A few weeks of dating Ray, Althea found some new facts: One, their personalities and values are almost a stark contrast to each other, Two, they never think of breaking up and Three, Ray has his own way of loving her which she both loves and feels frustrated about.
On a daily basis, Ray is the cold, calm, straightforward person. Not just once or twice did she get mild to severe criticism from Ray regarding her values and actions and time to time she would feel slightly offended because of it.
But this guy who apparently didn't know how to sweet-talk his girlfriend keep doing things which touched her deeply. A type of love and dedication she never thought was possible to be done.
Still, the fact that they have a hard time talking to each other doesn't change.
So Althea turned to something which might bring positive result, albeit barely; which was nothing but multiple-choice questions.
"So do you like cars or bike?" She knew she shouldn't do it, but she was still chatting with Ray when doing her work. These days it felt even harder for her to leave her phone alone.
"Any which is more effective at given time."
'Great, talking about being realistic.' Althea pouted as she tidied up Haru's toys, "If you have to choose one?"
"... Bike."
Althea smiled and nodded. She gotta force this one to choose or else everything is just a 'whatever' for him.
"I guess asking about favorites will not work on you?" Althea placed her phone on Haru's study desk, proceeding to clean his bed.
"Exactly. I don't favor anything except you."
While it's not the first time Ray said that, Althea still felt a bit embarrassed whenever Ray said that. Partly because she's not used to such compliment and a cheesy one at that, and the other reason being that she always thinks she's unworthy.
"Well, uhh. Thanks." She knew she didn't need to sound awkward in their text but she wanted to convey whatever it was she's feeling.
"Why did you get insomnia?" She changed the topic before Ray could reply with anything.
"I don't yet wish to talk about my past, dear."
'Yep. Just Ray being 'Ray'. Althea moved to her own room as soon as her cleaning work was done and thought of how Ray always seem to hate his past. Oh, and how they're so comfortable with calling each other as 'dear' now.
"Will you tell me someday?" Althea flopped on her bed, the neat pink patterned cover creased with her at the center.
"Maybe."
Althea pursed her lips. She surely had fun with such trivial or serious talk too, but she wanted to do some 'silly things' which most couple does.
Yeah, like asking how much they love another and give an answer of an exaggerated 'thiiiis much' while spreading their arms, or questions like, 'what would their spirit animal be?' etc.
Cliche.
But that doesn't mean Althea won't ask though.
"Dear, dear. If I'm an animal, then what animal I am?"
Althea smirked to herself. She might know nothing of seducing a guy but she did heard from Karin that man likes cute, slightly spoiled girl.
"You're a human dear."
'Okay, not this man.' Althea scrunched up her nose.
"Still, just if, you know." she pressed.
"... I can't imagine you as an animal."
Althea who looked forward to what Ray's reply might be buried her head on her pillow again.
This isn't working.
"Okay. Let's change the question." She tried another one.
"If I were to be symbolized as a flower, what flower will I be?" Althea's eyes shone as she thought for sure she is using the correct sentence now.
"Eshaal."
Althea almost jumped in happiness as she finally got an answer.
'What is that, though?'
"What is Eshaal, dear?" Althea asked. This man always knows what she doesn't, and it's exciting to know more.
"It's the most beautiful flower in heaven." Ray replied.
"Beautiful. Is that why you think it's like me?" Althea laid flat on her chest, swinging her legs as she looked forward to the reply.
"Yes, but not really."
'Hm?'
"Eshaal is the most beautiful flower in heaven."
"As it's in heaven, a place made for those people who have done good deeds in life who passed away, I have never seen it nor touch it, but I believe in its existence my whole heart."
"Just like you."
Althea's feet which swung in excitement came to a halt.
'Something absolutely pure and beautiful which you never saw but believes whole heatedly.' Althea repeated in her heart.
This is so much more than what she asked for.
Maybe this is also what's unique from Ray. Oftentimes, he might give you a minus point answer. While other times, he gives you plus thousands to make up for it.
"I wish we can meet soon."
"Me too, dear." Ray replied. Althea truly wished to see what Ray's expressions would be like when he says things like these, though the less privacy and limited internet quota she has right now prohibited her from doing so.
"That's why we both need to study so we can get the scholarship to the same university."
Ray's message came again and Althea's smile stiffened,
'Of course, serious again in no time.' She shook her head.
"I understand." Althea looked at the calendar hanging in her room, "When are the entrance exams in your country?"
Ray gave a series of dates for different universities he planned to apply to and Althea took note of it carefully.
'The first is just two months away,' Althea hummed to herself, "Hopefully everything will go smoothly."
"I hope so too, dear." Ray agreed.