Chapter 10: The Chaotic Holiday in Phra Nakhon
(Phra Nakhon: The historic city center of Bangkok, where royal palaces and ancient temples reside)
"You… you're still Warun, the one I know, right?"
Whoa… what the hell is that question?! At this moment, my entire body went numb. My face burned like someone had pressed a torch to it. I tried to swallow, but my throat refused to cooperate. My brain screamed at me to answer, but my mouth just hung open, silent.
Part of me thought—damn it! Can't you ask something normal for once? Why does it have to be this stabbing, period-drama-level question that digs straight into my chest! And those eyes… looking at me like he's deadly serious, not joking. Oh, I'm gonna die here!
The embarrassment I'd felt earlier vanished completely. What the hell did he know…?
I could only turn toward the window, trying to hide my flushed cheeks as I panted shallowly, pretending to breathe normally.
"…"
The tension hung thickly in the air, almost tangible. P'Theer waited patiently for an answer. I blinked rapidly, internally screaming—
Oh, calm down, Ray! Don't melt in the car right now!
⸻
The car stopped in a wide clearing in the middle of the forest, surrounded by wildflowers glimmering under the moonlight. My mouth was still wide open, frozen—what the hell? How could this be so romantic? Some crazy dude brought me on a date in the middle of the woods! Doesn't he care about snakes popping out to bite me?
"…Warun."
His low, deep voice called my name, clear and precise, and I jumped. His hands still gripped the steering wheel firmly, long fingers pressing as if restraining some emotion.
"Y-Yes?" My voice trembled on its own, betraying me. I hadn't meant for it to stutter like that.
He turned, looking straight at me. Moonlight reflected sharply in his piercing eyes, cutting through me like a knife. "You're still… Warun, the one I know?"
Oh my god… I was frozen solid! Saying this out loud, those eyes seemed to see everything—how I had changed, how I was different—but still… still staring at me like there's no escape.
I swallowed hard and forced a half-hearted smile. "Uh… yeah, I'm… Warun." What the hell am I even saying?
He didn't laugh, but the lowered glance from the corner of his eye was filled with something… tender but unwavering, like he had already believed that I was still his Warun from the start.
My heart pounded like a long drum, but I couldn't help thinking, Is this some confession scene? Am I about to get caught and dragged into a TV drama?
⸻
He turned off the engine and stepped out, circling to open the door for me—oh, British-gentleman-level politeness! I could have gotten out myself, P'Theer!—but I let him help anyway.
My feet sank into the soft, damp grass. Crickets chirped in the background. Moonlight draped over the wide clearing, wildflowers shimmering silver like sprinkled starlight across the ground. I breathed lightly, afraid the beauty would shatter if I exhaled too loudly.
"Warun." His deep voice called again. This time, his large hand lifted to my shoulder, spinning me gently to face him. So close that I nearly choked on my saliva.
⸻
"Step out," he said, low and calm, but with a pull that made me step forward, bewildered.
The moment my feet touched the ground, I could barely breathe. All around, the forest glowed under the moonlight. Countless white wildflowers spread like someone had sprinkled stars on the earth. Tall grass swayed with the wind. Night insects created a soothing symphony. It was so beautiful, I almost felt like I'd stepped into a dream.
I was lost in the view, unaware that he was moving closer. His large hand touched my shoulder, guiding me to face him fully.
"I know you are my Warun…" His voice was steady, but his eyes trembled as if pleading, afraid of my answer. "…but you're not the same. You've changed. Tell me… what really happened?"
I could barely breathe. So close, I could see faint veins at his temple. His eyes wouldn't look away, insisting on an answer while his face remained calm… oh god, this feels worse than failing an exam.
Alright… keeping it in is useless… besides, I've been itching to spill it anyway.
I inhaled deeply, lowering my gaze. My voice shook. "P'Theer… the truth is… I…"
He waited silently. Nothing, not a sound, just giving me space.
"I… had an accident and fell asleep. Suddenly, I woke up in this body—back in the past. I don't know how it happened, only that I… am not the Warun from before, but at the same time, I am."
I swallowed hard, gripping my shirt. "Before, I kept dreaming… someone calling my name, painfully, with love, longing, and guilt all at once. I didn't know who they were, but they… felt so much like you."
Slowly, I lifted my eyes, trembling but meeting his gaze. "I thought that person in my dream was you, P'Theer. You kept calling me to wake me up, but I had no idea what was really happening."
