"Alexander, hold this for me! I need to put on my gloves!" Evie walked toward him, her face bright and innocent.
Alexander took the box without a word.
Evie had expected him to refuse. She thought he'd wrinkle his nose and walk away. After all, he hated the smell of durian.
But he didn't. His expression didn't even change.
She mumbled, "Alexander, if you don't like something, you can show it. You don't have to hide it all the time. That must be exhausting!"
"Piggy, what's gotten into you today?" He looked at her with a smile.
Then, holding the box in one hand and her shoulder with the other, he guided her toward the sidewalk.
"Nothing. I just don't want you to hold back so much," she muttered.
She didn't mind him calling her piggy.
"It's fine. I'm used to it." He sat down on a bench nearby and pulled her close.
"But you don't have to hold back when you're with me," she said seriously.
He turned to face her and smiled. "I'm not holding back."
"Don't you hate the smell of durian?" she asked, pouting.
"I do. But you love it. So I thought I should give it a try. Didn't you say I'm not old? I should try new things while I'm still young," he replied with a grin.
Evie looked at him, surprised.
"Eat up. If I end up liking it, I might finish it all," he said, opening the box.
She put on her gloves and took a piece.
"There's one for you too," she said.
"You eat first," he replied.
She didn't argue. She took a bite and smiled. "The world is full of imperfect things. Durian tastes amazing, but it stinks. So many people can't stand the smell and miss out on the taste. But don't you think that's a kind of regret? You should try it first. If you can't handle it, then give up. At least you won't wonder what you missed."
"Eating something, and you're already philosophizing," he said, shaking his head.
"Alexander, come closer. I have a secret to tell you," she said, moving the durian away and waving him closer with her other hand.
"What secret? So mysterious?" he asked, not moving.
"Come closer. How can I tell you from over there?" she insisted.
He leaned in.
The next second, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his.
She didn't linger. She pulled back and watched him warily, as if afraid he'd be angry. Or maybe she was hoping for something.
He stared at her without speaking.
She finally lowered her head. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"You really should apologize," he said.
She looked up, disappointed.
Then he kissed her. After a moment, he pulled back and said, "Didn't I tell you? A kiss isn't just a quick peck. Don't be so lazy."
Evie giggled. The gloom vanished. Her mood brightened.
In the end, Alexander didn't eat any durian. She finished both pieces herself.
After rinsing her mouth, she sighed. "I ate so much. I'll probably get a nosebleed tonight."
"I'll buy some mangosteen later. Don't eat so much at once," he said.
"It's fine. You're only young once. Might as well indulge," she said, turning to him with a smile.
He laughed. Was this girl going to keep teasing him all day?
Later, they hiked up the mountain. They ate vegetarian food and enjoyed the city lights from above.
When they came down, they hit the night market.
They bought delicate handmade trinkets.
They also bought matching phone charms.
Later, Evie looked at the charm on Alexander's phone and muttered, "It looks a bit childish."
"Isn't that Mrs. Sterling's careful choice? She forced Mr. Sterling to carry it to show off their love," he said, looking up at her.
"I thought so at the time. But now it seems childish. Maybe I should take it off."
"Don't touch my phone. You gave it to me. It's mine now."
"Humph. Even you are mine. So your phone is mine too," she said, raising an eyebrow.
He walked over, took the phone from her hand, and leaned in. "Are you sure about that?"
"Yes. What's wrong with it?"
"I'm yours? Aren't you mine?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course not. What's mine is mine. What's yours is also mine. Everything is mine," she insisted, shrinking her neck.
"Fine. Whatever you say." He smiled and kissed her.
By the time they got back from the night market, the moon was high. The city had quieted down.
They collapsed on the sofa, too tired to move.
Evie felt drowsy.
"Evie, take a shower. Or you'll fall asleep again," Alexander said.
"Let me rest my eyes for a bit. I'm so sleepy," she whispered.
"I don't mind washing you," he said bluntly.
She hummed in response. Then her eyes flew open. She shook her head. "No. I'll wash myself."
Without waiting for his reply, she dashed into the bedroom and took a shower.
She moved so fast, there was no trace of sleepiness.
Alexander smiled as he watched her disappear.
A moment later, he got up, walked to the window, and lit a cigarette. He stared at the night view. When he heard the water stop, he put out the cigarette and went into the bedroom.
Sunday morning, they woke up naturally. Then they went downstairs to find food.
Evie said the city was too relaxing. It made people lazy.
Alexander said they should move here when they retire.
Evie laughed. That was a long way off.
He said it would pass in the blink of an eye.
She thought about her life with him. She hoped it would be long. But she was afraid it would be too long. She couldn't live forever. But she also worried it would be too short. That she'd grow old before she truly felt it.
Since being with Alexander, Evie realized she'd become a little anxious.
Most of the time, a person gets nervous because they care too much. Maybe that was the magic of love.