Between Zippers and Heartbeats

After returning from their shopping trip, Dylan gently guided Ember to her bedroom.

He knew she needed rest after everything that had happened today. The events had been shocking for both of them, and they needed time to process everything. Dylan, worried about her, suggested she skip his best friend's birthday party, but Ember reassured him, saying, "I'll be fine after a little rest. You shouldn't miss the party on my account."

Despite his concern, he finally gave in. Ember was determined not to be the reason he missed his friend's big day. Dylan helped her settle into bed, tucking her in with care, and smiled down at her. "Get some sleep, okay?" he whispered as he left the room, watching her eyes flutter closed.

Once Dylan was downstairs, he asked the cook, "Nana, can you prepare something for us? We haven't had lunch yet." With that taken care of, he planned to check on Ember later. Meanwhile, in her bedroom, Ember stirred awake. Her thoughts quickly drifted to tonight. *It's my first time meeting Dylan's friends... I have to make sure I don't embarrass him.*

Determined, she pushed herself out of bed and dashed to the shower, her heart racing at the thought of making a good impression. 

Dylan, standing outside her door, hesitated for a moment. 

She's probably still asleep, he thought, so he didn't knock. As he entered, however, Ember suddenly emerged from the bathroom, water still dripping from her hair. Their eyes met, wide with surprise.

"Hey!" Ember shouted, quickly slamming the bathroom door. "You should've knocked!"

Dylan, sheepish, scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, I thought you were still in bed..."

Ember exhaled and relaxed. "It's fine, but can you step out for a second? My clothes are on the bed. I need to get changed."

Dylan nodded and left the room. After a few moments, Ember called out, "You can come in now."

Dylan opened the door and walked in. "I don't see anything."

"Shut up!" Ember rolled her eyes, playfully. "Let's eat. I'm starving."

Dylan chuckled, "Come on then." They sat down together, enjoying the meal. Ember ate with gusto, clearly famished, while Dylan watched her with a smile. "Slow down," he teased.

"Mm! So good," Ember replied with her mouth full.

After finishing, Ember patted her stomach. "I'm stuffed."

Dylan grinned. "You're adorable." He gently patted her head. "Go get ready for the party."

"Okay," she agreed, getting up. "You too!"

Dylan nodded and headed to his room.

---

A little later, Ember stood in her room, staring at two dresses.

One was her favorite, but the other... Dylan had picked it out. *Which one should I wear?* She couldn't decide, so she decided to ask him.

She peeked through her door, only to see people leaving Dylan's room. "Feng!" she called out to the butler. "Why is everyone coming out of Dylan's room?"

Feng turned to her and replied, "Sir is selecting a suit for the occasion."

"Oh, okay," Ember said. Curiosity getting the better of her, she approached Dylan's room. She saw that the door was slightly open, and she couldn't help but peek inside. *What's the harm?* she thought.

Her breath caught when she saw him shirtless, muscles flexing as he changed. *Oh my God,* she thought, cheeks flushing.

Dylan's voice broke her trance. "It's not good to peek, Ember. But if you want to watch, come in."

Caught, Ember froze, embarrassed. "I-I wasn't... I just wanted to ask which dress I should wear."

Dylan smirked and said, "Come inside first."

Reluctantly, she stepped into the room. "Um, your buttons," she murmured, avoiding eye contact.

"Help me with them?" Dylan asked with a raised eyebrow.

Her heart pounded," me ?" hoping for an excuse . "Is anyone else here?" he asked.

"Nope," she replied, he is stepping closer. "How are you going to button my shirt from way over there?"

Ember hesitated, then approached. As her fingers fumbled with the buttons, her thoughts raced. *Why does my heart feel like it's going to explode when I'm near him?*

"Ember," Dylan whispered, tilting her chin up to face him. Their eyes locked, and before she could react, he kissed her softly.

Her breath hitched. "Dylan... What are you doing?"

He smiled softly, teasing her, "Why are you here again?"

Ember snapped out of her daze, blushing furiously. "I came to ask about the dress," she mumbled.

Dylan chuckled. "Go change in the washroom, then I can help you decide."

---

Back in her room, Ember changed into the dress she liked but felt uncertain.

She quickly fetched both dresses and returned to Dylan's room. "I'm so confused," she admitted. "Which should I try first?"

Without hesitation, Dylan pointed to the one she hadn't worn yet. "You want to buy this one but never wear it. Try it."

"Hmph! Okay," Ember muttered, walking back to change.

As she zipped up, she suddenly yelped, "Ouch!"

Dylan, alarmed, rushed into the washroom. "What happened?"

Ember spun around, shocked. "What are you doing in here? Get out!"

"Not until you tell me what's wrong," he said firmly.

"My zip... it got stuck," she mumbled, embarrassed.

Dylan stepped closer. "Here, let me help." He gently closed the zipper for her, his touch making her heart flutter.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," Dylan said with a smile, but then his expression changed. "Wait, let me see your hands." He had noticed her wince earlier.

As he examined her hand, he found a small cut on her finger from the zipper. Without a word, he ran to fetch the first aid kit. Carefully, he bandaged her finger.

Ember smiled at his care. "Thank you," she said softly.

Dylan turned her toward the mirror. "There. All done. Now, look at yourself. My baby is gorgeous."

"Stop it!" Ember blushed deeply, but Dylan only grinned.

"You're blushing," he teased.

"Just get ready!" she said, trying to change the subject. "I'm going to my room."

Dylan called after her, "All the makeup and cosmetics you need are in your room."

"Okay!" Ember replied, leaving with a smile on her face.