The wind blew stronger, scattering petals like it was emphasizing my confession. I bit my lip and continued.
"I asked the monk… he said maybe I came back because unfinished karma remained, and because someone's heart was fixed on meeting me again." I laughed briefly, though my eyes burned. "The monk said… it's not destiny, but someone's will drawing me back—to resolve the past and tie the new story to completion in this life."
I lowered my head, afraid to meet his gaze. Quietly, I whispered, "I… guess I was sent back to meet you again… to finish what was left undone."
I paused, taking a deep breath, shrugging as if still bewildered by life.
"But even I… don't fully understand what it means yet."
Suddenly, he stepped closer, wrapping me in a tight embrace. His large arms held me like he feared I'd vanish again.
"Warun… all of this… it's not just a dream, right?" His voice trembled. Quiet tears ran down his smooth cheeks onto my shoulder. I could smell his soap and cologne, his breath warm beside my ear.
I nearly choked, looking down at his hands gripping my back—shaking, alive. My heart raced wildly, like it might leap out.
Hiccup.
"I… I always thought it was… just a dream, so real," he whispered, fragile yet tender. Every word struck straight into my chest.
I froze, unsure what to do. His tearful eyes shone in the moonlight, a mix of warmth and pain, silently telling me… this is real, and he believes in me.
I wanted to say something, but my tongue froze. I could only stand still, letting his soft sobs and breathing flood my senses.
His hand brushed my cheek, cold at the tip but warm at the touch, making my heart flare.
"Warun… I know it's confusing… you may not understand everything… but I see it all. I promise… whether dream or reality, I'll protect you."
His voice was soft but firm, eyes warm with hope and care. Each word nudged my heart to race.
I heard his faint sobs, tears streaming down onto my shoulder, mingling with the scent of his soap.
I stiffened, heart pounding as I saw his hands still cradling my back, cautious as if afraid I'd drift away. My mind spun—confused, embarrassed, heart melting every time he spoke.
I lowered my head, inhaling shakily, processing everything. My old dreams surfaced again—someone calling my name over and over, waking me in the middle of the night. I didn't know who it was then.
But now… he's right in front of me, seeing every doubt in me, eyes full of sincerity and pleading.
Our eyes met, and my heart flared. My hands, hesitant, still felt the warmth of his tall frame.
I exhaled heavily, voice trembling, "I… I'm not the Warun from before… and I don't know what will happen next. I… the past me is gone, but the present me is here. I don't know how long I'll stay…"
Words came slowly, but firmly. My voice shook slightly, each syllable a struggle. He looked at me with shock, pain, and deep love, as if absorbing every word straight into his heart.
Then… he collapsed in front of me, sobbing uncontrollably. The quiet forest amplified the sound. I couldn't react in time; my own tears streamed. I bent to rest against him. We sat, holding each other amidst the wildflowers, sorrow and beauty entwined.
His hands tightened around my back. Warm breaths hit my cheek. I could hear intermittent sobs, swallowing, hearts pounding, mirroring each other.
"Warun… I… I love you… so much… I don't want to lose you again… no matter how tangled the past… or the present… I'll stay here for you… I'll protect you…"
His voice shook, crying blended with words, as if spilling decades of pent-up heart.
I lowered my face, wiping my tears, heart racing like it might burst. His sobs were both sorrowful and comforting, making me feel… embarrassed, pained, and warm all at once.
We sat like that for a long time. Wind rustled the trees, mingling with our soft cries. I raised my head to see his wet, pleading, loving eyes. Every word, action, tone… so vivid, I almost exploded… exploding with love, embarrassment, sorrow, and release.
I looked at him again. His tear-streaked eyes shone in the moonlight, showing vulnerability he never revealed.
"Warun… you don't understand… how long I've held this fear… afraid I might not see you tomorrow… afraid I'd let you go… even though my heart says to stay with you."
His voice trembled, softly crying, yet determined with love. Hands still gripping my back, reminding me: Here. Now. We are together.
"I… I love you, Warun… too much… I won't let past mistakes take you away. No matter how complicated the past… I'll stay here. For you. For us."
He pressed his face against my shoulder. Eyes gleaming with gentleness, hope, love, making my heart race. I felt… embarrassed, pained, yet safe at once.
His sobs merged with wind, rustling leaves, distant crickets—creating a sad yet warm symphony, as if the world paused for us.
