[At the Cafe]
Leo: (Checking the menu) Do you want something to drink?
Lunette: (Hesitating) No, Professor! it's alright.
Leo: (Looking at her) Which flavour do you like?
Lunette: (Fidgeting with her fingers awkwardly) Professor, I'm fine!
Leo: (Leaning in with intense gaze) Are you going to tell me or not?
(Lunette's stomach gave an ill-timed flutter at his gaze)
Lunette: (Embarrassed and whispering)....Strawberry!
Leo: (Smirking) You know, I could think of much better things to do with those lips than just avoiding the conversation.
Lunette: (Confused) Sorry, Professor, but can you elaborate?
Leo: (Giving a flirtatious smile) If I elaborate, you will understand and I don't want that to happen right now.
Lunette: (Puzzled) Don't you want me to understand?
Leo: (Smiling) Not yet. And that elaboration can only be defined by action, not words.
Lunette: (Beaming with excitement) Ok! Professor, I will wait for the elaboration.
Leo: (Leans in, Smiles coyly and his voice dropping to a playful whisper) Mmmmm....I'm might be even more eager than you, Lunette.
Lunette: (Returns an innocent, dimpled smile) Well, that is precisely why you are the Professor...and I'm merely the student.
(Leo let's out a soft, warm chuckle at her innocence before signaling the waiter for their drinks. They lose themselves in their studies continue for an hour, the atmosphere is warm and quiet. Leo casts a focused yet occasionally soft, lingering glance at Lunette- his eyes softening every time she looks away.)
Lunette: (To herself, whispering) Why is the professor staring at me like that? (Her brows furrow in slight confusion) Am I overthinking it? Am I writing poetry incorrectly? But his gaze... it's so gentle and filled with... ohhh Lunette, what are you even thinking? (She bites her lips nervously, a faint blush creeping up her neck.) Focus on the poetry.
[Lunette drinks her strawberry shake, focused on her studies. Leo sips his iced peach tea when he notices something. He reaches out his hand and softly wipes Lunette's upper lip, which has shake residue on it. His expression is tender and delicate. Lunette, shocked and shy, widens her eyes and freezes like a deer in headlights. She quickly cleans her lips.]
Leo: (He gives a light,teasing smirk) Relax! I am not going to eat you.
Lunette: Oh.... (Looking down nervously, avoiding eye contact) Professor, I think it's time for me to go home. Thank you for the drink and tutoring. we will meet tomorrow.
(Lunette offers a small, hurried smile while packing her things and leaves.)
Leo: (Thinking to himself with a predatory grin) I'm not going to eat you until..... (He watches her leave with a hooded, flirtatiously gaze and a slow, mysterious smile.)
[At Lunette's Home]
Lunette: What was that? And why was I blushing? (She touches her cheeks, looking bewildered at her reflection in the mirror.) Am I going mad? I'm overthinking this; it's not what it looks like. Maybe he just wanted to help me avoid being embarrassed- after all, a girl's beauty is so highly valued in society. (She sighs, her expression softening into a pensive, slightly troubled frown.) That means he likes women who are beautiful. Ohh, Lunette, shut up and sleep. (She rolls her eyes at her own thoughts and buries her face in her hands.)
[At Leo's Home]
(Leo gazes at his thumb with a lingering, almost hypnotic intensity. He tastes it slowly; a small, knowing smile tugs at the corners of his lips.)
Leo: (His voice drops to a low, hungry rasp) If just a touch feels so tasty, I wonder what it will taste like when I eat it.
(Leo smirks, a dark glint dancing in his eyes. He walks towards a drawer with a slow, predatory grace and pulls out a box. Inside are photos of Lunette, handwritten poetry, and a strawberry shake glass. His expression softens into something obsessive as he begins writing a letter, his pen pressing hard against the paper.)
