arched, legs spread, completely exposed. But it wasn’t until he reached forward and tilted your chin toward the side that you realized what he wanted.

Your eyes met your reflection in the mirror across the room.

You looked wrecked—flushed cheeks, swollen lips, bite marks blooming on your neck and collarbone. Your hair was wild, sweat-slicked skin glowing, thighs streaked with your combined release. You barely recognized the desperate, cockdrunk expression staring back at you.

And it only made the heat between your legs flare up all over again.

“Look at yourself,” Zayne growled from behind you, lining himself up once more. “Look at how fucked out you are—and I’m still not finished.”

Then he slammed back into you.

You cried out, eyes flying wide at the sight of him driving into you from behind—his hips snapping against your ass, cock filling you just as deep, just as hard as before. The mirror gave you everything—his expression twisted in lust, the way your body took him like it was made for this, the obscene wet sounds of him thrusting into your still-dripping cunt.

His hands gripped your hips bruisingly tight as he pounded into you, relentless, unmerciful. Your arms gave out, collapsing you to your elbows, but you couldn’t look away from the mirror—you watched yourself come undone all over again, watched him ruin you.

“This is what you wanted right? Dressing all dolled up for me. You knew exactly what you were doing. Teasing me. Tempting me. Acting like you were so innocent.” Smack! “You’re acting like this on purpose,” he growled, voice gravel and heat as he slammed into you again, making your knees slide forward on the sheets.” Smack! “Just so I’d punish you, isn’t that right?” Smack!

You cried out, nails clawing at the bedding, body trembling as he fucked you with brutal, punishing thrusts. Your cheek pressed against the mattress, mouth open and panting—but you couldn’t speak. You didn’t need to. Your body answered for you.

He reached down and yanked your hair back, forcing your head up—forcing you to look at yourself in the mirror again. Your eyes were glassy, your mouth swollen, tears streaking your cheeks, and your cunt was stretched wide around him, dripping and ruined.

He slammed into you again—hard enough to knock the breath from your lungs.

“You wanted this,” he growled. “You wanted to be bent over and fucked until you couldn’t think. That’s what you really want, isn’t it? To feel me cum so deep inside you it sticks.”

“Yes—fuck, yes,” you cried out, the words spilling out broken and raw as another orgasm coiled tight in your core, overwhelming and impossible to fight. He released your hair and grabbed both your hips, dragging you back onto him with a bruising grip as he pounded into you mercilessly.

“Touch yourself,” he ordered through gritted teeth, voice sharp with dominance.

Your hand slid beneath you, fingers finding your clit and circling fast, desperate, as the pressure started building again—faster this time, messier, your entire body already primed to snap.

“That's it,” he hissed. “Fuck yourself on my cock. Watch yourself fall apart.”

And you did.

You moaned his name, loud and broken, as another orgasm ripped through you, your body clenching around him so hard it made him curse. You trembled violently, gasping, eyes locked on your reflection—completely gone, completely his.

He fucked you through it with savage thrusts until he was right there again—grunting, swearing, then jerking inside you as he came again, spilling deep, hips grinding against your ass as if trying to get even deeper.

Then, you felt him relax, his breaths slowing, and the tension in his body eased. He pressed gentle, lingering kisses to your shoulders, as if grounding himself in the moment, in the connection between you two.

“You okay?” he asked softly, his voice tender, a contrast to the roughness that had just passed between you. His hand, warm and steady, moved to guide you closer, helping you adjust as he slowly slid himself out of you.

You could barely form words as you leaned into his chest, your body still trembling from the intensity. He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close, both of you finding comfort in the warmth of each other. The soft rhythm of his breath in your ear was grounding, making everything feel calmer, safer. He brushed a few strands of hair away from your face as he cupped your cheeks, his touch gentle, almost reverent.

“Was I too rough on you?” he asked, concern clearly etched across his face. His brows furrowed slightly, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort.

You felt a warmth spread through your chest at his tenderness, the way he cared for you so deeply, so intently. With a soft smile, you shook your head slightly, your fingers lightly resting on his hand where it cupped your cheek.

“No, I’m alright, my love,” you murmured, your voice soft and reassuring, the words a quiet promise.

He exhaled deeply, his lips pressing softly against your forehead in a kiss full of affection. You could feel the relief in his touch, the weight of his concern lifting as he held you even closer, just letting the silence settle around you both.

"I love you..." he mumbled, his voice warm and tender as he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead, holding you close against him. His arms wrapped around you like a protective shield, his heartbeat steady and comforting.

"Let’s just stay like this for a while, okay?" His words were soft, filled with a quiet yearning for peace, as if he didn’t want to let go of this moment.

"I love you too," you whispered back, your voice barely above a breath as you snuggled closer, your body melting into his. The words felt like an affirmation, a bond that only grew stronger with every passing second. You felt safe, cared for, and utterly at peace in his arms.

“Mama, can we approach the shore?” Hyacinth asked as she pointed at the gentle waves rolling onto the sand.

“I’m afraid we’re not allowed to, sweetheart.” Zayne answered, “We’re only allowed up to this point.” He said as you arrived the waterfront promenade, the location is just perfect as a view deck for the upcoming fireworks display. 

As you took in your surroundings, you could see a few people, including couples finding their very own spot. It brought a smile to your face as you recalled the first time where you and Zayne spent your date, admiring the fireworks display and where your first wish was granted.

You were suddenly pulled out from your reminiscing when you heard Hyacinth’s pleading voice. As you glanced at her, Zayne is kneeling in front of her as he zipped her jacket. 

“Daddy, carry me please.” She pouted as she extended her arms towards Zayne, your husband chuckled upon seeing your little girl’s pout. With a smile on his face, he immediately carried Hyacinth and he used his right arm to wrap it around your shoulder, pulling you close to him. 

Hyacinth snuggled into Zayne’s embrace, resting her head against his shoulder as she let out a small, content sigh. You smiled at the sight, your heart swelling with warmth. 

Hyacinth’s eyes wandered around the area, taking in the sight of people strolling along the platform. Some leaned against the railing, their faces illuminated by the glow of the fireworks, while others stood in quiet conversation, their voices blending with the distant crashing of waves.

Her gaze lingered on a pair of teenagers who laughed as they held hands, spinning in playful circles beneath the colorful bursts in the sky. She tilted her head, then immediately lifted it to look at Zayne.

“Daddy,” she said, tugging gently on his shirt. “Can we go there too?” She pointed toward the ledge of the waterfront, her wide eyes brimming with curiosity.

Zayne followed her gaze, his expression thoughtful. “Hmm,” he mused. “It might be a little high for you, sweetheart.”

Hyacinth pouted, her arms tightening around his neck. “But I wanna see the fireworks from up there! And walk over there like those people!” she insisted.

You chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You can already see them perfectly from here, love.”

“But it’s different up there,” she whined, her voice soft but persistent. “Please, Mama? Just for a little bit?”

Zayne sighed in mock defeat, sharing a knowing smile with you before shifting his attention back to Hyacinth. “Alright, alright,” he said with a chuckle. “But I’ll be holding your hand alright?”

Hyacinth nodded eagerly, Zayne can’t help but press a kiss on her cheek as he walked towards the ledge. “Careful okay? I’ll be holding your hand, tell me when it gets scary alright sweetheart?”

Hyacinth beamed up at him, her eyes shimmering with excitement. “Okay, Daddy! But I’m not scared!” she declared proudly, taking a careful step onto the ledge with his steady grip guiding her.

You stood close by, watching as Hyacinth balanced herself, her gaze fixed on the dazzling fireworks blooming across the sky. The golden hues reflected in her eyes, making her look even more enchanted by the display.

“It’s so high up here!” she squealed in amazement. “I can see everything!”

Zayne chuckled, adjusting his hold on her to keep her steady. “Told you it’d be different from up here.”

Hyacinth turned to you, her smile never fading. “Mama, come up too!” she urged, bouncing slightly on her toes.

“I’m alright, sweetheart,” you said with a smile as you fished your phone from your pocket and snapped a picture.

Hyacinth began to walk along the ledge, and Zayne followed, his grip on her hand never loosening.

“You know, I did this with your mama,” Zayne said, glancing at Hyacinth, whose hair was tousled gently by the breeze. She immediately stopped and looked at the both of you.

“Really daddy?! When?” She asked eagerly as she slightly jumped.

Zayne chuckled at Hyacinth’s enthusiasm, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “A long time ago,” he said, glancing at you with a soft smile. “Back when your mama and I were just starting to fall in love.”

Hyacinth gasped dramatically. “Was it also during the fireworks?”

You laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “It was,” you confirmed, recalling the memory fondly. “The second time was before we had you.” 

Hyacinth giggled, swinging their joined hands. “Then did you make a wish too?”

Zayne nodded, his gaze meeting yours. “We did,” he murmured, squeezing your hand gently. “And you know what, sweetheart?”

“What?” Hyacinth asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

He smiled, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “It came true, because we had you.”

Hyacinth beamed, looking between the two of you before turning back to the fireworks. “Then I just know mine will come true too!” she declared confidently.

You and Zayne shared a knowing look, warmth filling your chest as the night sky continued to light up with bursts of color.

“Mama, come here!” Hyacinth insisted, her voice filled with excitement.

You shook your head at first, but the way she pouted—her wide, pleading eyes shimmering under the fireworks—made it impossible to refuse. With a soft sigh and a smile, you stepped closer.

Zayne extended his hand to you, his grip steady and reassuring as he helped you onto the ledge beside Hyacinth. The moment your feet found balance, you instinctively reached for your daughter’s hand, holding it firmly in yours.

“There,” Zayne murmured, his eyes warm as they met yours. “Not so bad, right?”

You let out a small breath, still wary of the height but comforted by his presence. “If I fall, you better catch me,” you teased.

He smirked. “Always.”

Hyacinth giggled, swinging your hands gently as she turned her gaze back to the sky. “Now we can all see the fireworks together!”

And just as she said that, a brilliant explosion of gold and blue lit up the night, reflecting in her awestruck eyes.

As you and Hyacinth were mesmerized by the fireworks display, Zayne’s gaze remained fixed on the both of you. A soft smile played on his lips as he took in the sight of the two most important people in his life. In that moment, he realized that both of his deepest wishes had come true.

The first was to spend the rest of his life with the person he loved the most—and he got to marry you. The second was to build a family with you, and now, with Hyacinth in your arms, that dream had become a beautiful reality.

Zayne couldn't ask for more. But if he were given just one more wish, he knew exactly what it would be—to keep this happiness forever. No matter how much time passed, no matter what challenges life might bring, he hoped that nothing would ever change between the three of you. Just love, just laughter, just the warmth of being together.

At that moment, everything felt perfect.

“Really? You talk about me often?” You asked him, you’re currently sitting at the lounge area of his department’s building as you decided to visit him before you go home.

Zayne’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn’t look away. “Yeah, I do,” he admitted, his eyes softening as he looked at you. “I tell them how smart and funny you are… and how being around you makes my day better.”

Your heart skipped a beat at his sincerity.“What do they say about that?” you asked, trying to sound casual despite the warmth rising to your cheeks.

He chuckled, leaning back against the couch. “They’re curious about you now. They want to meet the person who keeps making their son smile like an idiot during phone calls.”

You laughed, the image of Zayne grinning goofily while talking to his parents popping into your head. “Well, I hope I make a good impression when that day comes.

Zayne’s expression softened even more. “You already have,” he said quietly. “Even without meeting you, they’re glad I found someone who makes me happy.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the unspoken feelings hanging in the air. But the comfortable silence was enough. You realized that Zayne wasn’t just courting you; he was already including you in his world, and that meant more than words could express.

You glanced at the time and sighed. “I should get going,” you said, standing up reluctantly.

He stood up with you, his gaze lingering a bit longer before he spoke. “Let me walk you to the bus stop.”

“But what about your next class?” You asked him as he slung your bag on his shoulder.

“It’ll be fine, and I want to make sure you’ll be safe.” He smiled, his eyes warm with reassurance. “Shall we?” He offered his hand, palm open and inviting.

You couldn’t help but smile back, a flutter of comfort settling in your chest. Without a word, you placed your hand above his, feeling the gentle strength in his grip. As you walked side by side, his hand naturally found its place on your lower back, guiding you with a subtle protectiveness that made you feel cherished.

The evening air was cool, a soft breeze rustling through the trees as the sky faded into shades of gold and pink. You could hear the distant hum of the city, but here, in this moment, everything felt quieter—almost like the world had slowed down just for the two of you.

His thumb drew small, absentminded circles against your back, a gesture so subtle yet so grounding. You glanced up at him, catching the way his lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze fixed forward but clearly aware of every step you took together.

