#mlqc date

(T/N: VERY RECOMMENDED TO HEAR THE VOICE ACTING, ESP THE I LOVE YOU BC IT’S JUST *clenches fist* SO GOOD. BLESS XIA LEI FOR GIVING US THE MOST TENDER, LOVING, AND SEXIEST 我爱你. Anyway I subtitle this date on youtube(turn on CC!) and don’t forget to come back here if you want to read my rambling slash analysis about this date if you want to, I’ll put it on the bottom part of this post-)

[Part 1]

A breeze blew the balcony curtain, and the clear blue sky was intermittently visible through the gap.

The light and shadow of the lamp brushed over the meals on the table and also reflected on Lucien's clear and elegant profile.

I withdrew my gaze and gently rubbed my coffee cup. After a few moments, I couldn't refrain from sneaking another glance at Lucien.

I heard a soft sound of metal touching the porcelain plate. Lucien put down the knife with a faint smile in his voice.

Lucien: Seems like MC has been secretly watching me since this morning.

Lucien: Is there something you want to talk about?

My small movement got busted. I paused a little and calmly denied it.

MC: ...Nothing, I'm just a little curious about your current condition.

MC: After being together for so long, I rarely see you drink as much as you did last night…

[Flashback start]

Some time ago, our work at hand came to an end, and we finally had a chance to relax.

With the intention of unwinding, we arranged a vacation to the city where a classic romance movie was set.

It was Valentine's Day, and romantic decorations could be seen all around the small town. The hotel also sent flowers and local red wine.

After a day of strolling around the old streets, I pulled Lucien to sit on the balcony sofa and enjoy the scenery at night.

The smell of red wine diffuses in the night. Lucien picked up the decanter and swirled it, then poured the wine into the glass.

I took a few sips, and the mellow aroma of the wine spread in my mouth.

I comfortably exhaled, and my tense nerves became relaxed. I saw a book of Spanish poetry on the corner of the table and opened it casually.

After stumbling over a few lines, an unfamiliar phrase caught my attention.

MC: distancia íntima…

I didn't know why I repeated it, and I saw Lucien on the sofa, gazing down at the color of the red wine.

So I gently leaned my head, rested my chin on his shoulder, and dragged the tail notes.

MC: Professor Lucien, I don't quite understand this part.

Lucien put down his glass and glanced over the line of poetry that I pointed to. Then, his gaze fell on my face.

Lucien: It refers to an interpersonal distance of 46 cm, which is also the minimum distance for self-defense.

Lucien: Typically, it is reserved exclusively for family members… or lovers.

Lucien's fingertips fell to my lips, gently wiping away the faint red wine stains. I asked him a follow-up question.

MC: What will happen if we overcome this distance?

Lucien: Then both parties will unconsciously want to share… love.

As Lucien spoke, his face approached mine a little closer. I could almost smell the faint scent of alcohol on his breath.

There seem to be unspoken and heavy emotions between our eyes. I put down the glass, smiling, and hooked Lucien's neck.

MC: What is it?

Lucien bowed his head along with my force. His falling bangs brushed my face.

Lucien: I find that there seems to be something else more worth focusing on… I can't wait for this 'lecture' to be over.

MC: Pfft, why are you getting more and more straightforward?

Lucien: [chuckle] I prefer to describe it as something "uncontrollable" rather than straightforward.

Lucien: I've heard that when your heart feels excited, your words or actions will unconsciously show it.

Lucien: (whisper) Just like right now, when I think that MC is very cute…

A drunken kiss fell on my lips along with his words.

The unfinished poetry book fell to the ground with a thud, but no one bothered to pick it up. I clutched the corner of Lucien's coat and instinctively responded to his kiss.

The moonlight is gentle. Between our intertwined breaths, I heard a vague whisper on my lips.

Lucien: (whispering between the kisses-) ...I love you...

My heart suddenly beat a little faster. I pulled away from Lucien, slightly panting. I want to hear more clearly.

MC: Y-you just said…

My words were interrupted by his lips that were chasing mine. I don't know if it is because of alcohol, but Lucien is a little more irresistible than usual.

As the kiss deepened, I gradually lost my focus. I can only close my eyes and cater to his demands.

But that whispered phrase lightly tickled my heart, with little tickles appearing now and then.

[Flashback ends]

[Part 2]

Lucien: MC?

Lucien's voice came to my ears. I looked back and saw Lucien looking at me with interest.

Lucien: Your ears are red... Did you think of something?

MC: (blushing) ...No, it's probably because the coffee is too hot.

I pretended to blow on the coffee in my cup and spoke in a casual manner.

MC: Speaking of which, do you remember what you said to me on the balcony last night?

Lucien tilted his head and seemed to think seriously for a moment.

Lucien: [chuckle] I can't quite remember.

Lucien: It seems that a lot of things happened and many things were said last night.

Lucien: Which one would MC like to hear? Maybe you can give me a hint?

Lucien's expression reveals a little bit of innocence as if he really can't remember the whisper that brushed through his lips.

I opened my lips, and a jumble of chaotic memories accompanied by hot whispers flashed through my mind.

How does this remind us that at that time we were on-

After a moment of staring at each other, I blushed and changed the subject.

MC: ... N-nothing, let's talk about it later.

(they really did ‘that’ on balcony-)

Lucien didn't ask any more questions, as if he didn't notice anything unusual. But I couldn't help thinking, how can I hear him say those three words again?

My heart skipped a beat when I glanced at the book of poems on the corner of my desk.

When I was flipping through the book last night, I saw that there were quite a few love poems included in the book. Maybe… I can use this to create an opportunity?

Thinking of this, I naturally picked up the poetry book and raised it at Lucien.

MC: I suddenly remembered that I hadn't finished reading this book yet.

MC: How about this… Please teach me to read some poems for the occasion of Valentine's Day, Professor Lucien~

I put a little more emphasis on the word "for the occasion".

Lucien looked at me for a moment, got up like he understood what I meant, and then sat beside me.

As the other side of the sofa sank down, I leaned towards Lucien, watching him take over the poetry book as he carefully selected the titles.

I looked at him expectantly. However, I heard Lucien speak in distress at the next second.

Lucien: There are many masterpieces in this poetry collection. Which one does MC want me to read with you?

...Have I not implied enough?

I was a little stunned, and unconsciously spoke.

MC: It's the kind of confession that says I love you-

I abruptly stopped talking for a moment. My ears flushed a little.

... I'm obviously here to set up the conversation. How come I fell into the trap before Lucien did?

I blinked unconsciously. Lucien rested the poetry collection on his chin and thoughtfully looked at me.

A few moments later, a warm hand fell on my shoulder. Lucien hugged me and brought us closer together.

I could almost smell the faint scent of cedar on him- it was the same scent I had been deeply tainted with from last night.

(heh, 'deeply tainted from last night')

Lucien: There is only one copy of the book, so I will have to ask this classmate to read it with me.

His fingertips stopped at a page of the poetry book as he spoke.

Lucien: Aquite amo (Here I love you)… I think this is the one that you like.

Lucien: Andan días iguales persiguiéndose (Days, all one kind, go chasing each other)…

His low reading voice came like a soft evening breeze passing through the twilight-shrouded pine forest.

I held my breath and subconsciously turned my head to look at Lucien. I belatedly discovered that we were already so close.

His side profile is just a short distance away, as if I can drop a kiss on his jaw by just tilting my head.

Noticing my gaze, Lucien raised his eyes to look at me. His voice filled with a couple of imperceptible laughter.

Lucien: [chuckle] Fellow student, please pay attention.

MC: (blush)...I'm paying attention!

I blushed and looked at the page, but I didn't know where I should focus on.

There was a gentle, meaningful laugh ringing in my ears. Lucien raised his hand and held my fingers.

I felt the soft touch of the paper through my fingertips. He guided me across the paper and landed on one line.

Lucien: I have already read this far.

Lucien: Aquí te amo y en vano te oculta el horizonte.

Lucien: Here I love you and the horizon hides you in vain…

The long-awaited words just suddenly came to my ears. My heart beat a little faster, and I instinctively responded to his voice.

MC: Te estoy amando aun entra estas frías cosas (I love you still among these cold things)...

The room echoed with our overlapping voices as we read it to each other. But my eyes gradually began to wander.

I snuck a glance at Lucien, and leaned closer to him. The idea of being "greedy" probes a little bit.

It seems that I want so much more than that.

It would be nice to hear him speak his love... in a straightforward way.

[Part 3]

I pursed my lips in distress.

I know that Lucien won't refuse if I ask him. But a direct request is not as romantic as being unable to restrain your emotions.

But under what circumstances would Lucien say love?

The sound of reading stopped at some point. I belatedly raised my head and met Lucien's gaze.

Lucien: I finished reading the poem that MC wanted to hear. Should I continue?

MC: No~ I want to arrange some other activities.

MC: When traveling, we can't stay just stay in the hotel.

Besides, it is easier to create opportunities in a new environment!

I planned to get up from Lucien's arms, but he caught me by the waist, and I fell back into the embrace behind me.

Lucien's chin gently rested against my shoulder, mimicking my affectionate actions from last night.

Lucien: I have an alternative plan. Would you like to hear it?

Lucien: When I checked in yesterday, the front desk recommended the nearby home gallery and said it would be a good place to visit.

MC: A home gallery?

Lucien: Um, it was converted from a personal residence. The gallery owner changes the theme from time to time and selects paintings for display.

Lucien: The works on display are not those of famous artists. But the personal touch is stronger, and the atmosphere is quiet. The theme in recent days happens to be "lovers".

That sounds like… a good place for creating an opportunity.

I hugged Lucien's arm and nodded with joy.

MC: Well, let's go check it out~

The gallery mentioned by the receptionist wasn't too far from the hotel. Lucien and I strolled along the street, sometimes pausing to look at the roadside scenery.

After about ten minutes, I saw a building with a "Galeria" sign. Curious, I went ahead and pushed the door open.

The room was full of paintings. The elderly owner got up from behind the board and said some words to us with a smile.

Lucien nodded his head in response; I tugged on his sleeve curiously.

Before I said anything, he explained in a low voice.

Lucien: He said that the art exhibition is open, and painting tools are provided to create your own paintings.

