It was a perfect Saturday. The sun bathed the park in golden light as Victor and Kaylee strolled together, their fingers gently intertwined. A cool breeze carried the faint scent of flowers, mingling with the rustling of leaves around them. They had been together for some time now, and with each passing day, Victor's affection for her deepened in ways he could never have imagined.
The park was peaceful, the distant laughter of children and the soft calls of birds blending with the quiet rhythm of their footsteps. Kaylee's laughter rang through the air as Victor recounted a silly moment from work, her joy filling his heart with warmth. He watched her as she laughed—her eyes sparkling, her smile lighting up the world—and without thinking, he pulled her closer, slipping his arm around her waist.
"Every time you laugh like that," Victor whispered, leaning near her ear, "I fall in love with you all over again."
Kaylee's laughter softened, and her gaze met his. She placed her hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "You always make me feel special."
Victor smiled, his voice gentle. "You are special. Always." He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering as the moment settled between them, rich with unspoken emotion.
They walked on, the soft sounds of the park cocooning them in a peaceful silence. Neither was in a hurry to leave, content in each other's company. As the late afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, Victor suggested dinner at a quiet place he had carefully chosen for the evening.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Kaylee gasped softly. The intimate glow of the lights and the elegant, cozy atmosphere made the place feel like a hidden gem. Victor led her to a private table near the window, where they could watch the city lights twinkling in the distance.
Everything had been arranged in advance, down to the smallest detail. As soon as they were seated, the chef appeared at their table, offering a warm smile.
"I've prepared something special tonight," the chef said, nodding toward Kaylee. "President Victor mentioned your love for nutritious, healthy options that come with delicious flavors, so we've created an almond-crusted grilled salmon served on cooked lettuce in onion-glazed sauce as the main course."
Kaylee's eyes sparkled with delight. She looked at Victor, a mixture of surprise and affection in her gaze. "You never stop surprising me," she said softly.
"I just love to see you smile," said Victor, sincerely and lovingly.
The meal was perfect. The flavors were delicate yet full, exactly how Kaylee liked her food. Victor didn't need to ask—he knew her preferences as well as his own. Every bite was thoughtful, every detail a quiet testament to how much he cherished her.
Their conversation flowed easily, deepening in moments and playful in others. More than once, Kaylee felt her cheeks warm under Victor's steady, adoring gaze. She could feel the depth of his love in every gesture—the way he refilled her glass, how his hand brushed hers across the table. It was as if nothing else in the world existed but the two of them.
At one point, Victor set his fork down and leaned closer, his voice soft and sincere. "I don't think I've ever been this happy. Just being here with you... talking, laughing. It feels like home."
Kaylee's breath caught in her throat, her heart swelling at his words. She reached across the table, her fingers wrapping around his. "You make me feel the same way. I've never felt more loved."
Victor brought her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. "I mean every word, Kaylee. You've brought so much light into my life. I never want to lose that."
Their evening continued, filled with quiet moments and bursts of laughter. Victor's eyes rarely left hers, and every look seemed to say what words couldn't. As they finished their meal and stepped outside, they were greeted by the soft patter of raindrops hitting the pavement.
Within seconds, the drizzle turned into a downpour. Victor instinctively pulled Kaylee closer, sheltering her under the restaurant's overhang as they both laughed at the sudden change in weather.
"Looks like we're trapped," Kaylee said, giggling as she glanced at the heavy rain pouring down.
Victor's grin spread, a mischievous spark lighting his eyes. Without a word, he grabbed her hand and tugged her into the rain. Kaylee shrieked in surprise, but soon her laughter echoed through the night, blending with the sound of raindrops splashing around them.
Victor gently took Kaylee's hand, pulling her closer before spinning her in a graceful twirl under the falling rain, drenched from head to toe, but neither of them cared. Her laughter echoed through the downpour as she spun, droplets dancing around them, her soaked dress catching the light. Victor's hands found their way to her waist, steady and firm, while Kaylee leaned into him, their bodies moving in sync as they danced beneath the rain-soaked sky.
Soon, Kaylee's hair clung to her face, her clothes soaked through, but her smile was brighter than ever. Victor, his shirt plastered to his chest, only had eyes for her—her joy contagious, her laughter filling the air like music.
At one point, Victor stopped, his breath ragged from both the rain and the overwhelming emotions surging through him. His hand gently found its way to Kaylee's face, cradling it with tenderness as raindrops traced their way down their foreheads, mingling with the rhythm of their breaths. In that fleeting moment, the world around them blurred into nothingness.
"Kaylee," he murmured, his voice low, thick with emotion. His thumb brushed along the soft curve of her cheek, as if committing every inch of her to memory. "You have no idea how much you mean to me. Every moment with you... I wish it could last forever."
Kaylee's pulse quickened beneath his touch. She pressed her forehead to his, their noses grazing in an unspoken dance of closeness, the heat between them contrasting against the chill of the rain. "Victor," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "you've shown me a love I never thought I could find."