It was as if his presence built a safe haven around you, a place where nothing could reach you but the warmth radiating from his touch. You leaned a little closer, your shoulders brushing, and for a second, you wondered if he could hear the rhythm of your heartbeat matching the steady pace of your footsteps.

Neither of you spoke, but in the comfortable silence, so much was said.

***

A few weeks later, today is Valentine’s day which is also your University’s Foundation Week. Classes were canceled for two weeks to celebrate and there were booths and stalls all over your campus grounds.

You and Zayne agreed to meet at campus, just by the old oak tree near the main entrance. The area was bustling with students, laughter, and music blending into the festive air. As you approached, you spotted him leaning against the tree, his hands tucked in his pockets, a relaxed smile spreading across his face as his eyes found yours.

“Hey,” he called out, pushing off the tree to meet you halfway. “You look… really nice.” His gaze lingered, a subtle warmth coloring his cheeks.

“Thanks,” you replied, feeling a shy smile creep onto your lips. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

He laughed, the sound easy and genuine. “Shall we?” You nodded at him as you intertwined your fingers with his as he led the way inside your campus, guiding you through the crowd. His grip on your hand tightened as you entered, making sure that you won’t get lost.

As you passed by booths filled with games, merch, and food stalls, you noticed how his eyes sparkled upon seeing variety of sweets in the stalls. Zayne glanced at you and his smile is evident and it made your heart flutter.

“I heard their churros are the best, do you want to try?” He asked.

“Of course!” You replied, he smiled at you once again before leading the way. Luckily, the line isn’t as long as you anticipated when you reached the food stall which sells churros and a few other sweets.

You stood beside Zayne, he ordered churros which is good for two persons, two pieces of potato tornados and a milkshake. It hasn’t been long when your orders were now served, you and Zayne decided to sit at the bench underneath a tree to eat your foods.

With a potato tornado in your hand and churros in his, your drinks sat on the bench beside you. Zayne held out a wooden fork, eyeing the cinnamon-sugar-coated churros carefully. Using his hand as a fan, he made sure they were cooled off before taking a piece.

Once he was certain it was safe to eat, he held the churro out to you, his eyes warm with a playful smile. “Here, try it. It’s better when shared.”

You smiled at him before eating the churro, your eyes went wide as you chewed on it. “It tastes amazing,” you said and he chuckled in response before he took a bite of the churros.

“Here, try this as well,” you said, offering him the potato tornado. You used your other hand as a shield to catch any stray cheese powder, making sure it wouldn’t fall directly on his clothes.

Zayne leaned in, taking a bite with a delighted grin, “Mhm, that’s really good.” He said before he took another bite which made you chuckle because there were a few remnants of cheese powder on his cheeks.

“You look silly,” you giggled as you reached for your handkerchief to wipe the powder off his face. He just shook his head as he grabbed another churro and as if you acted on instinct, you leaned in to take the bite from him.

As you were busy munching, you suddenly heard a click. Confused, you glanced over at Zayne, only to find him grinning mischievously, his phone held up in front of him.

“Did you just… take a picture of me?” you asked, your eyes narrowing playfully.

He shrugged, completely unapologetic. “You just looked too cute not to.” He turned the screen to show you the candid shot—your cheeks puffed out as you chewed, eyes wide with surprise.

Your face heated up instantly. “Zayne! Delete that!”

He laughed, tucking his phone away before you could snatch it. “Nope. This one’s a keeper.”

You crossed your arms, pretending to be annoyed. “You’re impossible.”

He leaned in, his voice low and teasing. “If it makes you feel better, it’s now my favorite photo.”

Your heart skipped a beat, the playful annoyance melting into a shy smile. “You’re such an idiot,” you mumbled, but your tone was light, your chest fluttering at the way he looked at you.

“Maybe,” he agreed, his eyes twinkling. “But at least I made you smile.”

And just like that, you realized he was right. You were smiling—unable to stop, even if you tried.

***

After a few giggles and pictures snapped together, you and Zayne strolled once more. What caught your attention was the photobooth tucked in the corner, its vintage design adorned with flashing lights that seemed to beckon you both closer.

Zayne noticed your gaze and grinned, his playful energy impossible to resist. “Zayne.” You called, but as you looked at him, his gaze was already fixed on you. With a smile, you tugged him toward the photobooth, its neon lights reflecting in his eyes.

He let himself be pulled, laughing as you both stumbled inside the tiny space. It was a tight fit, your shoulders pressed together, knees bumping as you tried to get comfortable. The screen lit up, giving you barely any time before the first countdown began.

For your first shot, you and Zayne’s faces were near to each other. You held out two of your fingers poking your cheek as you pouted at the camera. Zayne on the other hand poked leaned closer as he poked his finger on his right cheek.

As soon as the second countdown began, Zayne wrapped his left arm around your shoulder as he pulled you closer to him. Both of you make a peace sign with visible smiles on your faces.

“Okay, quick! What should our next pose be?” you giggled as the last countdown began. You tilted your head to face him, only to find him looking down at you with a wide smile that made his dimples pop. You couldn’t help but lean in closer, your noses gently touching. Lost in the moment, neither of you noticed when the camera clicked, capturing the third shot.

The photo strip printed two copies with a mechanical whir, sliding out as you both tumbled out of the booth, laughing and breathless. Zayne grabbed the strip, his eyes widening as he saw the progression—silly faces, pure laughter, and finally, that close, almost-kiss that left your heart pounding.

“Let me take a look.” You said as you unconsciously intertwined your fingers with his as he gave you the other copy. “Oh, I love how these turned out.”

As you were busy admiring the photo, Zayne’s gaze remained on you. There was a softness in his eyes, his smile lingering as he watched the way your face lit up. The way you laughed at the silly faces, how your fingers gently traced over the last photo—the one where you were so close, your faces barely an inch apart.

He swallowed, his heart thudding as he replayed that moment in his head. It had felt so natural, so right, even if he hadn’t expected it. He opened his mouth, the words forming before he could stop them. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Your head snapped up, eyes wide in surprise. “What?”

His cheeks flushed, but he didn’t look away. “I mean… the way you’re smiling. It’s… nice.” He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly shy. “Makes the photos look even better.”

You noticed his flushed reaction— how his cheeks and ears turned red, the way he nervously ran his hand through his hair and how he couldn’t even dare to look straight into your eyes.

“Zayne… are you blushing?” you teased, leaning in to get a better look. His eyes widened, and his cheeks grew even redder as he quickly averted his gaze.

“N-No, I’m not!” he protested, his voice higher than usual. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding your eyes. “It’s just… warm out here.”

You let out a small giggle, watching him squirm. “Right. Must be that blazing eighty-degree weather,” you teased, glancing up at the clear, breezy sky. You were about to tease him more, but then you heard two familiar voices calling out for the both of you.

As you turned your head, you saw Tara and Simone running towards your direction, their faces lit up with excitement. You smiled, waving as they skidded to a stop in front of you, slightly out of breath.

“There you two are!” Tara exclaimed, hands on her hips as she caught her breath. “We’ve been looking all over for you!”

Simone’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between you and Zayne, her gaze dropping to your intertwined fingers. A sly grin spread across her face. “Well, well, what did we miss?”

You felt your face heat up, and instinctively, you tried to pull your hand away, but Zayne held on firmly, his own cheeks tinged pink. “Nothing much,” he said, his tone casual despite the way his thumb was gently stroking the back of your hand. “Just taking some photos.”

Tara’s eyes widened, immediately zeroing in on the photo booth behind you. “Oh! Did you guys take one of those cute photo strips?”

You and Zayne both looked at each other before nodding gently. Tara groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on! Show us!”

Zayne smirked, patting his pocket. “Sorry, but these are classified. For our eyes only.”

Simone looked at you, her expression pleading. “You’re really not going to share?”

You shook your head, laughing. “Nope. But trust me, they turned out great.”

Tara crossed her arms, pretending to pout. “Fine. But you owe us details later.” She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “And I expect all the details.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to act nonchalant even as your heart raced. “We’ll see about that.”

Simone linked her arm through yours, already steering you away. “Come on, then! We were just about to grab some snacks. You two lovebirds joining us or what?”

You glanced at Zayne, who still hadn’t let go of your hand. His smile was soft, his eyes warm as he gave your fingers a gentle squeeze. “Yeah,” he answered, his voice steady. “We’re coming.”

Together, the four of you walked off, laughter echoing as the teasing continued. And though the photo strip remained tucked away, the memory of that almost-kiss—and everything it meant—was impossible to hide.

***

As the sun had already set, the sky painted in shades of deep purple and navy, Zayne offered you a ride home. Of course, you didn’t refuse, the idea of spending a little more time with him too tempting to pass up.

The car ride was comfortable, the faint hum of the engine blending with the soft music playing from the radio. Streetlights cast a warm glow through the windows, illuminating his face in fleeting intervals. You couldn’t help but steal a glance now and then, admiring the way his jaw tightened as he focused on the road, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel.

“You know,” he began, breaking the silence, “today was… pretty great.” His voice was casual, but there was a tenderness there, a vulnerability you weren’t used to hearing from him.

You smiled, leaning back against the seat. “Yeah, it really was.“

The rest of the drive was filled with light conversation and laughter, the kind that felt easy and effortless. Before long, he was pulling up in front of your house, the porch light casting a warm glow across the yard.

Zayne put the car in park but didn’t make any move to leave. Instead, he turned to you, his expression softer now. “Hey… thanks for today. Really.”

You looked at him, your chest tightening at the sincerity in his voice. “No… thank you. I had an amazing time.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the air between you charged with anticipation. Zayne’s eyes flicked down to your lips, his jaw tightening slightly as if he was debating something.

“Oh, before I forgot—“ He muttered as he unclasped his seatbelt to grab something from the backseat. To your surprise he’s already holding a beautifully arranged bouquet of flowers wrapped in white paper and tied with a light blue ribbon. The bouquet features a delicate mix of white and pale blue blooms, including roses and small, airy flowers resembling baby’s breath.

“Zayne-“ your breath hitched as he gave the bouquet to you.

“I inserted something in there.” He said, then you noticed a piece of paper tucked underneath the flowers. You placed the bouquet in your lap as you began to unfold the paper.

Your heart began to race as you saw a beautiful sketch of yourself. The lines were delicate, capturing every detail with surprising accuracy—the curve of your smile, the sparkle in your eyes, even the way your hair fell around your face. It was breathtaking, almost surreal, to see yourself through someone else’s eyes.

You looked up, your gaze locking with Zayne’s. He was watching you intently, his expression soft, almost vulnerable. “Do you… like it?” he asked, his voice hesitant, as if he was unsure of himself for once.

A lump formed in your throat, emotions swirling as you looked back at the sketch. “Zayne… this is incredible. I… I didn’t even know you could draw.”

He let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, well… it’s just a hobby. I don’t show my drawings to many people.” His eyes softened as he continued, “But… I wanted you to see this one.”

Your heart skipped a beat, warmth flooding your chest as you realized the effort and thought he’d put into this. “You drew this… for me?”

He looked away, his cheeks tinged pink. “Yeah. I… couldn’t get you out of my head, so… this happened.” He glanced back at you, his gaze intense. “I wanted to capture the way you looked that day at the park…when you were laughing.”

Your breath caught, the memory flashing in your mind—the two of you strolling at the park, your face lit up with laughter, Zayne watching you with that same look in his eyes. “You… remembered that?”

“Of course I did,” he said softly. “I remember everything about you.”

Emotion tightened your throat, and you blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. You reached out, your fingers brushing over the paper delicately, as if afraid you’d smudge the beautiful lines. “I love it. I really do.”

His shoulders relaxed, relief washing over his face. “I’m glad.”

You looked at him, your heart full. “Thank you, Zayne. This… this means more to me than you know.”

His eyes softened, his voice a gentle whisper. “You mean more to me than you know.”

Your breath hitched, your heart racing once more. But this time, it wasn’t because of the sketch—it was because of him. The both of you stared at each other for a few moments before you broke the silence.

“It’s already getting late, I’ll head inside so you can go home.” You said as you folded the paper and tucked it back underneath the flowers. “Thank you for today Zayne, for keeping me company during the University fair, and for these gifts. I had so much fun.”

“It is my pleasure and I could say that as well.” He smiled at you, “Thank you [Name].”

The both of you settled in a comfortable silence. You stared at his hazel-green eyes as you thought of something cheeky. So, you leaned your face closer and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Be safe, goodnight.”

You giggled at his expression when he was suddenly caught off guard by your sudden kiss. You immediately gathered your things before opening the car door and ran inside your house, not even bothering to steal another glance at Zayne because you could already feel your cheeks heating up.

As soon as you got inside, you immediately got a text notification from Zayne.

Zayne: That was sneaky

You giggled as you hovered your fingers to type a reply.