Lucien: If you don't mind the surroundings, you can do it in the living room. Or if you don't want to be disturbed, you can also reserve a room. You can decide after the exhibition.

The old man gestured kindly towards the deep corridor in response to his words. Then he sat back at his drawing board and continued to paint.

Not wanting to disturb the old man's work anymore, Lucien and I glanced at each other and lightened our steps in unison.

The daylight flows quietly on the varnished floor, and various portrait paintings hang on the dark vine-patterned walls.

The brush strokes are either smooth or rough, but the faces drawn out are filled with love. I leaned close to the painting frame and carefully examined it.

MC: It seems that not all the portraits here are made by professional artists.

Lucien: Indeed, it is more like a portrait of a lover painted by a visitor on a whim.

I can't help but think of the scene in the movie where the young artist is at a loss as to what to do with his beloved and smile gently.

MC: It is indeed very appropriate to leave this kind of painting for each other in the "holy land of love"~

Lucien: Then, can MC paint a portrait for me?

I blinked in surprise and suddenly thought of something.

Last night, Lucien said that the intimate distance would make people unconsciously want to share their love.

Maybe this can be used to quietly close the distance and create an atmosphere that makes Lucien open his mouth!

Having made up my mind, I nodded with a smile.

MC: Then I'll invite Professor Lucien to be my model this time~

The door of the room was closed silently.

The silence slowly spread, and I could hear the rustling sound of swaying trees from time to time. Lucien looked around and saw the narrow prop bed in the corner.

Lucien: As a model, I have to maintain a pose for a long time… MC, do you mind if I slack off in this way?

As Lucien spoke, he walked around the table and chairs, and sat on the side of the prop bed. I coughed and spun the paintbrush twice.

MC: Sure. So, does Professor Lucien have any ideas about the modeling?

Lucien bent his slender eyebrows.

Lucien: I'll leave it up to the artist to decide.

Lucien: I'm willing to work with you on whatever you need.

Our eyes met for a moment. I held my drawing board and went to stand beside Lucien.

MC: Then I would like you to take a more relaxed pose, Professor Lucien.

As I said that, I pushed Lucien's shoulder. He cooperatively fell back on the pillow and looked at me sincerely.

Lucien: Is this enough?

MC: Let's get a little more relaxed.

MC: I want to portray the way you look when you're at ease~

I explained solemnly and leaned down to unbutton his coat.

MC: ...You should also dress in a way that brings out your sensuality, don't be so tense.

MC: Imagine that you're in the bedroom at home.

His coat fell to the bed sheet, making the atmosphere a little quiet and charming. Lucien looked at me and slightly moved his eyes.

Everything is going as expected. I sat down on the chair beside the bed. And I was beginning to plan how to move forward when I heard Lucien speak.

Lucien: Is this enough for you?

Lucien asked as he lifted his hand and unbuttoned his shirt one by one while I watched.

The collar that was buttoned to the top slowly opens up, and the smooth lines outline the firm shapes, which are gradually hidden behind the bottom of the hem. My ears suddenly turned red.

MC: I-I...

Lucien: I just think it will be more in line with the state that MC wants.

Lucien: (whisper seductively) Or do you need me to relax a bit more?

Lucien's fingertips continued to move down; his tail note was slightly lighter. For some reason, I suddenly felt that the air seemed to heat up a bit.

I quickly averted my gaze and subconsciously tightened my grip on the brush.

MC: No need, this will do!

As I said that, I hurriedly sketched out some lines on the board.

Lucien's soft laugh came to my ears. After the rustling of the fabric, the room returned to silence, with only the rustling sound of the brushes stroking over the canvas remaining.

In addition to wanting to create an opportunity to hear Lucien say those three words, I also wanted to give him this painting as a memento of our Valentine's Day trip.

Dark hair, slender eyebrows… I depicted every emotion stroke by stroke, and the familiar outline gradually emerged on the paper.

It's just that every time I look up, I can see Lucien's smiling eyes.

My face was getting hotter and hotter, and I started to avert my eyes.

The artist's red face when facing the model in the movie came to my mind. I hastily withdrew my gaze and huffed in empathy.

…It turns out that the scene was not exaggerated.

Gazing at the person you like for so long, you really can't control your heartbeat.

I tried my best to maintain my composure and finished most of the painting. Then, Lucien's phone suddenly rang.

He helplessly blinked at me. Before he could say anything, I handed over the phone.

MC: Let's take a look. What if it's news from the research institute~

Lucien took the phone, but his body still remained in the same position as before. He just raised his hand a bit and looked at the message.

The screen's glow shines on his face, sharp and gentle, wonderfully distinguishing between light and dark. Lucien glanced at me, smiled softly, and spoke.

Lucien: Can Miss Artist continue like this?

Realizing this opportunity, I put down my drawing board and got up from my chair.

MC: The angle has changed a bit. Let me correct it.

I said and touched Lucien's cheek, and quietly guided him.

MC: But I didn't expect Professor Lucien to be so calm when he posed in front of me in such a "seductive" way~

Lucien cooperated and tilted his head. His soft bangs brushed against my palm.

Lucien: After all, the job of a model is to work with the creative process.

Lucien: And in the eyes of Miss Artist, now I should be no different from a… butterfly

MC: Now the positions are switched.

I smiled, seeing that Lucien also seemed to have lost in the memory, and then he opened his mouth.

Lucien: The artist once hoped to put the butterfly on a glass cover and keep it with him forever. But later, he discovered that even when he let the butterfly go, it flew back to him.

Lucien: It gave him happiness he had never felt or imagined before.

MC: From the butterfly's perspective, it also reaped the happiness that comes from being willing to stop… The artist and the butterfly are meant to complement each other.

MC: Just like now, you are a "butterfly" that complements me.

Lucien silently looked at me for a moment and bent the corners of his lips.

Lucien: That's right. As you said, painting is a two-way street between the artist and the depicted subject.

Lucien: So, now I will also do my best to assist.

Lucien winked as he talked, and his posture became more relaxed.

I went around in circles and didn't hear the expected response. I pursed my lips and took a roundabout approach to lead him.

MC: Professor Lucien is a very cooperative model. He's probably the ideal partner for any artist~

Lucien: Perhaps. But this kind of close observation is a privilege that belongs only to you.

My heart skipped a beat.

MC: ....Will Professor Lucien have a special feeling when facing the artist like that butterfly?

Lucien: I have.

Lucien said and looked at me.

Lucien: Facing you, I seem to have no way to restrain my heartbeat.

Suddenly, his drunken confessions from last night come to mind, intertwined with his whispers at this moment.

Lucien: (whisper) Just like now. By simply looking at you, I can't help but want to…

Lucien paused.

Amid the accelerated heartbeat, he held my hand that was touching his cheek and slowly rubbed it. The already close distance was shortened again, and my wrist was warmed by the heat of his breath.

Bathed in a faint soft light, he stared at me and spoke softly.

Lucien: (continuing his whisper) So, I'm also a little curious.

Lucien: (still whispering) Now that MC is facing me, what are the thoughts in her heart?

[Part 4]

The church bells rang in the distance, and the birds fluttered their wings and flew past the window.

The shadow of the daylight reflected on Lucien's profile, and the air between us seemed to be stained with lingering and deep affection.

I gazed into Lucien's dark eyes and picked up the painting I was about to finish from the chair.

MC: All I want to express is here.

MC: In that movie, the moment the main character saw the painting, they understood the artist's intention…

MC: So, can you feel my emotions by looking at this?

Lucien looked at the painting. His eyes lingered on every spot as if he was facing a priceless work of art, and there seemed to be some emotions surging in his gaze.

Lucien: Mm, every stroke is full of tenderness and… yearning.

Lucien: Did I get it right?

Seeing his serious expression, I opened my lips hesitantly.

I painted each stroke of the painting with love. How can Lucien didn't feel it…?

Or is my drawing skill so clumsy… that I can't even convey my emotions?

I doubted myself and forcibly raised the corners of my mouth.

MC: It's not wrong, but it's not the right answer either. What I'm trying to express is- ah, just forget it.

I sat back in my chair, feeling a little bit defeated, and sighed unnoticeably.

A very soft sigh came from behind me. Accompanied by the rustling of clothes, I was swept into a warm embrace.

Lucien wrapped me from behind and held the paintbrush together with me.

His faint cedar scent surrounds my body. Lucien leaned close to my cheek and spoke in a low voice.

Lucien: Remember what I told you about "intimate distance"?

Lucien: Within 46 cm, you can feel every subtle change in the breathing and temperature of the person in front of you.

Lucien: For me, you are the only person who can enter this distance.

The brush we hold lands on the canvas. Amidst the rubbing sound caused by the friction of the brush and the canvas, the unrefined half of the face gradually becomes clear.

Lucien immediately put down the paintbrush. He didn't let me go and maintained our hugging position. We looked at the drawing board together.

The canvas shows him lying on the edge of the bed with a faint smile on his face.

However, upon closer look, I find that although the brushwork is more refined later on, something seems to be missing in how the painting subject is portrayed.

I opened my lips but heard Lucien speak.

Lucien: You noticed it too, didn't you?

Lucien: Even I can't paint a true portrait of how I look in your eyes.

Lucien: (whisper) Relaxed, disorganized, and also perhaps a little bit of what you call "playing tricks"… Only in front of you, everything about me will be open without reservation.

Lucien: (whisper) This is a side only you can see… And when I put the brush to the canvas, I can't pour more love into it than you do.

I looked at Lucien, a little stumped for words. In addition to the full attention in his eyes, he also showed a little helpless smile.

Is it possible that he has already understood what I want to express?

So why did he keep avoiding the word "love"? It's like he was trying to bait me to say the word….

I suddenly thought of something and broke free from Lucien's embrace with a little effort.

Then I got up and pressed him down on the chair, unsurely asking him a question.

MC: Your reaction to many things seems to be different than usual today.

MC: …Lucien, are you also planning something?

Lucien: Hmm? 'Also'?

Lucien's voice hid a deeper meaning to it. I opened my mouth and finally admitted with a blushing face.

MC: I admit, I have indeed been trying to bait you to say something to me… What about you?

