"Ahhhhh!" I jumped up in horror. My heart was beating crazily like it'd jump out any minute now, and there he was laughing hysterically. Nolan turned off the horrific screening while clutching his stomach, still laughing.

"You asshole! You'll never change, will you?" I hit him repeatedly as tears threatened to leak out of my eyes. I didn't even have any strength left in me, my soul had already left my body. His stupid pranks would be the death of me. He knew how much I was afraid of horror scenes and despised jumpscares and yet he did this.

"Wait-" he tried to speak but I kept hitting him albeit my low power. "Stop-" he was still laughing and it pissed me off more.

"I almost got a heart attack, moro-"

He grabbed both my hands and pulled me towards him. I fell over his chest on the ground and when I saw his grin, I tried to smack him but it was hard due to his hold on my hand. I was going to beat him to death. "You jerk!"

He wrapped his arms around me and buried my face in his hard chest, "Sorry, sorry!” I struggled to release myself from his firm hold to no avail. He had stopped laughing but I could still feel a smug grin dancing on his lips

"Let go." I wriggled in his arms but he didn't let go. He still held me, strong and comforting.

"I really am sorry." He squeezed me lightly before patting my back and gently rubbing it. Before I knew it, I was already relaxed and enjoying his body warmth. The familiar and comforting scent of vanilla filled my nose and soothed my chest, freeing me from fear. My heart had stopped its marathon but it still beat faster. 

I wasn't the only one who realized the intimacy of this moment. Nolan had stopped moving his hands and his hold wasn't as firm like before. I could hear his heart all well.

The loud thrumming of his heart felt like a melody to my ears. I just wanted to lay there and listen to it forever. I squeezed my eyes shut. "Do something like this again and you're as good as dead."

A low, throaty chuckle escaped his lips and I felt his body vibrate. I lifted my head to see his face, which was all red. Was he blushing or is it because of the laughing or maybe due to my weight? I refused to believe the third possibility. "Why are you all red?"

"It's because you're heavy."

"Assh-" Once again he held my wrists and planted a quick kiss on my lips. "I am kidding." His eyes met mine. "It's because you make my heart go crazy."

Nolan’s dangerous. He would definitely kill me today. He was so laid back about the stuff he said, not even a tad bit worried about their effects. My heart was going crazy at his words. How could he utter such heavy words with that beautiful mouth of his? His eyes had become beautiful pools of honey and I was sure I would drown in them.

This man was enchanting and every time I touched him I felt enchanted. He gazed at me so intently like I was the only thing he knew and the only one he wanted. I knew he didn't just like me, it was more than that. Maybe even love.

But as much as that delighted me, it was foreboding. If he hadn't realized yet then I just wish that he never realizes what he exactly feels for me. That'd be the best thing for both of us. I cannot return anymore than this so I just hope that he stops giving me more.

Nolan snapped his fingers and brought my attention to him. I had been staring at him blankly without realizing. He raised his eyebrows.

"I want to ask you something..." I pressed my lips together and rested my head on his chest. I didn't have the courage to look him in the eye while talking about it. "And be honest."

Nolan seemed to understand what I wanted. He turned on his side and placed my head on his arm, close to his chest. "Go ahead." He caressed my hair, and I felt his deep breaths over the crown of my head.

"What part of me do you like the most?" He paused and looked at my face. I was sure I'd become red as hell. It was awkward to ask him something like this, not to mention embarrassing. We weren't exactly lovey-dovey yet to have such conversations. But it was better than asking 'Do you love me? If yes, then don't.'

Nolan looked taken aback by my question. I am sure he wasn't expecting this from me. "I must be hearing wrong. What did you say?"

"You heard me right. Now answer me." I hid my face in his chest. I couldn't bear this embarrassment and I very well could feel him laughing. He cleared his throat. "I-" he was containing his laughs.

"I don't have any particular one." I pulled my head back and stared at him with utter disbelief. Where had his charm gone? I thought he'd say something cheesy again and make my heart flutter but 'I don't have any particular ones.' That's it. I mimicked his voice in my mind.

"No. You must like something about me more than the others. Choose one." I said, suddenly wanting to hear his answer to my absurd question. I supported my body with my elbow as my brows furrowed at his lack of seriousness. He brought his hand to my face and traced it with his finger. His lips curved into a  small genuine smile.

"No, Kay. I can't choose. I like you as a whole with all parts including your perfections, flaws and everything in between," he said and here it was. The line which made my heart flutter.

"But if you insist then your ass- Oww!" I smacked his arm as he fell back laughing. He wouldn't change and to be honest I didn't even want him to. I liked him as he was.

At that moment, I was happy. Truly happy. And I wanted the happiness to remain forever but the irony was I knew very well that it won't. Happiness is fleeting and so is every emotion. But being stuck up over this fact doesn't change anything. So, just be in the moment and feel everything.

My first date. I would always remember it, because this man made it so special for me. His efforts and affection made me feel special. And no one had ever done that for me before, ever.

This evening was perfect other than the fact that his stupid prank almost killed me.

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

It had been three days since I started waking up to these cheesy pick up lines. Everyday, Nolan had been sending me a good morning text along with a pick up line, a different one for each day. Not gonna lie, they make me look forward to mornings.

A smile spread across my face when I opened his text. Anticipation along with excitement bubbling in my stomach. My hand flew to cover my mouth to suppress my laughs. This guy was absolutely losing it with each day.

Good Morning <3
you always look beautiful but you know what you look more beautiful in? My arms.

That is the most cheesiest
you've sent until now!

What matters is that
it worked ;⁠)

Yeah it surely did👍🏻

See you soon
And let's make you more
beautiful.

Wait till I see you!!
You're so dead.

Can't wait to see me Kay?

I can't.

…

??

My heart just skipped a beat!!
You're a dangerous woman.

The other day I teased him that I won't fall for anyone and this man took it as a challenge. It led to our childish bet that he could make me fall for him. The bet was as childish as the idea of me falling in love. But seeing his efforts, I might have to rethink my decision. This bet should be canceled.

We were supposed to meet at campus today after our classes. Nolan was graduating soon and therefore he'd been busier, so campus was the best we could manage. My phone buzzed which brought my attention back. It was Maa.

She had been calling me continuously ever since I came here. But I prefered to talk through texts, I didn't want to talk to them, yet she never gave up. Although she said she's worried about me, I still doubt it. They must be worried I might never come back.

Everytime they call, I get reminded of the reality that I will have to eventually return to. My current happiness has a time limit, it feels like a sweet dream which will soon break.

It was February. One month had passed since my freedom became limited and my resolution. I didn't realize how time flew by and I began to enjoy myself. But my family won't let me forget. The call ended but soon a text followed from her.

Your engagement date has been finaled.
6 March it is.
Be back by 4.

It just took me a glance to know that Baba wrote that text. He was straightforward and didn't beat around the bush unlike Maa. So, 6 March is supposed to be the day when I'll be cuffed for life.

Life is surely cruel but the people are crueler.