"Sleeping beauty, wake up!" Irwin's voice pierced through my sleep as he playfully threw a pillow on my face and tugged at my bed sheet.

"You're so annoying, go away," I grumbled, yanking the bed sheet over me in an attempt to block out the intrusion. However, my efforts backfired as I pulled too hard, causing Irwin to lose his balance and fall onto the bed. Our lips touched once again, and we found ourselves in an unexpected kiss. His lips were soft against mine, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else.

"Get away from me!" I exclaimed, my eyes still closed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. "Woah, chill out, princess. I'm here for my towel," Irwin said, an amused frown on his face. "Wait, you're red again? Did you kiss me in your dreams?" he teased, a proud smirk playing on his lips.

"Shut up, none of your business," I retorted, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I hastily ran away, shutting the door of the bathroom behind me, trying to escape the situation that was becoming increasingly obvious-I liked him, and these accidental kisses were making it harder to ignore.

I hurried downstairs as I heard Calantha's familiar voice. Their arrival was unexpectedly early by an hour. Today was planned for a casual visit, with the anticipation of exploring the local bubble festival featuring stalls selling locally made products. The festival was to be hosted by Aunt Babei, who I suspected might have some matchmaking intentions given the mention of her grandchildren coming from Atlanta. As I descended the stairs, my thoughts wandered to Gregoire and Gregoria, the twins and my childhood friends. It had been five years since I last saw them, and it turned out that we had ended up attending the same university. I pursued a double degree, majoring in Management, Finance, and Philosophy, while Gregoire opted for a pure Mathematics degree, earning him the label of the resident nerd, albeit a brilliant one.

Gregoria had become a famous model and photographer, her name echoing in the world of fashion and art. Her capuccino-brown curly hair framed a heart-shaped face, adorned with pink lips and hazel light eyes that spoke of both warmth and confidence. As a renowned figure in the industry, her presence was undoubtedly striking. On the other hand, Gregoire had delved into the tech world, establishing himself as a tech geek who opened a marketing agency. Merging his company with his father's, he earned the title of the "hottest tech guy." Despite the accolades, he managed to maintain a low profile, with no pictures of him circulating in the media. With his capuccino light brown curly hair, he accentuated his sharp jawlines. Even with glasses and braces, his handsome features were undeniable, exuding intelligence and charm.

As I anticipated the reunion with my childhood friends, I couldn't help but wonder about the transformations they had undergone over the years. As Romeo and Gregory headed off to the airport, I couldn't help but notice the exchanged looks between them before leaving. It left me feeling a bit puzzled, wondering if there was something going on that I wasn't aware of. However, with their departure, the focus shifted to the plans at hand. Calantha suggested going to see Azlert, and when she asked who was coming with her, I mentioned having some work with Aunt Babei. Irwin, ever the supportive friend, volunteered to stay with Aunt Babei in case someone needed something. It seemed like a casual decision, but the knowing looks exchanged between Romeo and Gregory lingered in the back of my mind.

After they all left, it was just Irwin and me. I turned to him, breaking the silence, and asked, "So, what are we doing today?" Irwin, with a shy smile, suggesting going on a ride. The idea appealed to me, and I agreed, noting that the weather looked beautiful. Irwin nodded in agreement, adding, "Yeah, the sun is radiant." As we prepared to leave, I caught Irwin looking at me with a thoughtful expression. Curious, I asked, "What?" He hesitated for a moment before replying, "Nothing, let's go?" Despite the slight mystery lingering in the air, we set off for our ride, ready to enjoy the day together.

As we settled by the river, the anticipation of the upcoming bubble festival lingered in the air. I pulled out tanghulu, a sweet treat that Calantha mentioned I would enjoy. Handing Irwin a strawberry-flavored one, I said, "I brought you tanghulu; Calantha told me that you would like them." Irwin accepted the treat with a smile, taking a bite into the succulent strawberry. As he enjoyed the tangy sweetness, he casually asked, "What else do you want to know about me?" His question hung in the air, inviting a deeper connection between us. Caught off guard by the sudden inquiry, I couldn't help but glance at the movement of his Adam's apple as he savored the tanghulu. His Korean features, from his eyes that accentuated his eyebrows to his overall presence, captivated me. In that moment, I found myself thinking that he was the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. I could feel my heart beating faster than usual. He is looking drop dead gorgeous today.

Lost in the mesmerizing brownish-green depths of his eyes, I stammered slightly before replying, "Well, there's so much I'd like to know about you." I chuckled nervously, blushing at his unexpected humility. "Well, it's hard to imagine anyone not being captivated by your charm," I replied, trying to play it cool. He smirked and took another bite of his tanghulu, the sweet aroma lingering in the air. As he continued talking about his college days, his eyes sparkled with a mix of nostalgia and determination. "I had my goals set, you know? I was focused on my studies and my dreams. Sure, there were distractions, but I couldn't afford to let them get in the way," he said, his gaze drifting into the distance, as if reliving those pivotal moments.