In the gradual acceleration of my heartbeat, I met with Lucien's gaze.

Lucien: Of course, I… have the same purpose as you.

I blinked in astonishment.

MC: For what reason?

Lucien: For what reason…?

Lucien gently repeated my question, and his warm breath close against my skin.

Lucien: At first, I just thought that the way you worked hard was cute, and I wanted to see more of it. But then I became "greedy" too.

Lucien: Rather than fulfilling your wish, I rather see MC's most instinctive desire for me being revealed in the intimate distance that only belongs to us…

Lucien: Together with the most straightforward expression of love.

Lucien: But looking at it now, it ended up backfired. So, in order to make amends, I'm willing to accept any punishment.

Finally, there is an explanation for this man's various "unromanticism" today. I snorted softly and suddenly thought of something.

MC: But speaking of which, did Professor Lucien remember wrongly?

MC: When we were reading the poem, I was "tricked" into saying I love you first.

Lucien spoke with a voice that was filled with inaudible grievances.

Lucien: But those are the words of the poet, not yours.

Lucien: What I want to hear is a straightforward confession from MC.

I was stunned. I couldn't help laughing when thinking about how I precisely thought the same thing as him. My fingers pulled on Lucien's tie, and I moved closer to him.

Our breathing is gradually intertwined. I asked him a question in a soft voice.

MC: So, is the distance between us now less than 46 centimeters?

Lucien gazed at me and suddenly grabbed my waist.

Lucien: (chuckles, then whispers seductively) I think… It can still be a little closer.

The hands on my waist tightened a little. I leaned over to get close to him and spoke in a teasing manner.

MC: Doesn't Professor Lucien want to take the initiative this time?

Lucien looked as if he was allowing himself to be captured, but his eyes weren't wavering.

Lucien: After all, it's punishment time. So, I'm going to hand over all the initiative to you.

Despite saying these words, his hand did not loosen up in the slightest. Instead, he caressed upward, bringing me closer to him.

I couldn't suppress my laughter. I whispered as I bowed my head.

MC: How cunning.

I kissed Lucien as soon as the words fell.

A slightly cool sensation comes through equally soft lips, and my heart trembles with each restless movement.

I sank into the seemingly passive yet irresistible demands of the person in front of me.

The strength of my body was drained away before I knew it. I half-kneeled, half-sat in his embrace, and couldn't resist closing my eyes.

Entangling, deeply penetrating… The tip of his tongue lightly swept my sensitive upper palate. I shuddered and instinctively wanted to struggle.

But I was firmly confined and had nowhere to escape.

…I don't want to stay away either.

Until every breath that reaches deep into my soul gradually becomes fully tainted with his breath.

I could hear the rustling of the curtains brushing against the window and the sound of people walking in the hallway, but I didn't care about it anymore.

My senses, my everything… All melted in this kiss and the depth of his eyes.

Between our melded breaths, I slightly pulled myself away from Lucien and instinctively opened my mouth to speak.

Lucien: (with the most tender and loving whisper between the kisses) I love you.

MC: (whispering at the very same time as Lucien) I love you.

Coincidentally, our unanimous whispers were intertwined in the air. In just an instant, my heart was filled with happiness, flying like a feather in the warm sunlight.

I raised the corners of my lips and stroked Lucien's cheek.

MC: Is Professor Lucien satisfied with my expression?

Lucien clasped my hand and interlocked our fingers together.

Lucien: (whisper) It's even better than I imagined.

Lucien: (whisper) Everything about you, every time you approach me... makes my heart beat excitedly.

His warm breath brushed against my ear. Lucien tilted his head again and irresistibly chased after my lips.

The spring scenery is deeply reflected in his eyes, and I also saw my figure reflected in them.

After those whispers, I heard him whisper once again.

Lucien: It makes me fall in love with you again and again... for countless times.

[Personal Rambles + Date analysis(?) corner]

I love this date. Personally, I would even say that I like this date better than last month’s SP and SSR. I think it is worth being the one date where it has ‘I love you’ in it. Not just ‘I like you’, or his ‘definition of love’.

There are many things I want to scream about this date- but to keep it simple, I’ll just talk about some parts that I think are really interesting this date.

[Here I love you]

Okay, so the first one is the poem, ‘Here I love you’ by Pablo Neruda. I like this part because their poem exchange reminds me of the scene from Lucien’s Blossoms date where they wittily quoted poems to each other (something that sadly, gets lost in translation:”).

But anyway, back to the topic of my interpretation of how some lines of this poem coincided with parts of the dates and their story in general.

First of all, I love how PG choose this poem that explores love and fear of losing someone you love, which is THE big angst theme for Lucien.

"In that hazy memory, he seems to have lost someone."

—In his dream, he also sat with a girl under a tall tree, painting. He never understood why but when they drew a seedling on the paper, he would draw a glass to cover it.

Until just now, after he experienced the moment of losing the only color in his life, Lucien understood his choice in the dream.

—This is a fear of losing someone again.'  - [R&S Eternity and a day.]

There’s a reason why PG chooses to torture this man by making him believe that MC is dead after chapter 18 [R&S Not Planned On] and making him watch her die again and again in [Main Story S2 chapters 13 and 14]. Because he already lost so much in life, he’s probably the one who fear losing MC the most.

Here I love you. The word here indicates that the poet is the one who stays and waits in one place. Just like Lucien, who is always waiting for her to take him home in S2. He doesn’t mind waiting for her answer no matter how long. It’s also something that’s highlighted in [Dating Reality Show Date]. Where we learn that he was the one who fell at first sight and waited for MC whose love is something that grows with time and his companionship.

This is a port. Here I love you. Just like ships that always come and go in the port, so do people. But ships can always come back to port after they parted. The butterfly can always fly back to the artist even after the artist lets her go. I’ll dive deeper into it in its own section ;)

I love what I do not have. It really reminds me of what MC said in the only color call. Where she said that to love someone is to love them as an individual, and there’s no requirement for a special relationship. You just want the person you love to be happy, not to ‘have’ them :”.

The moon turns its clockwork dream; The biggest stars look at me with your eyes. Lucien will unconsciously reveal his sides that he doesn’t even notice. Only in front of her, he will open up everything about himself without reservation. ‘The biggest star’ is the love in her eyes as she gazes at him as if he’s the only person she can see in this world.

“You noticed it too, didn't you?”

“Even I can't paint a true portrait of how I look in your eyes.”

And the opposite also true, because he too, always gazes at her as if she’s the only person he can see in this world.

The spring scenery is deeply reflected in his eyes, and I also saw my figure reflected in them.

[Distancia Intima]

This one is probably the shortest part ahah, but distancia intima or Intimate Distance is the nearest space around our body and is reserved for an intimate person like a family member or lover.

For Lucien, it’s a space that only belongs to one person. Only in front of her, he can show his most unreserved sides.

But on the other side, it also means that she’s the only important person left in his life. Whether as his ‘family member’ or lover :”...

[Reverse Artist and Butterfly]

OK BUT, this one is definitely an unexpected twist, but pleasant. I love how in the process of confessing ‘I love you’ we get taken back to his very first definition of love, the Artist and Butterfly.

“If you can meet that artist, tell him this for me. That he actually doesn’t love the butterfly, does he?”

“Why do you think that the artist doesn’t love the butterfly? If you love someone, aren’t you supposed to move heaven and earth to tie them to your side?”

“But that is too selfish.”

“Yes, even I find it selfish.”

“But if he doesn’t do that, it’s likely that the artist will lose the butterfly.”

“And then his life will be like how it was before, his whole world would just be black and white.”

“If he really loves the butterfly, then he wouldn’t want to see them suffer, right?”

“Maybe I’m too simple, but for me, genuine love is simply loving that person as an individual, and I wouldn’t need a special relationship with them. I’d just want them to be happy.”

“If you were this butterfly, and there was someone who wanted to confine you to their side so they could keep you together with them forever…”

“Would you be willing?” - [The Only Color Call]

For him at first, to love is to bind someone by his side, but for MC to love is simply loving the person as an individual and wanting them to be happy. It reminds me of the saying ‘If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were.’

The artist let the butterfly go, but the butterfly flew back and decided to stay with the artist because it is happy to be by the artist’s side. This happiness is a two-way street because the butterfly’s willingness to stop also brings the artist happiness he never felt before… Their choice of being by each other side is the longest confession of love.

It is even more interesting that this date talks about the identity exchange between the artist and the butterfly. All this time, we usually thought that Lucien is the ‘artist’ while MC is the ‘butterfly’ but it seems that, the reverse also works.

Because Lucien also brings color to MC just like the butterfly to the artist. They color each other’s world.

Perhaps for everyone, the world was monochromatic at the beginning.

With time and encounters, the world gradually became stained with colors, giving value to different people and things.

Slowly, the whole world becomes colorful as it interacts with memory. It also has smells and sounds.

Until the most special existence appeared that makes the color of this world more distinctive.

It's as if the whole picture has been retouched so that everything has a new meaning.

While we quietly shared the cake, I looked at Lucien's face lit by the warm lights.

“Lucien, you’re colorful right now” – Lucien’s 3rd birthday date

-and because MC too, just like the artist, also greedily wants to keep him safe forever. But because she knew that she couldn’t stop Lucien from walking towards his aspiration, all she can do is let him go and try to catch up to him.

Both of them learn to let go as the artist and also choose to stay as the butterfly because it’s what makes them happy.

[我爱你]

From ‘Can you teach me how to love?’ to ‘I love you.’ LOOK AT HOW FAR HE’S GROWN. I can’t believe it’s been days since the date and the PV but I still sob every time I heard him say that. It’s been a long process, even though he’s been declaring his love in his own way, whether it is his wordless declaration of love in S1 chapters 35 and 36. Or the wheat field as the representation of his heart, with the ebbs and flow of the tide as his heartbeat in S2 chapter 34.

I love you is special as the most straightforward way to declare one’s love. I love how on this date these two fools tried to trap each other into confessing but ended up confessing instinctively at the very same time lmao. The situation is really funny, with MC who’s trying her best to create an atmosphere where Lucien would say I love you vs Lucien that knows all along about her plan, even manages to trap MC into confessing first but ends up feeling dissatisfied with the confession because it’s the poet words, not hers (-how childish-).

