Under the warm afternoon sun, casting a golden glow over the riverside's green grass, Christian waved and called out a little loudly, his voice carried by the gentle breeze.
To the distance, and the striking figure of the beautiful blonde woman standing beside her sleek, expensive car.
Her stylish top and jeans caught the light perfectly, creating a captivating contrast against the serene backdrop of the river.
Yesterday, Christian, wanting a change of scenery, thought they could take a walk along the riverside and asked Eva, who agreed.
He thought that after they met, they could decide together if they wanted to go somewhere else later. Finding date spots, something that fell under the realm of social interactions, had never been his strong suit, so even planning this much felt like a small achievement worth a bit of self-praise.
Now, watching her walk toward him, her long blonde hair swaying slightly in the gentle breeze and her usual smile somehow appearing less warm but more captivating, Christian felt a faint sense of something unusual. Yet, he didn't have the mental capacity to dwell on it, as his mind was preoccupied with how he should make his intentions toward her more clear.
It was nice and all that he had already made his decision, but when it came to putting it into action, he felt a bit stuck.
But as Eva came closer and initiated the greeting, Christian, while returning it, decided to leave it to the flow of their meeting and wait until he felt it was the right time.
Now, facing each other, Christian was about to ask if they should take a walk first, but Eva made an unexpected move.
"There is no greeting hug?"
Looking at her open arms and the playful smile adorning her face, Christian was caught off guard a bit, as she seemed somewhat more proactive than usual today, and even the thought that everyone around him appeared to be particularly obsessed with hugs crossed his mind.
"Naturally, there is."
Still, Christian didn't shy away from it, and after responding with the same amusement, he walked toward her.
She was not his sister, who would become glued to him during hugs, making him uncomfortable about maintaining a proper distance. Then, as a woman he was interested in, he didn't mind either way; but, it was just a casual hug in the end.
Being enveloped by her embrace and catching her soft, sweet scent, Christian, while trying not to be conscious of anything, reciprocated gently, and after a brief moment, he pulled away.
Then, with nothing more unexpected happening, he was now walking with Eva, engaging in a casual chat.
"So, now that school is ending, what do you plan to do? I didn't ask previously."
Hearing the question that he thought would have come long before, Christian, instead of answering, asked back, genuinely curious.
"What do you think I would do? Go to some university and continue my studies?"
"I don't know, but it should be anything other than continuing your studies!"
Christian, hearing Eva's reply after she seemed to hum and ponder for a moment, was a little surprised by the certainty in her tone. Intrigued, he inquired further.
"Because you don't seem like the type who enjoys studying?"
While chuckling a little at the ordinary answer she gave, Christian found her tilted head as she replied questioningly to be quite adorable. Still not convinced, he asked again.
"I don't want to brag, but my final exams should all have been perfect scores. So, if there's a need, even if I don't like studying, I could still study, don't you think?"
"You said it, Christian! If there's a need."
After saying the first sentence, Eva looked into Christian's green eyes and asked with a slightly more serious tone.
"But really, is there a need?"
Christian, looking at Eva's side profile and increasingly feeling that she was very beautiful, realized that debating the argument was not for him, especially when it came to someone like her. So, finally, he gave up and provided her with an answer to her first question.
"Well, you're right! I don't plan to continue any studying, as it doesn't feel like it holds any meaning for me."
"As for what I'm planning to do…"
Christian stopped, humming to himself for a moment as he considered how to answer her question. But, he realized that he didn't actually have any solid plans; getting revenge for his parents or gaining extraordinary power were just short-term goals, leaving him in a dilemma.
Could lazing around and not doing anything be considered a plan? This thought also crossed his mind briefly. But, looking at Eva, taking in her appearance and the eager gleam in her eyes, something he didn't see before, Christian finally said the first thing that came to his mind, something entirely different.
"How about we think together about what I should do?"
'Was I being too direct? Or too indirect, and my intention didn't reach her?'
While this thought occurred to Christian, he noticed Eva's expression, which seemed a little taken aback, making him feel that at least she should have understood what he meant.
'Then, is this kind of "confession," if it could be considered one, heavy?'
Suddenly, having another thought occurring to him, and noticing that Eva was still silent, Christian decided to speak again, hoping to improve the situation.
"You know, actually, I'm suddenly reminded of our first meeting."
Seeing that she was still giving him her attention, Christian felt that the situation was not hopeless, and gaining a surge of courage out of nowhere, he made another move.
They had somehow stopped walking and were now facing each other. So, he extended his hand, feeling a little nervous but determined, until he held hers. Then, as if the situation were completely normal, he continued.
"I don't know the reason you to be alone at that time, but when you feel lonely, can't I be there with you?"
"So, while I dedicate my time to accompany you, you will dedicate your time to think about what I should do."
Having arrived at this point, Christian finally concluded by asking.
"What do you think of my plans?"
What could what he said be considered? Cheesy? Cliche?
Christian didn't know the answer, but it was the best he could have said.
Saying "I love you" and similar phrases didn't seem right. It felt as though he could have used those words for a younger girl, but for a mature woman like Eva, it just didn't fit.
He didn't even know his actual chances with her or the possible repercussions, yet he felt that what came from him was the most natural way to make his intentions clear.
So, looking at Eva, now in front of him with her soft hand still held in his, and taking it as a sign that maybe things wouldn't go wrong, Christian, filled with anticipation, waited for what would come out of her mouth.
"Then what about the other times? When I'm not lonely, will you not be there for me?"
The first thing that came from Christian's mouth upon hearing Eva's soft voice was an exclamation, as he still hadn't fully processed what she said. But after a moment of silence, when he understood her clearly, he felt immense happiness.
With a smile spreading across his face, brightening his features with uncontainable excitement, he instinctively pulled her closer. Then, in one swift motion, he wrapped his other arm around her, hugging her tightly, and finally expressed himself.
"Of course, I will always be there with you."
Christian felt like he was the center of the world at that moment, with everything suspended and just he and Eva, were there. With her sweet scent and presence filling all his senses.
He felt an unprecedented rush of contentment.
After a couple of moments, when the initial rush of happiness and excitement faded, and as this hug was different from the brief one before, he finally noticed the difference in height, as she was a little taller than him, making him feel a little awkward.
However, knowing that he was still growing and would hopefully become taller eventually, he shrugged it off in the end. He didn't want to let any unnecessary emotions ruin this moment.
Then, suddenly realizing that he might have been too abrupt, he pulled away and ruffled his hair slightly from the awkwardness.
"Sorry if it was too sudden."
'I was just too happy.'
While the thought lingered at the tip of his tongue, he ultimately decided against saying it. Eva's smile remained unchanged, or perhaps it was subtly different? He couldn't be sure. Regardless, he felt a bit embarrassed, wondering if he was being a little childish.
"No, if you want, we can continue."
But chuckling, Eva raised her free hand slightly and, gesturing playfully, replied.
Christian, feeling the impulse to hug her again but still embarrassed, said defensively in a slightly louder voice.