Jasmine's POV

I fumbled for my phone on the nightstand, my mind still clouded with the discomfort of the tummy pain and the unusual circumstances we found ourselves in. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of city lights filtering through the curtains.

"Ugh, my stomach is acting up," I mumbled, trying to shake off the lingering grogginess. As I finally located my phone, I checked the time - it was early, the conference still hours away. The rain continued to drum against the window, creating a soothing yet melancholic soundtrack to the unfolding events.

Romeo propped himself up on his elbow, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?" he asked, genuine concern etched across his face. The lines of fatigue and confusion played on his features, mirroring my own.

"I think I just need some water or something," I replied, glancing at him briefly before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The awkwardness of the situation lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder if the mix-up in room assignments was intentional or merely a hotel error. Romeo, now fully awake, joined me in the search for a solution to my sudden discomfort. We rifled through the complimentary hotel information, finding the room service menu. "I'll order some tea and toast for you," Romeo offered, reaching for the phone.

As he made the call, I couldn't help but reflect on the strange turn of events. The conference, the weather, the room mix-up - it all seemed like a series of peculiar coincidences. And then there was the undeniable closeness we shared on the bed last night, guided by unspoken rules and mutual understanding. The door creaked open as room service arrived, interrupting my thoughts. Romeo handed me a cup of hot tea and a plate with toast, his eyes searching mine for any sign of discomfort. "Thanks," I managed to say, appreciating the gesture.

We sat in silence for a moment, the atmosphere between us still charged with unspoken words. The international art conference loomed ahead, promising a day filled with creativity and inspiration. Little did I know that the unexpected events of the morning were just the beginning of a conference that would be far more intriguing and complex than I could have imagined. I woke up suddenly with pain. Without saying anything I ran quickly and went to the bathroom, without causing Romeo to wake up. As I rushed to the bathroom, the sharp pain and sudden realization hit me like a tidal wave. Panic set in when I realized I didn't have any pads or tampons stashed away. The urgency of the situation forced me to abandon any concerns about waking Romeo. Frantically searching through the cabinets, my heart sank as I confirmed my fear - no supplies in sight. The tears welled up as frustration and embarrassment flooded over me. How could I have not been prepared for this?

Just as I was grappling with the overwhelming situation, I heard the soft, concerned footsteps behind the door. Romeo's voice broke through the silence, his words laced with empathy, "Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Feeling a mix of vulnerability and discomfort. The tears continued to stream down my cheeks as I stammered, "I... I got my period earlier than expected, and I don't have any pads. I'm so sorry."

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, and opened the bathroom door. Romeo stood there, concern etched across his face. I sighed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "It's just... I didn't expect my period to come so soon, and I don't have any pads with me''

Romeo's expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. Without hesitation, he reached out to comfort me, offering reassurance in the midst of my embarrassment. "It's okay. Don't worry about it. Let me check if the hotel has anything or if I can get something for you from a nearby store," he said, his genuine concern evident. As he left the room to inquire about supplies, I couldn't help but appreciate his kindness and understanding. The unexpected turn of events had exposed a vulnerable side of me, yet Romeo's response was compassionate and supportive.

In a matter of minutes, Romeo returned to the room, his breath slightly labored, and his forehead glistening with sweat. As he entered, he shook his hair, revealing the charming curls that framed his face. The sight was both unexpected and endearing, momentarily distracting me from the predicament at hand. However, it was the sizable paper bag he clutched in his hands that truly captured my attention. The contents were a mystery, and I couldn't help but be intrigued. His cheeks were tinged with a subtle flush, perhaps a mix of exertion and the awareness of the somewhat intimate nature of his errand.

"I forgot to ask you what brand you use and the pad size, so I brought a variety, as well as some medicines and candies from the nearby store," he explained, his voice tinged with a touch of embarrassment, one hand nervously scratching his neck.

A genuine smile spread across my face at the sight of the thoughtful gesture. "That's so considerate of you. Thank you so much, Romeo. You just saved my day," I expressed my gratitude, my eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and appreciation.

Romeo's slightly flushed cheeks deepened in color, and he managed a bashful smile in return. "It's no problem at all. If you need anything else, just let me know," he offered, his sincerity evident. As I took the bag from him, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. His spontaneous act of kindness had turned an initially awkward situation into a moment of genuine connection. "I will treat you to a meal after the conference." I added, wanting to reciprocate the kindness he had shown.