You: You should’ve seen your reaction lol. Drive safe okay? Message me once you got home :))

Then, it hasn’t been a minute passed when you received another reply.

Zayne: Yes I will. Thank you again for today <3

Your heart fluttered once more as you saw his reply. You placed your phone back in your bag as you went upstairs to take a shower.

Once finished, you slipped into comfortable pajamas and made your way to your room. Without another thought, you plopped onto your bed, sinking into the softness as you hugged your pillow close. A giddy laugh escaped your lips, muffled by the fabric, as the memories of the day played like a movie behind your closed eyes.

You turned your head, your gaze falling on the bouquet resting on your nightstand, its delicate petals catching the soft glow of your bedside lamp. Beneath them, the folded sketch was safely tucked away, a beautiful reminder of the man who had given it to you.

Your phone buzzed once more, and you grabbed it eagerly, heart skipping as his name appeared on the screen.

Zayne: Just got home. Sweet dreams :)

You couldn’t help the warmth that spread through you, your fingers dancing over the screen as you typed back:

You: Sweet dreams, Zayne. Today was the best.

You set your phone aside, still clutching the pillow as a contented sigh left your lips. Today really was perfect—better than you ever could’ve imagined. You hadn’t just spent the day at the University fair; you’d made memories, and shared laughter.

As your eyes grew heavy and sleep began to claim you, one thought lingered, wrapping itself around you like a comforting embrace:

Being with him just felt right.

The quiet atmosphere of your room, combined with the gentle rise and fall of Jas’s breathing, makes the moment feel peaceful. You can hear the faint hum of life outside—cars passing by, birds chirping—but inside, it’s just you, Jas, and the lingering warmth of the memories you’ve made with Zayne.

As you absentmindedly stroke Jas’s fur, your phone buzzes beside you. You glance at the screen and see Zayne’s name pop up with a message:

Zayne: Morning (name). I had some urgent matters to attend to at the hospital where I’m volunteering, as well as a few documents to submit at the university.

Zayne: Sorry if I can’t make it to our lunch and museum stroll later. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

Upon reading his message, you can’t help but let out a soft giggle. Jas purred as she heard your giggle, you pressed a soft kiss on her head before typing on your phone.

You: Hi Zayne! It’s totally alright, we can reschedule whenever you’re free. Good luck with that : ))

Then you took a selfie with Jas which you attached to a message.

You: Jas and I are rooting for you! Make sure to rest once you’re finished and don’t forget to eat on time!

You smiled to yourself before hitting the send button. Then it hasn’t been long when you received another notification.

Zayne reacted “🩷” to your message.

Zayne: How adorable : )

After seeing his reply, you buried your face on your pillow as you screamed. You heard Jas meowing as if a protest about your loudness. You reached out to gently stroke Jas’ fur while murmuring an apology as you tried to calm your racing heart.

In the span of a few hours, you busied yourself by helping your sister with the household chores as well as tidying your room. You did a full general cleaning —dusting every surface, rearranging your bookshelf, and even scrubbing the corners you usually ignored. Anything to keep your mind occupied from the fact that you kinda miss Zayne.

Despite your efforts, your thoughts kept drifting back to your phone, sitting untouched on your desk.

After finishing the last of your chores, you collapsed onto your freshly made bed, staring at the ceiling. Jas hopped up beside you, curling into a ball near your feet.

Then your eyes felt heavy as you felt the tiredness slowly creeping in. Your body ached from the hours of cleaning, and it seems to be screaming protest for you to rest.

Jas purred softly beside you, her warmth comforting against your skin. The steady rhythm of her breathing, combined with your fatigue, made it impossible to fight off sleep any longer. And before you knew it, you drifted into slumber.

Then, you were suddenly awakened by your sister’s calls. Your eyes fluttered open, you stared at the wall clock and you were surprised that it’s already 6:30 in the evening.

“(Name)! Someone’s here looking for you!” your sister called, you immediately ran downstairs and you saw her smiling wide at you, “You didn’t tell me the man you’re dating is hot as hell! Now go on-“ you were about to protest when she suddenly pushed you towards the door.

As you stepped outside, you saw Zayne, hair disheveled, his shirt is wrinkled and beads of sweat drips down his forehead. He seems to be out of breath, as if he had been running. His eyes locked onto yours, filled with urgency and something else—something unspoken.

“Hey,” he panted, placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. “I—I’ve been looking for you.”

Your heart skipped a beat. Seeing him like this, so unkempt and desperate, sent a wave of emotions crashing over you. You swallowed, unsure of what to say.

“What’s wrong?” you finally asked, stepping closer.

Zayne straightened up, running a shaky hand through his messy hair. “I just… I needed to see you. There’s something I have to say.”

The weight of his words hung between you, thick with anticipation. The world around you seemed to fade, leaving just the two of you standing there, waiting—waiting for whatever would come next.

“So, it’s been four months right? Since we first had our date.” He started and you nodded at him, “Well, I’ve been thinking about it a lot,” Zayne continued, his voice slightly unsteady. He took a deep breath, his fingers clenching at his sides. “And I realized… these past four months have been some of the best I’ve ever had.”

Your heart pounded against your ribs as you waited for him to continue. The way he was looking at you—raw, uncertain, but full of something deep—made it impossible to look away.

“I don’t want this to be just another few months that pass by,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I want more. I want us to be more.”

The words hung in the air, settling heavily between you. You opened your mouth, but nothing came out. Your mind raced, replaying every moment you’d spent together—every late-night conversation, every laugh, every stolen glance.

Zayne took a hesitant step closer. “I don’t know if you feel the same way, but… I had to tell you. Because if I didn’t, I’d regret it.”

His eyes searched yours, waiting, hoping. And in that moment, you knew that whatever you said next would change everything.

“I want to court you, properly.”

Your breath hitched at his words. Court you? The sincerity in his voice, the nervous way he shifted on his feet—it made your heart swell with emotions you weren’t sure how to name.

Zayne cleared his throat, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “I don’t want to rush you, and I don’t expect an answer right away. But I want to do this right.” He exhaled sharply, as if finally releasing a weight he had been carrying.

“I want to show you how much you mean to me.”

For a moment, you could only stare at him, trying to process everything. The past four months had been filled with uncertainty, stolen moments, and quiet feelings neither of you had spoken aloud—until now.

Jas meowed softly at your feet, as if prompting you to respond. You let out a small, shaky laugh before finally meeting Zayne’s gaze.

“I…” You hesitated, feeling the warmth spread through your chest. “I’d like that.”

Relief washed over his face, his lips parting in a breathless smile. “Really?”

You nodded, unable to stop the small smile tugging at your own lips. “Yes. Let’s do this properly.”

Zayne let out a soft chuckle, running a hand through his already-messy hair. “Okay,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Okay.”

And just like that, everything between you shifted—this time, into something new, something real.

Even after saying goodnight, your thoughts refused to quiet down. It was comforting, but at the same time, it made you feel a little restless.

When sleep finally pulled you under, it was shallow and fleeting. By the time morning arrived, you felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on you. Your body ached for more rest, but your mind was already wide awake.

Your phone buzzes beside you. Squinting against the brightness of the screen, you see a message from Zayne.

Zayne: Morning. Did you sleep well?

You immediately sat up which made your head throb a bit. You bit your lip as you hovered you thumb at your phone to type a reply.

You: Good Morning! Yes I did : )

Even though you know damn well you didn’t, then after a few seconds your phone received another message from him.

Zayne: That’s good. I shall get going now, I’ll see you later around campus, take care.

You couldn’t stop yourself from smiling as you typed your reply. As you hit the “send” button, you threw your phone at your bed and screamed at your pillow as you kicked your feet.

Then as you began to calm down, your heart races so fast as you stared at the ceiling. Well, today is going to be a good one because of two main reasons: one is that Zayne greeted you good morning and he wished you well, second is that you’re looking forward to meet him again.

“How’s it going?” Simone nudged your shoulder as the three of you make your way towards your classroom.

“Well, we talked last night.” You replied, biting your lip to suppress your smile and clutched tighter on the books you’re holding. Tara seemed to notice and she began to tease you.

“Oh?” Tara smirked, leaning in closer. “And by talked, do you mean actual words, or was it just you giggling at your phone like a lovesick fool?”

You rolled your eyes, but the warmth creeping up your cheeks betrayed you. “It was just a normal conversation,” you said, though your voice lacked conviction.

Simone chuckled, bumping her shoulder against yours. “Sure, sure. And let me guess—after he told you to sleep, you stayed up thinking about him, didn’t you?”

Your lips parted in protest, but the way both of them were staring at you—knowing, amused—made it clear there was no point in denying it. Instead, you let out a dramatic sigh. “You guys are impossible.”

Tara giggled. “We’re impossible? Please. You’re the one walking around like a main character in a romance novel.”

You groaned, shaking your head as you pushed open the door to your classroom. “Can we talk about something else?”

Simone and Tara shared a glance before grinning. “No promises,” they said in unison.

You huffed, but despite your complaints, you couldn’t stop the small smile from forming on your lips. Because, if you were being honest, you didn’t really mind.

It’s 4 o’clock, and your classes are now finished. Now, you’ve already tidied your desks and placed your things inside your bag. You sat on your desk as you fished your phone from your pocket, checking if there are notifications — specifically from a certain someone.

You also unwrapped a lollipop and popped it in your mouth as you scrolled through your phone. Then, someone called you.

“(Name)! Someone’s looking for you?” Your classmate called, then you met Tara and Simone’s gaze, both of them looking teasingly at you. You rolled your eyes as you slung your bag on your shoulder before walking towards them.

“I gotta go.” You told them, but they both got up from their seats and grabbed your arm on each side.

“We’re walking with you until you reach the classroom door.” Tara giggled, then Simone added “You should formally introduce us.”

You shook your head as you giggled at the two of them, so you made your way outside. There you saw Zayne, leaning at the wall typing something on his phone. When he seemed to notice your presence, he immediately looked up from his phone, placed it inside his pocket before offering you a light smile.

“Hey,” he said as he approached you, Tara and Simone were trying their best to contain their giggles as Zayne approached.

“Hello.” You replied as you looked at him, “Oh by the way, these are my friends and I guess you already met them yesterday.” You formally introduced Tara and Simone to Zayne.

“Oh yes I did, I actually saw them at the lounge yesterday and they introduced themselves as your friends. Though I wondered where you are and they told me you got home early.” He said as you nodded slightly, his gaze began to flicker at Tara and Simone who’s currently tightening their grip on your arms.

“Shall we go?” you offered, Tara and Simone immediately let go of your arms and pushed you slightly at Zayne. He immediately caught you, his hands steadying you as you stumbled slightly against him. His grip was firm yet gentle, his warmth radiating through the thin fabric of your sleeves.

“You alright?” Zayne asked, his voice softer this time as you looked up at him. His hazel-green eyes searched yours, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.

“Yes, I’m alright,” you replied, offering a small smile before turning to shoot a sharp glare at Tara and Simone. They only grinned, clearly enjoying themselves.

Zayne chuckled under his breath, shaking his head slightly. “Let’s go?” he asked, tilting his head toward the path ahead.

You let out a small sigh before smiling at him. “Yeah, let’s go.”

As the two of you began walking, Tara and Simone’s voices rang out behind you.

“Take care of her!” Tara called.

“Make sure she gets home safe!” Simone added with a teasing lilt in her voice.

You groaned, spinning around to glare at them one last time, but they only giggled, waving you off.

Zayne glanced back at them before turning to you, his smirk softening just a little. “I will,” he assured them before leaning in slightly, his voice dropping just enough for only you to hear. “Not that I needed the reminder.”

A sudden warmth spread through your chest at his words, but you rolled your eyes, trying to ignore the way your heart skipped a beat.

“Good,” you muttered, quickening your pace to hide the small smile tugging at your lips.

Zayne easily caught up, his smirk still lingering. “I think your friends really like me,” he teased.

You scoffed. “More like they enjoy embarrassing me.”

He chuckled, hands in his pockets as he walked beside you. “Well, I don’t mind. Gives me an excuse to stick around.”

You glanced at him, meeting his gaze once more. This time, there was no teasing—just something softer, something almost genuine.

And for some reason, you didn’t mind that either.

You went to the same cafeteria, the barista immediately greeted the both of you as you entered. Zayne led you towards your spot, pulled out a chair for you before sitting infront of you.

Then, a waitress approached the both of you. “Good afternoon! What can I get for you today?” She smiled at the both of you.

“I’ll have the chocolate lava cake, a slice of cheesecake and a couple of macarons as well.” He ordered as he gave the menu back at the waitress, “Oh and a cup of cappuccino.”

“That is noted sir, and what about you miss?”