On this date, both of them ended up becoming greedy, wanting to hear the most direct love confession from each other.

I snuck a glance at Lucien, and leaned closer to him. The idea of being “greedy" probes a little bit.

It seems that I want so much more than that.

It would be nice to hear him speak his love... in a straightforward way.

-

“At first, I just thought that the way you worked hard was cute, and wanted to see more of it. But then I became “greedy” too.”

“Rather than fulfilling your wish, I rather see MC's most instinctive desire for me being revealed in the intimate distance that only belongs to us…”

“Together with the most straightforward expression of love.”

“What I want to hear is a straightforward confession from MC.”

-although both of their plans also end up backfiring as neither of them gets the straightforward love confession from their plans, MC was unhappy, and Lucien ended up taking the initiative to open up the first because he can’t stand seeing her in distress.

“It's not wrong, but it's not the right answer either. What I’m trying to express is- ah, just forget it.”

I sat back in my chair, feeling a little bit defeated, and sighed unnoticeably.

A very soft sigh came from behind me. Accompanied by the rustling of clothes, I was swept into a warm embrace.

It’s interesting sometimes how they sometimes mirror each other, having the same expectation and desires, while also opposing each other on the other occasion, like their belief and the way they see things. But one thing always remains the same, and it’s the fact that they’ll always yearn for each other.

In the end, they learn that they don’t need to go that far. They just need to follow their heart. Because whether when sober or drunk, the heart knows when to beat faster simply by the presence of each other. The most perfect explanation of this mutual eternal heartbeat is ‘I love you’. And he will keep falling in love, again and again, countless times simply by her close proximity or existence alone.

Preview of the date: Kiro was invited to participate in the music festival in Barcelona so we arrived in Spain early. When we were having a date in the bar, we encountered an uninvited guest.

╔═══  ♪  .·:·.✧  ♫   ✧.·:·.  ♪  ═══╗

Part 1

Psychedelic neon lights danced on the dance floor, and ambiguous notes traveled into my ears through the speakers.

I picked up the wine glass and stared at Kiro's profile under the light's glare.

He rested one hand casually on the sofa behind me, and the knuckles of his other hand tapped his knees gently to the tune of the DJ onstage.

The slender eyelashes cast eyeshadows on his face, and the slightly closed eyes were filled with crumpled light.

I looked at his side face with a little trance, until he turned to look at me with a smile on his face.

Kiro: "Why is Miss Chips staring at me blankly? What is she thinking?"

MC: "I was thinking, the DJ music you've been tapping to just now, were you thinking about the next week's show?"

Kiro: "Mm, I didn't expect to come to the music festival this time but I ended up finding this bar. What an unexpected gain!"

There will be a wilderness music festival in Barcelona next week, and Kiro is an invited guest, so we arrived in Spain a week earlier to experience the local life here.

I looked in the direction Kiro pointed, and the DJ on the stage was controlling the magnetic head to swipe across the disc with one hand, while the other hand was raised high to the beat.

I took a closer look. The DJs here are very experienced and must be masters at this.

I was a little tipsy, I leaned my head on Kiro's shoulder and rubbed my cheek against the smooth fabric.

MC: "How did you get this though?"

Kiro: "Note that his look and approach seem casual but there are a lot of special designs in the mix."

MC: "Indeed, his expression looks so relaxed, but he never stopped for a moment."

Kiro: "The live environment really has a more intense atmosphere than from a digital screen."

At this moment, the resident DJ just switched the playing track, and the previously ambiguous music turned light-hearted.

Kiro pulled the brim of his hat and held out his hand to me.

Kiro: "After sitting for so long, would this lady be kind enough to dance with me now?"

MC: "Of course~ Mr. Zhou."

We walked carefully through the crowd to the middle of the dance floor. Kiro squeezed my hand as a signal to start.

I swayed my body, the music stimulated my excited nerves and the lights were dazzling and unpredictable.

I looked at Kiro, he danced with extremely smooth moves without being frivolous. It was casual but powerful.

His dancing posture obviously attracted the attention of some people. A hippie looked at him from a distance for a while and suddenly stepped forward.

Just when I thought he would recognize Kiro, he actually passed Kiro and looked at me.

Hippie: "Miss, how about changing partners?"

Part 2

A few people with sharp hearing came over after hearing our conversation and looked at us while gossiping.

Kiro hooked his lips and put an arm around me with a cold yet playful tone.

Kiro: “You are very courageous.”

The hippie looked at Kiro very disdainfully but suddenly froze in place.

Hippie: “You- You are Kilo?”

Kiro: “Don’t you think you’re having an illusion?”

Kiro spoke without hesitation, his tone was indifferent. He even looked directly at the other party without avoiding eye contact.

The hippie, clearly shaken by his indifference, squinted his eyes and looked at Kiro again, shaking his head.

Hippie: “Looking carefully.....he’s not even half as friendly as Kilo. Although they do look quite similar.”

Kiro: “Really?”

Hippie: “Hey now, I’m just trying to borrow your dance partner. Don’t be so stingy, you can dance with my dance partner instead.”

The crowd of onlookers grew more and more and Kiro’s embrace tightened a little. I frowned and looked at the hippie.

MC: “I’m sorry, not everyone can be my dance partner. I don’t think you can have a chance.”

Kiro looked at me with a daze and naughtily poked me twice with his hand around my waist.

The next second, his icy gaze swept over the hippie, a little uninterested.

Kiro: "Are you going to continue being an eyesore here?"

Hearing our words, the man whistled a little resentfully.

Hippie: "Well, just like glue. Lady, Kilo will be at the music festival next week. You should really go see him, he is much more handsome than your boyfriend."

What else would the man even have to say. The brisk music became more intense, and the lights flashed even more dazzlingly.

Cheers and whistles erupted from the crowd. Kiro took the opportunity to take my hand, passed through the restless crowd, and ran out of the bar all the way.

It wasn't until we were far out of the bar street that Kiro and I stopped and looked at each other, then we burst out laughing.

The evening breeze was cool, and the street was empty and quiet at midnight. Kiro bought two cans of drinks from the vending machine and handed me one.

We sat by the street, drank drinks in the hot sweat, and felt the cool stimulation.

Kiro: "Alas, the bar date failed."

I smiled and touched Kiro's "cup" and rubbed his soft blond hair.

MC: "What matters more is that we drank wine, danced and had a big show. This date was obviously a success!"

Hearing my words, Kiro laughed out loud.

Kiro: "Your serious look just then was quite an aura, that....."

MC: "Do you mean to say, "the queen of the dance floor?"

Kiro laughed even more after hearing this description.

MC: "However thanks to the bar DJ, if it wasn't for the music cut this time, we might have been entangled there for a long time."

Kiro looked at my eyes and blinked, they were sparkling.

Kiro: "DJ.....Music break...."

Kiro: "Oh right! Why didn't I think of that!"

Seeing my confused look, he smiled and took a sip of his drink.

Kiro: "I suddenly thought of an idea that could be used in the music festival!"

MC: "What did you think of?"

Kiro raised his head triumphantly, like a proud little bear with his head held high.

Kiro: "You can look forward to it~ Miss Chips is going to have to follow me closely, and the next stop of this date is about to arrive-- on to the road!"

He said and took my hand, strode forward, and walked out.

Part 3

A week later, the Wilderness Festival went ahead as scheduled.

Since the venue is a temporary setup, Kiro completed the modeling in advance in the studio rented by the organizer, and then drove to the venue.

The vehicle drove along the straight idyllic road, and the ever-rising view is endless green grass and olive trees in the mountains and plains.

Looking at the open scenery in front of me, my expectations grew stronger and stronger. I even wanted to get out of the car and roll around on the field.

Kiro: "When the festival is over, we can go wherever we want."

MC: "How do you know what I'm thinking!"

Kiro: "Because that's what I thought when I first came here. So when I received this invitation, I was already looking forward to your current reaction."

MC: "Oh~ It's that witty Kiro guess again. What do you think I'm thinking right now?"

Kiro rolled his eyes and patted his chest proudly.

Kiro: "You must be thinking "I have to grab the first row as fast as I can!"

MC: "Humph! It's half-right!"

MC: "I was also thinking, I'll have to save my strength for a while."

MC: "That way when you come out, you'll be able to hear me cheering for you in the first row."

I proudly took out the soothing lozenge from my bag and waved it in front of Kiro, but he grabbed my hand and pressed it to his lips.

Kiro: "You don't have to even shout, just stand there and I'll definitely spot you at the first glance."

Kiro, as a special guest, was arranged to go backstage to prepare for arriving at the finale.

At this time, there were not many people at the scene. After saying goodbye to Kiro, I quickly rushed to the stage area, followed the crowd of people, and barely grabbed a position in the first row.

The sun hung obliquely in the sky, the deafening music suddenly sounded, and the Wilderness concert officially began.

I suppressed my overwhelming excitement and forced myself to focus on the show.

The bands performing were from all over the world, and the styles of performances were diverse. The music was constantly changing, and the audience sang and danced to them.

Standing in the first row, I could see the sweat and passion of of the bands up close on the stage, and I was looking forward to Kiro's performance more and more in my heart.

I couldn't help but guess what Kiro said about the "surprise". Singing and dancing are his specialties, and the different styles of music are even more of his comfort.

MC: "I wonder what it will be?"

As we got closer to Kiro's performance, the cheers shouting "Kilo" became louder and louder.

I took out my phone and started recording the warm atmosphere of the waiting hall and sent it to Kiro.

MC: "Did you hear the audience calling out your name? Kilo's no. 1 fan is already in the first row! I'm looking forward to your surprise!"

Kiro quickly texted me back, and I couldn't help laughing while looking at my phone.

Kiro: "If I'm able to wow Miss Chips, I request to be rewarded!"

The romantic music gradually ceased. According to the program, the next finale is supposed to be Kiro's performance.

All the lights on the stage went out, but the crowd burst into cheers with everyone shouting Kilo's name.

I quickly took out two new glow sticks and joined the fan chanting.

Time passed minute by minute, the stage was still pitch black, and the crowd gradually became a little uneasy.

Audience: "What's wrong? Where's Kilo?"

