Silence was spreading, creeping up the skin like ants. The cold air touched the burning skin, and goosebumps erupted uncontrollably.
Yet, this silence carried an entirely different atmosphere.
In the apartment, the shift in mood was palpable. Before realizing it, one held their breath, drawn into the scene before them.
Clementine's passion and initiative contrasted with Joel's shyness and restraint. Their back-and-forth interactions shattered the stereotypical dynamics people usually expected, presenting an entirely different position and state. However, the real focal point was the chemistry that overflowed and grabbed attention, making it impossible to look away.
So, what's the next step?
When Clementine's enthusiasm collided with an iceberg, she didn't continue to press forward. She pulled back slightly, allowing cold air to rush in between them.
Awkwardness, unfamiliarity, unease.
Clementine played the high-and-mighty role, waiting for Joel to take the initiative. She exuded an air of unattainable elegance.
But then...
Nothing.
Nothing happened.
The air cooled down, and awkwardness spread in the silence.
Clementine felt a bit frustrated.
In the end, she couldn't hold out—
For more than two seconds.
She turned her head, pouting at Joel, dissatisfaction written all over her face. Surprisingly, she noticed Joel's gaze flickering.
Hmm? Wait, what's going on?
Clementine raised an eyebrow slightly, patiently waiting.
Sure enough, she saw Joel's timid and restrained gaze flicker over. Before it could even land on Clementine, it hurriedly retreated.
Like a fox walking on the frozen surface of a winter lake, ears pricked, cautiously alert. At the slightest disturbance, it would disappear without a trace. Even in stillness, it remained vigilant, rejecting any stranger's approach.
However, he couldn't hold back, and his eyes flicked over again and again, sneaking glances at Clementine.
So, what's the deal?
Clementine stared at Joel, a trace of curiosity gleaming in her eyes—
Joel sat upright, back straight, legs neatly placed. Both hands rested on his knees, his left hand holding a water cup. His thumb continuously rubbed the cup, the small action betraying the storm within.
Then...
His gaze inadvertently flicked over again, but this time, Clementine caught him.
"You're very quiet, aren't you?"
Joel, "Sorry."
He shrugged slightly, his first instinct to apologize. He averted his eyes but realized he hadn't made eye contact when speaking, which was impolite.
Joel quickly lifted his eyes, glanced at Clementine, and gave an awkward, stiff smile before immediately looking away again.
"My life isn't what you'd call interesting. It's just work and home every day. Nothing worth discussing."
He looked up again and noticed Clementine staring at him intently, her gaze calm and warm. His eyes lingered there, not hurriedly retreating this time. Carefully, he used his gaze to trace the contours of Clementine's face.
Unintentionally, he held his breath.
Clementine seemed not to notice, simply gazing at Joel, watching him quietly.
In that brief instant, time seemed to stop. Eyes met eyes, and sparks and currents blossomed, the sound of heartbeats turning into a roar in his ears.
But...
Joel looked down.
Again, Joel broke eye contact.
He could feel Clementine's gaze; she hadn't moved or looked away. She kept staring at him. The warmth on his cheeks was palpable, making Joel swallow hard.
His mouth went dry.
"You should see my diary. It's practically... blank."
Joel spoke in a low voice, squeezing out the words with difficulty.
"Really?" Clementine's voice broke the silence.
Though her volume and pace were normal, maybe a bit high-pitched, against Joel's calmness, she seemed a bit too loud.
Clementine continued to look at Joel, her gaze so intense it could burn holes in his face.
This time, Clementine gathered her courage again, shifting slightly closer to Joel. She leaned forward, trying to catch Joel's eyes once more, "Does that make you feel sad or anxious?"
Her tone was slightly urgent.
Joel felt like a furnace was approaching him, his skin nearly burning. His body instinctively leaned away, but his eyes crept back up to her face, lingering cautiously on her lips.
Clementine didn't notice, lost in her thoughts. "I often feel anxious, always thinking life isn't fulfilling enough. I want to seize every opportunity, making sure not a single moment is wasted."
Rattling on like a whirlwind, she said everything in one breath.
Joel then heard his own voice whisper in his ear, "I've thought about that too."
Clementine paused, looking up at Joel.
Unintentionally, she found herself caught in that ocean of blue, "Really?"
Her voice trembled slightly.
"You're really too kind." A smile crept up her lips, and both Clementine and Joel started laughing. Clementine immersed herself in the atmosphere. "Oh, God, I should really stop saying that. What I mean is... you, you're wonderful."
Even though she knew she shouldn't say it, she couldn't help it.
Clementine moved closer again, almost touching Joel. She looked deeply into his eyes, the smile on her lips freezing, her gaze slowly unfocusing, falling into that ocean of blue.
Half-awake, half-dreaming, she murmured to herself.
"I want to marry you."
The thought blurted out, but Clementine didn't feel flustered or embarrassed. Seeing Joel's bewildered and panicked expression, she just smiled, took a sip of her drink.
"I know. I'm serious."
Her gaze remained fixed on Joel.
Joel blinked repeatedly, forgetting to look away for the first time, staring at Clementine.
This was the first time Joel openly looked at Clementine for such a long time. He knew he should turn his head, but his neck felt stiff. His heart raced as if about to break free, his brain pressed the pause button, and a warm wave surged in his chest.
"...Okay?"
His voice rose at the end, uncertain, but deep inside, he didn't reject it. His lips curled up uncontrollably.
Shy yet joyful, happy yet nervous.
His wildly beating heart roared in his ears.
Joel was a hundred percent sure this wasn't like him. Every cell in his body screamed to run away; this wasn't something he would normally do.
But more importantly, every inch of his soul longed for this, uncontrollably drawing closer. The feeling was so intense, so overwhelming, that it scared Joel.
This feeling that emerged from an unfamiliar corner was spiraling out of control. Joel didn't know if it was nervousness or happiness taking over.
Adrenaline burned throughout his body.