I couldn't help but admire his dedication, the way he prioritized his ambitions over fleeting distractions. "That's impressive," I remarked, genuinely intrigued by his journey. He chuckled again, a warm sound that made my heart flutter. "Life is about choices. I chose to work hard, and it paid off. But hey, I'm not complaining about the attention back then," he added with a playful wink, breaking the serious tone. As we shared more stories and laughter, I couldn't help but appreciate the layers of his personality. His confidence, mixed with a touch of humility, made him all the more intriguing. The tanghulu continued to be a sweet companion to our conversation, and the shy grin on my face slowly transformed into a genuine smile.

Irwin's gaze remained fixed on me, his eyes searching for the depths of my thoughts. The question hung in the air, a gentle prod into the recesses of my past. "And you, did you always dream of becoming the CEO?" he inquired, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. I met his eyes, a mixture of nostalgia and reality in my own. "Not really," I admitted with a half-smile, a touch of vulnerability in my expression. "I was an average student during my college years." The memories of those times surfaced, a blend of challenges and aspirations. "But," I continued, the spark of passion evident in my eyes, "I had this zeal for motivation. I wanted to have a career as a professional motivational speaker." There was a brief pause as the weight of my unfulfilled dream lingered in the air.

"Then, you know what happened with my grandparents," I sighed, the heaviness of responsibility evident in my words. "I had to come back and take over somehow. Gregory had already started working in the other company." The twists and turns of life had redirected my path, leading me to a role I hadn't initially envisioned. As I spoke, Irwin's expression shifted from curiosity to understanding. His eyes mirrored a silent acknowledgment of the sacrifices and unexpected turns that life can take. The vulnerability in sharing my journey made the conversation feel more intimate, as if we were peeling back layers of our lives in that moment. Irwin's quiet empathy bridged the gap between our experiences, creating a connection that surpassed the boundaries of a casual conversation.

Irwin's understanding words hung in the air, creating a moment of connection. "I understand, it must have been hard for you to bear it all," he said, his voice tender. As if drawn by an invisible force, he moved closer, closing the gap between us. "Yeah, why did you move so close to me?" I managed to utter, attempting to mask the rapid fluttering of my heart. His proximity was both unnerving and exhilarating, leaving me on the edge of anticipation. "I, I-" Irwin hesitated, his words trailing off as he inched his face next to mine. The suspense heightened, and a silent question lingered in the air-was this a prelude to a kiss? I closed my eyes instinctively, bracing myself for what might come.

His warm breath brushed against my cheeks, and in that vulnerable moment, I felt his fingers delicately brushing against my lips. My eyes fluttered open in surprise, meeting his smirk. Embarrassment flooded over me, and I quickly averted my gaze, unsure how to interpret the subtle intimacy. "Admit it now, you wanted me to kiss you," he whispered, the words sending shivers down my spine. His tone was teasing, a playful challenge that left me caught between reality and the unspoken tension that had built up. Caught off guard, I stammered, "I...uh..." The air seemed charged with unspoken desires, and as I looked away, I couldn't deny the truth in his words.

The atmosphere between us shifted as our eyes locked, his gaze soft and inviting. In a surge of instinct, I found myself drawn closer, gripping the collar of his shirt with a gentle urgency. The space between us vanished, and I could feel the rhythmic thud of his heart against mine, the rapid beat echoing the unspoken intensity of the moment. Without hesitation, our lips met in a delicate fusion, a collision of longing and surrender. The air around us seemed to shimmer with an electrifying energy, the sweet fragrance of strawberry and sugar from the tanghulu he had just eaten mingling with the scent of his cologne. As our kiss deepened, time lost its relevance. There was a dance of emotions, an unspoken language exchanged in each tender touch. The sensations heightened, and the taste of his lips became a lingering memory, a blend of desire and connection. Our bites into each other's lips added a playful edge to the kiss, infusing the moment with a mixture of passion and shared amusement. The intensity escalated, a gradual crescendo that resonated with the beating of our entwined hearts.

The sweet agony of goosebumps rippled across my skin, an involuntary response to the overwhelming emotions coursing through me. The world outside of our kiss seemed to fade away, leaving us suspended in a timeless realm where only the echoes of our shared passion prevailed. In that moment, everything else ceased to matter as we immersed ourselves in the captivating dance of two souls entangled in the bliss of connection. Reluctantly, I tore myself away from Irwin, the magnetic pull between us lingering even as I fumbled for my buzzing phone in my pocket. His laughter echoed, a melodic backdrop to the interruption. I shot him an apologetic look, and he responded with a warm smile that seemed to convey an unspoken understanding.

"Thank you," he said, his lips brushing against my forehead in a gentle kiss. The simple gesture carried a weight of gratitude and affection, leaving me with a soft warmth that contrasted with the cool air around us. He helped me to stand on my feet, a supportive hand ensuring my balance. As I regained my composure, the lingering aroma of strawberries in my mouth served as a sweet reminder of the stolen moment. Irwin's laughter and the taste of the tanghulu created a sensory memory that would stay with me.

"Where are you guys?" I asked into the phone, trying to regain focus as Gregory's voice came through the line. "On our way, see you in ten minutes, Abby," he responded. The reality of the outside world crashed back in, and I knew it was time to part ways with Irwin for the moment.

"Time to go," I said to Irwin, a hint of reluctance in my voice. "They're on their way, and we need to prepare and check everything." He nodded in agreement, the understanding between us unspoken yet palpable. With one last shared glance, we made our way back to meet Aunt Babei, the enchantment of our brief interlude lingering like a secret between us.