The people around me started talking a lot. I knew that Kiro must have made special arrangements, but my heart was still hanging high, both excited and nervous.

Right at that moment, a spotlight suddenly shot on the stage.

A figure appeared in the center of the light.

His arms were wrapped with yellow bandages, the metal earphones were wrapped around his neck, his blond hair was tied up low, and his entire appearance was full of a casual and rebellious atmosphere.

Kiro stood in front of a large mixer, and he waved to everyone lively which attracted lots of cheers.

His blue pupils contracted with flickering light, he put his finger on his lips, and the restless crowd also quieted down.

Kiro: "Thank you all for participating in the festival. Now, please lend your ears to DJ Kilo!"

Kiro's slender fingers swiped on the disc, and the dynamic music sound and the electricity shot out. The lights became psychedelic and dazzling in an instant.

Familiar and unfamiliar melodies flowed into everyone's ears, but he then turned his song into a remix!

I waved the light stick vigorously and shouted for Kiro to the cheer calls of the crowd.

MC: "I'll love you for all my life with no regrets!"

It seemed that he heard my voice, Kiro winked at me, I guess he should have the same memory as me.

The temperature of my cheeks burned up, and my heart was beating violently.

A motorcycle galloped across the field, and the sports car whistled to the beat, but my ears and eyes couldn't look at anything else, there was only sparkling Kiro.

The familiar yet somewhat different person in front of me caught all of my attention.

He moved his body like the rising sun on the coast of Gibraltar, like a deer galloping and jumping in the wilderness of Caceres-- nimble and agile.

He walked to the edge of the stage to give high fives to the audience, and when he sang "Your lips are as sweet as honey", he moved naturally in front of me.

Kiro: "Thank you for coming to the festival!"

I held his outstretched hand and met his clear eyes. This special treatment made the fans around me cry out enviously.

MC: "Kilo, Te Quiero!"

Kiro took back the microphone and sang the second half of the sentence with a smile, "And I indulge in you uncontrollably."

The setting sun was bright and the stars were twinkling, but the man on the stage shone brighter than anything else.

Part 4

Kiro: "Finally work is over, it's Wilderness Date time now!"

We clasped our fingers and walked across the field. The moonlight poured down, the evening breeze caresses, and the lights were lit up.

Some people played guitar and sang songs in a circle, some danced to the music from the small speakers, and Kiro and I held hands feeling this hot summer night.

Kiro: "Miss Chips, what did you think of DJ Kilo's performance today?"

MC: "It was the best DJ performance I've ever seen. If you had participated in the top 100 DJs in the world, you would've definitely got the top rank!"

Kiro: "Hehe, although I really want to be humble, I've been practicing hard lately so I accept your compliment!"

MC: "The song you remixed were very good themselves! The mixing skill level was very high and the beat was super cool~"

Having said that, I sang my favorite part again, although not to the fullest.

Kiro watched me singing, then reached out and took out two light sticks from my bag, bent them, and swayed to my rhythm.

In the twilight, the throbbing golden glow sticks surrounded us both like unpredictable fireworks.

Kiro's face flickered under the glow stick, but the light in his eyes burned like a spark that never goes out.

Looking at his serious look, I felt fuzzy and warm, and couldn't help but reach out to squeeze his face.

MC: "If I were to rate today's joy meter, it would be 200!"

MC: "Not only did I get a glimpse of DJ Kilo's style but also got an after-party in the wilderness with just the two of us~"

Kiro: "The promised reward, can it be received now?"

I smiled and pulled Kiro's hand, closed my eyes, and the noise of the wilderness seemed to dissipate as if there were only me and him in this world.

MC: "Ready to accept your reward?"

Kiro: "Of course, come on let's go, Miss Chips. I'm getting a little nervous now though."

MC: "3--2--1--!"

MC: "Kiro, your DJ performance was super cool, I like you very much!"

I opened my eyes and waved the fireworks stick that I had prepared for a long time, making a big heart shape in the night.

My shouts traveled down the wilderness to far, far places and then quietly diffused into the night fog.

I could feel that the air seemed to be quiet for a moment, and then there was a burst of laughter all around. People who didn't know about it coaxed, and some even cheered.

Kiro's eyes lit up instantly, he took the fireworks stick from my hand, and the light flickered in his eyes as if illuminating my whole world.

It seemed that due to the influence of the atmosphere, someone shouted after us.

Passerby: "Kilo, you're so cool!"

One after another, the entire wilderness was filled with ups and downs of confession making Kiro's face turn red.

Kiro: "Alright, Miss Chips. You're making me feel a little embarrassed."

MC: "Do you like it?"

Kiro: "Of course I like it!"

He raised the corners of his mouth and looked at me with bright and serious eyes.

Kiro: "I heard the words you just said and the ones you shouted during the CALL on the stage."

Kiro: "I heard every word and every sentence clearly, and I will remember it firmly."

He said it, taking my hand and placing it on his chest. My face was hot as I looked straight into his eyes.

MC: "But was I too impulsive? Fortunately, I didn't attract too much attention, or else it would've caused trouble....."

Kiro suddenly turned his azure blue pupils narrowly. Just when I was a little confused, he took my hand.

Kiro: "MC, I like your impulsiveness."

Kiro: "Of course, you won't cause any trouble, but I sure will."

The next second, Kiro suddenly put his other hand around his mouth and shouted with all his strength.

Kiro: "MC, I hope you're always there to witness every new Kiro!"

His voice passed through the distant cold night as if it would reach far, far away.

I turned my head to look at Kiro and discovered that he was already looking at my face.

Kiro: "No matter what identity, what new challenge, or any new place I have to go to. I know Miss Chips will always keep a good eye on me."

MC: "I will!"

The surrounding crowd looked in our direction with confusion, and there were a few people who came over curiously.

MC: "Oh no, did they recognize you!"

Kiro winked at me, and pulled me to run in the wilderness.

MC: "Ki....Kiro, you....did you do that on!"

Kiro: "No doubt, it was intentional!"

A faint sound of music came from afar, and it seemed a little familiar. When Kiro heard the music, he grabbed my hand and suddenly change direction.

Kiro: "It's a song that we didn't finish listening to at the bar last week, do you remember when we ran out when this song was playing!"

MC: "I remember that and it seems like every time I hear this song, I get very flustered....."

Kiro and I couldn't help but look at each other and smile as he asked the question in my heart tacitly.

Kiro: "Miss Chips, do you want to continue the bar date that got interrupted earlier?"

MC: "With pleasure!"

We rushed to the crowd.

╚═══   ♪ .·:·.✧ ♫ ✧.·:·. ♪  ═══╝

DATE CLEARED~

┌────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────┐

MOMENTS【 露天酒吧 】Open Bar

Kiro’s Moments Post: “On a sunny day, I want to go to Terraza with you for beer and iced milk tea.”

Option 1 :

MC : “I also feel that we didn’t have as much fun the last time. When will we go again?”

Kiro : “We can leave now! I’m already downstairs and I’ll come to you right away!”

Option 2 :

MC : “If we drink out in the open air, won’t the sun be too hot?”

Kiro : “Savin has a super large parasol around, I’ll call him later!”

Option 3 :

MC : “Also with fried chicken and ice cream!”

Kiro : “Plus caramel custard and tomato bread!”

└────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────┘

Clerk: You ordered a cup of hot cocoa and a soufflé, please wait a moment on the side.

MC: Okay , thank you.

I took a step towards the dining table and looked out the window. A thin layer of snow lay on both sides of the street, almost melting in the brilliance of spring.

Two days ago, there was a heavy snowfall in Loveland City without any forecast. After that, the temperature suddenly rose sharply, and the winter was gone forever.

The news says this is likely to be the last snow of the year - many days earlier than expected.

And Lucien went to participate in the closed meeting, which will end tomorrow. At this point, we were not able to abide by the agreement of "watching the last snow together".

Looking at the last glimpse of the winter scenery outside the window, I helplessly lowered my shoulders and turned to look at the steaming coffee machine.

According to the agreement with Lucien at the time, when I completed all the tasks he assigned before he left, it was almost the time when his closed meeting ended.

And we are about to see each other after more than ten days of "long distance relationship".

So early this morning, I rushed to this coffee shop to complete the last item on my to-do list.

"The day before Lucien came back, went to the coffee shop we used to visit and bought a cup of hot cocoa."

MC: Let’s report the itinerary to Lucien....

I took out my phone and opened Lucien's chatroom.

MC: "What are you doing now?"

I looked down at the screen, there was no movement on the other side of the dialog.

MC: Is the break time over?

When I was swiping my finger on the screen, I wanted to send another text message to cheer him up, but I heard a familiar voice from the corner of the cafe.

Lucien: To gather vine goes she, when her I do not see, one day seems longer than months three.

Lucien: To gather reed goes she, when her I d o not see, one day seems long as seasons three.

Lucien: To gather herbs goes she, when her I do not see, one day seems longer than years three.

T/N: He said those line in English, thank Xia Lei-laoshi for your hard work~

The tone that followed the way was soft and steady, I didn't turn back, but felt my heart skip a beat, and a smile unconsciously hung on the corner of my mouth.

Clerk: Your hot cocoa and souffle are ready.

I blinked and smiled at the clerk.

MC: Can I have another spoon?

By the fireplace in the cafe, three or four kids gathered around a tall figure, chatting with each other.

Kid A: Big brother, so what does this poem mean?

Kid B: Can you read another poem for us?

The man surrounded by the center smiled and took off the frame on the bridge of his nose, and started to say something.

As if feeling my sight, he turned to look at me.

When I met those eyes that were thinking day and night, my footsteps stopped in place, and the corners of my mouth subconsciously raised a big arc.

The deep eyes suddenly lit up a little, and the fire of the fireplace flickered at the bottom of the eyes, mixed with a faint joy that could not be concealed.

The kids around him were still urging Lucien to explain the meaning of the poem just now. He didn't take his eyes back, his eyes fixed on my eyes.

Lucien: The meaning of this poem is....

Lucien: Sometimes, time suddenly slows down.

Kid: Will time slow down?

Lucien: Will do.

Lucien: If you like someone, then as long as you haven't seen her for a few days, you will feel that time is slowing down, as if a long, long time has passed.

