The alarm rang so loud I almost went deaf. I groaned and turned to the other side, pulling the blanket over my head.
Leaving the bed felt like the hardest thing in the world, but I had plans. I needed to get up.
As I struggled to sit upright, I realized something tightened around my waist.
A huge hand. My eyes flew open. I looked down and almost screamed.
It was Raisem.
He was still asleep, his face calm and soft, holding me like a child afraid to be left alone. His arm was wrapped securely around my waist, keeping me pinned to the bed.
"Oh God," I whispered.
Then the memories rushed back, hitting me all at once.
"Stay here with me."
His voice from last night echoed in my head. I remembered how I had hesitated, how my heart had raced. Before I could even reply, he had pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Just for tonight," he had whispered into my ear.
Heat crawled up my face. I couldn't believe I actually stayed.
How was I even supposed to face him now?
I carefully lifted his hands off my waist, inch by inch, holding my breath the entire time.
When he didn't stir, I slipped out of the bed quietly and stood up.
Anyways, I told myself, I already planned to cook today. No more fast food, no rushing out to eat and no delivery orders.
Today, I was making breakfast. Something proper. Something special.
"I'll cook like a 5 star Michelin, 3 star Michelin" I muttered, tying my hair back. "I hope he loves it."
A few minutes later, I rushed downstairs and headed straight into the kitchen. I opened the fridge, then the cabinets, scanning everything we had.
"What do I make?" I asked myself, tapping my chin.
Raisem was a vegetarian, though I found it hard to believe. I had to be careful.
Then it hit me.
"Yes!" I whispered. "Perfect."
Cheesy bean toast. I moved around the kitchen like a determined chef, chopping, stirring, flipping. The pan heated up faster than I expected, and suddenly, Whoosh.
Fire flared up from the stove.
"Ah!" I yelped, jumping back.
The flames licked upward, bright and angry, the smell of smoke filling the kitchen. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
"Okay, okay, relax," I said to myself, grabbing a lid and slamming it over the pan.
After a few tense seconds, the fire died down.
I leaned against the counter, breathing hard.
"Almost burned his apartment," I murmured.
Sweat rolled down my face, but the food was finally ready. The toast looked golden, the cheese perfectly melted, the beans rich and warm, it smelled amazing.
Proud of myself, I went to the sitting room to grab my phone so I could take a picture.
That was when a breaking news headline caught my eye.
"Missing Women and Children."
I froze.
The newscaster spoke in a serious tone.
"There has been an increase in cases of missing women and children over the past few days. Reports show that victims were last seen in public places such as malls, bus stops, and markets."
Images flashed across the screen.
"Authorities have begun full investigations," the newscaster continued. "If you have any information, please report to the nearest police station."
I frowned.
"Oh wow… that's terrible," I murmured. "I hope they find them."
I shook the thought away and picked up my phone, forcing myself to focus back on the breakfast.
Raisem was still asleep. Since his PA had said he was tired and stressed, I decided to take the food to his room instead.
I placed the toast, a drink, and water carefully on a tray and headed upstairs. He was still sleeping when I entered his room.
I gently set the tray on his desk and glanced at him. His hair was slightly messy, covering a few parts of his face, his chest rising and falling slowly.
Why is he still sleeping? I thought. The food will get cold. Should I wake him?
No. That wouldn't be nice. I pouted slightly, feeling disappointed. I really wanted him to taste it before it gets cold.
Anyways, I turned to leave. Then...
"Ara." His voice was low. Sleepy and unfairly sexy.
I stopped.
He slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. "What are you doing here?" he asked, clearly surprised.
Oh. He was awake.
"I made breakfast," I said quickly, lifting the tray.
He looked at it like I had poisoned him.
"That's rare," he said suspiciously.
"Well, we already stocked up on groceries, so I can make whatever I want," I replied.
He nodded, then pointed to the food. I brought it closer to him. He took a bite and his expression changed.
"Is it good?" I asked nervously.
"No."
"That's a lie!" I shouted immediately.
He chuckled. "I was joking."
Relief washed over me.
"Did anything happen between us last night?" he asked suddenly.
My heart skipped. Images flashed through my mind, his head on my thighs, his arms pulling me close, his quiet voice asking me to stay.
"No," I lied.
He nodded, accepting it. I stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to say.
"Do you have anything else in mind?" he asked.
"I got free tickets to a theatrical show!" I blurted out.
He blinked. "Where did you get the tickets?"
"At the mall. It was a gift for shopping for underwear," I said, blushing.
"Okay."
"Can you go with me?" I asked quickly.
He stayed quiet for a moment.
"I'm not really a fan of theatrical shows," he said. "But it won't hurt to try."
My face lit up. "So you're coming?"
He nodded.
"Yes! Thank you," I said. "There's a dress code—black, white and a red accent."
He raised an eyebrow. "Are we contesting for a mass choir event?"
I laughed. "No, it's just the dress code."
*******
Time moved faster than I expected, and before I knew it, we were standing in front of the theatre.
