That afternoon, Elara tidied the house and finally sank into the sofa, exhausted.
"Elara?" Adrian's voice drifted from upstairs.
"I'm on the sofa," she called back, her tone weary.
Adrian chuckled as he came down the stairs and walked toward her. "Let's go out," he said lightly.
"Go out? I just finished cleaning," Elara groaned. "I'm too tired."
He reached out, his hand brushing her cheek in a playful gesture. "Come on, get up," he said with a soft laugh, giving her cheek a gentle squeeze.
"Stop pinching my face!" she protested, sitting up and catching his cheeks in both hands to retaliate.
Adrian laughed, and before she realized it, his arms had slid naturally around her waist, drawing her close.
Her heart leapt. She froze, her fingers slipping away from his face. His nearness, his warmth, the effortless way he held her made her dizzy. And it struck her then, clear and undeniable. She had fallen for him, deeply and helplessly.
"You shouldn't have come home so early," she muttered, lightly hitting his chest in mock annoyance. "You should have stayed at the office."
He chuckled, amused by her sudden temper. "Truthfully, I wanted you to come with me today. But when Yuki showed up, I thought you could use a break." His voice softened, though a trace of frustration slipped through. "I didn't expect her to be so pushy."
"Who is she?" Elara asked, trying to sound casual.
"My cousin," Adrian said. "She's been studying abroad." His hands were still around her waist, and holding her felt natural, too natural.
"She's beautiful," Elara said, stepping out of his arms. "And she seems to like you."
"I've only ever seen her as family. That's all," he replied, reaching for her again and gently pulling her back into his embrace.
"What are you doing?" Elara asked, her palms resting against his chest. If he held her any longer, she wasn't sure she could keep her feelings hidden.
"Let's go out," he said softly.
"Fine. But let me change first," Elara said, trying to steady her voice.
He smiled and finally released her. "Deal."
*****
When they got into the car and started the car, she glanced at him. "So, where are we going?"
Adrian's lips curved into a small smile. "There's a fairground not far from here. Drive toward Maple Street, then take the second right."
Elara blinked, surprised. "A fairground? I didn't take you for the type."
"I'm not," he said lightly. "But I thought you might like it."
She hesitated for a second, then smiled. "All right, Maple Street it is."
The car rolled forward, sunlight spilling across the dashboard. For a while, neither of them spoke. The hum of the road and the soft music from the radio filled the silence. Elara stole a glance at him now and then. His posture was relaxed, one hand resting on his knee, his face turned toward the window as if he could sense the passing light.
After a few more turns, Adrian spoke again. "You can park up ahead. I think we're close."
When the car stopped, the faint sounds of laughter, music, and chatter reached them through the open window. Elara looked around, realization dawning. "A fairground?" she said, smiling.
Adrian nodded. "You once told me you liked candy floss."
Her lips parted in surprise. "You remembered that?"
"I did," he said softly. "You sounded happy when you talked about it."
Elara's chest tightened at his words. For a moment, she forgot to breathe. "You really listen, don't you?" she said quietly.
"Always," he replied.
She smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "All right then, Mr. Vale. Let's get some cotton candy."
*****
Elara guided Adrian through the entrance, her hand resting gently on his arm as laughter and music filled the air. The scent of sugar and warm pastries drifted around them, sweet and nostalgic.
"There are so many lights," she said softly. "Everything feels alive."
Adrian smiled faintly. "Tell me what you see."
Elara took a slow breath. "There are colorful stalls all around us, bright banners fluttering in the wind. Kids are running past, holding pink and blue candy floss. There's a carousel ahead, turning under strings of golden lights."
He listened quietly, the faintest smile curving his lips. "It sounds like a painting."
"It feels like one too," she said.
They stopped at a small stall, the smell of caramel and spun sugar filling the air. Elara bought a large swirl of pink cotton candy and turned to him. "Here," she said softly. "Try this."
He held out his hand, and she guided the candy to him. His fingers brushed hers before he took a piece. It melted instantly on his tongue, light and sweet. "It tastes like air and sugar," he said with quiet amusement.
Elara laughed. "That's exactly what it is. I used to love this when I was little."
Adrian tilted his head toward her voice. "And now?"
Her smile softened. "Now it just makes me remember of my mum."
A pause lingered between them. Adrian reached out, finding her hand. "Then share it with me," he said gently.
Her breath caught, but she tore off another piece and lifted it toward him. He found her fingers again, his touch lingering just long enough for her pulse to quicken. She fed him the piece, and their hands brushed once more. For a moment, the crowd faded and only the warmth between them remained.
"Sweet," he murmured. "But not as sweet as the smile you make when you talk about it."
Elara's heart skipped. "You can't even see me," she whispered, half flustered, half moved.
"I don't have to," he said quietly. "I can hear it."
Her cheeks warmed, and she turned slightly, trying to steady her breath. To change the subject, she said, "There's a Ferris wheel nearby. It's not too high, but it looks peaceful."
Adrian nodded. "Take me there."
She guided him to the ride, helping him into the seat before sitting beside him. The Ferris wheel began to move, lifting them slowly above the fair. The air was cooler here, carrying the scent of sugar and the faint sound of distant laughter.
"What can you see now?" he asked, his voice low and curious.
Elara looked down at the glowing fairground below them. "It looks like the sky has turned upside down," she said softly. "All the lights are scattered like stars."
Adrian smiled, his head tilted toward her voice. "Then describe it again, so I can see it too."
She smiled faintly. "The whole fair is glowing. The lights are reflected in the glass booths and the metal rails, and everything feels soft, like a dream. You can almost forget the world beyond this place."
"Then I'll imagine it the way you say it," Adrian murmured. "Because everything sounds beautiful when you describe it."
Her heart trembled at the warmth in his voice. She turned to look at him, her gaze drawn to his calm expression, the faint curve of his lips. Without thinking, she reached out and adjusted the collar of his shirt where it had folded slightly out of place. Her fingers brushed the side of his neck, and he caught her hand gently.
"Elara," he said, his tone quiet but steady. "You should not do that unless you want me to misunderstand."
Her breath caught. "I am sorry," she whispered, trying to pull her hand away.
But he did not let go. His thumb brushed against her palm in slow, thoughtful circles. "You always move so carefully," he said softly. "I can feel it in the way you touch things. Even when you speak."
She swallowed, her voice barely audible. "That is because I am afraid I will break something."
"Or someone?" he asked, his tone almost teasing, though there was a quiet depth beneath it.
Her gaze softened. "Maybe both."
He smiled faintly, still holding her hand. "You could not break me if you tried."
Elara did not answer. Her pulse raced, the air between them thick with words neither dared to speak. The Ferris wheel began to descend, but neither of them noticed. Her fingers remained in his, warm and trembling.
When the ride finally stopped, the music of the fair returned, bright and distant. Yet for a moment longer, neither of them moved. It felt as if the world had paused just for them.
Then Adrian spoke, his voice quiet but certain. "Thank you for bringing me here."
She looked at him, her throat tight. "It was you who brought me," she said softly.
He smiled, his fingers still brushing hers. "Maybe we brought each other."
Elara's breath caught at his words. She wanted to speak, but all she could do was nod, her heart full and unsteady.