Leo: Lunette, you will be shocked to know that I fell for you at first sight. My heart hammered against my ribs. When I first saw you, I was stunned into silence- breathles, really-amazed at how someone can have this pure innocent Beauty. And when I heard your voice, filled with kindness and purity, I was immensely attracted to you. When I recognised your potential and how talented you are, with your never- ending passion, I was magnetically intimidated by you. When I got to know your personality, I immediately started to like you. And last but not least, when I got to know about heart and soul- how beautiful you are as a human- I am in never ending Love with you now. And with this love, the more I get to know you in any aspect, the more insanely obsessed I become, my Lunette baby. (His jaw tightens, eyes narrowing) Do you know how jealous I was today when that brainless Alex touched your hand and asked you to tutor him? I felt like a literal knot of rage in my throat. I really wanted to beat the hell out of him and break his hands for touching you. I could almost hear the snap of bone in my mind. I felt like a physical string tightening in my throat; my blood was boiling.... However, I know you hate violence, so I restricted myself. I forced my hands into fists at my sides until my knuckles turned white. But If he tries to be close to you again, I will make sure Alex understands how deadly the lesson can be of desiring something I love. Until then, Good night Baby!
[Next Morning]
(At University)
Irida: (With a curious glint in her eyes) Lunette, I heard that the professor won't take class today as he has something really important to do. It's so rare for him to take leave.
Lunette: Hummm. Whatever the reason! (She shrugged, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ears.) Let's just focus on our other subjects for now.
Leo: Lunette!
(Irida and Lunette startle, their breath catching as they turn to find the professor standing just a few feet awa, his expression unreadable.)
Lunette: Yes, Professor! (She stummered)
Leo: Today is a vital day of tutoring. Make sure not to miss it. (He paused, his gaze intensifying as he adjusted his glasses.) One more thing: stop tutoring Alex for a few days, as the competition is very close. I have spoken to another English Professor; he will help Alex with his studies.
Lunette: (She blinked, confusion overriding her nerves.)But Professor, today you are on leave, right?
Leo: (His voice dropped to a low, steady tone that commanded immediate attention.) Did I personally tell you about this? No, right? Until I say something to you personally, do not take any rumours about me seriously. (He pauses for a beat, letting the weight of his words settle.)
Lunette: (Nodding quickly, her voice a hushed, respectful whisper) Ok, Professor!
(Leo leaves with a sharp, professional stride. The room relaxes instantly as the class continues.)
Irida: (Nudging Lunette with her elbow, wearing a mischievous, knowing smirk.) Lunette, don't you find Professor Leo a bit... strange? It's like he gives you so much personal attention. (She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively)
Lunette: (Snapping her book shut, her face flushing with irritation) Stop it, Irida! First, you were connecting my name to Alex, and now it's Professor Leo. Have some shame!.
Irida: (Raising her hands in a mock surrender, her voice softening with a hint of genuine apology) Sorry, Sorry Lunette! I didn't intend to say that. It's just that Professor Leo is usually aloof- a total introvert. So when he is this active with someone.... not only I, but everyone finds it weird. It feels like something is cooking between you too.
Lunette: (Straightening her posture, her tone turning defensive and analytical) He is very serious with students who are talented and dedicated to their studies. Also, I'm taking part in the competition, which automatically shifts his attention to me. (She avoids Irida's gaze, focusing on her notes.)
(The class ends with the sound of shuffling papers and moving chairs.)
Alex: (Approaching with a bright, hopeful smile) Let's go, Lunette!
Lunette: (Looking up, her expression turning apologetic and a bit distant) Sorry, Alex! Until my Competition is over, I can't tutor you, but Professor Leo has already spoken to another English Professor to tutor you instead. (She gathers her things quickly, eager to move one.)
Alex: (Voice trailing off, looking down at his feet) Oh, Ok. Bye!
Lunette: (Her eyes earnest) Alex! Listen to me! I promise that as soon as this competition is over, we will go out to dinner and enjoy ourselves.
Alex: (A flicker of hope lighting up his eyes, though still hesitant) Really? You aren't teasing me to make me feel better, are you?
Lunette: (Beaming, she gives him a playful nudge) I Promise! Irida, you and I will go on a wonderful trip. Are you happy now?
Alex: (He turns away, his smile vanishing as he mutters under his breath) Why her? She's just going to be a bone of contention between us the whole time....
Lunette: (Frowning, titling her head to see his face) Alex! You've gone quiet again. Are you still not happy?
Alex: (He spins back around, forcing a bright, toothy grin that doesn't quite reach his eyes) Oh! No, I'm actually really happy. Ok then- it's a deal!