As Romeo stepped out for a call, I couldn't resist the temptation to peek into the bag he had brought. Opening it revealed a plethora of sanitary pads, each of a different brand - a thoughtful assortment that showcased his considerate effort to cover all bases. A boxful of everything he could find, making me realize the extent of his kindness. A warmth washed over me, and I couldn't help but marvel at his sweet gesture. I felt incredibly fortunate to have him by my side in that moment. Amidst the array of sanitary products, I discovered two beautiful pairs of pajamas and some comfortable lingerie. It was as if he had not only anticipated my immediate needs but also considered my preferences and tastes. The pajamas were adorable, and the lingerie reflected a level of attention to detail that left me pleasantly surprised.

In that instant, I couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness he had put into selecting these items. It was a gesture that went beyond mere practicality, signaling a deeper understanding and care. As I held the pajamas in my hands, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Romeo's presence in my life. Just as I began to contemplate the significance of his actions, Romeo entered the room, a hint of worry etched on his face. "Everything okay?" he inquired, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.

A genuine smile played on my lips as I held up the pajamas, "Everything's more than okay. You've thought of everything, Romeo. Thank you for being so considerate." The room seemed to brighten with a shared understanding, and as I prepared for the conference, I couldn't help but feel a newfound appreciation for the unexpected moments of connection and care that can arise in the most ordinary of circumstances.

As we got ready for the conference, Romeo handed me a cup of warm water, his concern evident in his eyes. "Drink this warm water," he suggested, his voice gentle. "It will help with the cramps."

His thoughtful gesture went beyond the physical items he had brought; it extended to caring for my well-being in a moment of vulnerability. The simple act of offering warm water, accompanied by his understanding words, conveyed a level of consideration that touched me deeply. Accepting the cup, I appreciated not only the practical advice but also the emotional support he provided. The warmth of the water mirrored the warmth of his gesture, creating a comforting experience that went beyond the physical relief it promised. In that moment, I couldn't help but reflect on the beauty of empathy and understanding, especially when shared between two people in unexpected situations. As I sipped the warm water, I met Romeo's gaze, and a silent understanding passed between us.

"You know so much about periods," I said softly, acknowledging the depth of Romeo's understanding and compassion.

He responded with a soft smile, "Yeah, my little sister has the worst pain, and then my dad kind of educated me and my brothers about it, so yeah, we know how to treat a woman."

His words resonated with a sense of familial care and responsibility, painting a picture of a considerate upbringing that extended beyond the immediate family. The thoughtfulness in his actions and words revealed not just knowledge but a genuine empathy for the challenges women face during their periods. The playboy image that i had of him in my head suddenly brushed away.

"Your wife would be the luckiest one," I remarked suddenly, caught up in the warmth of the moment.

Romeo looked at me, his expression softening into a tender smile.

The conference unfolded seamlessly, and amidst the artistic inspiration, I had the privilege of meeting one of the greatest artists in China. The day had been filled with captivating discussions and the exchange of creative ideas, leaving me with a sense of fulfillment. As I navigated through the crowd, I managed to discreetly catch sight of Romeo. Unlike Irwin and Aster, Romeo's features revealed his Korean heritage more prominently. His fox-like eyes, thick eyebrows, and dark black hair framed a handsome face that caught my attention. There was a certain charm in the way he carried himself, a blend of confidence and humility that made him stand out.

"How are you feeling?" Romeo's voice came from behind, pulling me away from my observations.

I turned to face him, offering a genuine smile. "I feel better, thank you," I replied, appreciating the concern in his eyes.

Romeo's smirk brought a playful tone to the air as he caught me staring, his question lingering in the space between us. "I caught you staring at me secretly, am I that handsome?" he teased, his fox eyes sparkling with mischief. Caught off guard, I hesitated, sipping on my champagne to mask any potential embarrassment.

Before I could formulate a response, a familiar voice cut through the crowd, calling my name. "Hey, Jasmine, is that you?" The voice belonged to Hades, a blast from the past - a high school classmate known for his charming looks. Tall with blonde hair and deep blue eyes, he was the epitome of the "chocolate boy" in our school, a combination that could make anyone fall for him.

"Hades?" I exclaimed, genuinely surprised to see him at the conference. I could feel the weight of Romeo's gaze, sensing the raised eyebrows that accompanied his curiosity.

