First Kiss.

Her eyes slowly grew wide; mouth gaped open.

Her shocking face did not faze him.

'Didn't he still like Anne?!'

Chen's heart was beating too loudly; he couldn't focus on anything else but say what he wanted as fast and calmly as he could.

It was an adrenaline rush.

"I like you. I don't know how much it is or where it is going. It could be bad..." He looked into her eyes with determination, "But what if it does go somewhere, somewhere good."

He took a deep breath and continued. "I feel like it is going to be okay if it's with you."

I don't want to regret not telling you earlier. If it's for you, I'm willing to take the first step.

After a moment of hesitation, Chen said resolutely,

"Let's fall in love."

Lily was still stunned.

They were kind to each other from the beginning and seemed to get along very well. That's because they had a lot in common, a lot to talk about.

Chen was always watching out for her. She felt she could trust him. He knew what she was, but he never treated her differently.

After all this, she didn't expect him to like her this way.

"I--" Lily hesitated.

She never fell in love with anyone before.

Up until now, she lived based on surviving, falling in love was the last thing on her mind.

It was a luxury.

Now that it happened, there was no real answer, no one to guide her.

"It's okay to reject; I won't get mad nor blame you." Chen patted her head. "You're feelings are most important to me."

She looked up at him.

He gave a very gentle smile. Though it was hiddenly laced with disappointment and sadness, everything he said was sincere — her heartfelt complicated.

Lily didn't want to let him down. She stood there and thought seriously.

Chen stayed in front of her and waited patiently.

He held her hand tenderly.

His warmth was transmitted to hers. Lily looked up at him again. She could feel his feelings for her.

Maybe if it's with him, she can give her everything. He can accept every part of me.

Whenever they argued, Chen would quickly give in. He never questioned her nor asked her anything more if she felt uncomfortable.

When they were together, he always put her as a priority. He probably thought she didn't notice, but she knew everything.

Whenever they shared the bed, he would try to stay to the farthest edge to give her space. If her hair were messy, he would silently tidy them. If she was full, he would quietly finish hers.

He was always so selfless, but she appreciated it. It made her want to know him more.

Her heart fluttered every time Chen looked at her.

They first met by the bridge near the palace.

When she saw him, he was indeed perfect looking. It took her off guard — a cold man that doesn't seem to express much, yet he held such an alluring aura. Lily wouldn't be surprised if people were scared of him in the first meeting.

Little did they know, this intimidating man had so many cute sides to him. He was so quickly shy and so gentle treating women.

When faced with a problem, he would stare off in front of him with his furrowed brows and debated. The corners between his forehead would crease so much, she was tempted many times to stroke them. When he worked, his eyes showed his seriousness and motivation. It made her want to support whatever he wanted to do.

At the time she saw the way he looked at Anne, she felt his pain and care for her. She wanted to cheer him on. The loneliness he felt, she understood all so clearly.

But as time passed, Lily would feel a little annoyed. She slowly started to feel greedy. She wanted more.

After all, they knew each other longer than she did with him. It was as if they created their own bubble that she couldn't enter.

Snapping back to reality, Lily looked at him abruptly.

Is this what it is to like someone?

Chen was a little taken aback by the sudden movement, but quickly composed himself.

"E-even if we knew each other for not long?" Lily hesitated. "Are you okay with me? Who has nothing to give you?"

I don't have diamonds and jewels nor do I have any skills to show and my looks aren't that impressive.

Was it okay to fall in love? For someone like me?

She was scared.

Her timid appearance poked his heart.

Chen hugged her as he replied, "Two weeks isn't much within thousands of years. We have time."

She pulled her lips upwards. "You plan to be with me for a thousand years?"

"Forever if you let me," Chen responded smoothly.

"...Stupid." She said under her breath and blushed. "It's practically a proposal is it not?"

Chen was silent and expressionless, but his eyes showed laughter, he heard it.

'I'll give you a real one next time.'

"I think...I like you..." Lily muttered quietly.

"Hmm?" Chen bent down closer to hear her.

Lily declared confidently next to his ear as she tighten their hug. "I said I like you, you foolish man,"

His eyes grew wide and stared at her.

Chen froze midway

Lily smiled. She was quite amused at his expression.

Seeing her face that had agreed, his heart relaxed, giving out a sense of relief.

Warmth slowly crept up in his heart, and he quickly scooped up Lily spun her around, smiling.

'Is this really happening?'

How can the feeling of two people liking each other bring so much happiness in his heart?

He was over the moon.

Lily quickly held his shoulders for support and let out a small squeal from the sudden movement.

Chen laughed innocently and put her down. He looked gently at her.

Lily averted her eyes and blushed.

Chen lifted his left hand and held her cheek.

She still looked away.

He lifted her chin for her to look at him and slowly approached her face. Her shyness awoke something inside of him. It was starting to get dangerous.

He first gave her a small peck on her forehead and then traced her lips. After feeling it's smooth, soft surface with his finger, it was hard to resist, and he finally laid one on her lips.

Shocked, Lily subconsciously squeezed her eyes shut.

Once was not enough. After he tasted the sweetness and the feeling of her perfectly shaped lips. His heart fluttered.

He shifted his head and continued to move between the upper and bottom, interlocking each other's lips and sucking it skillfully.

Lily was in a dazed. She wrapped her arms around his waist and lifted her head further to make it comfortable for his tall stature.

This was her first kiss, and for it to be this intense, her head was drawing blanks. She did not reject it though and followed his lead.

The two of them stood in the room quietly, embracing each other.

The feeling of joy spread throughout the room.

It was the beginning of a love story.