I wiped my tears again. This time, my heart swelled with a new, unfamiliar feeling.
"P'Theer… I… I too…" I hadn't finished when he whispered close, warm breath on my cheek, voice trembling but steady:
"It's okay… don't say anything… just know I'm here, and I won't let you go again."
The words fell heavy in my chest, both warm, painful, and so embarrassing I couldn't speak.
We sat in the moonlight, embraced among the forest and flowers, hearts bound by love, sorrow, and hope… all merged as one.
I pressed my face closer, heart pounding. Tears still fell, but now… they carried contentment. I felt warm, confused, and melting into his gentleness.
In my heart… damn it… why does P'Theer make me feel like this again? Even though I've known him before, now I feel like I'm falling for him all over again. Past and present… colliding, leaving me breathless.
"No matter past or present… I… I still love P'Theer," I thought silently, letting my heart lead.
His gaze was painful yet gentle, knowing everything… still insisting to be here, for me, for our love.
I pressed into him tighter. Our breaths mingled. His cries blended with wind and flowers, as if the world existed only for us two.
I fell for him… my heart and my body lost to him again. Past and present… like fate entwined our hearts.
My heart raced as if to hammer this truth. I didn't want to run or resist… only to hold him tight… until everything calmed.
Suddenly… he leaned in, pressing my face to his, nose to nose. Warmth and faint fragrance enveloped me. His tall body trembled slightly, restraining overwhelming emotions.
His eyes were red, pleading, loving, yearning… I stared deep, feeling instantly how much he loved me. The warmth of his body, the firm grip on me, made my heart race wildly.
Slowly, he tilted closer. Our lips met… slow… tender… as if every second was frozen just for us. His lips, soft and warm, spoke longing, desire, love—all held in this kiss.
I nearly melted… my heart soared. Body trembling with unfamiliar sensations—warmth, yearning, love. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him tight. His response was equally strong… each breath, each beat, reinforcing that we'd never let go.
I pressed my face to him, heart pounding, hands gripping shoulders. Our lips met… not just a kiss, but filled with longing and nostalgia, almost losing my mind.
The scent of soap, faint cologne surrounding us. I felt his heartbeat through his tall frame, every breath, every motion pulling me deeper into him.
His hands slid to my waist lightly, assertive yet confident. My heart raced uncontrollably. My body shivered slightly, noses pressed together, warmth radiating through me.
I could barely breathe, but forced deep breaths to stay upright. Pressed closer, hands tighter… heart pounding like it might explode. Embarrassment, yearning, love, all mingled.
Every time his lips pressed again, I felt love overflow… warmth, embarrassment, intensity. I nuzzled his neck, arms around him, unwilling to release… the world faded, leaving only us.
My embarrassment merged with yearning. Swallowing hard, body consumed by him. My thoughts scattered—embarrassed, heart racing, sweetness flooding every fiber.
I poured out my story, from now to this moment. Surprisingly, I felt a strange relief—maybe because everything was finally out.
He said he'd help, as long as I spoke. Oh… that's so cute~
⸻
I sat there, talking with him in the midst of the beautiful forest for what felt like hours. The air was cool and damp, carrying the faint scent of wildflowers and the earthy aroma of the soil. The soft rustling of leaves overhead and the occasional chirp of crickets surrounded us, like a gentle soundtrack to our private world. Time seemed to slow, each moment stretching, filled with the quiet intensity of our proximity. It was hard to part ways, and when he finally insisted on driving me home, it felt like an exhausting battle just to let go.
But that conversation… it revealed everything. The one responsible for nearly crushing me with a falling durian—the one who had appeared here seemingly out of nowhere—was him. I couldn't blame him alone. Perhaps it was fate… or some higher power listening to him. There were so many ways to die, yet here I was, nearly flattened by a piece of fruit. Ridiculous.
⸻
P'Theer's part
I gripped the steering wheel tightly, the engine whining softly in the quiet of the dimly lit road. Moonlight glimmered off the windshield, reflecting my pale, tense face. My sharp eyes held shadows of emptiness, as if trying to piece together everything that had happened. But my heart… my heart refused to obey reason.
Images of him—Warun—haunted every corner of my vision. His delicate features, the way his eyes quivered, the trembling voice in the forest… everything so vivid I could barely contain it. I tightened my grip on the wheel again, the echo of my own voice whispering in my head.
