Aurora stared at Rafael's worried face, the angry voices of people at the motorcyclist who had almost hit them did not distract Aurora. On tiptoe, Aurora kissed Rafael's lips briefly, causing Rafael to freeze.
Aurora smiled with a blushing face, stepping away. Suddenly, her eyes were drawn to a small stall filled with beaded pendants, necklaces, and bracelets made of knitted fabric, leather, and colorful beads. Behind the small wooden table adorned with decorations sat an elderly woman with a friendly smile, wearing a batik scarf and round glasses."Come on, look at this," Aurora said, gently pulling Rafael's arm.Rafael just smiled and followed. Aurora pointed to a small sign that read, "Love Bracelet: Handmade – Making Couples Inseparable.""This is like a myth, isn't it?" Rafael chuckled softly.The seller, who heard the comment, smiled and said, "It's not just a myth, dear. I made this bracelet myself. Every knot and bead is woven with good intentions. They sAfter finishing dinner, Aurora wiped her lips with a napkin and sighed contentedly. "Oh my... it was so delicious."Rafael, who had also just put down his spoon, nodded as he leaned back in his chair. "I told you so. It tastes the same as the last time we were here."Aurora looked at Rafael with a smile. "Thank you for bringing me here. I like it.""If you like it, I like it even more." Rafael returned her smile, then glanced out the window. "Want to take a short walk? The small park at the end of the block is pretty quiet and cool."Aurora nodded. "Sure. But walk slowly, okay? Your leg isn't fully healed yet."Rafael stood up slowly, supported by the cane propping up his still-injured leg. Aurora walked beside him, her hand instinctively reaching out to grip Rafael's arm to keep him from losing his balance.The night was calm. The sky was dotted with stars, though faintly visible due to the city lights. The evening breeze gently swept across their faces as t
The sound of the car door closing was followed by the roar of the engine dying. Rafael stepped down from the back seat with the help of his driver, while Aurora got out from the other side, looking around at the Japanese-style restaurant building.The restaurant appeared calm from the outside, surrounded by a small garden with white stones, bonsai trees, and a wooden torii-style gate. A gentle breeze carried the aroma of grilled fish and miso soup wafting from the open kitchen inside."Is this the place?" Aurora asked, looking around."Yes. Japanese clients like places like this; they want a traditional feel even when they're abroad," Rafael replied, adjusting the position of his cane in his left hand. "There's a private room inside, so you can wait in the general dining area. I don't want you to get bored listening to the stiff contract discussions."Aurora suppressed a smile. "I'll just order a light meal. Don't take too long, okay?"Rafael returned her smile.
Morning dawned gently, sunlight slipping through the cracks in the bedroom curtains, slowly sweeping the walls and floor with inviting warmth. In Rafael's still half-dark room, Aurora walked slowly toward the large bed where Rafael lay, his body still submerged in thick blankets and his breathing steady. He looked peaceful, his hair disheveled, and his face almost like that of a tired child after a day of play.Aurora smiled softly, then sat on the edge of the bed. "Rafael, wake up," she whispered gently, gently tapping his shoulder. There was no response. She tried again, this time with a slightly louder voice. "Hey, Mr. Director, the sun is already high."Rafael only stirred briefly, then mumbled without opening his eyes, "Too early."Aurora chuckled. "Early from where? It's already nine o'clock, Rafael. You're sleeping like a baby."The man still didn't open his eyes, but one of his hands moved out from under the blanket, reaching toward Aurora's voice. "Come closer," he murmured.
Rafael looked at Aurora, then Valery, then back at Aurora. "This... isn't what you think..."Aurora stared intently, her tone cold. "It seems like I've been thinking too much since earlier."Tension hung in the air, no less intense than the morning sun streaming through the window.Valery smiled sweetly, as if nothing had happened. She folded her arms across her chest and walked casually toward Aurora. "Wow, I didn't expect you two to be this far along," Valery said, her voice smooth. "Romantic, too." Aurora clenched her fists at her sides. "Get out," she hissed sharply. "How did you get in here?"Valery shrugged. "The door was half-open. I thought it would be rude not to check on the situation when I heard movement inside. I thought Rafael was having trouble," she then looked at Rafael from head to toe with a crooked smile. "Turns out I was right. I guess I came at the right time. Maybe... to help release?"Rafael, who was now sitting on the edge of t
The morning sky slowly opened its curtains, emitting an orange light that touched the treetops and the calm surface of the sea. The air was still cool, leaving dew on the leaves and slightly damp sand. Aurora walked slowly along the shore, letting her feet sink slightly into the warm sand that was beginning to be touched by the sun's rays. Her hands were folded in front of her body, her steps slow, as if she were calming her thoughts.She stopped when she found a comfortable spot to stand. Her gaze fixed on the eastern horizon, where the sun slowly emerged from behind the horizon, casting a golden hue over the sea. The sea breeze gently caressed her hair, and in silence, Aurora took a deep breath.Footsteps approached from behind. Aurora turned slowly and found Kevin standing a few meters away. He was wearing a thin hoodie and casual pants, his hair disheveled as if he had just woken up."Why are you walking alone so early in the morning?" Kevin asked lightly, walking closer.Aurora n
The bonfire was still burning, flickering as if it wanted to dance along with the song that had just ended. Aurora and Kevin were still standing near the microphone, their smiles lingering as applause filled the air. But at the edge of the fire, someone suddenly stood up.Rafael.With a sudden motion, he threw his crutch into the sand. A few people fell silent. The previously relaxed faces started turning, watching Rafael's slow, limping movements as he made his way toward the microphone Kevin had just left, full of determination."Rafael-" Aurora almost stepped forward but froze at Rafael's glance, which silently begged, "let me."One step. Two steps. Rafael let out a low groan, his sprained leg clearly not healed. But he kept going, even as his shoulders trembled slightly from the strain. Everyone fell silent now, watching the dramatic moment like the climax scene of a romantic movie.Once he reached the microphone, Rafael took a deep breath and lifted his head