Colton

"Hey, Gerald," I greeted my best friend the moment he entered my office.

For the past two hours I was behind my desk, twirling my pen, staring outside the window at nothing, and thinking about Luna. I called Gerald, because it was always him if I needed someone to talk with, especially sharing my thoughts and feelings.

"What's up?" He strode towards my desk and settled into the armchair across from me. "Did something urgent come up?"

"Nope. It's not about work. It's about Luna."

His lips pursed. "Come on. I was in the middle of giving an office tour to the new employees and you called me in to talk about Luna?"

"I'm sorry, man. I can't concentrate on work; I keep thinking of her."

"Well, nothing's new. It's been a habit of yours since you met her in college. Now, it's getting worse." He mumbled.

I chuckled and leaned forward. "Don't pretend you can't relate. You've been in love before."

He sighed deeply, then asked. "Okay, what's the problem?"

"Nothing really. I just want to ask for your advice about Luna."

His eyebrows rose, showing sudden curiosity.

"Seems like you see me as a love genius, okay let's try it."

I inhaled deeply before telling him.

"Things are going great between Luna and I, and I can say that I've never been happier in my whole life as I am now with her. We will celebrate our six months together and I want to do something very special for her. Something very memorable."

"Half a year already? Wow, time really flew so fast."

"Yeah, quick. It seems like it was just yesterday when we started dating."

"I agree. Time moves quickly when you're in love." He nodded. "So, tell me. What advice do you need?"

"I want to show her how special she is to me. I have some ideas...but I'm not sure if she'll like it. I'm thinking of something unique, not the usual romantic candlelight dinner with music in the background."

"But women love this stuff."

"It's too cliché." I shook my head.

"Hmm...what's Luna into? What's something that would really impress her?"

"Well, I told you already that she likes Japanese food, right?" I shrugged my shoulders, "but we already had dinner at all the fancy Japanese restaurants here in New York. She loves to cook, but I don't want her to cook for us, but to feel relaxed and enjoy our moment together."

"What else? There must be something she'd enjoy doing aside from cooking."

"She's passionate about art painting, and pretty good at it, just like her Grandpa Kristov."

Gerald paused for a minute, thinking, then he suggested.

"How about having dinner in a hot-air balloon? That would be a unique experience."

I shook my head vigorously. "Nope, that's too adventurous and unsafe."

"Hmm, a food trip in Thailand."

"Too far. Both of us are busy, you know, it's the peak of the season. I'm thinking of something we can do here in New York."

"You're right." He nodded, still thinking. "How about surprising her with an exclusive dinner in a fancy restaurant?"

"Come on, I just mentioned it as being too cliché. Besides, I've done it several times to her already."

"Yeah, I know. But man, there's a twist. She loves art painting, right? Have an art painter paint a portrait of you and Luna while you're having dinner. That would be so romantic."

My eyes lit up at his suggestion. "That's a good idea, man. She'd love that."

"See? I'm a love genius." He chuckled, and I agreed with him. "By the way, are you thinking of proposing to her already?"

I sighed heavily, then nodded.

"I thought of that very often lately, but it seems too early. I don't want to rush her and take my time slowly, but surely."

"I agree. Just make sure she feels so loved and appreciated. That's the most important thing in a relationship."

"Absolutely. I love her so much. She's everything to me."

He smiled, then stood up. "You're so deeply in love with her, no doubt about that. I'm happy for you, man. Just keep on showing her the real you, and she'll keep on loving you."

"Appreciate your advice, man. Thanks."

"Anytime you need love advice, I'm here." He chuckled aloud. "I really must go. The new employees are waiting for me at the cafeteria."

"At least they're comfortable. I bet they're having an early lunch break already."

"It's way too early," Gerald said after checking his watch. "I'll see you later."

After he left, I was back, staring outside my window, but with a grin on my face. I started planning my surprise for Luna, making sure that it would be a perfect and most romantic night for both of us.

Luna

It was a big night for me and Colton. We would celebrate our six months together. I was very excited. I asked him where we were going, and he said it would be a surprise. But I never expected it to be so amazing.

We drove through the city, passing through the twinkling lights of Manhattan. My eyes grew enormous when Colton stopped the car in front of a garden dining restaurant.

"Oh wow. This place is the best!"

"Yeah, your favorite restaurant." He replied and pulled me into his arms.

I hugged him, feeling thankful for his thoughtfulness.

"I'm starving thinking of their spareribs and laksa." I said, and he chuckled.

We walked inside one of my favorite restaurants. It was a garden dining restaurant that serves Asian cuisine. It was very famous and usually crowded, especially on weekends. But that evening, it was silent. I realized Colton had the place exclusively for the two of us.

The manager greeted us and showed us to a beautifully decorated garden with lanterns, curtains, flowers and ribbons everywhere. At the center of the garden was a table with a lovely set of candles, flowers, and utensils on top. There was also an orchestra of five men playing music in the background.

It was breathtaking. The setting was set in a warm, calm, and romantic mood.

"This is so beautiful," I said, turning to Colton. "Thank you."

We hugged and kissed again. As we approached the table, I saw a man with an easel and his art stuff at the corner. I suddenly got curious.

"What's going on?" I asked Colton.

He grinned, with his eyes playfully.

"I want this night not just special but very memorable for us, Luna. I thought it would be nice to have an artist to paint us while we're having dinner."

My eyes grew enormous in surprise. "Really? That's amazing!"

My heart totally melted at his beautiful gestures.

While we were having dinner, the artist was doing his thing, painting us. Colton and I were engrossed in our own world, talking, laughing, and flirting, while eating our favorite Asian food.

We couldn't help recalling our two months living together as roommates in college and laughing about it. We also had meaningful conversations about the things we wanted to achieve in life, not only for us but also for other people and the community.

I've never felt such contentment in life for so long. Barry's betrayal destroyed my faith in love, but thanks to Colton, he slowly fixed my broken heart, making it whole again. Colton differs from Barry or any other man I met. He's very kind, honest, loving and very genuine. I also felt so secure with him, like nothing would happen if we were together. As if I'd care, anyway. I wouldn't give a damn about anything. Even the biggest twister would come, as long as we're together. Every moment with him was truly amazing, and I felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world for having him as my boyfriend.

After dinner, the artist showed us the finished portrait. Colton and I were speechless as we stared at it. Tears of joy welled in my eyes. I was full of emotions looking at the beautiful painting of me and Colton.

The artist totally nailed it. He captured my expression and Colton's, and the romantic scene of the evening with his brush strokes.

We showed our appreciation to the painter, thanking him for the job well done.

Once we were alone, he leaned in and gave me a lingering kiss. Everything inside me ignited, causing my heart to flutter fast.

"Thank you, Colton. This evening is wonderful."

"I'm glad you like my surprise," his arm went around my waist, drawing me closer.

"I really appreciate your effort. But you should know that being with you is all I need to make it perfect."

His smile widened, and he leaned it, giving me a gentle kiss again. "I feel the same. I love you, Luna."

"I love you, too."

With our hands laced at each other, we walked out of the restaurant. At that moment, I felt so much peace and happiness, like I was on cloud nine.

Later, we arrived at my apartment. We hung the painting in my living room.

"Perfect." I said, as we stared at the painting.

"Yeah, perfect, just like tonight." He agreed.

I looked at Colton, smiling at him. He was truly special. He was my boyfriend, my best friend, my mentor, my rock and my love. That night, I just knew we were soulmates.