"This… is it real? All the dreams… they were real…" I murmured to myself, my hand brushing my face as if trying to touch the lingering warmth of his presence.
The car rolled along, but my mind stood still, replaying every detail: his dreams, the truths he had confessed, the closeness we shared, each word cutting into my heart. I memorized it all, afraid even the slightest slip would make me forget.
When I arrived home, I closed the door quietly and collapsed onto my bed. My hands clutched the pillow tightly, the weight of everything pressing down so heavily I could barely breathe. I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to hold back the tears, but a soft sob escaped before it turned into uncontrollable crying.
"It… it's all true… everything…" My voice shook with sorrow, as though each word was a release of years of suppressed emotion.
I lay sprawled, heart pounding, tears flowing freely. I remembered every dream, every image, every moment—but now, it was real. He was here, in the flesh, and I still loved him… the pain only deepening. I regretted not protecting him fully before, letting the past hurt him.
My breath was ragged, hands clutching the pillow like if I loosened them even slightly, he might vanish again. I thought of his eyes, full of anguish, his trembling voice, each word etched into memory as if sacred.
"I… I won't lose him again… not ever… past or present…" Each word punctuated by sobs, my hands rubbing my chest, feeling as though my heart might burst. Tears streamed endlessly.
In the dark room, I was swallowed by grief and love, every memory, every dream, every confession pressing down on me so heavily I could barely breathe. I lay still, letting the soft sobs mix with my shaking breaths, creating a soundtrack of love laced with pain. Every thought of him, every recollection of his gaze, reminded me that I still loved him. And I hated that I hadn't been able to protect him fully.
The first time he saw Warun—the pale boy standing out among the neighborhood kids, eyes wide and sparkling as if hiding stars—he merely watched silently, heart pounding in his ears. It was love at first sight, but he had been too timid to speak, simply standing close, silently adoring him.
Memories rolled by like an old black-and-white film: laughter in the meadow, the smell of rain-soaked soil where they once ran, his radiant smile untouched by pretense. Warun back then was his entire world…
Then came the day that changed everything: when "Khwan-Kao" appeared—another boy, whose mere presence beside Warun drew whispers from everyone else. That was when P'Theer hardened himself, putting on a facade of strength and sternness to protect Warun from ridicule. Though deep down, love still burned, suffocating, undeniable…
Those memories pressed down like a bittersweet nightmare. Tears rolled down again, sobs shaking the body.
"Hic… Warun…" The broken whisper escaped the darkness, like a spirit left behind.
The darkness gave way to golden sunlight streaming through the curtains. I jolted awake, unsure when I had fallen asleep. My eyes were swollen and red, evidence of a night spent crying. One hand still gripped the pillow as if trying to hold someone from a dream.
I lay for a moment, staring at the wooden ceiling. Sunlight glimmered across the dried tears on my cheeks. The emptiness rose again—but this time, it carried a different weight.
My heart still ached, unbearably, yet in that pain echoed a small voice inside:
"I won't lose him again… no matter what the cost."
I gasped, as if deciding something important. Both hands pressed to my chest, trying to steady my shattered heart. My eyes, blurred from crying, now glimmered with resolve—not for show, but because I knew that this love… this time, I would protect it myself.
⸻
Ray's part
I stumbled into the house like a lost ghost of the forest—shoulders slumped, face drained, hat still perched atop my head with no intention of removing it. Every step felt like torture. My legs dragged as if chained, though in reality, I was just exhausted from a chaotic day.
"Ugh… I'm done. Can't deal with this crap anymore," I croaked, collapsing into a wooden chair at the dining table. Today, I had given up on formalities—eating alone while the servants prepared my food. I devoured the first mouthful as if I hadn't eaten in days.
After a few bites, I abandoned the spoon, face landing on the table. "I can't… anymore…" I whimpered, dragging myself to brush my teeth. As soon as I finished, I practically rolled into bed.
Lights on or off, clothes on or off—didn't matter. One thought remained: "The handsome guy doesn't need a shower, right?" I muttered softly, pulling the blanket tight, closing my eyes with bits of rice still clinging to my lips.
Creak~
And suddenly… the curtain of the dream world lifted.
I found myself in the middle of a wide open field, thin mist drifting lazily, the grass swaying as if in a cinematic scene. But instead of a dramatic mood, I was met with the clangs of pots and pans.
Looking down, I realized… I was wearing a traditional Thai loincloth! (white open-chested shirt fluttering in the wind) And in my hand, a huge brass pan—like the size of a person's head.