“Well uh, I think I’ll have the pesto alfredo, a side of fries and an iced mocha.” nd an iced mocha,” you said, glancing at the menu one last time before looking back at the waitress with a smile. “That should be all for now, thank you.”

The waitress nodded, writing everything down with a friendly smile. “Got it! I’ll bring your orders right out!” She turned and walked away, leaving the two of you to settle into the comfortable silence.

“So, an informant told me that you were looking for me yesterday.” Zayne mentioned which made your face warmer as you felt yourself blushing.

“Who told you?” You asked, trying your best not to stutter. A small chuckle left his lips as he answered you.

“It’s from Greyson, told me that someone came looking for me yesterday but he didn’t mention any names. Then when I saw your friends at the lounge and approached me, that’s when I had a hunch that it was you.” He took a sip of his water, before looking back at you.

“I don’t know a single thing about you, so we thought that the best course of action was to look for you yesterday.”

“Well, if that’s the case,” he extended his hand towards you, his expression soft yet confident. “Zayne Li, sophomore. BS Biology, Major in Medical Biology.” A small smile played on his lips, one that sent an unexpected flutter through your chest.

You took his hand, the coolness of his touch sending a shiver down your spine. “(Name), freshman. Journalism major.”

His grip was firm but gentle, lingering just long enough to make your pulse quicken. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Ms. (Name),” he said, his voice smooth and undeniably warm.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” you replied, holding his gaze a second longer than necessary.

Soon enough, your orders arrived, and as you both settled in to eat, the conversation between you and Zayne naturally deepened. Between bites of food and sips of your drinks, you took the opportunity to learn more about each other—your interests, your goals, and the little things that made you both who you were.

Laughter slipped easily into the conversation, and with every shared story, the initial awkwardness faded, replaced by a growing sense of familiarity. It was as if, for this moment, the world outside didn’t matter—just the two of you, the warmth of good food, and the quiet excitement of newfound connection.

"A what?!" you tried to hold back your laughter as you questioned him once more. You finished your date at the cafe almost an hour ago. Now, Zayne offered to stroll around the park nearby, but the mention of his monkey adoption had completely thrown you off.

He gave you an exaggerated look, clearly enjoying the reaction. “I said my parents adopted a monkey, okay?” He chuckled for a bit.

You couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Zayne… you’re serious?”

He let out a small giggle upon hearing your amused reaction, clearly loving how hard you were trying to process what he was saying. “Yeah, I’m serious. His name’s Sweet Potato.”

You blinked. “Wait, hold on. Sweet Potato?” You burst into laughter before you could stop yourself. “You’re telling me your family adopted a monkey named Sweet Potato? And that’s his name?”

He nodded, a playful glint in his eyes. “Yep. Sweet Potato. And before you ask, yes, it's a he.” He rubbed his neck awkwardly. “My mom picked the name. Don’t ask me why.”

You were struggling to contain your giggles. “This has got to be the most random thing I’ve ever heard. How does one go about adopting a monkey, especially one with a name like that?”

Zayne shrugged casually, still grinning. “Well, they were looking to adopt through a rescue group, and Sweet Potato was just the one who clicked.”

You were practically doubled over now, laughing so hard it was starting to hurt, and sooner later he began to join your laughter as well. The two of you stood there in the park, barely able to catch your breath, as you tried to picture a tiny monkey running around with a name like Sweet Potato.

“Okay, okay,” you gasped between laughs, wiping a tear from your eye. “We need to breathe and calm down.”

Zayne, still grinning, leaned back against a tree, his hand brushing through his hair as he tried to catch his breath. His eyes were warm, the kind of warm that made you feel like the world had just slowed down around the two of you.

You both stood there for a moment, the sound of your laughter slowly fading into the peaceful quiet of the park. The sky was a soft shade of purple, the air cool but not too chilly. There was something simple, easy, and perfect about this moment, and you couldn't help but feel a little lighter, as if the world outside of this park didn’t matter for a while.

Zayne shifted slightly and looked over at you, his expression softening as his smile turned just a little shy. “You know, I really like this. Just… hanging out with you like this.”

Your heart fluttered at the way his words lingered, his eyes meeting yours with an openness that made everything else seem distant. You smiled back, not sure what to say for a second, but then the words just slipped out, quiet and sincere. “I like it too. This… feels nice.”

Then, Zayne’s gaze shifted at the bench nearby, “Let’s have a seat?” he suggested as he offered his hand. You nodded gently before placing your hand above his as you let him lead your way towards the bench.

When you reached it, Zayne let go of your hand just briefly, but his smile lingered. You both settled down, the air around you still and calm. The faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds were the only sounds, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly still. You could feel the space between you, but it wasn’t awkward—just peaceful.

Then, after a while a soft meowing broke the silence between the both of you. You both looked at each other with eyes wide open, then you began searching.

“Found it.” Zayne said as he picked up the tiny kitten. You gently grabbed the kitten from his grasp and gently placed the kitten on your lap.

“Hey there little one…” you cooed as you gently petted the kitten, “It’s okay, you’re safe..” you whispered as your hand made contact with its shivering form.

The kitten let out a tiny, pitiful meow, curling into the warmth of your lap. Its fur was damp and matted, its small body trembling from either fear or the cold. You exchanged a glance with Zayne, concern evident in his eyes.

“I’ll take her home..” you mumbled as you wrapped a handkerchief around the kitten.

“Do you wish to go right now?” Zayne asked and you nodded at him, “Alright, give me your bag and I’ll walk you home.”

You carefully adjusted the kitten in your arms, making sure it was snug in the makeshift blanket. Its tiny body still trembled, but as you held it close, its shivers began to ease ever so slightly.

“Thank you, Zayne,” you murmured, handing him your bag.

He slung it over his shoulder without hesitation. “No problem,” he said, offering you a small smile before turning serious again. “Let’s get going before it gets colder.”

The two of you walked side by side through the quiet streets, the distant hum of the city blending with the soft rustling of the trees. The kitten let out another faint meow, pressing further into your warmth. You gently stroked its head, whispering soothing words.

Zayne glanced at you. “Think you’ll keep her?”

You hesitated, looking down at the tiny life cradled in your arms. “I don’t know… But I’ll make sure she’s safe, no matter what.”

Zayne nodded in approval. “Just let me know if you need help with anything, I know a few vet because of my parents being doctors.”

A warm feeling settled in your chest. No matter what, you’d make sure this kitten never had to feel alone again.

Your walk with Zayne was quiet but it’s calming and peaceful. He made sure to assist you as he placed his hand on your lower back, with your consent of course.

The warmth of his hand was gentle yet reassuring, a silent promise that he was there if you needed him. You glanced up at him briefly, catching the soft expression on his face as he focused on the path ahead.

“Thank you, Zayne,” you murmured, feeling a little shy but grateful nonetheless.

He gave you a small, lopsided smile. “Of course. Just want to make sure you and the little one get home safe.”

You looked down at the kitten, its tiny chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. It seemed more at ease now, its earlier trembling having lessened with the warmth of your embrace.

The night air was crisp but not too cold, and the soft glow of the streetlights cast a golden hue over the quiet neighborhood. There was something comforting about walking like this—side by side, in peaceful silence, with the occasional glance exchanged between you and Zayne.

Before you knew it, you were standing in front of your house. Zayne shifted your bag on his shoulder before turning to you. “You got everything?”

You nodded, adjusting the kitten carefully. “Yeah, I think so.”

“If you need anything, just text me,” he said, his voice gentle yet firm.

You met his gaze and smiled. “I will. Thank you, Zayne.”

Zayne shifted slightly as he met your gaze, “I really enjoyed hanging out with you today, more than I expected, honestly.”

You felt your cheeks heat up as he spoke, “I did too, it was honestly nice getting to know you more.”

Zayne smiled at you, his eyes filled with a warmth that sent a gentle flutter through your chest. “Well,” he started, shifting slightly as if gathering his thoughts, “I guess we should do this again sometime?” His tone was light, almost teasing, but there was a hint of sincerity beneath it.

You felt your heart skip a beat at his words. The thought of spending more time with him, of sharing more moments like this, made warmth bloom inside you. A soft smile formed on your lips as you met his gaze.

“Of course,” you said, your voice gentle but certain. “I’d love that.”

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, the night air cool but comfortable, the soft glow of the streetlights casting a golden hue over his features. He seemed to take in your response, his smile growing a little wider, a little more genuine.

“Good,” he said, almost as if he’d been hoping for that answer. “I’ll hold you to that.”

You chuckled softly, hugging the tiny kitten closer to your chest as it let out a sleepy sigh. “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”

Zayne’s expression softened, and for a brief second, it felt like neither of you wanted to end the moment. But finally, he exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck as he took a small step back.

“Alright,” he murmured, his voice quieter now. “Get some rest. And let me know if you need anything.”

“I will,” you promised.

He gave you one last lingering smile before turning to leave, his footsteps quiet against the pavement. You watched him disappear down the street, a warm feeling settling in your chest.

That’s when you knew deep down that maybe bumping into him at the cafeteria might not have been random at all. It felt like the start of something… something that you were starting to look forward to.

Today, though, was different. Your professor dismissed the class early due to an urgent meeting, leaving you with an unexpected chunk of free time. The lecture hall empties quickly, with students chatting amongst themselves and heading off to their next commitments. You sit there for a moment, gathering your things, the familiar hum of idle conversation swirling around you, but your thoughts remain focused elsewhere. You sling your bag over your shoulder, letting out a soft sigh. Another day of fruitless searching. It’s starting to feel hopeless, like you’re just waiting for a chance that might never come.

Just as you’re about to leave, a voice calls out from behind you.

“Still thinking about that guy?”

You turn to see your friend Tara and Simone leaning against one of the desks, smirking knowingly. They were the only one you had confided in about Zayne—the stranger who had somehow left an imprint on your mind.

You hesitate before answering, but Simone doesn’t need a response. She roll her eyes playfully. “You’re down bad.”

You huff, shaking your head. “I just… I want to see him again.”

Tara crosses her arms. “Then maybe it’s time to change your strategy. You’ve been going to the same café all week. What if he only went there one time?”

The thought hadn’t occurred to you before. Had you been limiting yourself? You rack your brain for any other places Zayne could frequent. But with so little information about him, it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

“Okay, then what do you suggest?” you ask, raising a brow.

Your friends grin. “We ask around.”

Your heart skips a beat at the idea. It’s bold—maybe even a little embarrassing—but if it means finding Zayne, it just might be worth a shot.

“Oh Zayne! Yes, he's currently a sophomore majoring in Medical Biology.” A student said, which name is Greyson. As you looked at Greyson’s features, you remembered that he’s the colleague that Zayne was talking to in the cafeteria. He also happens to be Zayne’s close friend and a classmate of his.

“Is he around? Can we talk to him?” Tara asked, looking very much hopeful. But when Greyson scratched the back of his head as he looked at the three of you, you instantly knew his answer.

“About that, he’s currently busy with his lab work and volunteer hours at the hospital,” Greyson said apologetically. “He’s been swamped lately, so he doesn’t have much free time.”

Your heart sinks a little at the news. So that’s why you haven’t seen him. Still, at least now you know his major and have a better idea of where he spends his time.

Tara, ever the determined one, steps forward. “Do you know when he might be free?”

Greyson hesitates for a moment before sighing. “Honestly, he barely has time to breathe these days. But…” He glances at you, his expression thoughtful. “If you’re really looking for him, he usually hangs around the Medical Biology study lounge when he has a break.”

Your heart leaps at that. A lead.

“Where is it?” you ask immediately.

Greyson chuckles. “It’s in the West Science Building, second floor. But like I said, he’s really busy, so don’t get your hopes up too much.”

You nod, gripping the strap of your bag. Even if there’s only a small chance, you’re not giving up now.

Tara nudges you with a smirk. “Well? What are we waiting for?”

With renewed determination, you and your friends head toward the West Science Building, hoping that this time, luck is on your side.

“Luck is not on our side.” Simone mumbled as you sat at the couch, you looked everywhere in the lounge hoping for Zayne but it seems like he’s not here.

You sigh, slumping slightly into the couch. So close, yet still no sign of him.

Tara crosses her arms. “Maybe he’s just not here right now,” she suggests. “We could wait a little longer.”

Simone groans, stretching her legs out. “We’ve been here for almost an hour. What if we just missed him?”

The thought makes your stomach sink. You glance around the study lounge again—students are scattered at different tables, some buried in textbooks, others quietly discussing notes. But none of them are him.

Then, your phone suddenly received a notification from your sister telling you to come home immediately.

“Sorry girls, I gotta go.” You said as you stood up, Tara and Simone looking at you confused.

“Go where?” Tara asked.