With the restless waves in my heart following his words, I stepped towards him and traced his outline with my eyes.

He was wearing the shirt I bought for him when we were shopping together, as if he had just had his hair cut, and looked in good mood.

He seems to have lost some weight again, and the profile of the face looks sharp and angular. I pursed my lips and suddenly remembered our brief phone call between work the other day.

MC: .... So you didn't go to the cafeteria to eat today?

Lucien: Yesterday's failed tasting experience taught me that today's dishes need to be chosen carefully.

MC: Then you can't skip meals!

MC: And... When did Professor Lucien have such strict requirements for food?

Lucien: It may have to start with a little chef who is keen to develop a variety of dishes-

Lucien: I have been eating the food you made some time ago, and now I will inevitably feel a little "once in the sea".

T/N: 曾经沧海难为水 (céng jīng cānghǎi nán wéi shuǐ ) Idiom: One who has seen the ocean thinks nothing of mere rivers.—to a sophisticated person there is nothing new under the sun

The child-like playful tone couldn't be shaken out of my mind, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

The kids followed Lucien's line of sight and looked around curiously. One of the kids showed an expression of sudden realization.

Kid A: Huh? Big brother, is this the sister you were waiting for?

Lucien: Um. I've been waiting for this sister for a long time, so can you let the big brother give her a time?

Kid B: Yes, but why?

Kid A: You are so stupid! Big brother means, this is his girlfriend, let's go, don't disturb them on the date!

The other children nodded ignorantly, took the poetry collection from Lucien's hand, thanked him politely, and then ran away.

I walked up to him with a blushing face, put down the plate, bent down, opened my arms wide, and embraced his breath in my arms.

There was a light laugh in his skin-to-skin ear as he wrapped one arm around my back and the other in my hair.

Lucien: Why did you finish the mission so early?

MC: If I hadn't come earlier, The Great Professor Lucien didn't know how many poems he would have translated for the kids here.

The deep low smile fell into my ears again, and I reluctantly left his embrace and sat down beside him.

MC: Didn't you say that you will be back until the next day?

Lucien: It is indeed tomorrow. There was a party tonight, but I tried to push it off.

I was stunned for a moment, but I quickly understood the reason why he pushed the party away, but I still blinked knowingly.

MC: Why push it off?

Seeing as if he saw my mind, he smiled and took a sip of coffee.

Lucien: Some people say that it only takes 21 days to form a habit.

Lucien: For the past 21 days, I have been with MC every day.

Lucien: Go to get off work on time, eat the food you cook, get used to seeing you every day, and get used to the taste of the food you cook, so...

MC: Oh~ so you are used to having me by your side, so you came here to wait for me and meet me by chance?

I continued what he said, pouting in a feigned grievance.

MC: It was just "habituation".

Lucien raised his slender eyes, shook his head gently, and covered my lap with the blanket hanging on the back of the chair behind him.

Lucien: Just like you have main ingredients and main ingredients in cooking, habit is just a "main ingredient" that makes me come back early.

MC: So what is this "main ingredient"?

He silently flattened the blanket on my lap, and the corners of his relaxed mouth rose slightly, as if he could reveal all his thoughts to me.

Lucien: Before revealing the answer, I would like to correct the wording you just made.

Lucien: It was my long-planned plan to spare today's time and wait for you here.

Lucien: Rather, it was a well-planned reunion, not what you might call a "meeting by chance," to be precise.

Lucien: Because before I left, I expected this kind of urgency now, so...

He raised his eyelashes and looked deeply into my eyes.

Lucien: Wanting to see you is the "main ingredient" that I can't wait to come here.

T/N: I believe he means “because I miss you” 

The heat of the fireplace scorched my whole body, and my cheeks were gradually getting a blush from the heat.

I quickly picked up the hot cocoa and took a sip, suppressing my throbbing heartbeat.

MC: Then you can also tell me in advance, in case I come late, don't you have to wait a day?

Lucien: As it turns out, I still know a lot about MC.

He squinted his long and narrow eyes, and he seemed confident in my actions.

I pouted and snorted softly, took out the task list Lucien left me from the backpack, flattened it carefully, and took out the pen to tick the last task.

MC: I, I just want to hurry up and finish this task list. That's it.

MC: You see, it's all done!

He smiled, and took out a task sheet from his pocket. Most of the task bars on it were ticked, and only the one with my appointment to see the snow was still empty.

Lucien: It's a pity that I couldn't finish all the things you gave me.

MC: The plan can't keep up with the changes.

MC: Besides, I decided to watch the last snow to say goodbye to winter, but now I think about it, I don't have to watch the snow to say goodbye.

Seeing him pursing his lips thoughtfully, I blinked and put on a playful look.

MC: Of course, if Professor Lucien is really unhappy, then I will take a small note of you and see your performance~

His brows opened slightly, and a smile appeared at the corners of his eyes.

Lucien: So now give me a chance to make up for it.

After leaving the coffee shop, Lucien took me to the forest park on the outskirts of the city.

Since it is far from the city center, the temperature around the park is not high, and the flowers and trees in the park are still covered with a thick layer of solidified snow paved on the ground.

I put my hand in Lucien's coat pocket and put my fingers together with him, stroll along the tree-lined paths in the park.

The snow-white branches faintly exude a fragrance, stretching quietly over the trail, and time seems to be quietly condensed at this moment.

MC: How pretty...

He stopped and raised his hand to brush my messy hair and tucked it behind my ear.

Lucien: Will that make up for some of our regrets not seeing the last snow?

MC: Of course! ...In fact, whether it is watching the last snow, or saying goodbye to winter, all are excuses.

MC: A greedy excuse for me to stick with you all winter.

After speaking, I stuck out my tongue in embarrassment, pretending not to see his increasingly obvious smile.

Lucien: It seems that I have to arrange the closed meeting more often.

MC: Why?

Lucien: In this way, I can listen to the thought of the lady beside me more often.

When he said these words, the bottom of his deep eyes revealed a rare trace of cunning, and I had to turn my eyes away with a blushing face.

MC: Then you have to "bribe" me with such beautiful scenery.

Saying that, I looked up and saw that some dead trees had already bloomed with green buds, dotted with vitality on the white snowdrifts

MC: However, the trip to winter farewell arranged by Professor Lucien it's indeed a worthwhile trip.

There was a chuckle that seemed to be unbearable, and I looked at him suspiciously.

MC: What are you laughing at?

Lucien: I'm sorry, I just think the phrase "winter farewell" is cute.

Lucien: After all, most people seem to be welcoming the spring, and very few people "saying goodbye to winter".

MC: You say that as if it's true....Why? Wouldn't it be nice to say goodbye to winter?

He lowered his eyes slightly and pondered for a moment.

Lucien: Probably because winter farewell means looking back at winter, and more people choose to look forward to spring than to look back.

MC: But isn't it fun to look back at winter?

I bowed my head and thought seriously about my experience this winter.

MC: There are sweet hot cocoa, warm home theater nights, and the ability to hug you in the sun, and the work is very fulfilling.

MC: By the way, we also participated in several outdoor niche sports and making a set of DIY ceramic couple cups.

MC: There are many, many, many, countless joys....

MC: Thinking about it this way, my winter was very fulfilling, not only worth looking back, but also a little nostalgic!

Lucien narrowed his long and narrow eyes, as if he had heard something interesting.

Lucien: It sounds like I'm a part of these countless joys.

Lucien: It seems that as MC said, we have been "stuck" together all winter.

As if I had been told, my cheeks were slightly hot, and I held my face and raised my chin.

MC: ...There should be times when we don't stick together.

I pretended to pull my hand out of his coat pocket and try to count the "beautiful bits" of my life alone.

MC: My friends and I went to eat delicious food, watched the art exhibition with Kiki and the others, and read a very interesting novel...

As I spoke, my voice became smaller and smaller, and finally I cleared my throat with a guilty conscience.

MC: ...I admit, compared to the time with you, this seems to be a lot less.

I silently slipped into his coat and pressed my forehead against his chest.

MC: So during your absence, I was looking at plums to quench my thirst, drawing cakes to satisfy my hunger, and remembering sweets.

T/N: MC is using an idiom: 望梅止渴, 画饼充饥, 忆甜思甜.

(1) quench one's thirst by thinking of plums—console oneself with false hopes; feed on fancies

(2) draw cakes to allay hunger— feed on illusions; false hope

(3) remember sweet things

There was a slight vibration in his chest, and Lucien's voice carried a hint of joy.

Lucien: But to my ears, these experiences of yours are very interesting.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my neck like he was lying.

Lucien: In the past ten days, my time other than meetings has been very boring.

MC: Is it? Then as Professor Lucien said, how did you spend your days when I was away?

I don't know what he remembered, he suddenly let out a chuckle, then took out the mobile phone from his pocket, operated it a few times and handed it to me.

On the screen, I was sleeping on the sofa, the corners of my mouth were slightly raised, as if I was having a sweet dream.

In the video, the sound of the air conditioner humidifier running can be vaguely heard, which is familiar and pleasant.

The lens is firmly focused on my face, the sun shines on my brows through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a shadow under my eyes.

MC: You, when did you shoot...

Lucien didn't answer, and his fingers landed on my lips, as if to signal me to watch first.

In the video, I suddenly wrinkled my nose and took a few breaths. With a slight shaking, a familiar chuckle came from the video.

I subconsciously looked at Lucien with a look of embarrassment and slammed into his eyes. After scraping the tip of my nose, he retracted his hand and raised a beautiful arc between his eyebrows.

Lucien: Look at plum to quench thirst, draw cakes to satisfy hunger, and remember sweetness.

MC: So show me your photo album again.

I shook Lucien's hand slightly to see if he had any other "candid evidence" in his phone.

Lucien smiled and looked down at me. He didn't answer right away, and swept across the woods not far away with a thoughtful expression.

Lucien: If there is an empathetic producer who can help me buy a hot drink, of course I can agree to anything.

I looked in the direction of his fingers with some confusion, and saw a food truck selling drinks parked on a nearby alley.

MC: You mean, I'm going to buy it myself?

I repeated it suspiciously, and got Lucien's acquiescence with a smile.

