Echoes of Emotions.

Mia's first meal with Jack brings tension. Despite her discomfort, Jack's kindness helps her open up. "The wait's over. How am I so near, yet still fear losing her? My heart races with love and relief."

James moaned in pain. He couldn't bear it anymore and shook off Jack's hand, moving backward. Jack, I have something to do, he said while running away, trying to save his life. The pain was unbearable, but fear drove him onward.

James' POV:

Eh, this man! He gazed at his injured hand in agony. It hurt so much. My bed is calling for me, he thought, smiling weakly while imagining his warm bed. He was freezing because they had been searching for Mia for so long, and his cheeks were now as cold as snow. He hurried, entered a cab, and headed home, the thought of relief almost making him cry.

End of James' POV

The stranger stared at Jack and asked, Are you here for her? searching Jack's face.

Jack was still spaced out, and the only one he could see and hear was Mia. His lips parted, but the cold breeze made him close them. Mia's face shook him out of his imaginary world, and he muttered, "Did you say something, Mia? with an embarrassed gaze and a hint of longing in his voice.

Oh no, this young man asked you a question, Mia replied, turning to the young man with a smile.

He extended his hand and said, "lm Ken. Thanks for helping me, young lady. He smiled, feeling a strange warmth despite the cold.

Mia. You can call me Mia. Ken, make sure you take care of yourself next time. I will come and support you. She shook his hand gently, her touch lingering. And this is my friend Jack. Yeah, he is here to get me. She stared at Jack with a questioning look, her eyes softening, but then turned and smiled at Ken. They said their goodbyes, Mia's heart fluttering slightly at the exchange.

Mia and Jack went their separate ways from Ken. On the way, both were silent, only the cold breeze and the sound of traffic filling the air until Mia broke the silence.

Jack! Why are you here? she asked, her eyes wide and curious, while staring at the food shop in front of her with a starving gaze that made her mouth water and her stomach growl. She blushed, feeling shy and vulnerable.

She tried to hide it, but Jack laughed and patted her shoulder affectionately, his touch sending a warm tingle down her spine.

Mia, it's okay. We can eat first, then talk, okay? he assured her, calming her down with a gentle smile. His heart ached with an unspoken love.

Are you sure? Mia asked with pleading eyes, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness.

Yes! Hahaha, Jack replied, laughing at her cuteness. She is so cute, I could die now, he mumbled to himself, his heart swelling with affection.

Jack, I want that and that, plus some sweets. Can you also order some beef and fish, plus some omelets and lemon tea? she asked shyly, her voice soft and hesitant. Hope it's not too much. I'm starving, Jack. Her eyes were innocent, and her smile made Jack lose his words. He was about to call her cute but instead pointed at the window seats and commented, That is a cool spot to enjoy our food.

Jack's heart pounded as he watched Mia's face light up. He couldn't help but feel a deep, aching love for her, mixed with a sweet shyness that made him smile even more.

Mia seemed uncomfortable because this was her first time talking to Jack, and now it seemed they were going to eat together. She usually only ate with her mother and her ex-best friend, Sara. It didn't feel right. She stood, and this made Jack stand beside her, waiting until she felt at ease. They headed to the table and both sat down. Silence was all they heard, making Jack cough and clear his throat before speaking.

So, Mia, how come you are here? he asked softly, staring at her with concerned eyes while leaning back in his chair and shifting his gaze away to make her comfortable.

Mia tried to dodge Jack's question by saying, Nothing really, I was just passing by. I'll tell you after I eat. She filled her mouth with food, trying to hide her unease as the hit of Jack's question made her recall what happened, bringing a wave of fear and sadness. She tried hard to conceal it, but her eyes watered slightly.

Jack noticed her distress but pretended not to see it. He continued with his food as the music lightened the atmosphere, creating a bittersweet contrast to their tension.

After some time, Jack called the waiter and paid for their dinner. Mia waited at the exit, looking tense and nervous. Her phone kept ringing, but she didn't pick up. She just stared at it with teary eyes and breathed heavily. Jack walked slowly until he reached her, seeing her worried face.

He lightly called her name, Mia! Will you keep staring at the phone, or pick it up? he asked in a comforting voice, trying to ease her fear.

A-a-am... I will call her back soon, she panicked, hiding her phone from him, her voice shaking and sweat forming on her brow. Her heart pounded, mixing fear with a touch of excitement at Jack's concern.

Jack, can I ask for a favor? Mia asked with fear evident in her face and voice, feeling vulnerable.

Jack simply replied with a nod and a reassuring smile.

I lost my bag on my way here. I only have my phone, and I don't want to make my mama worry about me. She looked into Jack's eyes, hoping he would help her out. I want to head to my mum, but I have no money on me, and my house is far. Can you drive me there? I will pay you back for both my dinner and the transport, she said, sounding stressed and scared, her voice trembling slightly.

Jack laughed at her cute expression and body language. He felt a thrill of excitement at the chance to help her. He headed to his car, glanced back at her, and calmly replied, Okay, deal. You will pay me back. Hurry, we don't have the whole night, he lightly mocked, smiling at her as they both headed to her house with mixed feelings of excitement, fear, and joy.

You're so happy! Can you share why you're so happy and you're blushing a lot? Mia asked Jack with a smile, mockingly, trying to hide her own nervous excitement.

Jack simply went silent, his heart racing. He didn't say anything until he pointed to her house, asking if they had reached.

Mia smiled and replied, Mum, I'm home. Don't worry. She climbed out of the car, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness at the evening's end. She thanked Jack, and told him to head home, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer, feeling a twinge of kilig at his kindness.