The rain fell harder, but it only made the moment feel more timeless, as though everything had slowed just for them. Time stretched in that cocoon of rain and shared breaths. Their hearts beat in sync, steady yet strong, with no need for anything but each other's presence. Victor's gaze dropped to her lips, the urge to kiss her almost unbearable. But he held himself back, the weight of his love and respect anchoring him.
Even without a kiss, the intimacy between them felt undeniable, as if the shared restraint made the moment even more powerful. It was the kind of closeness that spoke without words.
Kaylee closed her eyes, her hand gently coming to rest against his chest. Beneath her palm, she felt the steady, reassuring beat of his heart, strong and true. "This has been the most beautiful night," she murmured, her words almost lost to the rhythm of the rain.
Victor smiled softly, his breath warm against her skin as he leaned in to press a gentle kiss on her forehead. His lips lingered there for a second, savoring the connection between them. "For me too," he whispered, his voice hoarse with unspoken feeling.
The rain continued its soft symphony around them, but neither of them moved. They stood in the stillness, wrapped in each other's warmth, completely immersed in the moment. There was no rush, no need for words. The love that enveloped them was as undeniable as the steady rhythm of the rain, unspoken yet profoundly felt.
Eventually, Victor pulled back slightly, noticing the subtle shivers running through Kaylee's body. "You're freezing," he murmured, his voice laced with concern, though his gaze remained warm and affectionate.
Kaylee let out a soft laugh, but the slight tremble in her shoulders gave her away. "I'm fine," she protested playfully, her breath visible in the cool night air.
With a tender smile, Victor wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "Let's get you warmed up," he said gently while walking Kaylee toward the car, his words carrying a mixture of concern and quiet devotion.
The rain had soaked through their clothes, but instead of discomfort, it seemed to add a kind of wonder to the moment. They laughed and teased each other about their impromptu rain dance, their playful banter weaving effortlessly into the night. Each brush of Victor's arm against hers felt like a quiet promise, a reminder of how deeply they belonged to each other.
Once they reached the car, Victor quickly retrieved his jacket and draped it around Kaylee's shoulders, the fabric still carrying the warmth of the dry interior. "Here," he said, his smile soft, as if protecting her from the cold was as natural to him as breathing.
Halfway home, Victor pulled up in front of a small cafe. Without saying a word, he dashed inside, leaving Kaylee nestled in his jacket, which still smelled faintly of him.
A few moments later, Victor returned, rain droplets clinging to his hair, but a grin lit up his face. In his hand, he held a steaming cup of hot chocolate almond milk, just the way she liked it. "For you," he said, handing it to her with a knowing smile, his eyes shining with affection.
Kaylee's eyes lit up as she wrapped her hands around the warm cup, the heat seeping into her chilled fingers. "You always know exactly what I need," she murmured, her voice soft, filled with gratitude and affection.
Victor chuckled, starting the car again. "I just want to take care of you," he said, his voice tender, but beneath the light tone, there was something deeper—an unspoken vow that went beyond just this moment. He wanted to protect her, cherish her, and make her feel loved in every way.
As the car glided through the rain-slicked streets, Kaylee sipped her hot chocolate, letting its warmth spread through her body. She glanced over at Victor, her heart swelling further as she noticed how his own clothes were still soaked through, clinging to his skin. Yet he seemed more concerned about her comfort than his own.
A soft smile touched her lips, and she leaned back in her seat, the moment so perfect and serene. The rain pattered against the windows, but all she could feel was the warmth of his love wrapping around her, even in the simplest of gestures.
When they finally arrived at Kaylee's apartment, Victor walked her to the door, holding an umbrella over them both, though the rain still kissed the edges of their faces. Standing beneath the soft glow of the porch light, Kaylee paused, her eyes searching his.
"I don't want this night to end," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, but it was enough for Victor to hear the emotion behind it.
Victor's lips curled into a gentle smile as he reached up, brushing a damp strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "It doesn't have to," he said softly, his voice filled with quiet assurance. "What we have... it's always with us, even when we're apart."
Kaylee's heart fluttered at his words, the depth of their connection sinking in. She nodded, feeling the truth of his words settle into her soul.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope, unwilling to let go of the night completely.
Victor leaned in, their foreheads gently touching, his breath warm against her skin as their noses brushed. "Um," he promised with a whisper, his voice filled with affection and certainty.
They lingered in that embrace, the moment more intimate than any kiss could be. Victor's chest rose and fell, his heart beating in time with hers.
With a soft sigh, Kaylee pulled back, though their hands lingered in each other's grasp for just a moment longer. As she stepped inside, she looked back at Victor, her heart full, knowing that no matter the distance, their love would remain steady—unshaken, unbroken.
Victor watched as she disappeared into her apartment. He walked out and the rain still falling around him, but inside, he was wrapped in a love that filled him completely.
***
Hann sat at his oak desk, staring at the soft street light filtering through the blinds. It was a quiet Saturday, the kind of night too peaceful for the storm brewing inside him. He had spent the previous night tossing and turning, replaying every moment from his last encounter with Joyce. He had called her father's office the day before, hoping for a response, but the silence only deepened his longing.