Irida: (Pumping her fists in the air with a jubilant squeal) Yeahhhhhhh!
[At Sweet Cafe]
Lunette: (Lunette checked her watch for the tenth time, pacing restlessly, her eyes darting to the door. A huff of air escaping her lips.) Where's he? He acts so disciplined and is always on time, so why not today? The professor thinks so highly of himself, as if he's the only perfect person that exists in this world.
Leo: (A sudden, breathless shout) Lunette!
(Lunette gasps, spinning around so quickly she loses her balance just as she is about to fall and gravity is trying its best to pull her down, Leo comes to the rescue and lunges forward. His hand catches hers with startling heat and pulls her into his arms. A sudden, gentle breeze swirls between them, as if vanishing every obstacle in their way of love. The sun chose to shine more today and let the reflection tear the body and directly touch the soul. The Cherry blossoms fall around them, as if they had been waiting for this exact moment their whole lives.)
(They are drawn so close that a kiss is just an inch away. Lunette gazes up at Leo with her wide, pure, and innocent eyes shimmering with a mix of awe and sudden shyness. Overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of his presence, her fingers trembles and grips his coat which she is holding onto. Though her legs want to step back but her hands is still holding on. On the other hand, Leo is staring at Lunette so passionately and with so much love that without even realising, he is slowly drawing lunette closer. His hands rest on her waist, His palms and fingers gradually caressing her upper and lower back as if they have begun a slow, rhythmic exploration of her back, tracing paths that left her skin tingling in their wake. His legs are locked to the ground as if he is unwilling to move an inch; and wants to stop the time just to live and feel this moment until his death. )
Random Child: (A nearby child chirped, His high- pitched voice breaking the heavy silence) Uncle! Kiss her ! kiss! kiss!
(Lunette draws herself back and pretends to adjust her dress while Leo smirks at her.)
Lunette: (Trying to sound nonchalant) Professor, I'm waiting for you inside.... until then, I'll write another poem.
Leo: (Amused, with a knowing grin) Hummmmm!
(Lunette turns quickly and heads inside the cafe.)
Leo: ( Whispering playfully to the child) Next time, I will surely kiss her.
[Inside the Cafe]
Lunette: ( In her mind, pacing nervously and fanning her face.) Oh my god! Why am I so red right now? My heartbeat is so fast and my ears are burning....but why? Lunette, don't forget that he is your professor; mind your thoughts. It was just an accident; focus on your studies.
(Leo enters the cafe, scanning the room until he spots her.)
Leo: (Casually, as he pulls out a chair) Are you done with the poem?
Lunette: (Quickly looking down at her papers, startled) Half of it.
Leo: (Leaning in closer, teasingly) Why are you so red?
Lunette: (Panicking, stammering) Oh! I... I think the coffee was really hot, so maybe that's why.
Leo: (Raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk) But it's cold coffee, isn't it? A bit like your enthusiasm for this break?
Lunette: (Widening her eyes, a faint blush creeping up her neck) Oh, Professor! I need to do more detailed research for the Poetry Competition. I can't afford to be distracted.
Leo: (Chuckling as he stands up) Don't worry! I have already prepared everything. Let's Go!
Lunette: (Biting her lip, looking around the quiet study room) Where? Aren't we going to study?
Leo: (His gaze softening, voice dropping an octave) To understand poetry and human emotions, we need more than bookish knowledge. We need to see them in the wild.
Lunette: (Nodding slowly, caught in his gaze) Ok, Professor!
[Leo and Lunette head towards the car. Leo opens the car door for Lunette and places his hand protectively over the doorframe, so she doesn't hit her head. Lunette catches the scent of his cologne-something like cedar and old books-and feels a sudden flutter in her chest. She ducks inside, her eyes downcast but a small smile playing on her lips. She is really impressed and shy. They drive in a comfortable, expectant silence until they reach a weathered brick building.]
Lunette: (Peering through a window, her voice barely a whisper) This is an orphanage, right?
Leo: (Turning off the engine, his expression becoming serious yet kind) Yes! I want you to know about the emotions of humans who have nothing- neither family nor fortune. This is where the rawest poetry lives. Let's Go!