"Shit… am I fighting monsters or stir-frying morning glory on high heat!?" I yelled, panicked.
Before I could finish, a massive durian rolled down from a distant hill, rattling like an earthquake, cartoonish eyes gleaming, aiming straight at me!
"You bastard! Don't come at me—" I screamed, flailing my legs in the loincloth, but tripped over the fabric, face-planting into the dirt.
I turned to see the durian stop in front of me…and it spoke, deep voice, exactly like P'Theer:
"Please… come back to me…"
"Hey! I'm not eating you, damn it!!" I shrieked, trying to scramble up, but my legs felt glued to the ground. Then I saw my friends—Thomas, James, Jan, Maria—appear in historical costumes, cheering loudly:
"Accept it, Ray! This durian is your soulmate!"
"You're all crazy!!!" I yelled, but the durian kept rolling closer until its shadow swallowed me—then—
Boom!
Instead of being crushed, I was sucked inside, sliding into the durian like a waterslide. Sticky, viscous, covering my entire head. "Ouch! I did NOT sign up to be inside durian custard!!!"
I finally stopped spinning, and suddenly I found myself in a strange golden hall. A long table stretched out, lined with… durians in suits! Each one had eyes, a mouth, and long whiskers, sitting cross-legged sipping tea. Some wore glasses, some puffed on pipes—it felt like a meeting of executives.
One durian rapped the table—bang!—and spoke in a deep resonant voice, "The National Durian Board meeting begins!"
I stood there, mouth agape. "Huh…"
Then the chairman's chair spun around, revealing… a colossal durian draped in a luxurious cape, so handsome that I flinched—the voice was exactly like P'Theer's.
What the hell…
"Ray…" the voice stretched, long and hypnotic. "You are the chosen one… the bride of the durian."
"AAAAHHHH! I am not marrying a fruit!!" I screamed, clutching my chest, utterly refusing.
Before I could move, the durians in suits all applauded in unison, the claps echoing around the hall. "Congratulations to the bride!"
You've got to be kidding me!?
Suddenly, the curtains on the side opened. A procession of villagers entered, dancing with drums. Behind them, Jan in full traditional Thai costume was dancing, pointing at me, "Yeah, just marry it! That's your soulmate!"
Maria held a golden tray with the durian ring. "This is destiny, Ray! Just accept it!"
James was drumming away, chuckling mischievously, while Thomas stood serious. "Ray, resistance is futile. You marry the durian."
I stood there shaking, eyes wide. "Am I dreaming, or is this a likay (traditional Thai opera) concert?!"
But it wasn't over—the floor beneath me trembled. The long table slowly split apart, revealing stairs leading to a golden throne. On top, Durian-P'Theer stood with arms outstretched, waiting for me.
"Come… Ray… come to me…" The voice was soft yet resonant, almost hypnotic.
I gritted my teeth. "Screw this… I'm not going!!" But my legs moved on their own, each step echoing my pounding heart.
Finally, when I reached the throne, Durian-P'Theer grabbed my hand firmly, eyes tender, making my heart race. "Ray… even if you're a bit crazy, with your ridiculous mouth and farm-hand ways, I will always love you."
"What the hell… you talking that much makes me wanna punch you!" My face burned red, yet my heart thumped uncontrollably—not from embarrassment, but from something deeper.
Then—BOOM! An explosion shattered the throne. I fell into a bottomless void, screaming. "AAAAHHHHHHHH!"
—
I jolted awake on my bed, sweat drenched, shirt soaked even though the AC was freezing. My heart was pounding, hands clutching the blanket like someone might drag me away.
"What the hell kind of dream was that?" I whispered, panting. Glancing at the durian candy on my bedside table, I quickly turned away. "I'm never touching durians again, ever."
After waking from that bizarre dream, no matter how many times I relive it, I never get used to it. I dragged myself to the bathroom, still groggy.
Water splashed over me, the scent of soap filling the air. I leaned against the tub, closed my eyes, letting the warm water cascade down. "Ahhh… refreshing," I muttered, half-laughing, trying to wash the absurdity of the dream from my head.
I stepped out, dried off, and reached for the compact foundation. Gently dabbed it over my neck and arms, hiding the old dark tattoo that was fading anyway. I smiled slightly, blending it in smoothly, like a professional makeup artist. Then a light spritz of perfume, soft and fresh, drifted around me.
