As we cruised around the entire lake, all I did was take pictures of him from various angles. Most of his shots seemed like stolen moments since he avoided looking at the camera. But even so, I didn’t miss the opportunity to capture the surrounding views.
I hugged myself tightly when a strong gust of wind blew. I felt that my jacket wasn’t enough to keep me warm in this cold weather.
When we got tired of the swan boat, we decided to go biking. I didn’t want to overthink things, but it felt like we were on a date. And the fact that it was just the two of us here, aside from the guards, added to that feeling.
Perhaps the reason he rented the whole place was so he could wander around without worrying about being recognized. But I couldn’t help but assume that maybe he just genuinely wanted the two of us to enjoy ourselves without being bothered.
I felt like a fool, suddenly smiling to myself, thrilled by my own thoughts.
Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case. After all, he’s always been possessive.
There were moments when I would stop pedaling just to capture him in photos. Stolen shots are the best, in my opinion. Sometimes, it was because I was genuinely out of breath. He just goes so fast!
Until I eventually stopped the bike. I couldn’t resist looking at each photo one by one.
I am happy because I was able to capture this moment. And I am the one who’s with him while he is enjoying his break.
In an instant, it felt like an ordinary version of Travis was with me. Far from who he is behind the flashing cameras and screaming fans.
In my excitement, I didn’t immediately realize that I had lost my balance while sitting. So I closed my eyes tightly, while tightly embracing the camera in my grip, and waited for myself to completely fall to the ground along with the bike.
But instead of hitting the ground, I felt a pair of strong arms catch me.
I opened my eyes, and we both widened them when we noticed how close our faces were. He slightly leaned back, and because of that, he lost his balance too, and we both fell to the ground.
It felt like time had stood still when his lips suddenly met mine. It was just a brief touch, if you think about it. But it seemed like my heart wanted to escape because of its pounding intensity.
His right hand was placed under my head, while his left was on my waist, maintaining protection even in such a precarious situation.
When I realized that we were in a public place, I quickly stood up. I couldn’t look straight at him, and it seemed like he was the same as me.
“Sorry,” we both said simultaneously.
I panned my hand against myself. It felt like the weather suddenly turned hot, even though the climate here was cold.
Because of what happened, we didn’t say a word to each other until we got back to the car.
But when I looked outside the window, I couldn’t hold back the smile I had been repressing.
It may still take time. But I know that we’re getting there already.
***
Travis
I am currently on the balcony of the suite where we are staying. The surroundings are already dark, but I can clearly see the sparkling Christmas lights on every house and building from where I’m sitting.
I let out a deep sigh. It’s a good thing I was able to restrain myself earlier from capturing her lips and imprisoning her in my arms. Because if that happened, she might get fed up with me again.
So, since we got back earlier, all I’ve been doing is avoiding her. Because even I don’t trust myself.
I was interrupted from my thoughts when I suddenly heard her shout. I quickly stood up and ran towards her location.
My eyebrows furrowed when I saw her wrapped in a blanket while sitting on the floor.
I shook my head when I realized that she was actually watching a horror movie. She enjoys watching those kinds of films, even though she gets scared easily.
Just as I was about to return to my seat, I heard a sound. I turned to her slowly, and our eyes met at that moment.
“Why didn’t you even tell me that you were hungry already?” I asked her. Judging by the loud growling of her stomach, she must have been hungry for a while now.
She shrugged. “How could I tell you when you’ve been avoiding me? It’s not like I can eat alone. I don’t like that either.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. “You can continue watching later. Let’s eat at the restaurant downstairs first,” I invited her.
Her eyes widened before she quickly turned off the TV and got off the bed.
I put on my shades and mask before heading out. She followed me quietly.
From the moment we entered the elevator until we walked out, neither of us spoke. We were currently walking towards the restaurant near the hotel lobby when she suddenly pulled my arm.
“What the hell? Where are we going?” I asked in confusion as I noticed that we were heading towards the exit of the hotel.
I began to suspect that we were being watched by the guard as we walked out.
“I have a better idea.” She winked at me.
Although confused, I let her pull me along to wherever she wanted to go. I looked in a different direction as we walked. Even if I wanted to remove her grip on my arm, it seemed like I didn’t have the strength to do so.
I can’t deny that it feels relaxing. Just like the good old days.
After a short while, we stopped in front of a convenience store. I couldn’t believe it as I looked at her.
“We’re going to eat here?” I asked.
She nodded with a smile and walked inside. I still felt confused as I followed her.
I was taken aback when she grabbed a pack of instant noodles. “Is that what you’re going to eat? Why don’t we go to a restaurant instead? Don’t worry, I won’t let you pay,” I assured her.
Perhaps the reason she never seems to gain weight is because she’s always on a diet.
I couldn’t help but frown as I remembered that she still doesn’t know how to cook.
“What do you think of me as someone who can’t afford to pay?” She glared at me.
“But will you really feel satisfied with that?” I raised an eyebrow at her.
She turned towards the aisle where the bread and biscuits were placed. “This isn’t the only thing I'm going to buy.” After picking something, she looked back at me.
“Will you forget just for a moment about the celebrity, TJ Vernon, and just be your true ordinary self?” She smiled gently.
My mouth hung open at her words. Truth be told, ever since I entered the world of showbiz, I rarely get to do the things I used to do.
“Can’t we go back to the time before you entered the limelight? Doing something reckless, simple, and without thinking about the other people around us? Even just for tonight?”
I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I just stayed in my place as she walked past me towards the counter to pay.
There’s actually nothing wrong with her suggestion. The thing is, I just don’t want to go back to those memories.
Because what I desire most is for her to be mine again.