#makirolls

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.

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…”

“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.

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.

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.

“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.