Lunette: (To herself, her eyes following him with a newfound curiosity) I didn't know he was this intellectually and emotionally intelligent.
[Leo and Lunette go inside. The air is thick and filled with the comforting, nostalgic scent of old books and floor wax. As they enter, the Matron, staff, and a swarm of eager children of the orphanage rush to greet Leo with practiced warmth.] Matron: (Beaming with a wide, gap-toothed smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief) Welcome back, Leo! Ohhhh, and who is this lovely lady? Is she your girlfriend?
Lunette: (Stammering, her cheeks flushing a sudden, deep crimson that matches her hair; she avoids the Matron's gaze) Ohh, No, No, No ! He is my Professor and I am his student. We are just here for.....(She trails off, her voice small and flustered).
Leo: (Chuckling softly, a low rumble in his chest, as he affectionately ruffles a young boy's hair) I'm going to greet the children. They must have missed me a lot. Today, I will play with them, and one more thing: (Raising his voice to a booming, joyful tone so the whole room erupts in cheers)- everyone will have food from outside today!
(The Matron, staff members and children break into rhythmic, joyous clapping, their faces lighting up with pure excitement.)
Lunette: (Leaning in close to the Matron, her voice dropping to a captivated whisper as she watches Leo with newfound wonder) Is he..... the owner of this orphanage?
Matron: (Nodding enthusiastically, leaning in as if sharing a precious secret) Yes! And I'm sorry, I made a mistake about his girlfriend. Actually, you are the first person- and the girl- Leo has ever brought to the orphanage.
Lunette: (Her heart skipping a beat, a fluttering sensation rising in her throat; she stares at Leo's back as if seeing him for the first time) Really? (She whispers, the word barely escaping her lips as her world shifts slightly on its axis).
Matron: Yes! I have known him for 25 years.
Lunette: (Her eyes widening in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat) 25 years? How? Are you..... his mother?
Matron: (A nostalgic, bittersweet smile playing on her lips as she gazes toward the window) Not exactly! He has been raised here since birth. When he was born, his parents left him outside the gate of this orphanage- abandoned in the middle of heavy rain and storms. (She pauses, her voice softening with a touch of pride) For his future, we somehow managed to collect every penny we had to send him abroad. He became a Professor and started to earn a good amount of money, but his heart never left home. He chose to come back to his country to educate the people here. He even bought this orphanage to protect the only family he ever knew. (Sighing gently) Since his childhood, he has always been quiet and aloof- a solitary soul. He rarely interacts with strangers, especially women. He may wear a mask of coldness, appearing rude and or distant, but inside.....he is still that same kind-hearted child, just looking for a place to belong.
Lunette: (Thinking to herself, her heart giving a strange rhythmic flutter) Professor Leo..... Why do I want to know more about you? why does the thought of your past make my chest ache with curiosity, pain and emotional attachment?
Leo: (His voice cutting through her thoughts, firm but not unkind) Lunette, are you not coming to interact with the children?
Lunette: (Startled, a small blush creeping up her neck) Coming, professor!
[Leo and Lunette play with the children. Lunette pauses, watching Leo interact with the kids with immense love and care. She begins to feel an affection for him in her heart, and her eyes glow like a fireflies on cold summer nights. Moments later, Leo catches Lunette interacting with the kids and is stunned by how she nurtures them with deep love and care, resulting in him falling for her even more. He lingers for a beat, his heart clearly swelling.]
A Child: (Pointing between them with wide, curious eyes) Leo uncle, is she is our aunt?
(Leo's lips curl into a knowing smirk while Lunette's face flushes a deep crimson, her hands fluttering nervously. )
Lunette: (Stammering) No! I'm just his....
Leo: (Quickly cutting her off with a playful wink to the kids) Go and play with the other children for now.
(The kids continue to play among themselves while Leo and Lunette gets engage in a conversation.)
Lunette: (Thinking to herself, her brow furrowing in confusion) Why does he always interrupt me? It's like he doesn't want to tell them that I'm not his girlfriend or wife.
Leo: (Turning toward her, his voice dropping to a gentle, sincere tone) Did you like the place and the people?