As Hades approached, his eyes shifted between me and Romeo. "Jasmine, is this your..." he trailed off, leaving the question hanging in the air.

Romeo, seizing the moment, wrapped an arm around my waist possessively. "Yeah, she's with me tonight and tomorrow," he declared, his tone carrying a subtle edge.

The sudden possessiveness in Romeo's gesture didn't go unnoticed, adding a layer of tension to the unexpected reunion. Hades, on the other hand, wore a wry smile, sensing the unspoken dynamics at play. The encounter, set against the backdrop of the art-filled conference, hinted at a blend of emotions and complexities that promised to unfold in the hours to come. Romeo's possessive gesture had unintended consequences as my fingers knocked against the champagne glass, causing a cascade of liquid to spill on my dress and splatter onto Romeo's shirt. "I am sorry," I apologized, attempting to wipe off the stain with a tissue but only making it worse.

As I struggled to salvage the situation, Hades observed the scene, his comment laden with an unexpected insight into my demeanor. "Jasmine, you really like him, don't you? Your dress is spoiled, but you're wiping off his shirt. I've never seen you like this before. We'll stay in touch; I'll be coming back to Amsterdam next week," he remarked, I slightly nodded before he walks away.

I dared not look at Romeo after Hades' words, feeling a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability. Romeo, however, gently lifted my chin with his finger, whispering, "It's alright. I'll send your dress for dry cleaning and go shopping with you to buy a new one."

"You know I can buy myself a new dress, right?" I replied without second thoughts, attempting to assert my independence.

"I know, but you shouldn't refuse me. You owe me a meal, remember," he whispered, his tone light and teasing. Before I could protest further, he took my hand, leading the way out of the crowded conference venue.

"Why are we here?" I asked, standing before the entrance of the shopping mall.

"Little fool, I want to buy something for you, obviously," Romeo replied with a playful grin, affectionately shuffling my hair.

As we walked into the mall, we were greeted by some people who seemed familiar with Romeo. I had only known him vaguely, mainly in the context of Amsterdam, and I had no idea about his affluence beyond the city. Yet, despite the apparent differences in our backgrounds, he continued to treat me with a gentle care that left me both surprised and appreciative. Although it had been love at first sight for me, there was still much I didn't know about Romeo. The mystery surrounding his life outside our shared moments added an intriguing layer to our budding connection. As we ventured into the mall together, the prospect of discovering more about him unfolded alongside the anticipation of what he might choose for me. As I sat next to him, indulging in my chocolate ice cream, the contrast with his frozen yogurt caught my attention. Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked, "Don't you like chocolate?"

He smiled in response, a hint of mystery in his eyes. "Not really, and there is a story behind this," he says shyly.

Intrigued, I looked at him, my spoon pausing mid-air. "Do you want to share the story?" I asked, eager to delve into the layers of his past that he was willing to reveal.

Romeo's story unfolded, revealing a childhood memory intertwined with chocolates. His laughter held a mix of nostalgia and amusement as he shared the tale. "So, when I was little, my dad used to bring me and Calantha lots of chocolates. We had a sweet tooth compared to the others. Once they used to be my favorites. But one day something happened. I got terrified since then," he began, his eyes reflecting the innocence of his younger self.

"By mistake, I ate bars of vintage chocolates, that's the chocolate name. They are very old chocolates in terms of product, and the ingredients were not meant for underage, they were filled with wine. Since I was only seven, I didn't know about the ingredients. I ate half of the box," he continued, and I couldn't help but marvel at the vividness of his storytelling.

"The funny part is yet to come," he said, his gaze shifting to me as I continued to enjoy my ice cream. "Dad found me laying unconscious under the bed with the box of chocolates. The doctor told Dad I was sugar-drugged and I passed out there," he chuckled, his laughter contagious.

He added, "Mom whacked me a little bit, but then Irwin rescued me," he shared, his laughter lingering in the air. His expression was a mix of amusement and fondness for the memories of that peculiar incident.

Caught in the humor of the situation, I broke into a hysterical laughter, perhaps intensified by the combination of the story and my own amusement. The sudden outburst drew awkward stares in our direction, but Romeo's laughter seamlessly blended with mine, turning the moment into one shared between us. In the midst of our laughter, I couldn't help but appreciate the vulnerability in Romeo's storytelling and the genuine connection that laughter brought. It was a moment that transcended the ordinary, weaving a thread of shared experiences and genuine joy into the fabric of our growing connection.