“My sister just texted me. She says I need to come home right away,” you explain, shoving your phone into your pocket and grabbing your bag.

“But what about Zayne? We haven’t found him, and maybe he’ll come around here in the lounge after a minute or two.”

You hesitate, glancing toward the entrance of the lounge. Tara has a point—Zayne could show up any minute, and if you leave now, you might miss your chance to talk to him.

“I know,” you say, running a hand through your hair. “But my sister’s message sounded urgent. I can’t just ignore it.”

Simone shifts in her seat, thoughtful. “Do you want us to stay here and wait for Zayne? We can let you know if he shows up.”

“It’s totally up to you two, but I suggest for the both of you to head home.” You chuckled, “Bye girls, see you tomorrow!”

You stepped out of the lounge and made your way to the elevator, only to find a long line of students waiting. With a heavy sigh, you decided to take the stairs instead, knowing it would be faster. As you arrived at the building’s lobby, you roamed your eyes around for the last time hoping to see Zayne but then again, you failed.

It’s been fifteen minutes since you left the University, you’re sitting at the window seat of the bus as you rode your way home, earphones attached to your ears, but your mind is miles away. The hum of the bus and the steady rhythm of the wheels on the pavement should be comforting, but instead, it feels like the world outside is just another blur—like you're disconnected from everything around you.

Then, you suddenly received a notification from your friends.

Tara: (Name)! Guess who we saw!**see attached photo**

Your heart leaps into your throat as soon as the image loads. There, in the photo, is Zayne—just as you remember him, but somehow, this feels different. He’s walking into the lounge, a stack of books in his arms, looking completely absorbed in whatever conversation he's having with his colleagues. The familiar serious look is on his face, not the relaxed version from the café, but something more focused, more… composed. It’s strange to see him like this, like he’s someone else entirely, yet still undeniably him.

Simone: Omg, he’s at the lounge right now!!! Are you seeing this??? Tara: You better come quickly!

You chuckled at their message, as much as you wanted to get off the next stop to sprint to your University, your sister needs you at home.

You: Sorry girls, need to go home TT Tara: That’s alright! We got you ;)

You smile a little, the lighthearted tone of her message easing some of the tension. They know how much this means to you, and even though you can’t act on it right now, at least they’ve got your back. You’re grateful for their encouragement.

Simone: Okay, I just did the job.

You frown slightly, your fingers still hovering over your phone as you try to figure out how to respond to Simone’s message. There’s something in her tone that makes you pause, like she knows something you don’t. Maybe it’s just her way of teasing you, or maybe she’s genuinely onto something. Either way, the thought lingers in your mind as you stare at the screen for just a moment longer, but then you hear the bus driver announce your stop.

With a soft sigh, you slide your phone into your pocket, knowing you’ll have to pick this up later. You grab your things and step off the bus, the cool air immediately hitting your face as you make your way down the familiar streets toward home. Your mind is still buzzing with thoughts of Zayne, and despite the fact that you’re heading in the opposite direction now, you can’t shake the feeling that something’s about to change. The moment might not be today, but the universe has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.

The walk home is quiet, your footsteps the only sound filling the space between your thoughts. You pull your jacket a little tighter around you, your pace slow but steady, as you process everything that happened today.

You’ve finally arrived home, the familiar scent wraps around you, but before you can even settle into the moment, you hear the familiar voice of your sister coming from her room.

“Ugh, I just don’t know what to wear!” she calls out, frustration lacing her tone.

You smile to yourself. It’s always something with her, but at least it’s a distraction from your earlier thoughts. You drop your bag by the door and head toward her room. As you approach, you see her standing in front of her full-length mirror, holding up two completely different outfits—one casual, one more dressed-up—looking at herself with a furrowed brow.

After a few changes, your sister finally settled with the outfit she’s going to wear and immediately apologized for rushing you to come home. You just smiled at her and with a few finishing touches, she kissed your cheek for goodbye and she left.

You sit back on the couch, letting out a soft sigh. There’s a part of you that still feels a little restless, like you’re waiting for something to happen, something to change. It’s hard to shake off the idea of Zayne from earlier, the thought of seeing him again so close yet so far. But for now, there’s nothing to do but let things unfold.

You pull out your phone, checking the group chat once more. Simone’s last message is still there, waiting for you to dive into whatever she might have been teasing about. You smile to yourself, letting the tiny spark of curiosity push you to reply.

You were about to reply when a sudden text message from an unknown number caught your attention. Your heart skips a beat when you see the message from an unknown number. For a moment, you're frozen, unsure of what to expect. The familiar rush of excitement bubbles up, but you're also trying to stay grounded, telling yourself it could be anything.

You tap the message open, and the first thing you see is a simple text:

“Hey, it's Zayne. I know this might be a bit random, but Simone gave me your number. I hope that’s alright.”

Zayne. Zayne.

And then, Simone sent another message on your groupchat.

Simone: You’re welcome ;))

You giggled at her answer, you sent a reply to their message before opening your conversation with Zayne.

You: Hey, Zayne! Of course, that’s totally fine. It’s nice to hear from you!

You bite your nail absentmindedly, the seconds feeling like they stretch longer than usual as you wait for Zayne's response. Your thumb hovers over your phone, checking the time, then glancing back at the screen, expecting the little bubbles to pop up any second. The anticipation feels almost unbearable—like this could be the moment where something shifts, or maybe it’ll fizzle out. You have no idea, but you really hope it’s the former.

You’re starting to second-guess everything, wondering if your reply sounded too casual, too eager, or even too boring. Then your phone buzzes, breaking the silence, and you almost jump in surprise.

Zayne’s reply lights up the screen:

Zayne: Glad to hear that! I’ve been a bit busy with school stuff, but I was hoping we could meet up soon. Maybe we can actually schedule our next meet up or date?

Date. Date.

Your heart skips a beat at the mention of date. You stare at the message, feeling a rush of excitement and nerves wash over you. It’s like he’s finally saying what you’ve both been dancing around, but now that it's out in the open, the weight of it is both thrilling and a little intimidating.

Date. The word keeps echoing in your head as you read the message over again, your thumb hovering over the reply button. He wants to meet up soon. He wants to actually schedule something. This isn’t just a passing interest anymore. He’s serious about wanting to see you.

You take a deep breath, forcing yourself to focus and not overthink. You quickly type your reply, making sure to keep it light but still show that you’re just as excited as he seems.

You: That sounds awesome! I’d love to. Just let me know when you're free, and we’ll make it happen!

You smile as you send it, feeling a little giddy but also relieved. There’s no turning back now—you’re both on the same page, and it feels like the start of something exciting. You can’t help but feel a little thrill at the thought of seeing him again, but for now, all you can do is wait for his reply and hope that this “date” really does come together.

“Well, this is awkward,” he mused, withdrawing his hand slightly but not stepping back.

“I saw it first,” you said, standing your ground. You looked at him and his hazel eyes met yours which made you slightly shiver, eye contact was never your thing as you find it hard to focus.

“So did I,” he countered smoothly, still not letting go of the dessert. You were about to counter when someone called him, causing for his attention to divert towards the person who called him.

So with his attention being focused on his colleague, you took this opportunity to grab the dessert, “Sorry, in a hurry!” you mumbled as you hurriedly went to the counter to pay for the dessert.

As you’re paying for the dessert, you noticed that he’s now seated beside the window, typing something in his laptop while his colleague is sitting infront of him as they continued to discuss something which seems to be serious.

“You’re a freshman aren’t you?” Your thoughts were suddenly interrupted with the voice of the cashier, who gave you a knowing smile as they rang up your dessert.

You blinked, momentarily distracted from watching the mysterious sophomore. “Uh… yeah. Is it that obvious?”

The cashier chuckled. “A little. First-years always have that wide-eyed look when they step into the café for the first time.” They handed your change. “That guy you were talking to—Zayne, right? He’s pretty well-known around here.”

You glanced back toward the window, where Zayne was still typing, his expression now more serious as his colleague spoke. “Well-known how?”

The cashier smirked. “Let’s just say he’s got a bit of a reputation. Smart, sharp-tongued, and impossible to read. Some people avoid him, some are drawn to him. Either way, you don’t forget him easily.”

You hummed in response, gripping the plate a little tighter. Your first interaction with him had already left an impression, and now you were even more curious. You couldn’t explain it but something is just pulling you closer to him.

“Good luck, freshman,” the cashier added playfully as you turned away.

With your dessert in hand, you hesitated for a moment before deciding on a seat—not too far, but not too close— but then, you saw that Zayne’s colleague already left which leaves him alone in his table, still typing in his laptop.

You bit your lip, contemplating whether you would seat because all tables were now occupied and it seems like no one wants to sit with Zayne. So, with a heavy breath, you stride towards his table.

When you placed your plate of tiramisu on his table, he suddenly stopped typing and he looked up at you.

“Yes? Is there anything you need?” He asked, you gulped and prayed not to stutter.

“Well, the place is a bit crowded so is it okay if I could sit with you? If not, I can just find another place to sit.” You replied, it seems like he’s contemplating for his answer. His eyes wandered throughout the whole cafe, scanning for any available seats before finally settling back on you. He hesitates for a moment, then exhales softly.

“Yeah, sure. Go ahead,” he says, gesturing toward the empty seat across from him.

You nod in appreciation and set your dessert down before pulling out the chair. As you sit, you take a moment to glance at him. He seems deep in thought, his fingers idly tapping against the rim of his coffee cup.

“Thanks,” you say, offering a small smile. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

He shakes his head. “It’s fine. This place does get packed around this time.”

A brief silence lingers between the two of you, not necessarily awkward, but noticeable. You wonder if you should strike up a conversation or simply enjoy the shared space in quiet.

You slid the spare fork which you grabbed earlier to his side, “I was thinking that their serving of tiramisu is big enough for two people.” you said as you smiled at him, he suddenly stares at the fork, then at you, his brows raising slightly in surprise. His fingers hover over the utensil as if debating whether to accept the silent invitation.

“Please have some, I felt bad taking the last slice when you were eyeing it too,” you said with a sheepish smile.

Zayne paused, his gaze flicking from the fork to you, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re an interesting one.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

He took a small bite of the tiramisu, his expression thoughtful. “Depends on how you interpret it.”

You shrugged, rolling your eyes lightly, then took a bite yourself. The rich flavor of the dessert settled between you, and the earlier tension seemed to ease.

“So, you’re kind of a big deal around here,” you remarked, remembering the cashier’s words. Zayne’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Let me guess, the cashier filled you in?”

You nodded. “Yeah, they said you’re sharp, smart, and a bit… hard to read. Sounds pretty accurate.”

He leaned back, a small chuckle escaping him. “They always make it sound more dramatic than it is.”

You smiled, teasing, “Maybe. But I’m getting the vibe you don’t usually share your dessert.”

He chuckled again, shaking his head. “Maybe not. But I’ll make an exception this time.”

His mini remark caused for you to smile, as you both shared your dessert. You both fell into a comfortable silence wherein only the chattering of students, clicking of keyboards and the buzzing of the coffee machine blended into the background.

As you were wandering your eyes throughout the cafe, your gaze immediately landed upon Zayne’s eyes who’s intensely focused on his laptop monitor, and from time to time he uses his fingers to push his glasses upward.

As you stared at him, that’s when you noticed his features. His jawline was sharp, giving him a slightly rugged yet refined look, and his dark hair fell messily over his forehead, as if he didn’t care to keep it in place. His glasses, though simple, added an air of intelligence to his appearance. His eyes, a deep shade of hazel, were fixed on the screen with such intensity that it almost felt like he was in a world of his own.

You couldn’t help but notice the subtle confidence in his demeanor, the way he exuded a calm yet focused energy. It was the kind of presence that made it hard to look away. As he pushed his glasses up again with a quick flick of his finger, the small action felt almost deliberate, like a little routine he did without thinking.

For a moment, you forgot to look away, your thoughts drifting as you observed him. There was something captivating about how he carried himself—like he didn’t need anyone’s attention, but somehow, everyone around him seemed to want it.

But then, it was suddenly interrupted when your phone alarmed and as you saw the time, you’re already running late for your next class.

“Shit!” you muttered which caught Zayne’s attention as you hurriedly fixed your things.

“What’s the matter?” He said as he noticed how panicked you looked, he immediately closed his laptop as he focused on you.

“I’m running late.” you said as you stood up, about to leave “Thank you for letting me sit with you, it was really nice chatting with you. Goodby-“ you were about to leave when he immediately grabbed your wrist.

“Wait, how am I going to treat you for dessert next time?” he asked which immediately caught you off guard.

“When we see each other on campus,” you responded, and when he finally let go of your grip, you hurriedly rushed toward the exit. You hadn’t gotten far from the café when you heard him call out to you.

