Chapter 62

The pleasant time passed by in a blink.

When Noah checked the time, it was almost a new day.

We both have work tomorrow.

Especially since Noah has to wake up early, I can’t keep him out too late. ...I really want to stay with him longer.

The voice that said, "Let’s go back," was trembling so much that I almost laughed. Noah smiled as if he understood everything and patted my head.

We quickly finished tidying up and disposing of the trash.

Even though I wanted to delay going home, it didn’t work out.

We walked down the night street, holding hands.

The deep summer night air, hard to describe, reminded me of my childhood.

"By the way, have you read any interesting books recently?"

"The one I found interesting... is a mystery novel set in a temple. There are some scary scenes, but I couldn’t put it down until the end."

"Wow, I’d like to read it. Is it in the library?"

"Since I haven’t read it yet, I can lend you the one I have. I’ll send it with the letter."

"Thank you. I’m looking forward to it."

"I wonder which one you’re more excited about. My letter? Or the book?"

"Don’t say that. You know, right?"

He exaggeratedly shrugged, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

In the quiet night, only our laughter echoed. It was so enjoyable and heartwarming that I wanted to stay like this forever.

His hand was warm.

The slower pace made me think he also wished for this moment to last.

"I almost want to kidnap you and take you away."

Maybe half of those words were true.

If I nodded, would he really take me away?

"Noah..."

"Ha, just kidding. We only have a few more days, and I know we have to get back to our daily lives."

His voice seemed to carry a hidden heat, and my heart felt constricted. It was painful and longing... even though we were touching, I wanted to touch him more.

"Hey... can we move up our wedding? I know it’s impossible to do it right away, but... instead of winter, maybe in autumn?"

"I want to. I’d even do it right now if I could."

"Come on, I said it’s impossible."

"Ha, that’s how much I yearn for it."

Noah’s lips curved in a smile as he nodded at my words. His eyes, I’m sure, were gently narrowed.

The wind caressing my cheek was gentle.

The shopping street was completely dark, and it was truly quiet. Only our footsteps echoed, and our shadows stretched long, leaning against each other.

"But, you know what? Let’s really move up the wedding. I’m also tired of all this."

Noah suddenly stopped walking.

Facing me, he lifted my chin with his hand, and our lips met.

The heat from his lips spread through my body like ripples.

Even the strength in our clasped hands wasn’t enough, so I wrapped my arms around his waist. He held me tightly with one hand, and the more we touched, the more the heat and desire grew.

"...Alicia"

His low, husky voice calling my name made my heart ache. My entire being was shouting that I love him.

Our lips slowly parted.

His hot breath dissipated into the summer night air.

"No, we can’t. If we keep this up, I really won’t be able to let you go. ...Let’s go."

"...Okay."

My lips were still warm. The night breeze felt pleasant.

When I looked up at Noah, he covered his mouth and turned away. He must be blushing.

I found it amusing and giggled, but he playfully tapped my head.

If we turn this corner, we can see the house.

The pleasant time will end, but... I feel like I can work hard from tomorrow. It was such a gentle night.

"Noah, thank you so much. I was feeling down, but seeing you made me feel much better."

"I just came because I wanted to see you, so don’t worry about it."

"Hehe, you’re so kind."

He always considers me like this to make me feel at ease. Each time, my feelings for him overflow, but will they ever settle?

Thinking about the unimaginable future, we were already at the gate.

Even at this hour, the gate lights and the front door were brightly lit.

Everyone must be asleep. All the room lights were off.

"See you."

"Okay. I’ll write a letter."

"I’m looking forward to it."

After seeing him off, I was about to go inside.

But he didn’t move... I tilted my head, wondering what was wrong.

Noah lifted his bangs and took off his glasses, using them to hold his hair.

His exposed purple eyes only reflected me.

"Hey. If... I said I was leaving the country, would you come with me?"

"Of course."

I nodded immediately at his hesitant words.

Noah’s eyes widened in surprise, and then he smiled, looking troubled.

"Can’t you at least think about it a bit more?"

"No, I can’t. Because if I consider everything and choose to go, I’ll just follow you."

"Even if it means giving up our current happiness?"

"I told you before. My happiness is with you."

Since the day he proposed, my feelings haven’t changed.

Noah smiled happily at my response.

"...That’s right. I’ll try a bit harder."

"Don’t overdo it. I’ll always follow you, no matter what."

"I really think you’re amazing for that."

"Are you falling in love with me again?"

"Always."

Noah laughed lowly and kissed my cheek.

Then he waved and left, not in his usual hunched posture but in a stance that looked more like a knight, like Einhard.

I watched his back until it disappeared from view.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

When I get back to my room, I’ll write a letter right away.

To convey how much I love Noah, even a little.