— This is where I often come to catch my breath. I only recently discovered it, he explained, gesturing to the serene surroundings.
Esiah inhaled deeply, the crisp air filling her lungs. "It's true that the air is pure here," she said, a smile spreading across her face.
— Yes; he agreed, feeling a sense of pride. — It's my little paradise. I found it when…
— It's not important; he interrupted himself, Esiah eyes sparkling with curiosity.
— Theos, I wanted to tell you… Her voice trailed off, the words caught in her throat, as if the weight of her feelings was too much to bear.
— Esiah, I brought you here because I wanted to talk to you too!" he blurted out, his nerves bubbling to the surface.
But I'd rather not discuss what happened this morning because it might spoil the mood, so I'll take the initiative.
— What did you want to talk to me about? she asked, her expression shifting to one of curiosity.
The wind picked up, swirling around them, as if nature itself was urging him on.
—It's simple—no complicated strategies or anything. I just want to tell you how I feel.
—Is that true, Theos? she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
—Would you repeat that, please? he asked playfully, a grin creeping onto his face.
—I'm asking you if you'll go out with me! I love you!" she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion as a few tears slipped down her cheeks.
—Why are you crying? Was that too sudden? he asked, his heart racing, unsure how to interpret her tears.
—No, I'm just happy. Don't mind me; she replied, her smile radiant even through her tears.
Relief flooded over him, and he took a step closer, feeling emboldened. —Theos, I wanted to tell you that I'm madly in love with you too. —His voice was steady, but inside, he was a whirlwind of emotions.
Phew, it was a risky bet, yet he felt sure of himself. He panicked slightly when she began to cry again, fearing he had upset her.
—Tell me, is it possible for you to take me in your arms?" she whispered, her eyes searching his.
—Yes, of course!" He stepped closer, wrapping her in his arms. It was a funny sight, knowing she wasn't his size, but everything felt right in that moment.
—I feel great. Can we stay like this for a while?" she murmured, snuggling against him. "You know, Theos, I'm so surprised. I love you too, and I have since we first met."
Theos chuckled softly, feeling the warmth of their embrace. It was strange but beautiful—perhaps this was what love felt like. He realized he had feelings for her that were sincere and impulsive.
As the minutes passed, he wished this moment could last an eternity, even as he sensed that reality would soon come crashing back in.
—Is it getting late? she finally asked, breaking the spell that had enveloped them.
They were officially a couple now, but they couldn't afford to linger too long. As they walked back, the world around them faded into a soft blur of colors and sounds, the excitement of their new relationship blooming like spring flowers.
—Yes! Esiah replied, her heart racing at the thought of returning home. She didn't want this magical day to end; she just wanted to go home, sleep, and wake up in a world where they were together.
As they approached an intersection, the car that was supposed to take her home was still there, waiting patiently.
—Do you want me to walk you home? Theos offered, not quite ready to part ways.
—Sebastian!" Esiah exclaimed, her expression shifting to one of apprehension.
Sebastian, the man in the black suit who usually accompanied her, leaned against the car with an air of cool detachment. Theos didn't feel threatened by him; he was just a little tired, like someone who would do anything for his employer.
—Maybe next time; Theos said, a shiver running through him as he recalled the earlier unease of their surroundings.
—See you tomorrow! she replied, her voice bright but tinged with a hint of reluctance.
—Yeah, I'll probably see you tomorrow; he replied, forcing himself to smile as their paths diverged.
Back at home, it was afternoon. As he opened the door, he was greeted by his personal welcoming committee.
—Big brother, where have you been? Is it getting late? Louise exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern.
—You were supposed to come home early; the school called for the next tutor meeting; she added, her voice dripping with mock seriousness.
—Louise, your big brother is allowed to go out once in a while! Are you pouting now? he teased, ruffling her hair.
—How about a game later? he suggested, a grin spreading across his face.
—YES! she beamed, her previous concerns forgotten. Theos liked that much better.
—In the meantime, let me rest a little. He headed straight to his room, flopping onto his bed, fatigue washing over him.
—I'm exhausted.
Before drifting off to sleep, he thought about sending Esiah a message to check if she made it home safely, but exhaustion pulled him under before he could type a word.
And so, the story begins…