“How am I supposed to find you when I don’t even know your name?”

You turned your head at the sound of his voice, his tone playful but with an edge of curiosity.

“(Name)! That’s my name! I’ll see you around, Zayne!” you shouted back. As you turned away, you couldn’t help but bite your lip, trying to suppress the smile that was creeping up on you, especially when you noticed the smile that formed on his face upon hearing your name.

As the monstrous creature lunged toward him, its roar shook the very ground, but Zayne’s stoic and calm demeanor remained unshaken. His breath hung in the air like smoke as the temperature around him plummeted. Ice began to swirl and crystallize in his hand, condensing into jagged shards that shimmered with an ethereal glow.

In the blink of an eye, the icy shards shot forward with a piercing whine, faster than the creature could react. They tore through its hide with brutal precision, freezing its grotesque flesh mid-motion. The beast’s roar choked into a guttural growl as frost crept across its massive body, encasing it in a crystalline prison.

Zayne’s piercing gaze never wavered as he stepped forward, his boots crunching against the frost-covered ground. With a flick of his hand, the frozen creature shattered into a thousand glittering fragments, scattering like fragile stars across the battlefield.

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the soft crackle of residual ice dissipating into mist. “You should’ve stayed in the shadows,” Zayne muttered, his voice low and unyielding, before turning his focus to the darkness beyond—where even greater threats awaited.

Once he made sure that there are no more threats around the streets, he decided to walk back home — he doesn’t even know if he’d call the four cornered shelter home, because being home is accompanied by the feeling of warmth, content, and comfort. But why is it that he feels the complete opposite? It’s silent, eerily so, with only the faint creak of the old wooden floorboards to remind him that the house is still standing. The cool chill of the atmosphere of his home is enough to give you a frostbite, shadows linger in every corner, their shapes twisting in ways that feel unnatural, as if the house itself is alive and watching him.

The air feels heavy as he stepped inside, his breathing erratic and he closed his eyes to calm himself down. Every time he does, a familiar female figure comes in his vision. She’s the same woman who’s been haunting— no, visiting his dreams. Seeing that woman alone brings him peace, his comfort and solace in this never ending chaos he’s forced to endure. As he opened his eyes once again, he is met my the cool and lifeless atmosphere of his apartment.

Nothing new about it.

The cold breeze of the night creeps in his apartment, it’s almost midnight and he knew for himself that he needs to rest. For he knows that another day will soon come, another chapter of his journey that demands his strength, resilience, and unwavering focus. Yet, as he sits by the dim glow of a single lamp, staring at the half-empty glass on the table, his mind refuses to quiet.

He pulls the thin blanket over himself, staring at the ceiling. His eyes grow heavy, but his thoughts remain loud. Tomorrow will come, he reminds himself, whether he’s ready or not. And with that, he surrenders to the night, letting the cold breeze lull him into restless sleep.

It hasn’t been long when his mind became awake. He didn’t have to flutter his eyes open to sense the change, but everything feels different. The once cold and empty atmosphere is now sheltered in a familiar warmth, wrapping around him like an old, forgotten embrace.

His breathing steadies as he takes in the sensation, his body no longer tense but oddly at ease. The faint scent of something nostalgic lingers in the air—soft and delicate, like a memory he can’t quite place.

Slowly, he opens his eyes, expecting to find the same dimly lit room. Instead, a soft golden glow spills across the walls, flickering gently as if from an unseen fire. The air hums faintly, carrying with it a sense of familiarity, yet he knows for certain that this is not a dream.

Especially when he took notice of a familiar female figure resting soundly on his chest. Their bare skin is hot to the touch, a stark contrast to the cold that had lingered in the room just hours ago. Her steady breathing tickles his collarbone, her body pressed against his in a way that feels both intimate and grounding.

For a moment, he is frozen, unsure if this is reality or a cruel trick of his imagination. His hand hovers over her back, hesitant, but the softness of her presence is undeniable. The faint scent of her hair—a mixture of something floral and uniquely her—fills his senses, anchoring him further in the moment.

His chest tightens, a mix of longing and unease washing over him. It’s as though the warmth carries a presence—one he cannot see but can feel as surely as the steady beat of his own heart. For a moment, he stays still, unsure whether to reach for it or let it linger, afraid that any movement might shatter the fragile peace surrounding him.

Then his thoughts were suddenly put to a stop when she began to stir in her sleep. Her hand resting on his chest, then suddenly her eyes fluttered open. When she met his gaze, it’s as if he was hit by a thousand emotions all at once—memories, long-buried feelings, and an ache he couldn’t quite define. Her gaze held a depth that threatened to unravel him, a silent connection that spoke louder than words ever could.

“Zayne?” she whispered, her voice a soft, tender pull that seemed to anchor him in the surreal moment. She stared at him with half-lidded eyes, still heavy with sleep, but there was a quiet intensity in her gaze that made his heart skip.

He couldn’t bring himself to speak. His throat felt tight, as if the world had stopped moving and all that remained was her—the way her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, the way her hair framed her face in soft waves that shimmered in the dim light.

It’s like a dream, he thought, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing. The beauty before him was beyond anything he could have imagined in his waking moments, a perfect blend of tenderness and strength. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, mesmerized by the curve of her lips, the softness in her expression, and the warmth of her touch.

Her hand gently brushed against his cheek, bringing him back to the present, her touch grounding him as if sensing the conflict in his mind. “What’s wrong? Tell me, love.”

“I—“ He couldn’t form his words clearly as if something is lodged in his throat. She looked at him with such worry and she sat up, revealing her bare body with a few red marks on her neck down her chest — a clear indication of a previous lovemaking.

“Did the nightmares came again?” She leaned closer, he just gave her a silent nod. “Okay, I’ll just get you a glass of water alright?” She leaned closer to give him a soft kiss on his cheek.

He watched her as she got out of bed, her naked form completely in display. She went to the mini couch in their bedroom to grab the robe that was placed on the armrest, and she headed towards the door then straight to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

Zayne is still trying to process the strange surrealism of the moment-the warmth of her, the way she seemed so at ease while he remained frozen in disbelief. He could hear her soft footsteps as she made her way to the kitchen, the faint sound of glass being retrieved. The calmness of the moment contrasted sharply with the storm of thoughts raging in his mind.

How was she here? How was this possible?

She returned shortly, her robe loosely tied around her waist, her hair cascading over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. She paused by the doorway, holding the glass of water in her hand, her eyes meeting his with a quiet understanding.

She sat beside him and handed him the glads of water. When Zayne met her gaze, she gave him a soft smile. The kind of smile that eases his worries away, and that moment he knew who she was. It was you.

His trembling hand slowly touched your cheek, he’a a bit hesitant to let himself believe it’s real. His eyes, wide and filled with unspoken emotions, searched yours as if afraid you might disappear like a dream. “It’s really you,” he whispered, his voice shaky, barely audible.

You leaned onto his touch and placed your hand above his, “It’s me Zayne, your wife.”

Wife. Word so foreign to his ears now, yet it stirred something deep within him—a distant longing. His breath hitched as he tried to process your words, his gaze locked onto yours as though searching for proof.

“Wife,” he repeated, the word tumbling from his lips like a question and a prayer all at once. It felt strange, almost unreal, but the way you looked at him, the way your touch grounded him—it was undeniable.

“Yes,” you said softly, your voice steady despite the emotions swirling in your chest. “Your wife. I’m here, Zayne. I’ve always been here.” You tilted your head slightly to kiss his hand and locked your gaze with his. At that moment, a thought kept bugging in his mind that maybe none of it was real. That maybe all of these were just part of his dream, continuing to haunt him as it depicts the life he never and will never have due to endless reasons.

But now, seeing you in front of him and feeling the warmth radiating from you, he wants to believe that everything around him is real. And if there’s even a possibility that all of this is temporary—that the moment he opens his eyes, you’ll no longer be by his side—he decides to cherish this moment with you, holding onto it as if it were his last.

The small sounds of knocking waked him up, he felt a bit of panic when he realized that you’re no longer beside him. He took a good look of his surroundings, the rays of the sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. For a moment, he wondered if it had all been a dream—the touch of your hand, the sound of your voice, the warmth of your presence. His chest tightened at the thought.

The knocking continued, gentle but persistent, pulling him from his thoughts. Then, the door opened slightly and a tiny head peeked through the opening.

“Daddy?” The little girl called out, her big green eyes peeking around the door. When she caught sight of Zayne sitting on the bed, her face lit up with pure joy. She threw the door open and ran toward him, her laughter filling the room like sunshine breaking through clouds.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed, her voice high with excitement as she launched herself into his arms.

Zayne caught her with ease, his heart swelling as he held her close. Confusion flooded his mind but as the little girl threw herself in his arms, his heart became full.

She giggled, her tiny arms wrapping tightly around his neck. “Mama said you were still asleep! I wanted to wake you up!”

“Daddy, mama said we’re going to have our picnic today!” Hyacinth exclaimed as she looked up at Zayne. Her bright emerald eyes matching his stared at him.

Zayne blinked down at the little girl, Hyacinth, her radiant smile and cheerful demeanor making his heart ache in ways he couldn’t quite understand. He wasn’t used to this—this warmth, this simplicity. It was a stark contrast to the chaos and endless battles of his own world.

“That’s… great, sweetheart,” he said, his voice softer than he intended. He crouched to her level, gently brushing a strand of her dark hair away from her face. “What kind of snacks did you prepare?”

Hyacinth’s grin widened, her excitement bubbling over. “Mama and I made sandwiches! And cookies! Oh, and juice! We even packed a blanket!”

Zayne chuckled, the sound foreign to his own ears. He wasn’t sure how to navigate this version of life, but something about Hyacinth’s joy made him want to try. “Sounds like you’ve got everything covered.”

Hyacinth nodded vigorously, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the kitchen. “Come on, Daddy! Mama’s waiting!”

When they reached the kitchen, his gaze landed on you, standing by the counter, carefully arranging the food into a basket. The sunlight streaming through the window bathed you in a golden glow, and for a moment, he just stared, his heart tightening with an unfamiliar but comforting sense of belonging.

You looked up and smiled when you noticed him. “There you two are,” you said warmly, brushing your hands on your apron. “Everything’s almost ready. Did Hyacinth tell you about the surprise we planned?”

Zayne raised an eyebrow, glancing down at Hyacinth, who was trying (and failing) to stifle her giggles. “Surprise?”

You walked over, placing a hand on his arm. “We thought it’d be nice to spend the day together as a family. No work, no distractions. Just us.”

For a moment, Zayne felt a pang of guilt. This wasn’t truly his life. This wasn’t his family. He was merely borrowing it for a day. But as Hyacinth beamed up at him and you squeezed his arm reassuringly, he pushed those thoughts aside.

“That sounds… perfect,” he said, his voice almost cracking with sincerity.

The three of you spent the day in a nearby meadow, the picnic blanket spread under the shade of a large oak tree. Hyacinth darted around, chasing butterflies and picking flowers, while you and Zayne sat side by side, sharing stories and laughter.

At one point, Hyacinth stumbled into his lap, holding up a crown of daisies. “For you, Daddy!” she declared, placing it clumsily on his head.

Zayne froze, staring at the small crown before breaking into an unexpected laugh. “Do I look like a king now?”

“No, silly!” Hyacinth giggled, her arms wrapping around his neck. “You’re my daddy!”

Something in her words pierced through him, and for the first time, Zayne felt the weight of what he’d been missing—a life of love, simplicity, and connection.

“Daddy, watch me!” Hyacinth called, spinning in circles with her arms outstretched. Her flower-patterned dress flared as she twirled, giggling with delight.

Zayne, sitting on the picnic blanket beside you, couldn’t help but smile. “I’m watching, sweetheart,” he said, his voice softer than usual, a rare warmth sneaking into his tone.

You nudged him playfully. “You should join her,” you suggested, your eyes glinting with mischief. He raised an eyebrow at you, skeptical. “I’m not sure spinning in circles is my forte.”

“Come on, Daddy!” Hyacinth ran up to him, grabbing his hand with surprising strength for her size. “You have to dance with me!”

With a reluctant chuckle, Zayne allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. You watched with a grin as Hyacinth led him in an uncoordinated but heartfelt attempt at dancing. Zayne twirled her clumsily, and her laughter rang out like music.

“Am I doing this right?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder at you with mock helplessness. “You’re perfect,” you said, laughing.

When Hyacinth stumbled into his arms, panting from all the twirling, Zayne scooped her up effortlessly, holding her close. “Alright, little one. I think that’s enough spinning for today,” he said, his voice low but filled with affection.

Later in the afternoon, the three of you wandered down to a small lake nearby. Hyacinth insisted on feeding the ducks, and you handed her a bag of breadcrumbs.

