Sun rays danced through the glass windows, gently waking up Leon. His head throbbed from the hangover, and as he blinked away the morning haze, flashes of memory flickered in his mind. He turned and caught sight of her, curled up beside him, peacefully sleeping under a cozy quilt. A goofy, happy smile crept onto his face as he took in her adorable features framed by the soft fabric.
Suddenly, a wave of realization washed over him. He quickly shook his head and muffled a silent scream, "Ahhhh!!!!!! I... slept... with her!!!!!"
Panic bubbled up inside him, but he quickly decided he needed to take responsibility. With newfound determination, Leon hopped out of bed, a plan forming in his mind. He headed to the bathroom, wanting to look his best when she woke up.
*"I remember her hugging me… maybe she likes me too…"* he pondered aloud to his reflection, a heart-shaped blush creeping onto his cheeks. *"But when did this happen? Hmmm... maybe she saw me at the cafe and was just too shy to say hi..."*
After a refreshing shower and putting back his outfit that made him feel confident, he stepped out—only to find her missing. His heart sank. *"She left… did she regret it?"* Fear clouded his mind.
*"Maybe she woke up and didn't see me. Did she think I'm just a playboy? No…"* All sorts of thoughts raced through his head.
*"Maybe she left me a note…"* He searched around the room, only to find the cupboards empty. Then, he spotted a medicine strip near the trash. He picked it up, recognizing it wasn't just any ordinary medicine, and tucked it into his pocket, hoping it would help him understand.
Suddenly, the room bell rang: Ding Dong Ding Dong.
*"It's her! She came back!"* Leon rushed to the door and threw it open.
"Finn??"
"Yep! Surprised? You weren't in your room, and the waiters told me all about last night! Where is she?" Finn asked excitedly as he stepped inside, looking around at the empty space.
"She left this morning…" Leon's heart sank.
"What? You forced her, didn't you?" Finn raised an eyebrow.
"No way! Even in my drunken state, I'm not a beast! She hugged me first," Leon replied with a pout.
"Then why...?"
"Finn, block the hotel!" Leon exclaimed, urgency in his voice.
They rushed to the reception, only to find out she had already checked out.
"From the manager, I got her address," James chimed in cheerfully.
"Leon... are you sure you want to go through with this?" Laya asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yes! I'm sure! It's not a rash decision. Seeing her this morning...I am sure. I can't forget her!" Leon felt a surge of determination.
"Then go win back my sister-in-law! I can't wait to tell Mom and Dad the good news—you finally found someone special! They were starting to question your orientation," Laya teased.
"No, please don't tell them. Let me meet her first and see how she feels," Leon replied earnestly.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't want to force her into anything," he said softly.
"Okay, your life, your choice. Just remember... in matters of love, my dear Leo, don't be afraid to be a little shameless."