Lunette: (Her voice trembling sIightly with emotion) I feel like I have another family. I'm so touched and happy right now....( She looks at the children with a wistful smile) I felt like a mother.
Leo: (Leaning in slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes) Well, that makes sense. I'm the father of these children. (He smirks playfully.)
Lunette: (Looking away quickly, her heart racing as she tries to change the subject) Professor..... would you mind if I came here more often?
Leo: (His expression turning earnest and hopeful) Not at all! In fact, we can come together as a father and.....
Matron: (Abruptly calling out from across the yard) Leo, it's time for Lunch!
Leo: Coming! let's go for lunch. ( He shot her a playful smirk, his eyes dancing with secret mischief before he turned and strode away)
Lunette: Humm! (She watched his retreating back, her brow furrowed in thought. She couldn't help but reply his words in her mind, her heart fluttering as she tried to decode his words, actions, and the look he'd just given her.)
[After having lunch, Leo and Lunette prepare to depart from the orphanage.]
Matron: We will wait for you both again. (The woman spoke with a warm, hopeful smile that reached her eyes.)
Leo: Ok, bye! Lunette, I am going to go get the car. Stay here for a second. (He gave her a reassuring nod, his voice softening just a fraction.)
Lunette: Ok! (She offered a small, distracted wave as he turned toward the parking lot.)
[Leo leaves to get the car.]
Matron: (She bit her lip, her hands fidgeting nervously as she stepped closer) Would you mind if I say something?
Lunette: (Caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone, she leaned in curiously) Yes, please!
Member: (Suddenly, her composure shattered. Tears welled in her eyes, and her voice became a frantic, trembling whisper.) Please, always be with Leo. Become his girlfriend; marry him. Leo seems to like you- I can read it in his eyes, his heart..... he loves you unconditionally. He is a truly good guy. He will take care of you and never let anything happen to you. (She paused, a sob catching in her throat as she gripped Lunette's hand) I have never seen him this happy. He never received the love he wanted from people, but I request you to give him that love. please, I want my Leo to have the happiness and love he has wanted for so long. He.....
[ A Car horn blares, sharp and impatient; Leo returns with the car.]
Lunette: (Voice trembling with resolve) Ma'am, I'm leaving. I can't promise you that I will become his girlfriend or marry him, but I will definitely become his friend. (She takes a shaky breath, her gaze hardening) I'll make sure to give him all the happiness in this world, even at the cost of my own. GoodBye!
[The Matron with a bittersweet smile on her face and tears glistening in her eyes, nods slowly and says goodbye to Leo and Lunette.]
Leo: (Gesturing toward the horizon with a soft, inviting tone) Let's go to a place blooming with nature- somewhere you can finally understand the emotions that don't have a face to express.
(Lunette remains silent, her brow furrowed as she stays lost in the weight of the conversation between her and the Matron.)
Leo: (Turning to her, his brow arching in concern) Are you listening to what I'm saying? Lunette! Lunette! Lunette!
(Leo quietly leans in, closing the distance until he reaches Lunette's left ear and whispers her name with a playful, low vibration.)
Leo: Lunette?
Lunette: (Gasping) Ahhhh!
( Lunette jolts in suprise, her eyes wide as she finally breaks out of her deep thoughts. She finds Leo right in front of her, his expression a mix amusement and curiosity. He is close enough for her to feel the warmth of his breath. His gaze is locked onto hers, and he offers a slow, warm, flirting smile. Lunette, suddenly intimidated and flustered, feels a wave of heat rush to her face. She looks at him with the wide-eyed innocence of a puppy, a look that makes Leo's heart melt as he slowly eases back into his seat.)
Leo: (Playfully teasing) I called your name three times, but you were miles away, so completely engaged in your imagination that you refused to listen to me. (Chuckles softly, eyes bright with gentle humor) I thought I might have to call for backup to get your attention. Are you somehow thinking about that Alex?
Lunette: (Flustered and shy) No! Actually, I was just thinking about what was said (Biting her lip, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips).....sorry I mean, about the competition, but I am sure I'll be fine once I step out into nature. Let's go, show me this place you're talking about.