This cunning man must have wanted to do something. According to his usual habits, he should go with me.

MC: ....Alright then.

I narrowed my eyes and decided to cooperate with him unconditionally and see what he wanted to do.

Although the weather was getting warmer, it was still a little cold outside in the suburbs. With my hands in my pockets, I stood by the dining car and waited for the boss to make a hot drink.

My fingertips suddenly felt the touch of a piece of paper in my pocket. I took it out and saw that it was the task sheet I left to Lucien.

My eyes subconsciously fell to the last column, which was also the only one that was not ticked—“Watching the last snow with MC”

This line was circled, and the ink-colored pen writing faintly smeared on the paper. I turned my head subconsciously and looked in Lucien's direction.

In the open space surrounded by bushes, Lucien sat on the bench. He casually leaned back in his chair, tilted his head slightly, and stared at the trees above his head.

And where his sight fell, the branches of the trees had suddenly formed a thick layer of ice.

Crystal clear crystals envelop the entire grove, reflecting a strange multicolored light in the sunlight, which is extremely beautiful from a distance.

Stall owner: Miss, your drink is ready.

MC: Okay, thank you.

I came back to my senses, picked up the hot drink, turned around and walked towards Lucien, paying careful attention to the bushes around me.

When I passed by here just now, is there such a beautiful scene? It seems that there is only snow left on the branches...

I subconsciously circled around but found that there was only an ordinary snow scene around me, and only Lucien was surrounded by such a fantastic and unreal glacial scene.

He didn't seem surprised, instead he looked up calmly, even with a bit of observation and scrutiny.

The temperature of the hot drink spreads along the fingertips to the palm of my hand. I stared at the white mist above the hot drink cup, and my heart suddenly moved.

Could it be that...the "Ice and Snow Forest" in front of me has something to do with Lucien?

If that's the case, then his strange act of taking me away just now makes sense!

I slowed down my pace, walked quietly behind him and before he could react, I gently pressed the side of the hot drink to his cheek.

He looked stunned for a moment, looked up and saw that it was me, and narrowed his eyes.

MC: These groves covered with crystals are not Professor Lucien's "experiments" are they?

He nodded calmly and made no secret of it.

Lucien: Do you like it?

MC: ...Of course I like it.

I got a positive answer, and my heart was full of surprise joy, so I simply sat on the bench behind him, leaning back to back with him.

The warm breath enveloped me, and when I looked at the pure "winter scenery" in front of me, my heart felt inexplicably peaceful.

Lucien: I've been thinking about what else to do if you miss that snow, to get the winter you envisioned.

Lucien: After thinking about it, maybe creating the most beautiful winter scene and letting you say goodbye to this winter is the best way.

Lucien: If you like it, the "experiment" is very successful.

The sky was as blue as a wash, and the warm sunlight poured down through dazzling brilliance.

I felt like a warm energy was injected into my heart, and I couldn't help but smile.

MC: This is really the best winter scene I have ever seen.

Lucien: But I think this is not enough.

MC: Hm?

Before I could respond, there was warmth in my ears.

MC: ....Lucien?

Lucien: Wait a moment.

His breath lingered on my auricle, itching and numbness, and within a second, my ears was stuffed into a hard gadget.

I reached out and touched it and found it was a headset. Looking along its cord, the other headset is in Lucien's ear.

I turned my head to the side and saw Lucien took out his phone and clicked on an audio. Strangely, there was no sound coming.

I was about to ask, when he interrupted me softly.

Lucien: Close your eyes, MC.

I closed my eyes in confusion.

In the quiet environment, only his voice came clearly and lingered in my ears.

Lucien: On the snowy day, I happened to be sitting by the window of the conference room.

Lucien: When the snowflakes started to fall, while regretting not being able to watch the last snow with you, I suddenly remembered a sentence I saw a long time ago.

Lucien: "A lot of beauty in the world is moving, often because of the moment you witness the beauty, and the person you remember."

His voice was low and deep, like a pair of soft hands, slowly plucking my heartstrings.

Lucien: What is certain is that at that moment, there was only your appearance in front of my eyes.

Lucien: The snow fell on the glass without making any sound, but I heard your voice.

Lucien: So I thought, no matter what, I would re-witness such beauty with you once again.

His words seemed to mean something, my heart still moved, and some vague idea flashed in my mind.

MC: What's on the headphones now...?

Lucien: It was the sound of snow that day.

As if a small warm current was injected into my heart, I couldn't suppress the curvature of my lips, and I closed my eyes and listened with bated breath.

Lucien: I originally wanted to "watch" the last snow with you in this way.

Lucien: But when I was walking here with you just now, a new idea came to my mind.

Hearing what he said, I subconsciously opened my eyes to look at Lucien, and caught a glimpse of a small crystal icicle flying out of his fingertips.

Ding--

The branches were clanking, the ice layer shattered in an instant, and the fresh petals on the branches flew in the air together with the snow, floating in the air.

Beautiful as snow.

The white noise in my ears was still flowing, I looked at the white sky in front of me, as if I really heard the sound of falling snow.

I suddenly remembered that a long time ago, he also sent me the sound of melting glaciers on the other side of the earth.

Come to think of it, maybe my winter wasn't good enough.

It was the man behind me who brought all the good things into my winter.

At the end of winter, the sun already had a warm warmth. I leaned back comfortably on the back of the chair and felt the warmth of Lucien on my back.

After taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes again, stretched my arms lazily, and cleared my throat.

MC: Lucien, I understand why I dare to look back at winter.

MC: Not only because this winter is very warm, but also because of having you by my side, I have seen many small and beautiful things.

MC: In these beautiful moments, I realized that there are many moments in life that are easily overlooked.

MC: And you always draw my attention to these moments, shove them into my field of vision, and fill my world.

MC: I think you are the source of my beliefs that everything in the world is beautiful.

I leaned against his shoulder and felt his head slowly resting on top of mine.

Lucien: Sounds like I'm your "filter" for seeing the world?

I froze for a moment, and couldn't help but chuckle.

MC: As expected of Professor Lucien who is good at summarizing!

Lucien: So, I am honored to be your "filter".

The flying "snowflakes" gradually fell to the ground, mixed with the melting snow and ice, and became a new memory left this winter.

The world is rewashed into the scenery of early spring, full of vitality and spring.

I straightened up, stretched out my arms, took a long breath of satisfaction, and embraced the sun in my arms.

MC: So now, I declare - our "winter trip" has come to a successful conclusion!

MC: As the organizer, does Mr. Lucien has anything to say?

He chuckled softly, cleared his throat cooperatively, and the deep voice fell softly into my ear.

Lucien: In the winter of next year, please allowed MC to witness this good thing with me.

--

Notes from me: Thanks for always enjoying his date and my translations~ There’s so much idiom for this date which I’m afraid I make a mistake for translating it, so if you guys find some mistakes, please let me know ^^

If Kiki , Anna , the rest of my friends and colleagues found out about my secret feelings including the letters I wrote about victor secretly , I would get in big trouble , what letters you may ask? It’s simple. Basically, when i feel like I can’t control the love i feel towards him . I write down all my feelings in a letter and hide it somewhere , i got this idea from a movie i watched last year. At first , I haven’t thought not in a million years that I would use this idea and especially writing my unwanted feelings towards my CEO ,Aka victor li .

He was very strict and seemed to be very rude, i used to hate on him . He isn’t my type in men plus we’re completely different. Its not a big surprise since he is the CEO of an worldwide successful company ,LFG.

Just to clarify our differences. He made his company from the beginning meanwhile me, A young lady who inherited a show from her father once she Graduated from college. I didn’t even have an experience in life or the business field.

Everything were so difficult to me and it felt like an endless maze , the fact that I have him as my investor was like a miracle . Not only that but he really take good care of me . He is older in age , with a mature mindset . I am just young reckless, hesitant and inexperienced girl who just got a big position and so naive comparing to what she is responsible for .

I thought alot about giving up but victor make me change my mind and Instead of giving up he gave me the motivation to challenge him , i was in the mood to show him and prove to him that i can take the harsh responsibilities like an adult And be someone who is trust worthy enough to have his five hundred million investment in my show .

With time, i fall in love with him. And with everyday goes by it only grows bigger and bigger than the day before. The more i try to hide my feelings. The more it becomes obvious . When he confessed his feelings to me that day in the rooftop. I was beyond happy. I couldn’t sleep that day. But I quickly get back to the harsh reality, and remembered the huge gap between us, Victor deserve someone near to his position. Not me, comparing to him i am just a crybaby who rant about submitting reports and dealing with the deadlines every week .

But one day, I don’t know what’s goes inside my brain . I couldn’t even control my own body. When i found out that Victor would go to the awards banquet with another woman, I stopped thinking and I couldn’t care less about how weird i am behaving with my colleagues . In that night , i saw victor leaving the fancy banquet hall with another woman.

She looks way more mature and wiser than me. To put it in simple words she has everything i lack, and to my unfortunate luck. She does everything way better than me . And tonight , I witnessed My heart sinking in the ground. Its like i just got drenched in icy cold water in this snowy weather . I drank Alot . Wine, whiskey and even brandy . I couldn’t even recognize the bitterness in them . I just drink to be numb and ease my heart.

When the banquet came to an end ..

“ you two can head home first, its late . The weather is pretty today so i just want to walk and be alone for some time “ I spoke with a shaky voice tone, then left after grabbing my hand bag from the table.

“ whats wrong with our boss? She’s has been acting weird these few days especially today” Kiki spoke to anna.

Anna were worried as well , she just shrugs in confusion replying to kikis question.

“ i have never seen her like that before!” Anna added

“ it’s dangerous to let her be alone !, we can’t just leave her there! “ kiki said

“ she wanted time to get her self together, I think its very inappropriate for us to interrupt her wishes . * she smiled * Don’t worry minor would keep his eyes on her from afar “ Anna said while patting Kiki s shoulder gently to comfort her .

After leaving them. i rushed to the back beautiful garden to try and process everything happened tonight , the scenery were amazing but I couldn’t focus and appreciate it , I started regretting what i did, I shouldn’t push him away acting dumb and slow from the beginning. I love him more than anything, I admit i am very jealous and I don’t know how to deal with it because its my first time feeling this way about someone. I have never wanted someone as much I do for Victor.