Now, though, in the stillness of his home, a different kind of feeling began to settle over him—a calm acceptance. Maybe Joyce needed time, maybe she wasn’t ready to face him yet. Or maybe, she never would be. The thought tugged sharply at his heart, but instead of the usual wave of regret, a quiet resignation washed over him. He was beginning to realize that waiting was part of his journey—part of the price he had to pay for all the years he hadn't paid attention.
Hann reached for his phone, scrolling absentmindedly through old messages. Joyce’s silence, though painful, felt deserved. He had pushed too hard, too soon.
Suddenly, an idea surfaced. His fingers hesitated over the screen before he opened the camera app. Maybe she wasn’t ready to speak to him, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t speak to her. Maybe hearing his voice, his truth, could begin to heal the distance between them.
He propped the phone on his desk, hit record, and leaned back in his chair. His reflection filled the screen, and it didn't take him long for words to escape his mouth.
"Hey, Joyce," he began softly, the hesitation in his voice apparent. "I've been thinking about you a lot... more than usual. I didn't sleep well last night. I guess I just... miss you."
He paused, running a hand through his hair, slightly frustrated with how awkward it sounded. But this was the truth, and Joyce deserved his honesty.
"I hope you're okay. I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but if you need space, take all the time you need. I just... I want you to know that I'm here, waiting for you."
His voice wavered, but he pushed through. "I've been blind to so much, Joyce. I took your care for granted, and I'm sorry. I should've seen it sooner. All I'm asking now is a chance—to prove I've changed. To show you I can be better."
He smiled faintly, the expression tinged with regret and hope.
"Anyway, I don't want to take up too much of your time. If you ever want to talk... or just listen, I'm here."
He stopped the recording and stared at the screen for a long moment. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He uploaded it to his private YouTube channel, typed the link followed by the date as the message in WhatsApp, and sent it to Joyce.
After sending the message, Hann saw only a single check mark—the confirmation that it hadn’t been delivered yet. Still, a strange sense of relief washed over him. He exhaled deeply, almost laughing at the irony. For so long, he had kept Joyce at a distance, and now the roles were reversed. It was his turn to wait, to endure the silence. And he would—patiently, no matter how long it took.
If, in the end, she rejected him, he would respect her decision. But deep down, he knew one thing for certain: no matter the outcome, he would never stop caring for her. Not now. Not ever.
***
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows of the temporary worship hall at St. Thomas Cathedral, casting a warm glow over the polished wooden floors. Kaylee, Victor, and her parents—Stone and Amethyst—had just finished the Sunday service, and now they were making their way to a nearby cafe for brunch.
The cafe was cozy, located at a quiet corner of town, with large windows that framed the bustling street outside. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air as they settled into a comfortable corner table.
Victor, ever attentive, pulled Kaylee’s chair out for her before taking his own seat. Stone and Amethyst exchanged a brief glance, subtly impressed as they watched Victor's small, thoughtful gestures. He always seemed to anticipate what Kaylee needed before she even asked, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by her parents.
"So," Victor began, his voice warm and inviting as he picked up the menu, "what are we feeling like today?"
Kaylee leaned closer, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of the menu as she scanned the options. "I'm thinking something light. Maybe the avocado toast... or the avocado wrap? That sounds really good."
Victor chuckled softly, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "And a side of sauteed mushrooms? Let's go with the toast. I can tell you're craving the sourdough more than the wrap."
Kaylee's eyes lit up, and she grinned. "How did you know? You're right! Sourdough it is, and the mushrooms, please."
Victor's smile deepened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he caught her excitement. Across the table, Amethyst raised an eyebrow, watching the effortless exchange between them with a soft, approving smile. "You really do pay attention to her, don't you, Victor?" she remarked, her voice light but filled with meaning.
Victor's gaze flicked to Amethyst, a touch of humility softening his expression. "I try," he replied, his tone gentle yet sincere. "It's easy when it's Kaylee."
There was a brief pause, and Stone, who had been quietly observing, nodded approvingly. He was a man of few words, but his protective nature over Kaylee had always been clear. Victor's consistent care and attention to detail had slowly earned Stone's trust over time, and moments like these only reinforced it.
"You're doing a good job," Stone said gruffly, but there was warmth in his words.
The table shared a light laugh, and the atmosphere relaxed. Moments later, the waiter arrived to take their orders—Kaylee settled on avocado toast with sauteed mushrooms, Amethyst opted for a vegetable frittata, Stone went for a classic eggs benedict, and Victor, with a quiet smile, ordered the same as Kaylee, earning another approving glance from her parents.
As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Victor, though relaxed, remained fully engaged, ensuring both Stone and Amethyst were part of the dialogue. They discussed the ongoing renovations at the Cathedral, then moved to lighter topics—reminiscing about family stories, cherished memories from Kaylee’s childhood, and the amusing moments shared at past family gatherings. The mood was easy, filled with laughter and genuine connection.
While talking about future plans, Victor casually mentioned, "My father, Ford Dylan, is really looking forward to meeting both of you. He might reach out sometime next week."
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