Leo: (His gaze lingers on her for a beat too long, his expression softening into something unreadable) Humm.... Alright. We will be there in 5 minutes. (He shifts his weight, his eyes narrowing slightly and his tone becoming pointed) But you didn't answer my question regarding Alex. Are you trying to beat around the bush?
Lunette: (Wide-eyed, shaking her head quickly) No, Professor! (She avoids his gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeves) I was thinking about something else, not about Alex.
Leo: (Narrowing his eyes playfully and a ghost of a smirk plays on his lips.) Then why were the corners of your lips rising upward?
Lunette: (Averting her gaze, her cheeks flush a soft pink) It's nothing, Professor. Maybe it's just how I look.
Leo: (Smiling mischievously, with a low chuckle) I know what you look like better than you do. (His voice drops an octave, becoming uncharacteristically serious) You'd better stay away from that Alex, even in your thoughts.
Lunette: (She looks up, her eyes wide with genuine confusion and knitting her brows in confusion) What do you mean by that, Professor?
Leo: (Sighing as he straightens his posture. He runs a hand through his hair, looking momentarily frustrated.) I mean.... Alex is nothing but a distraction for you right now. You should only focus on the competition.
Lunette: (She squares her shoulders, a spark of defiance in her eyes.) Professor, he is my friend, not a distraction. I know how important this competition is, so don't worry; I will not let you down.
Leo: (Jealous, a low and bitter hum vibrates in his chest.) Hummmm....(He scoffs, whipping his head away to hide a deepening and darkening scowl.)...so Alex is your friend? And here I was, thinking I had the absolute right to insult him. My mistake, Miss Lunette-I'll try to remember he's 'special' next time.
Lunette: (Her voice trembles with confusion) Professor, are you being sarcastic?
Leo: (Abruptly shifting gears, his tone clipping the air.) We are almost at our location.
Lunette: (Quietly) Hummm...
(Both Leo and Lunette are swallowed by the heavy silence of their own thoughts.)
Lunette: (Thinking to herself, her breath hitching as she steals a glance at him) Heaven help me, I feel like I'm losing my mind. He was so close to me; When he whispered my name in my ear, I could feel his breath split my body and reached my very soul. It wasn't just a sound; it was a vibration that settled in my marrow. His breath against my skin felt like a wildlife-terrifying yet impossible to turn away from. (Clutching her chest, her heart racing). His stare and that sly smile make my heart weak and my thoughts meaningless. Part of me screams to retreat to safety, but my heart is already leaning into his gravity. Should I distance myself from him or should I just let myself flow into his arms?
Leo: (Thinking to himself, his expression hardening with a dark, possessive intensity) Lunette, I despise how Alex lingers in your mind and I really hate that crackhead, Alex. You are the first stranger who has felt like my own family, and I will not let you go. You are the missing rhythm of my own heart. (Eyes narrowing as he watches her) They say "Love sets you free", but I always want to be a prisoner in your love. As long as I'm yours, I'm willing to lose my independence for you; I'm ready to be anybody just to have your love, just to have you. Lunette, Please only love me. Please, just choose me.
[Leo and Lunette reached a beautiful place with kind trees, beautiful yet secretive flowers, an undying passionate river, a blue sky flaunting his limitlessness, a wind with flow of satisfaction, a sunlight that mirrors life and other creatures, that made this human world- a beautiful world.]
Leo: (Breaking the silence with a soft, gentle and expectant tone and smile as he turns toward her) So.... how does the place feel to you?
Lunette: (Gazing at the horizon with wid, glistening eyes, her voice trembling with awe) Ahh! It's.....overwhelming. Even words are not enough to describe this beauty. (Turning to him, her expression softening into a look of profound realisation) These faceless emotions have evocked those human emotions that can't even be buried after death.
Leo: (Whispering, his voice thick with certainty) I think we are finally in the right place.... with the right fate.
Lunette: (Softly, turning her head toward him with a curious glint in her eyes) And what exactly does that mean?
Leo: (A soft chuckle escaping him as he looks at the sky) Nothing! Let's just stay like this. Let's just feel this moment.
Lunette: (Humming in agreement, her eyes fluttering shut) Mmmm.... okay!
