Coincidental Love

16. The Honeymoon Period

Grace's POV

Nothing, except him, seems to be on my mind when I'm around him. The surroundings fade off into a blur as I watch him smile, his eyes lighting up as he is talking animatedly about his first suture practice, gesturing with his hands. His deep voice resonates in my ears like a soothing melody, something I think I will never get tired of hearing. He sits in front of me, wearing a plain white long sleeve dress shirt and a pair of black slacks, with his hair styled neatly. These all seems to be a fantasy, something I could only imagine a few months ago. But now, this man is my boyfriend, my reality.

This is the second week we've been together. Though we are both busy with school, we always find time to hang out together, whether in school or outside. 

"Grace? Grace?..." Nic called me, each time louder, trying to get my attention. "Why are you in a daze?" he asked, once I am back into reality.

"Nothing," I grinned, not wanting to explain it.

"Am I that boring?" he pouted, looking downwards, like a lost puppy.

"No!" I blurted out. He looks up at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue my explanation. Oh, so this is his trick to get me to tell. Bad boy.

I gulped, and started shakily, "Just figuring out how such a perfect guy is my date."

His face breaks into a smile, so wide that it shows all his pearly white teeth. "Damn, I didn't know you're so direct. Don't get me wrong, I like that. And thank you for the compliment!" he smirked. I rolled my eyes at him, but also can't help but smile. His smile is so infectious.

"Hold on, I'm not your date," he said, his smile turning into a frown in less than a second. I raised my eyebrows at him, wondering what he meant by that. Aren't we on a date, are we? He continued, "I am your boyfriend, not just a date."

"Oh," I said.

"Say it."

"What?"

"Say that I'm your boyfriend. I wanna hear you call me your boyfriend."

"Um..."

"Girlfriend! Come on!"

I blush at hearing him call me his "girlfriend".

"Oh, is my girlfriend blushing?" he teased, which makes me blush further. Pretty sure I look like a tomato now.

"No, I'm not! Stop it!" I retorted as I brush his hand away, that is poking my warm cheeks. Though annoyed, I can't help but giggle at his teasing. As I am attempting to brush his hand away, he catches hold of mine and grabs it gently, yet firmly. Our eyes meet and lock, the noisy teasing mood slowly turning into a peaceful silence. Silence that says a thousand words, that is so comfortable that I wish time will stop here. I find myself lost in his dark, warm eyes that change with his moods. Shiningly bright when he is happy, sparkly when he is mischievous, and dark when he is focused and serious. 

"Hi, your order is here," a voice breaks our little bubble. As the server is placing the plate on the table, I untwine my fingers from our interlocked hands, however Nic holds onto my hand firmly, not wanting to let go. I look to him, wanting to ask him what's wrong. He smiles sheepishly and mouths, "I'm never gonna let go of your hand."

Though I roll my eyes at him jokingly, my heart can't help but swell at his sweet nothings.

And so we tried eating with one hand, but failed terribly as we couldn't use our knives. It is only then that Nic begrudgingly let go of my hand. He's such a kid at times, but I love it.

"Are you afraid of heights?" Nic asked, as we are walking down the streets after dinner. 

"No. Why that random question?" I asked him back.

"Great, just follow me and you'll know!" he grinned mischievously. I frown, wondering what's up his sleeves again, but still following him.

We enter the huge glass doors of a tall, modern office building, greeted by a gush of cool air from the air-conditioner. Knowing that he wouldn't reveal where he's bringing me, I follow him quietly, taking in the beautiful, contemporary interior design around me. As much as I like working in hospitals, I do fantasise how it would feel like to work in such a big and nice office building. 

You would expect that the building will be empty at this time, way pass over the office working hours, but the lobby is still buzzing with people. I guess that's why the most of the windows of the building is lit, looking from the outside. Don't these people go home to rest and spend time with their loved ones? 

Nic leads me into a lift, with him entering first. I stand in front of him, leaving a small gap between, as there is still people entering the lift. The lift goes up and stops at a floor, with more people entering, people pushing me, making me lose my balance. A strong pair of hands wrapped around my waist, stabilising me. I turned my head slightly to see Nic looking down at me, with my back pressed against his toned torso and his arms wrapped around me. I feel the temperature of my cheeks rising with this intimate position we are in. Nic's face is expressionless, but his eyes show something else, something foreign that I can't describe. I look away to make sure no one is judging or staring at us, to find that everyone is absorbed in their work or smartphones. As the elevator goes up higher, more people start to exit, and soon it is just Nic and me. I wiggle a bit in his hold, signaling him to let go of me, but he tightens his hold. But I won't complain because I'm actually enjoying it and then silently let myself soak up in his warmth.

Finally, he unwraps his arms from me when the lift reaches the top floor, and then covers my eyes with both of his hands.

"Follow me. I have a surprise for you," he said.

He guides me out of the lift, with his chest still close behind me. I follow his lead, as I try to figure out where we are. I hear his breathing, the faraway traffic noise and the gushing of wind.

A few moments later, he stops and slowly lifts his hands away from my eyes. 

"You can open your eyes now," he whispered, with his warm breath fanning the side of my face.

I slowly open my eyes. Fairy lights stringed around a transparent plastic igloo tent greets my eyes. I take in the warm flickering light from the white candles that are sitting on the floor, around and inside the tent. We are on a rooftop garden with floral plants surrounding the ledges, overlooking the busy night of the city.

"Go on," Nic gestures for me to go nearer to the tent.

I gingerly step around the ground scattered with pink flower petals, reaching the igloo tent. I take in the beautiful cozy sight in front of me - soft pastel-coloured pillows are lying lazily on a fluffy white carpet. In the middle of the tent sits a small table, with some snacks and drinks.

Nic enters from behind me and settles himself comfortably on the carpet. He then pats the empty space beside him, gesturing for me to lay down too. I carefully sit down and slowly lay my back down. I was in an uncomfortable, awkward position until Nic pulls my body closer to his.

"What movie do you want to watch?" he asked.

"Where? Now?" I asked puzzedly.

"Here, and yes, now," he replied, and presses on a button on a remote, that I didn't notice where he got it from. Suddenly the wall in front of us lights up. Oh, so there's a projector here.

"Woah, cool. I don't know? I watch cartoons or rom-coms," I said.

"Knew it. I know you're those who watch such shows," he laughed.

"Hey, what do you mean "those"? They are so good, okay?" I argued.

"Want to watch Frozen? I hear that all girls like it," he suggested.

"Sure! Have you watched it before?"

"No, it's a Disney show, meant for kids."

"No! Disney shows are for all ages! You're gonna love this movie and cry later."

"Pretty sure I won't, but we shall see," he smiled at my childish banter.

I lean my head gently on his chest as the movie starts.