“Just a little at a time,” you reminded her as she crouched near the water’s edge.

Zayne stood back, watching as Hyacinth giggled and tossed crumbs to the eager ducks. You stepped closer to him, slipping your arm through his.

“She adores you,” you said quietly, leaning your head against his shoulder.

“She’s… something else,” Zayne replied, his eyes fixed on Hyacinth. His voice softened as he continued, “I didn’t know something so small could have such a big heart.”

“She gets it from you,” you said, smiling up at him. He glanced at you, his expression faltering for a moment. He wanted to tell you that this wasn’t his life, that he didn’t deserve this love and admiration. But instead, he let himself believe in your words, just for today.

As the sun set, the three of you returned home. After dinner, it was Hyacinth’s favorite part of the evening: storytime. She tugged Zayne by the hand to the couch, a stack of her favorite books in her arms.

“You read, Daddy,” she insisted, plopping down beside him and snuggling under his arm. He glanced at the books, then at you. “I don’t know if I’ll do it right.”

“You’ll be great,” you said, sitting down across from them with a contented smile.

Zayne opened the first book, his voice tentative at first but growing steadier with each page. Hyacinth hung on every word, her wide emerald eyes sparkling with wonder as he brought the characters to life in a way he hadn’t expected he could.

“Again!” she demanded when he finished the first story.

“Again?” he asked, feigning exhaustion.

You laughed. “She’s relentless, isn’t she?”

“Alright,” he said with a dramatic sigh, opening another book. “But only because you’re so convincing, sweetheart.”

After several stories and countless giggles, Hyacinth finally began to doze off. Zayne carried her to bed, her tiny arms wrapped around his neck. He laid her down gently, tucking the blankets around her small frame.

“Goodnight, Daddy,” she murmured sleepily, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he said, his voice low and tender. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

As he stepped out of the room, he found you waiting in the hallway. You wrapped your arms around him, resting your head against his chest.

“She’s lucky to have you,” you said softly.

For a moment, Zayne couldn’t speak. He held you close, closing his eyes as he let himself savor the moment. “No,” he finally said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m the lucky one.”

Zayne pressed a small kiss on your forehead before you led him towards your bedroom. The both of you changed into your night clothes, settling into the quiet comfort of the evening. The weight of the day, filled with laughter and warmth, lingered in the air as you climbed into bed together.

Zayne hesitated for a moment, standing by the edge of the bed. His fingers brushed the fabric of his shirt, his gaze softening as he looked at you nestled under the covers. This life—this peaceful domesticity—felt so foreign to him, yet it was everything he had never known he wanted.

“Come on,” you said gently, patting the space beside you. “You’ve had a long day, too.”

He smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth curving upward as he slid into bed beside you. The mattress dipped under his weight, and he let out a quiet exhale, feeling the warmth of your presence next to him.

You turned to face him, your hand finding his. “Today was wonderful,” you said softly, your voice filled with sincerity. “We should do this often, the three of us as a family.”

Instead of answering, he brought your hand to his lips and he kissed it. Next, he placed a soft kiss to your forehead. You smiled contentedly as you wrapped your arms around him.

You tilted your head as you leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek before settling against his chest. “Goodnight, Zayne,” you murmured.

He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close as his heart ached with both gratitude and sorrow. “Goodnight,” he whispered, his voice carrying a silent promise—to cherish this fleeting moment, no matter how temporary it might be.

And though he knew this day would end, that he’d soon return to his own world, Zayne vowed to carry these memories with him forever. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he had experienced what it meant to truly live—and to be loved.

***

His eyes fluttered open once more, he would be lying if he admitted that his chest didn’t ache when he’s greeted by this painful reality — the warmth he felt before is now replaced by the familiar sheer of coldness he grew accustomed to.

He sat up slowly, the coldness of the room biting at his skin. It was like the echoes of the day—of laughter, of shared moments—were slipping through his fingers, fading into nothingness. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to recall the softness of your touch, the sound of Hyacinth’s laughter, the way the world had seemed so full when they were near.

But all he was left with was this cold, silent emptiness. The kind of emptiness he knew all too well, the kind that haunted him when he was alone, when he didn’t have anyone to hold onto.

Zayne’s hand drifted to his chest, fingers pressing over the space where his heart seemed to be breaking. It didn’t matter that the world he had been part of wasn’t his own—that reality had never belonged to him. For the briefest moment, he had felt whole. He had felt like a father. A husband.

A man who could simply exist in the warmth of those he loved.

As he returned, his sleeves are already rolled up and he’s holding two glasses of your favorite drink, he handed one to you before sitting down beside you. The space between you felt insignificant as his shoulder brushed against yours.

“Think they’ll fit on your shelf?” he teased, nodding toward the bag. You chuckled, taking a sip. “I might need to start a second shelf at this rate. You’re spoiling me.”

“And I’ll keep spoiling you,” he replied, leaning back, his gaze locking onto yours. “Seeing you happy makes it all worth it.”

“See? You’re the reason why my whole apartment is going to turn into a plushie stockroom.” You joked and he chuckled, you placed the glass on the coffee table before leaning your head on his shoulder.

“Can I cook?” You asked him and you felt him press a soft kiss on your head, “Of course love, why not?” He responded, “What do you want to cook? I will help you prepare the ingredients and of course with the cooking.” 

“Hmm, I’ve been craving for pasta.” You said before lifting your head to face him, “Do you have any ingredients?” 

“I have some marinara sauce at the pantry, as well as the pastas, you can choose whether you would like spaghetti ones or penne.” He said as he gently brushed your hair before tucking the strand of hair behind your ear.

“If that’s so, I’ll get started then?” You said as you smiled at him, “Alright love, let’s go?” He said as he stood up and offered his hand, you smiled at him before placing your hand above his. Your fingers interlocked as you both made your way to the kitchen to prepare your dinner.

***

The penne pasta is already cooked and you set them aside, you’re currently stirring the pot of marinara sauce you made. Zayne left for a while a few minutes ago, since there was a sudden call from work. 

As you stirred the sauce, you gracefully hum a song to yourself and didn’t even notice Zayne leaning at the door frame as he watched you cooking while wearing an apron, hair tied up, and the sleeves of your shirt rolled up. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling upon seeing you, then he couldn’t take it anymore and he decided to close the distance between you two.

You froze momentarily, the spoon in your hand pausing mid-stir as Zayne’s familiar warmth pressed against your back. His arms wrapped securely around your waist, pulling you closer to him.

“Did I scare you?” he murmured, his deep voice laced with amusement, his breath tickling your ear. You let out a small laugh, your heartbeat slowly settling. “A little. You could’ve warned me, you know.”

“But where’s the fun in that?” he teased, resting his chin lightly on your shoulder. His eyes drifted to the pot of sauce you’d been stirring. “Smells amazing. What’s the secret ingredient?”

“You mean besides my amazing culinary skills?” you quipped, turning your head slightly to glance at him. He chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. “Of course. That’s a given.”

You rolled your eyes playfully before responding, “It’s a touch of honey. Balances the acidity.” Zayne hummed in approval, his hold on you not loosening in the slightest. “How’d I get so lucky? My girlfriend who cooks, hums, and looks this cute doing it?”

You felt your cheeks heat up as you tried to focus on the task at hand, but with him so close, his warmth and words made it almost impossible.

“You’re distracting me,” you muttered, though there was no real annoyance in your tone. 

“And you’re making it really hard not to kiss you right now,” he whispered, his lips brushing lightly against your temple.

For a moment, time seemed to pause, the sauce forgotten as you melted into the quiet intimacy of the moment, the steady rhythm of his breathing grounding you in his presence. You tried to ignore how his lips are pressed on your neck, the rise and fall of his chest, his heavy breathing and how his grip on your waist tightened. 

You swallowed hard, trying to steady yourself as the atmosphere shifted. His closeness was intoxicating, his every movement sending a shiver down your spine. The soft press of his lips against your neck wasn’t helping, and you could feel your resolve slipping.

“Zayne,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. “Hmm?” he hummed, his warm breath fanning against your skin. His hold on your waist tightened ever so slightly, and you felt him smile against your neck.“The sauce,” you managed, though your voice wavered. “It’s going to burn.”

He chuckled lowly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “The sauce can wait,” he murmured, his tone teasing yet laced with something deeper. “You’re far more important.” Then the next thing you heard is the sound of the stove being turned off and when you faced him, his lips immediately crashed to yours. 

His lips were warm, urgent, and impossibly soft as they claimed yours, and for a moment, the world around you disappeared, leaving only the heat of his kiss and the way his hands slid up to cradle your face, holding you as though you were the most fragile and precious thing in the world.

Your fingers instinctively clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer, his familiar scent wrapping around you like a comforting blanket. His kiss was filled with passion yet somehow gentle, as if he’d been holding back for far too long and couldn’t stand it any longer.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, and both of you were breathing heavily. His dark eyes searched yours, his gaze intense yet tender. You smiled at him before encircling your arms around his neck and you kissed him once more. 

Then suddenly he lifted you up as if you weigh nothing and placed you on top of the kitchen counter, his arm propped onto the kitchen counter for support while the other hooked at your waist. You rested your palms on both sides of his cheeks as you responded to his kisses.

His kisses suddenly went to your jaw and down to your neck. You tilted your head to give him further access, the feeling of his lips feels hot against your skin which is why you couldn’t help yourself. “Z-Zayne..” You whimpered as you felt him nipped at your neck and your hand found his hair and gave it a gentle tug.

However, that tug somehow signaled Zayne. He immediately stopped and he felt like he was doused with cold water as he stared at your half-lidded eyes. “Zayne? What’s wrong?” You asked as he gently shook his head before resting it on your shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I got caught up with the moment and I–“ He inhaled deeply as he wrapped his arms around you. Zayne’s voice was soft, almost pained, as he whispered against your shoulder, “I didn’t mean to rush things. I just..”

You felt his arms tighten around you, his embrace grounding yet filled with a vulnerability he rarely showed. His heart beat against yours, its steady rhythm betraying the storm of emotions he was trying to rein in.

“Zayne,” you said gently, reaching up to rest your hand on his arm. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m not upset.”

He pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his dark eyes searching yours for reassurance. “I don’t ever want to make you uncomfortable,” he said, his voice firm but laced with tenderness. “You’re too important to me for that.”

You smiled softly, your fingers brushing against his cheek in a soothing gesture. “You didn’t. I promise. I trust you, Zayne.” You said as you leaned your forehead against his, before leaning down to kiss him once again. It was slow and passionate, as if you’re letting him know about what you want to happen. 

When you pulled away, he looked straight into your eyes. “Are you sure about this?” He asked softly, “Yes, I am.” you responded as you nodded at him. He hesitated for a moment but when he looked into your eyes, it’s as if gravity is pulling him back to you.

His lips met yours once again, this time it was intense and full of lust. You felt his tongue at your lips, clearly asking for permission in which you quickly allowed. His tongue entered your mouth and you couldn’t help but moan and you felt his lips curled up into a smile. 

“Lets kiss move kiss to kiss my kiss room kiss” You hummed in between his kisses as you encircled your arms around his neck as he lifted you up the counter, and then you instantly wrapped your legs around his waist as he made his way to his bedroom.

When the two of you stepped inside, his strides toward the bed were long and purposeful. He gently placed you down, breaking the kiss as both of your chests heaved from the breathless passion of the moment. His eyes roamed over your face, illuminated by the faint glow of the dim lights—your hair splayed across his bed, your half-lidded eyes, and your swollen lips.

Your cheeks flush under his intense gaze, his eyes roaming over you as if trying to memorize every detail. The air between you feels thick with unspoken words and palpable tension. He brushes a strand of hair from your face, his fingers lingering against your skin.

“God, you’re so beautiful,” he whispers, his voice low and sincere. His admission sends a shiver down your spine as his hand trails down to rest against your cheek. His thumb gently grazes your lips, his touch soft yet electrifying. Your breath hitches, and your heart pounds in your chest as his eyes lock onto yours, filled with something deeper than desire.

“Are you sure you want to do this? We can stop anytime if you ever feel uncomfortable.” He asked you once again with such gentleness at his voice as he caressed your cheek. “Yes, I want to do this with you, Zayne.” 

He nodded and smiled softly, “Okay, just let me know if you ever feel uncomfortable okay?” You nodded at him before his lips met yours once again, this time it was slow and tender. As if he’s savoring this intimate moment with you. Then his hands began to trace at your curves, and is now resting at your waist. 

“Z-Zayne..” His lips traveled down your neck and he sucked on it, and you’re definitely sure that it will leave a mark but you’d probably worry about that tomorrow. Right now, all of you want is to cherish this moment with your boyfriend. 

