"Smile!" I shouted at Ice, who was standing at the other end of the road while I tried to get a decent picture of him.
He had been like this since this afternoon.
Insert dramatic sigh… this kid is problematic. His face looked visibly reluctant in every picture.
"Because I am."
The voice came from behind me.
I almost dropped Ace's DSLR, Of course that part is a secret to Ice, and suddenly Ice was right over my shoulder while I was browsing the photos.
"Ops—did I say that out loud? I mean, look!" I shoved the camera at him too fast. "I got a good picture! And I want to get one of you too! Please cooperate!"
Surprisingly, Ice was a very good photographer. Thumbs up for you, sir.
But cooperation? Zero.
"The fact that you look good in every picture is not my problem. Why do I need to suffer? Tsk." Ice muttered, and I only caught the irritated tsk at the end.
But I didn't stop my whining.
Did he just said I look good in the picture? Ahhh don't blush.
"Come on, one last! Over there." I pointed toward the lower side of the road. Trying to forget what he just said that I look good, but it actually loops in my head.
"Pleaseeee" I begged. Were are we? Paradise.
The road dipped downwards with a soft curve. Behind me was a cozy café with walls washed in sunset gold. On the other side of the road was a full, unobstructed view of the ocean—bluer than any picture frame could hold. Because this part of the road was elevated, the sea looked like a shimmering sheet of glass stretching to the horizon. Yellow and pink flowers bloomed along the guardrail, swaying every time the wind swept past.
That view. Who wouldn't want a picture?
"Smileeee." I pulled my own cheeks up with my fingers to demonstrate. Why did I suddenly feel like a babysitter dealing with a five year old ungrateful niece.
Minutes passed. Or hours?
Considering Ice kept insisting it was hours of me taking pictures, as we sat at the café for drinks.
Now, we were simply admiring the view. The timing was perfect. The sun was sinking, spilling orange and pink tones across the sky like something out of a fantasy novel.
Even with a reluctant Ice beside me… it still felt fairy tale-ish.
Okay, fine. I had a meeting with myself and concluded I should stop arguing with my feelings.
I have a crush on Ice.
That's okay.
He is cute and handsome. If anyone says otherwise, I will fight them.
Okay, he probably doesn't need my help anyway, but still.
In conclusion: He can be the temporary prince charming I want… until I meet the real one. Because this, this one right there
I turned to him.
He was looking at the view, wind blowing his hair softly, the last streaks of sunlight drawing sharp edges around his face. I bet if I called him now, he would look exasperated. Like always.
"Icy!!"
He turned.
Everything felt slow, like dozens of cameras had suddenly surrounded us and captured the moment in cinematic slow motion.
He stared at me, yes, with the same mad, irritated face.
Just my usual Iceberg.
Unapologetic.
Annoyed.
But always here.
To complain.
And yet… he stays.
Somehow, the free time on the first day wasn't boring at all. And about that report? Yeah… Miss Murasaki can wait.
Next: Why am I the one crying under a blanket while Ice sits there like some calm prince offering ice cream at midnight? My life makes no sense. My emotions make no sense. And Ice… definitely makes no sense.