These feelings were so exhausting to bear alone ,I was so hopeless that i even shared my story anonymously in tumbler with people but everyone advised me to stay away and forget about him for endless reasons. Yeah, they were right. But..

I also can’t… I CANT STOP LOVING HIM AND GIVE UP ON THIS . people wont have mercy on us and our relationship since we are a boss and worker in love but now seeing this . Realizing I might lose him forever. I don’t care, seeing him taking care of a random woman and accompanying her in the banquet really make me rethink about everything and even that thoughtful decision i took and was so confident about . I decided to head to the parking section for cars to follow them. I started running like crazy .

“GOD PLEASE PLEASE LET ME MAKE IT , PLEASE DONT LET THEM LEAVE TOGETHER ! . PLEASE.. I CANT LOSE HIM THIS TIME” i said begging .

I can lose anything and everything, but not him. I can’t lose Victor!

Because no one loved me like he did And I can’t imagine falling in love again with a different man.

Suddenly my foot slipped and i fall.

The expensive pair of high heel that i brought got ruined too. One of them broke But I couldn’t stop here! Im still in the middle of the way . My legs started be numb and it hurt a little because these shoes were new too , But I didn’t care, I can’t lose the path that can lead me to them! I still have to find Victor!

When i reached to the cars parking space , I couldn’t find them…

My nose suddenly started to burn and my eyes started sweating?, i decided to go back inside the banquet and sit . I couldn’t find chair there so I went to sit the corner on the stairs like a lost child. I started to cry heartily like a baby who lost her parents . But for me comparing to the baby I lost everything, I lost Victor..

My body is shaking and I couldn’t stop the thoughts in my mind. My mind went wild and started to even imagining how they would look together in the church . Kissing each other passionately after announcing them as a husband and wife. My heart suddenly started to beat so fast and I began to struggle breathing , while sobbing quietly.

Suddenly i felt a warm coat landed on my head, shoulders and has familiar manly scent ..

my face were swallowed, especially my eyes and nose. I was slow to react and realizing that this coat belongs to him…. And only him. Victor..

I felt strange feeling , i was happy and relieved that i was able to meet him again.. and that happiness give me strange feelings in my tummy . I believe that’s what they call “butterflies in the stomach” , I felt really warm. I don’t think it’s because of that coat. But him. Who give them his scent and body temperature

“ * sigh helplessly at the view* Dummy.. what are you doing here in this condition ? Don’t you know it’s dangerous area, especially in this hour? What if someone came for you ? Or even decided to kidnap you ,taking you away ? What are going to do? I searched everywhere for you and I couldn’t find you its like you weren’t in this earth from the beginning , WHERE THE HECK YOU WERE??? ………. But most importantly are you okay? Did something happen?……… Duckie , are you crying? “

my eyes couldn’t stop the tears from coming out when he were talking in such an sharp voice, he was really worried so he was furious to see me in such a state alone , but when he noticed that i was crying so hard, sniffing and wiping my eyes his voice turned so soft and calm

he grabbed my hands and hold them between his hands to warm them up

I refused to talk or face him because i wasn’t looking at my best right now, he just kneeled down to my level like prince charming and looked at me, he noticed how swallowed and red my face are.. he reached with his hands to hold my cheeks while massaging my under eyes

“ do they hurt A lot? “ he said quietly ,

I nodded while looking in the ground, my eyes fell upon his shoes trying to avoid his glare.

“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine too. Lets go home first … its getting late” he said..

I nodded because i was too tired to reply using sentences . I stand and remembered my broken heels and slightly injured foot.

Before I could explain, Victor carried me bridal style , I didn’t needed to explain anything. I felt warm , safe and happy, that I forget that I’m being held between his arms . I gave up to the warm sensation and fall asleep.

Victor put me in his car gently , wrapping my body with his big coat then went to grab hot tea and body warmers from the super market near by.

i took some time to wake up, when i wake up i was still in his car , the car was really warm. I didn’t find Victor on the driver seat so i looked outside.

i saw him tapping on his tablet working and answering calls . I also noticed that we’re near the sea and its 12am . I took my time appreciating the view , then i knocked at the window. Victor saw me and returned to the car.

“ you wake up, how do you feel now ? “ he asked with a soft voice

“ i am better now , sorry for making a scene back there. I was really upset about something so i was drunk , angry and upset thats why I decided to be alone , sorry i worried you and caused you trouble “i said while looking into his eyes.

“ dummy… And why did you drink? “ he said angrily ..

“ please don’t be mad i was just so upset, can’t you just allow me to drink only this time?” I said

“ yes, i am angry at you… but also glad to see you safe and better. After all , i can’t ask for more from dummy like you” victor said then poked the tip of my nose lightly with his fingers , after that he patted my head gently, smiling at me .

“ its late, let’s head home” he said

After few minutes driving i realized that we are in different path and its unfamiliar to me.

“ where are we going “ i asked hesitantly ..

“ to My home” he said

“ to your home??”

“Well, only if your apartment was nearby like my home. Its late already, just sleep tonight in my house” he said calmly

I nodded in agreement.

After few minutes we arrived.

Victor opened the door for me , i entered inside . His home was big but also felt so warm and cozy . Victor turned to face me “ go and take a hot shower, then dry your hair. Don’t get cold. I asked them to prepare you clothes. If you need anything ask me “ he said

i went to the room. It was big as expected and has a fancy bathtub. After i finished showering and preparing for bed. When i was about to head to sleep, I suddenly heard knocks on my door .

“Get in “ i said

The door was opened and it was victor, he was wearing his classic black pjs

“ as expected, you didn’t even dry your hair yet you headed to sleep anyways“ he said..

“What if you get cold?” He added

He went to grab a hairdryer from the drawer . Then turned to face me

“ come here” he said

I understand what he want so i sit and give him my back. He started to dry my hair, touching my hair so gently. After he finished drying my hair he took a hair tie and started to tie my hair.

“ there’s something I wanted to say to you” he said

“ hmm? “ I replied

“ i will get to the point “ he said

“ I might not know what exactly that got you so bothered like that , but you must know that there are a lot of circumstances in the world that are out of our control. The causes and reasons behind every circumstance is complicated. In a world where it’s impossible to know everything, it’s normal that we experience things we cannot understand and find difficult to accept. Even so, we have to accept it. There are many ways to accept it. Crying is also one of them. However, only for one night. ( he took my hand that was planning on reaching my face)…. And don’t rub your eyes, it will be better if you leave it and take a good sleep “ he added .

After leaving, he leaned to kiss my head .

“ good night “ he said

“ wait! “ i said

His eyes locked into mine , waiting for me to say what I want to say.

“ why did you went to the banquet, with her? “ i couldn’t stop my curiosity so i asked him .

He chuckled quietly then pinned my chin forcing me to look at him..

“ you jealous? “ he said

A bold idea came up to me ,

“Yes..i am! “ I didn’t wasted time and answered his question seriously.

He was frozen in his place , stopped chuckling and has a surprised face expression .

I gathered all my courage to say the three most difficult words ..

“ i love you victor! “ i said , while looking into his face..

then reached to his face and give him a quick peck on his lips ..

“ don’t make me feel this way again, I hate it !“ i said and then went for another kiss . But He didn’t kiss me back , still surprised by my bold move.

“ when i saw how you looked to her when she was talking to you . You were smiling while and looking into her eyes , I wondered if you ever started to lose your feelings towards me , i was really scared of losing you.. i even started to imagine how you would look in your groom suit .. standing beside her in front of everyone… i was so scared “ my voice cracked at the end.. i felt the tears forming in my eyes

“ I really… really don’t want to lose you . I did my research about her, She won countless times and even has the f-“ my speech were cut off with his hot kiss .

He closed his eyes and rested his one hand on the back of my head and the other on my neck.

He pulled his lips away from mine when he noticed how i was struggling to breathe.

“ … you talk too much” he said while maintaining his sharp eyes on me.

“Since when you had these thoughts on that little brain of yours? Instead of using it on useless things, apply this effort and worry about your unfinished weekly report instead. You thought I haven’t noticed how distracted you were ?“ Victor said.

“ relax dummy , Lili is just an older sister to me. She asked if i can company her since her husband on business trip outside china. Lili is busy in work but also dealing with three kids at the same time. I was just helping her manage the deal she had with SJ company , you don’t have to worry that little head of yours on such matters “ victor added.

“ Duckie, i searched for you, and luckily after 10017 years i was able to meet you again. The little head of yours could never imagine how bad I wanted to see that silly smile of yours again. I waited for so long , and you better make it up to me. In other words , Be mine” victor said , while holding my left cheek and went for another breathless kiss ..

“ i —-love —-you——-, Dummy “ he said between his kisses ..

“ don’t close your eyes, look at me when iam talking to you. You know that i love when you’re bold with me, right?” he said smiling at me then slightly biting my lower lip ..

“I was so happy when i met you, in the end of the banquet . I thought you went with her“ i said while having a big silly smile on my face

“ There is only one thing you should be happy about……. It has always been you and only you” he said while looking at my eyes and holding my hot blushing cheeks in his big hand .

After making out sessions for straight two hours , he lay me down on the bed pulling the quilt over my body.

“ go to sleep, and NEVER think about theses useless matters . if you want to ask me something Just ask me directly ... Goodnight dummy” he said ..

“Good night” i replied softly

He smiled then give me a final forehead kiss and went outside the room after dimming the lights ..

In the next day i went to LFG to submit my weekly report , suddenly i received a call from Kiki

“ boss, i made a surprise for you!! you are going to thank me for it . Don’t overthink about it, and just enjoy the surprise” she said while giggling in mischievous manner.

She closed the call, i was nervous and curious at the same time but I didn’t pay much attention on that because I didn’t have much time left, i have weekly report to submit! . I hurried to victors office and luckily I arrived on time but I found my secret love letters has been opened on victors office already and he had one of them on his hand , taking his time reading it while drinking his coffee ..

he noticed me standing near the door , surprised and embarrassed . Victor smirked in anticipation

“ You have a lot of explainings to do , Producer Duckie “ he said while giving me smirky face

what a Great start to my day.

The End