He placed hot wet kisses onto your collarbone before he gently unbuttoned your shirt. You suddenly felt a wave of nervousness and tension wash over you as he finished unbuttoning, leaving you on your bra. Your breathing hitched, and your hands instinctively gripped the fabric beneath you, unsure of what to do next. 

Zayne immediately noticed and he looked at you, “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked as he noticed how you breathing got erratic and how you clutched on his sheets. “I-I’m just nervous.” 

He gently took your hands in his, bringing them to rest on his chest. “Feel that?” he murmured, his heartbeat steady beneath your palms. “I’m right here with you. You don’t have to be scared.”

His reassurance was tender, and the warmth of his touch began to melt away some of your anxiety. You nodded at him and he gave you a soft smile, “Undress me as well.” he said as he pressed a soft kiss on your forehead. 

With shaky hands, you began to unbutton his shirt. He noticed your trembling fingers and he immediately place his hands above yours as he mumbled I’m right here. You continued to unbutton his shirt while his gaze remained on your face. Once you’re finished, it revealed his toned chest and there were a few scars on his stomach.

He brought your hand on his bare chest where you can feel his heartbeat. The rhythmic thump beneath your palm grounded you, his warmth and presence slowly easing out your nerves. You couldn’t help but smile at the warm and comforting feeling of his heartbeat against your palm.

“There, that’s my girl.” He whispered as he brought your hands to his lips and he gave it a gentle kiss. “Just relax and allow me to make love to you.” 

Then he quickly discarded his shirt and tossed it somewhere in the room. You also did the same, then you took his hand and guided it at the hook of your bra. He unclasped it and he pulled down the straps and tossed it as well.

His breath hitched at the sight of you, “You’re so perfect.” He lowered his head before he took one nipple to his mouth while his other hand is fondling with your left breast. You arched your back at the sensation. 

“Z-Zayne..Mhm..” You moaned as you felt him lightly bit your nipple, you tugged on his hair which elicited a groan from him which sent vibrations to your breast. He let go of your right nipple with a pop sound and he latched onto the other. 

As he busied his mouth on your breast, his hand wandered down your body, he reached your skirt and with his skillful hands, he unbuttoned it and pulled the zipper. Then, he grabbed it and pulled it down your legs, the sudden action caused you to yelp. 

He met your gaze as he let go of your nipple, he placed a gentle kiss on your lips before he looked at your breast wherein both nipples are swollen, thanks to him. You giggled at him, “What?” he chuckled. “Nothing.” you answered before kissing him in the lips once again. 

He trailed kisses from your neck down your stomach, his fingers are now hooked at the waistband of your panties. He looked at you once again, asking for your consent and you nodded at him. He used his thumb to lightly press it against your clothed pussy. The sudden pressure caused you to moan.

“Damn you’re soaked.” He cursed as he slid your underwear aside to reveal your glistening pussy due to your arousal. “Fuck.” he mumbled before placing a gentle kiss on it. Then a ripping sound was heard and you immediately used your elbow to prop yourself up, “Zayne!” 

“I’ll buy you a new one.” He chuckled before pressing a kiss onto your clit. The sudden sensation made you fall back to the bed once again. 

“Mhmm..Zayne…” you moaned as you felt his tongue licked up your slit. He continued to lap on your pussy, followed by his fingers who’s gently rubbing your clit. “Z-Zayne..” 

You gasped as you felt his fingers at your entrance. You arched your back as you felt him insert two of his fingers and pumped it in and out of your pussy as he continued to eat you out. “Gonna prep you so it wouldn’t hurt that much.” he mumbled and you really couldn’t take much of what he’s saying since you’re already lost in the pleasure that’s building up your core. 

He curled his fingers inside which made you moan a bit louder. “Do you feel good?” he asked you, “Y-yes.. Gods, yes.” you panted as you felt him fasten his pace. “Good, because that’s my plan for tonight. To make you feel good.” 

As he continued the relentless pace of his fingers inside you and the continuous lapping of his mouth against your pussy. You felt your orgasm approaching and you began to tremble.

“Z-Zayne…’m gonna come..” you mumbled as you continued to shake. “Let go for me my love..” he answered and after a few more pumps, you released your orgasm. 

You’re breathing heavily as he removed his fingers inside, you looked down at him and saw how he placed his fingers soaked with your juices inside his mouth. 

Then, he began to unbuckle his pants. You gulped when his hard length sprung free, you’re kinda nervous whether it will fit or not. He then positioned himself between your legs and he leaned down to rest your forehead against his, “Ready?” he asked and you gave him a nod a silent yes. 

With your answer, he slowly inserted himself inside. Due to his size, you couldn’t help but to wince at the pain and stinging sensation. “Love, hey, look at me.” He cupped both sides of your cheeks so that you could meet his gaze, “It’s alright, I’ll let you adjust for a bit okay. We’ll stay like this for a while, hm?” he whispered as he caressed your cheeks.

After a few moments, he felt the tension of your body disappeared and it’s now fully relaxed. “I’m okay now.” you said as you looked at him, “Okay, I love you.” he whispered as he placed a kiss onto your forehead before fully inserting himself inside of you.

“Mhmm…Zayne.” You moaned when you felt his cock fully inserted in your pussy. “Oh fuck.” He cursed as he nuzzled his face at the crook of your neck, you wrapped your arms around him when he began to move, slowly at first. 

“Zayne...” You moaned when you felt his cock fully inserted in your pussy. “Oh fuck.” He cursed as he nuzzled his face at the crook of your neck, you wrapped your arms around him when he began to move, slowly at first.

Zayne groaned softly as he felt your tight, wet heat enveloping his hard cock. He nuzzled into the crook of your neck, inhaling your scent deeply as his hands gripped your hips, fingers digging into your soft flesh. "Love... you feel incredible," he rasped, voice low and husky with desire.

He began to move, slowly at first, savoring the exquisite sensation of your walls clenching around him. His hips rocked in a steady rhythm, each thrust pushing him deeper, stretching you wider. One hand slid up your side, cupping the soft swell of your breast, thumb and forefinger pinching and rolling your nipple between them.

“Ohh..Zayne mhmm..” you moaned, "Tell me how it feels, Love," Zayne murmured against your ear, hot breath sending shivers down your spine. "Describe it to me. I want to hear you say it." His hips picked up pace, thrusts becoming more urgent, more demanding. The room filled with the obscene sound of skin slapping against skin, your moans and his grunts intertwining in a erotic symphony.

“Zayne.. ohhh mhmm..” you moaned as you clawed at his back due to the building pleasure. He hooked your left leg at his waist which made his cock go deeper inside your pussy. “That’s right love, I want to hear you say my name.” He whispered against your ear as you felt him licked your earlobe and he sucked the sensitive spot on your neck. 

Zayne could feel the heat building between your bodies, sweat beginning to bead on his brow. But he didn't let up, driven by a primal need to bring you both to the peak of ecstasy. “Z-Zayne..” You called out to him breathlessly, he immediately lifted his head to meet your gaze.

“What is it my love? Hmm, tell me what you need.” He whispered to you as he continued his thrusts inside your pussy. “K-Kiss me..” 

His lips curled into a smile as he stared at your lips, “Your wish is my command..” His lips found yours in a searing kiss, tongue delving deep, claiming your mouth as thoroughly as his cock was claiming your pussy. He swallowed your cries of pleasure, feeding off them, spurring him on. 

Zayne drank in every moan and whimper that spilled from your lips, each sound spurring him to take you with greater fervor. His hand tangled in your hair, gripping it gently as his tongue dominated your mouth, claiming you, consuming you, leaving no part of you untouched.

He could feel your body tensing, your walls fluttering around his hard length as he drove into you again and again. You were close, so close to the edge. He wanted to feel you fall, to have you shatter in his arms.

Zayne broke the kiss, his lips trailing down to your neck where he bit and sucked at the sensitive skin, determined to leave his mark on you. "That's it, my love," he panted against your throat, hips never ceasing their relentless motion. "Let it go. Give yourself to me. I want to feel you."

His hand, still intertwined with yours, squeezed your fingers tightly as he felt your body begin to quake beneath him. He knew you were teetering on the brink, ready to tumble into oblivion. And he wanted to be right there with you, to catch you as you fell.

"Come on, my love," Zayne urged, voice low and intense.  You were a moaning mess as you felt your orgasm nearing, you arched your back causing your breasts to make contact with his chest. The sudden friction intensified your pleasure, you scraped your fingers on his hair and slid down to hold on his arms. 

After a few more thrusts, you came but he didn’t stop. His thrusts are now becoming sloppy and faster than his previous ones. Due to the overstimulation you could feel another orgasm building on your core. 

“I’m near my love..” He whispered against your neck, “Where do you want me?” he asked softly, his breath is hot against your skin. 

“Inside..I want to feel you, Zayne.” You whimpered. 

Zayne's heart raced at your needy whimper, desire coursing through his veins like wildfire. He rolled his hips, grinding against you, feeling your walls clench desperately around his throbbing length. "Inside, are you sure?" he asked again huskily, voice dripping with lust. "Yes, I’m on birth control." 

He captured your lips in a searing kiss, pouring all his passion, all his longing into the heated meeting of mouths. At the same time, his hands gripped your thighs, lifting your leg to place in on his shoulder while the other remained hooked on his waist, his hard length nestled between your slick folds.

He began to move, hips rocking in a steady, deep rhythm. Each thrust pushed him impossibly deeper, stretching you exquisitely around his thick girth. The new angle allowed him to hit that secret spot inside you with every drive of his hips, sending sparks of ecstasy shooting up your spine.

"Fuck," Zayne groaned, forehead pressed against yours, breaths mingling in the scant space between your lips. "You feel incredible. So tight, so perfect. You were made for me." He whispered, then his breath became heavy as he feels his orgasm approaching him.

After a few more thrusts you felt his hot seed filling you up, alongside with your third orgasm. Your chests heaving as you chased your breaths, “You okay?” he asked as he cupped your face and rested his forehead against yours.

“Yeah, I’m okay..” you chuckled at him, Zayne smiled softly at your chuckle, forehead still resting gently against yours. He brushed a few damp tendrils of hair away from your face, tucking them behind your ear. "I'm glad," he murmured, hazel eyes warm and tender as they gazed into yours. "I would never forgive myself if I hurt you."

He rolled onto his side, taking you with him, his arms wrapping around you and pulling you close. The movement caused his softening length to slip out of you, but he made no move to leave. Instead, he simply held you, one hand stroking up and down your back in a soothing, comforting gesture.

Zayne pressed a tender kiss to your temple before nuzzling into your hair, inhaling your scent. "That was... incredible," he whispered, voice low and sated. “God, I love you.” 

“I love you too..” you whispered softly. He could feel the sticky evidence of your joining cooling between your thighs, but he knew from experience that it would soon dry. For now, he just wanted to hold you, to bask in the afterglow of your lovemaking.

“Zayne?” you called out to him because you were suddenly reminded of something, “What about our pasta?” 

Zayne chuckled softly at your question, amused by your sudden concern for the abandoned dinner. "Don't worry about that," he reassured you, hand stroking your arm soothingly. "After we get cleaned up, just relax here alright? I’ll heat up the sauce and grab some servings for the two of us."

“Mhm, okay..” you smiled at him, he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to your cheek before resting his chin on your shoulder.

“But for now, let me just hold you for a while.” You leaned into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against your back. The warmth of his embrace wrapped around you like a blanket, soothing and grounding. For a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in this quiet bubble of comfort.

His fingers traced slow, lazy circles along your arm, lulling you further into a state of contentment.

“I could stay like this forever,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. Zayne chuckled again, his breath warm against your neck. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

Minutes passed in comfortable silence, neither of you in any hurry to move. Eventually, he shifted slightly, pressing another kiss to your temple before murmuring, “Alright, let’s get cleaned up.”

You giggled when he gently scooped you up in his arms as he made his way to the bathroom for the both of you to have a nice warm bath. Afterwards, he helped you get dressed in his shirt and he changed the sheets of his bed.

Then, when you’re nice and settled on his bed, he pressed a kiss on your lips, soft and lingering, as if he didn’t want to pull away. “I won’t be long,” he promised, his voice low and gentle, his thumb brushing lightly over your cheek before he stood.

You watched as he walked to the door, his figure outlined by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. Just before stepping out, he glanced back at you, his lips curling into that familiar, comforting smile that made your heart flutter.

“Stay cozy, alright?” he said, his voice carrying the warmth of someone who cared deeply.

You nodded, the comfort of the blankets and the faint scent of him enveloping you. As he disappeared down the hall toward the kitchen, the sound of his footsteps faded, leaving you in the quiet, peaceful haven of his room.

You smiled softly to yourself, feeling grateful for the little moments like this—the ones that made everything else fade away.