[Leo and Lunette lie back against the cool grass and close their eyes simply to feel the love of nature. The silence of nature wrapping around them. After a long beat, Lunette's eyes flutter open. She watches the way hopeful sunlight catches Leo's feature, a small, tender smile tugging at the corners of her lips filled with undeniable affection.]
Lunette: (Internal monologue: Twisting a blade of grass between her fingers until the green juices strained her skin, her voice barely a breath as she swallows hard) I don't know even know what I'm doing anymore....or what I'm feeling? (A warmth that has nothing to do with the sun blooms in my chest.) All I know is that I want to look at you like this until this sunlight vanishes forever. (She pauses, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird) Leo...(She whispers, her voice a fragile thread in the cooling air) Do you really like me?
[Lunette squeezes her eyes shut, her eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks as she braces for the silence. Leo's eyes snap open, fixed on her with a raw, and inevitable love that seems to consume the space between them. He reaches out, his fingers trembling with a life of their own as they hover just inches from her skin, tracing the curve of her jaw without touching it, his fingertips mourning the distance before he catches himself and slowly, painfully, pulls back.]
Leo: (Internal monologue: His breath hitched, shallow and urgent, his pulse racing in his throat and his eyes searching hers) Lunette! You know it's wrong to stare at someone without their permission, don't you?(He lets out a shaky, nervous laugh that doesn't quite reach his eyes) What do you mean by that? I stared at you without your consent! Of course I did...My eyes have a mind of their own when it comes to you. I just can't stop myself from getting close to you. (He bites his lips, his expression softening into a pure vulnerability and his gaze searching her face with an intensity that makes the world around them fade away) You smiled at me..... I just had to know, what you were thinking? Do you even have a little bit of affection for me? (Leaning closer, his gaze intense) Lunette, hear me. Until this world is doomed, I will not let my love for you vanish. I Love you and will always Love you in my all forelife till my existence becomes non- existing.
[After some time, Leo and Lunette enjoy food in nature, their laughter echoing softly against the rustling leaves. They discuss poetry, and play in the river, with Leo splashing water on Lunette- and she on him- in a spirit of playful mischief.]
Leo: (Thinking to himself with hopeful yet hesitant smile while looking at her, his heart racing and his eyes searching hers for even the smallest sign of reciprocation) Lunette! I Love you! I hope you are hearing this.
Lunette :(Thinking to herself, while looking at him with the eyes softening with a dreamy gaze and a soft warmth spreading through her chest) Leo! I think it will be great if I let myself flow in your arms, Shouldn't I? Will you accept the flow of my emotions to be embraced by your gentle arms? Can I fall in love with you?
[A gentle breeze is passing every emotions to the nature and its creation.]
Leo: (Warmly, his voice dropping an octave) Lunette! It's time to head home. I hope that after today's experience, you will be able to write a truly beautiful poem you've chasing.
Lunette: (With a shy smile, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as her cheeks flush) Yes, Professor! And it's... it's all because of you. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience. I really enjoyed the company of nature.... and yours, too. (She bites her lower lip, her eyes darting away as she suddenly nervous at her own boldness.)
Leo: (Smiling brightly, his eyes softening with an unmistakable tenderness) My company for you is free and for a lifetime. I hope you don't resign and that you continue to be with me.
Lunette: (Blinking rapidly, her expression shifting from confusion to pure bewilderment) Resign? Professor, I'm don't even work for a company yet. (She lets out a nervous, breathless huff.)
Leo: (Leaning in slightly, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he lets out a quiet, huffed laugh. His gaze softens, becoming uncomfortably intense) I wonder, how you can be so brilliant and yet so incredibly naive?(He shakes his head, slowly, a look of mock-disbelief crossing his face) Forget it... let's get to the car. (He gestures toward the car.)
Lunette: (She pauses, her brow furrowing as she processes his words) Naive? (She mutters under her breath, a spark of indignation lighting up her eyes) I thought women were difficult to understand, but here the case is different. (She shoulders her bag with a defiant shrug and follows after him.) {Leo heads towards the car while Lunette follows him with her hesitant, small steps, her brow furrowed as she is thinking about what he meant by that. They both duck inside the car; after some miles, they pulled up to Lunette's home. While she was ready for the night to end, destiny seemed to have other plans; it and desired to see them together just a moment longer. [Light, Camera, Action....] Lunette's seatbelt jammed, and she struggles to unfasten it, her face flushing with slight frustration}
Lunette: (Exasperatedly, her voice tight and slightly strained) Professor! What's wrong with this seatbelt? It seems like it's stuck.