Breathing deeply, I rubbed the sweat from my collarbone, shaking my shoulders in satisfaction. "Damn… I might be more handsome than any K-drama lead," I chuckled.
Stepping out of the bathroom, my freshly-cleaned skin glowed faintly. I picked up a creamy white long-sleeve shirt, feeling the cool, light fabric. "Vintage fashion? Or cosplay from someone before me?" I muttered, slipping it on. The soft cotton hugged my body perfectly, as if made just for me.
Checking myself in the mirror, I paired the shirt with cream linen pants. "Hell yeah… this actually works. Born with fashion sense, apparently." I tilted my head, shrugged, and posed like a model.
I placed a straw hat on my head, laughed softly, adjusting it to look cooler, and raised an eyebrow at my reflection. "Too fabulous… even the gods would stare!" I twirled, hands on hips, winking at the mirror. "Future husband you'll never get!"
Laughing, posing, my eyes sparkled like a kid with a new toy. Even the small sweat on my temple made me look alive, not artificial. "I'm gonna die from my own fabulousness!" I cried out, pretending to stagger back.
Then I froze. My face paled. For a fleeting moment, the reflection wasn't me, but another young man—sharp features, deep eyes, wearing ancient-style clothes over my outfit.
Blinking rapidly, the shadow vanished. Only I remained, standing there, ridiculous. "Damn… that durian dream must've broken me," I muttered, shaking my head, but laughing at myself.
I tucked a handkerchief into my pants, spun once, pointed at the mirror, blowing a soft kiss. "Ray darling, you're too fabulous for this world."
After staring at the mirror for a while, I walked to the main house. My steps paused as I saw a guest at the table… P'Theer.
Meeting him face to face, he looked exactly like my strict father—usually tense as if freshly botoxed—but today, he smiled warmly… absolutely amazing.
I turned my gaze away from my father to meet his eyes. P'Theer had been watching me since I peeked out the door, sharp yet tender eyes, as if assessing how much I'd grown. A small smile tugged at his lips.
Damn… I thought I was overhuman handsome, and yet someone handsomer appeared… God must be jealous or something, sending someone even more stunning.
The morning air in the main house was filled with the scent of jasmine rice and tea. Everything seemed normal, yet slightly different. My usually stern father laughed with my mother—first time I'd seen him genuinely smile. I thought to myself… maybe dad has a soft side after all.
Mother called me to the table. I poked rice into my mouth while exchanging glances with P'Theer across from me. His eyes never left me, as if memorizing every gesture. I blushed, almost stopping mid-chew, feeling caught staring at him all the time. Of course, I'm ridiculously handsome, no need to stare that hard.
"How's your day? School okay? The teachers said you're improving a lot," Jan asked, smiling brightly. Her eyes sparkled like she was proud of every child's accomplishment. I couldn't help but smile back, thinking… naturally, of course, not counting the chaos before school.
My mother, beside me, gently patted my head. Her voice warm, soft. "Yes… I'm so happy to see you working hard." My heart felt wrapped in a cozy blanket, the atmosphere around full of warmth.
And father… the usual stern expression? Moments ago he was smiling, now putting on his usual serious face, yet his eyes softened a little when looking at me. He adjusted his shirt subtly, seemingly embarrassed to praise me, but still maintaining a composed front. "Hmm… improving, indeed… but next time, don't get distracted and miss your studies," he said. Calm, but I could feel the concern beneath it.
…Yes! Dad's haki (presence)! Dad's power! How does he know?!
I nodded lightly, both embarrassed and heart-warmed simultaneously. The smiles of Jan, the gentle gaze of mother, and father's firm yet soft look merged into a warm image filling the main house. The soft laughter of Jan and father's quiet smile blended perfectly.
—
I turned back to my meal but couldn't resist glancing at the hero. His sharp dark eyes sent a faint smile my way, making my heart race. Just a few seconds of eye contact, yet it felt like the whole world stopped. I quickly looked down, eating, trying to hide my fluttering heart.
"Geez… he knows I'm handsome, no need to stare that hard," I muttered. His gaze didn't leave me, as if every look carried more meaning than words.
I bit my lip, pretending to focus on my food, yet my heart thumped like a drum. I barely dared to meet his eyes again, but deep down… I knew that gaze pierced straight into my heart.
—
Then he spoke, deep and steady. "Uncle… may I take Warun to visit the city?"