The next day Aselia woke up as the fresh smell of breakfast being cooked, wafted in her room from downstairs. She got up and stretched her arms. Looking at the clock she found that it was already 8 am.

She couldn’t sleep properly last night. She had gotten used to sleeping near him, especially his heat. Pulling off the blanket she made her way to the cupboard. She chose black jeans and a lilac tank top before heading to the bathroom. Once she had refreshed and changed, she made her way downstairs.

"Morning," she greeted him while entering the kitchen.

He glanced at her and smiled before saying: "Good Morning sleepy Aselia. Did you have a good night’s sleep?" She just shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t want to say that she missed his warmth.

He had changed into a white polo t-shirt and black jeans, wearing an apron he was engrossed in cooking breakfast. The kitchen was warm and smelled so heavenly. "What are you making?" She inquired stepping closer and watching.

"Waffles with whipped cream and fruits."

"Mhm, yummy. I love waffles." She clapped in excitement, her face brightening up. His heart swelled at her excitement. While Aselia slept little, Xiran didn’t sleep at all. Her words haunted him and all night long he wanted to take her in his arms and sleep beside her.

"I love waffles too." He told her with a smile.

"Really? Then let’s bet on who can eat more today." She challenged him with raised eyebrows.

"You got yourself a deal, ma’am." He smirked at her.

"Perfect," she jumped up and down in excitement.

Aselia set the table and helped with the fresh cranberry juice for she was getting the hang of making it.

As they sat down to eat, Aselia spoke: "Time limit is 20 minutes. Whoever can eat more in that time will be the winner."

"And what punishment should the loser get?" Xiran inquired feigning innocence.

"Well, the winner can decide that." She challenged him with her eyes.

"Alright, let’s get started then." With the count of three, both of them began to devour waffles. Xiran had made tons and they were quickly disappearing in their stomachs. Although Xiran tried to keep up, Aselia was a pro when it came to eating. She didn’t waste a second as she stuffed her mouth.

When the time ended Aselia had eaten six waffles while in comparison Xiran could eat only four. Aselia stood up and raised her hands in the air as if she had won the World Championship of Eating. "Yesssss," she punched the air while Xiran rolled in laughter watching her reactions. She blew raspberries at him and his eyes began to water from all the laughter.

"Are you ready for your punishment?" She raised his face with her index finger and asked with a superior voice.

"Yes, ma’am." He replied very obediently while saluting her like a soldier.

"Good boy," she tried to suppress her laughter but couldn’t.

"What’s my punishment?"

"Sing for me..." she said with a smile. Her request astonished him again and he understood that no one had done that for her either.

He smiled. "Sure, I will love to sing for you. Go, sit outside. I will be right there with you." He said to her before standing up and going to his room.

She went outside and sat down on the grass near the fountain. Freshwater churned from the fountain and sprayed all over. Everything was quiet around her and all she could hear was the sound of churning water and a distant bird chirruping on some random branch. The sun was peeping out of a white cloud. It was so peaceful and quiet, making her feel refreshed early in the morning.

Xiran emerged from the house carrying a black guitar. He spotted Aselia near the fountain and he sauntered over to her carrying the guitar on his shoulder. Sunlight highlighted his handsome features and toned body. Not that he ever made much effort to hide it. She didn’t want to look away from him. How could one person make you feel so warm? She wondered. He squatted down in front of her and placed the guitar in his lap.

"You know how to play the guitar?" She eyed him curiously.

"I can play a lot of musical instruments but the guitar is my favourite. I find it soothing." He strummed his fingers on the guitar strings and checked the turners. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

He then asked: "What would you like to hear?" "Something soothing," she placed her head on her raised knees, and her arms hugged her legs. She gave him all her attention.

"Alright, I hope you like it." He then began strumming on his guitar, his fingers moved effortlessly and a soothing tone began to sound in the small garden they were sitting in. The veins on his hands stood out, and his hair flew behind in the light breeze like silvery waves, as he sang this song:

"Empty Bottle of My Perfume

Was Not Empty in My Sight

It Stored Thousand Memories

It Glistened With The Rays of Light

It Was My Living Memorandum

It Emitted A Hue So Bright

It Was The Witness of My Pain

Its Lid Was Shut so Tight

Empty Bottle of My Perfume

Was Filled With Reminiscences Of My Lifeee."

His angelic voice was even more melodious when he sang and she seemed to have been transported into a world of his creation. Full of tranquillity, dripping with emotions and constructed upon warmth. Her body swayed with his voice. She didn’t want him to stop singing for it was soothing her beyond her imagination.

"Xiran...this was the most beautiful song I have ever heard. You should be a professional singer. You will put all other singers to shame." She spoke softly.

Not only did he have a harmonious voice, but it also carried feelings and depth. It affected one at an emotional level.

"I can’t, I don’t like media limelight. I am just happy to sing for you." He focused his eyes on her and could see a barrage of emotions passing on her face.

"Then sing for me more." She requested, staring into his greyish spheres which offered softness and calmness today. Her heart felt at peace just by looking at him and his calm demeanour.

He played his guitar and sang a few more songs for her. She listened on with her full attention, her body moving slowly to his rhythmic voice. She watched the movement of his lips and how his neck muscles stretched with every word he chanted. The movement of his fingers and the taut muscles in his arms. She enjoyed every part of it. He finally stopped and asked her: "Would you like to sing a song too?"

"Me? Noooo, No, if you want your eardrums to stay the way they are then don’t ask me to sing. You will pull your hair and will wonder what crimes you committed to hear Aselia sing." She replied with a jaded expression and shrugged her shoulders. "Ahhh, it can’t be that bad? I won’t mind." He replied softly, trying to encourage her.

"It is that bad, believe me. I am not singing." She refused flatly earning laughter from him.

"Well, I am looking forward to the next bet we have. Now I know what punishment to give you." His eyes danced with mischief and Aselia gave him an angry look and said:

"I don’t lose. I will beat you next time as well."

"Is that so? We will see. Let the time come." He wasn’t going to give up that easily. He put his guitar away and Aselia asked: "Who taught you to sing so serenely."

"My mom used to sing to me every night. Her voice was out of this world just like her. I built this house in her remembrance, I wish she had lived long enough to come and live here with me. It feels deserted, that’s why I don’t live here. You are the only girl I have ever brought here." With that, his face fell as he remembered his mother. A forlorn look crept into his eyes.

Aselia reached out and squeezed his hand gently, letting him know she was there for him. "Tell me more about her sometimes." His body relaxed at her touch and he nodded before saying:

"I will, tonight we will talk about her." His voice was still serious but his posture seemed more at ease. Just then they heard a horn outside. Xiran stood up and went over to check it out. He returned after 5 minutes with Carios and Frila. Frila spotted Aselia in the garden and rushed over to her. Both girls passed greetings as they were happy to see each other.

"Frila, make sure the house is sparkling clean by the time we get back, there is some laundry that needs to be done, and stockpile food. Ask Aselia if she needs anything and bring it for her." Xiran instructed her.

"Yes, Señor." She nodded.

"Aselia do you need anything?" Frila asked her but Aselia shook her head.

Xiran then turned to Aselia: "Are you ready?"

"For what?" She inquired with a perplexed expression.

"For a ride of a lifetime." He tilted his head at her and smiled.