Leo: (Lightly, with a playful glint dancing in his eyes as he turns toward her) Ohhh, maybe it's jammed, Let me see!
(Leo leans across the centre console, his sudden proximity catching Lunette completely off guard. As he reaches over to unfasten the belt, the rough fabric of his sleeves grazes her bare arm, sending a sharp, static-charged jolt through her skin. Seeing him this close, Lunette's eyes widen; her heartbeat is on a rollercoaster ride, her breath begins to move back and forth like a swing, her lips part slightly, growing dry and her breath brushes against Leo's sensitive neck, making him momentarily go still. Her pupils dilate like a balloon, scanning Leo's face- tracing the architectural line of his jaw from his eyes down to his lips. She presses back into the seat, her shoulders hunched and tense, realizing there is nowhere to go- trapped between the leather seat and his radiating heat. Leo didn't pull away once the latch clicked open with a sharp, metallic snap (Takkkk). Instead, he lingers, his gaze looking onto hers with a smoldering intensity that makes the air feel viscous and heavy. He is visibly awestruck to see Lunette this close; he places both hand on her seat as if unwilling to leave. His heart is stuttering, slowing down like a dying man's final rhythm; his breath stops at his throat as if they are only willing to inhale her breath. His lips are so close as if they are stopping themselves to not kiss her, his throat working rhythmically as he swallows the breath and saliva as if they are trying to hold on to the unspoken desire. His eyes traced the contours of her face- lingering on her eyes to lips, exploring every details before finally setting his eyes before drifting down to her lips, memorizing every details. Lunette was hyper-aware of the weight of his hands on the seat beside her, pinning her place with his presence. Lunette is red and warm; her skin and cheeks are burning due to Leo's unwavering gaze and closeness, her body shivers to control itself, her eyes fixed on his as he, without blinking, stares at her lips and this needs no translation: he wants to kiss her badly.)
Lunette: (Finally coming to her senses she whispers tremulously) Thank....Thank you, Professor! ( She averts her gaze, her fingers fidgeting nervously on the seatbelt)
Leo: (Leans back, trying to appear nonchalant) Don't forget to do the sample papers for the competition. (He says this so nonchalantly, as if the tension of last few seconds has never existed.)
Lunette: Yes Professor! (Her heart is still racing).
(Leo and Lunette head back to their respective homes)
[At Lunette's Home]
Lunette: Today, I was so close to Professor Leo; it felt as though the distance between us simply vanished. I have never been this close to anyone, let alone a stranger.... a man. The atmosphere was electric, a blur of warmth and crimson. Our heartbeats synced ironically; our breath pierced each other's skin. Our eyes dived into the ocean of each other's souls, and our lips craved to melt together, longing to lose ourselves in one another's arms. I have to control myself and let go of this magnetic attraction, but why does my traitorous body refuse to let it go? Why can't I let go of his stare, his breath, or his touch? I don't like being close to anyone- even with my own family sometimes- but with him, I surrendered. Lunette, don't forget he is your professor, you don't even know if he likes you, and more importantly remember your suffering, pain and your.... past.
[At Leo's Home]
Leo: Lunette! Being this close to you today felt like a miracle. Looking deep into your eyes and lips which held a depth I was drowning in, feeling the pure breath of yours on my skin.... and your warmth radiating straight to my cold heart, it felt like a fantasy. You don't know how hard I fought to control myself- to not kiss you and devour your lips, to not let my hands move across every inch of your skin, to not let my uncontrollable thoughts roll onto your body- or let my dirty and darkest desires with pure intentions cuddles you. I'm tired of waiting for this to become our reality. Everyday, every hour, every minute and every second, I hustle for your love and closeness. I am only yours, Lunette! And you have to be mine. I won't just ask for your heart; I will earn it until you can't imagine a world without me in it. Good night! Have a sweet dreams of me.