The building stood tall and elegant, glowing under warm golden lights. The glass doors reflected the crowd outside, and soft music drifted from inside.
People were everywhere—laughing, chatting, holding hands. Almost everyone came with a partner.
Most of them were dressed in black and white with a red accent, just like the dress code demanded. It made the night feel special, like we were all part of something shared.
Raisem noticed too. I couldn't believe he actually followed the dress code and he was so hot in his outfit.
His eyes scanned the crowd quietly. Couples walked past us, some holding hands, some whispering into each other's ears.
Vendors lined the walkway, selling couple charms, matching bracelets, small bags, flowers, and themed souvenirs.
We collected our number, but the queue stretched longer than I expected. I sighed loudly.
"This is so annoying. We've been standing here for minutes," I blurted out. "We won't get the front rows or even the second row."
I shifted my weight, hugging myself slightly.
"It's really cold here tonight," I whispered, not even realizing he was close enough to hear me.
"Have you been here before?" he asked.
"Once," I replied. "With a friend from high school."
He nodded once, then said, "Wait here."
Before I could ask what he meant, he walked ahead toward one of the bodyguards. I watched him, confused, my hands clasped together nervously.
What is he doing? I wondered. A minute later, he returned with the bodyguard.
"Let's go," he said calmly.
"What's wrong?" I asked, walking beside him.
"There's nothing my black card can't do," he said, almost amused.
I blinked, then followed them toward a different entrance—the one marked Cast and Crew Only.
At the door, Raisem stopped suddenly.
"You go with him and secure a seat. I'll be back soon," he said.
"Where are you going?" I asked, but he was already walking away.
Inside the hall, everything felt different. The space was massive, dimly lit, and buzzing with excitement.
Soft instrumentals played in the background as people found their seats. Ushers guided guests with small flashlights, whispering directions.
The guard led me straight to the front row.
My heart raced as I sat down. The stage was right there—close enough to see every detail, every emotion that would play out.
But Raisem wasn't there yet. The lights dimmed slightly.
"Is someone sitting here?" a man beside me asked.
"Yes," I replied quickly. "Someone is."
I kept glancing at the entrance.Where is he?
Then suddenly, a hand touched my shoulder.
I turned and there he was.
"You almost missed the intro of the play," I whispered.
He didn't reply. Instead, I noticed something in his hands. Before I could speak, he gently placed a muffler around my neck.
It was so warm and soft. My breath caught.
Then it hit me, I had said I was cold.
"You heard me," I said softly.
He nodded once and took his seat beside me.
"Thanks," I added quietly.
The lights went out completely. The curtain slowly rose. A spotlight hit the center of the stage.
"Welcome to the 21st play in the theatre, today's play is titled Love in the Bloodmoon," a voice announced.
I was so excited. Music filled the theatre—live music. Strings, piano, soft drums. The cast stepped onto the stage, moving with purpose, dressed in flowing costumes that matched the mood of the story.
The performance unfolded beautifully. Drama, passion, conflict and so many more.
"Melon," the male lead cried, dropping to his knees. "My love for you will never die. I will cherish you all my days. Please don't leave."
The hall went silent. The female lead stepped back, her voice shaking but firm.
"You mean nothing to me, Comesa. I have found true love. The one from the Bloodmoon."
Gasps echoed around us.
I smiled softly and turned to Raisem. His face was calm. Still, almost unreadable.
Music swelled as the story continued—heartbreak, misunderstandings, longing. The actors sang with pure emotion, their voices filling the hall, rising and falling like waves.
The orchestra followed every emotion, making my chest feel tight.
By the final act, tears streamed down my face as the lovers reunited.
"You're my hero, the one from the Bloodmoon." The female lead cried out.
They kissed. I laughed and cried at the same time, wiping my cheeks.
Raisem turned to look at me and the curtain closed.
Applause thundered through the hall. Then the curtain opened again. The entire cast and crew stepped forward and bowed.
The director came out.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," he said, smiling. "As tradition demands, we select one couple to represent and be the face of Love in the Bloodmoon."
My stomach tightened.
"Let it begin!" he shouted.
People screamed, hoping to be picked.
Then, the spotlight hit me. I froze instantly. Another light shifted and landed on Raisem.
The crowd erupted.
"He's so handsome!" someone shouted.
"They look cute!" another voice echoed.
The director grinned.
"Oh, seems we have our couple for tonight. And here is the big show—kiss!"
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" everyone screamed.
My heart pounded.Oh no. I turned to Raisem, panic devouring me whole. Was he angry? Embarrassed? About to walk away?
Before I could say anything, he leaned in.
His lips brushed mine at first, hesitant, like he was asking permission. Then he kissed me.
Slow, soft and warm. Not rushed, not forced.
His hand steadied my arm slightly, grounding me. My breath hitched as the world faded into noise and light.
Cheers exploded. Confetti rained down from above, floating around us like a dream.I pulled back, stunned.
Did I expect him to kiss me?
No.
Did I enjoy it?
Yes.