he wants to be a romantic man

The night was cold, the fire in the living room fireplace dancing slowly, casting a warm glow across the wooden walls of the old rental house.

Asher sat comfortably on the sofa, wearing a warm sweater that once belonged to Lucy's father. It was a dark brown knit, a little too big on him, but somehow made him look calm and grounded. The faded wool pants added to the vintage look oddly fitting for his quiet, mysterious aura.

He stared blankly at the flames, occasionally bringing a mug of coffee to his lips, though he mostly sat in silence, lost in thought.

Lucy sat in the chair next to him, observing quietly. A small smile curved her lips as she set her mug down on the table.

"Asher?" she called softly.

He turned his head slowly, his pale blue eyes calm under the flickering light. "Yeah?"

Lucy crossed her legs, then asked, "I've been wondering where have you been sleeping since you got here? I mean, this place only has one bedroom."

Without hesitation, Asher replied, "I sleep on this sofa. Athena sleeps in the bedroom."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You two are married now. You're supposed to be sleeping together tonight, you know?"

Asher looked confused. His head tilted slightly. "Sleeping... together?"

Lucy chuckled. "Yes, Asher. Husband and wife usually share a bed. In fact, on the wedding night they usually…" She leaned in with a mischievous grin, "...have a romantic night."

"Romantic night?" Asher repeated softly, clearly baffled.

Lucy almost burst out laughing but held herself back. God, he's seriously this naïve, she thought.

"Asher, a romantic night is… well, a special moment for the two of you. To show your love. You should make Athena feel cherished."

Asher looked at her intently. "But how?"

Lucy stared at him in disbelief, then sighed. She scooted closer, lowering her voice. "You could start by giving her a shoulder massage… maybe decorate the room with flowers, or... kiss her."

Asher furrowed his brow, still unsure. "If I do that... won't she get mad?"

Lucy shook her head confidently. "Of course not. She loves you."

A pause filled the space between them.

Then slowly, Asher's eyes widened. "She... loves me?"

Lucy smiled gently. "Yes. She does. A lot. Just so you know, she was really worried when you were sick. This marriage isn't just about hiding from Carlos. I think... she genuinely likes you."

A new light flickered in Asher's eyes, as if those words awakened something inside him. He looked at the fire for a moment, then glanced down at his hands like he was trying to understand the warmth growing in his chest.

"I want to make her happy," he whispered.

Lucy patted his shoulder lightly. "Then go to the kitchen. Hug her from behind. Show her you're here... and that you care."

Asher turned to her, nodding slowly. He stood up, set his mug on the table, and walked quietly toward the kitchen… carrying a new kind of hope in every step.

Back in the now quiet living room, Lucy smiled to herself and muttered, "I better head out. I'll come back tomorrow and interrogate that big baby again."

She got up from the sofa, grabbed her purse and car keys, and slipped out of the house.

The small kitchen was lit by a warm yellow light hanging from the ceiling. The walls were lined with neatly arranged cooking tools. The aroma of freshly baked meatloaf filled the air, blending with the gentle scent of mashed potatoes Athena was stirring over the stove. She wore a simple red apron, her hair tied back loosely, and her face peaceful under the cozy glow.

Footsteps echoed softly behind her. Asher entered the kitchen quietly, his curious eyes scanning the space, until they landed on Athena bending slightly to taste the sauce.

Carefully, he stepped closer. His hands were a little clammy. He could still hear Lucy's voice in his head: "Show her you care. Make her happy."

Sensing someone behind her, Athena spoke without turning. "You hungry? The meatloaf's almost ready."

Asher opened his mouth to answer, but she continued, "Did Lucy leave?"

He replied gently, "Maybe."

Athena sighed, smiling faintly. "She's silly to miss dinner. I made quite a lot tonight…"

Asher stood still, watching her calm back. Then, driven by something deep inside him, he took one more step forward… and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind.

His hands circled her waist, his warm chest pressed softly against her back.

Athena froze, her heartbeat suddenly quickening. She looked down, stunned to see Asher's hands around her. Her body stiffened, caught between surprise and something tender.

Asher's voice came low, almost a whisper. "Do you love me, Athena?"

Athena hesitated. "Um…"

"Asher…"

He continued, his voice sincere and a bit unsure. "Lucy said you were really worried when I got sick. When I passed out."

Athena laughed softly, nervously. "Well… I was worried. But that doesn't mean..."

"But that means you love me, right?" he cut in quickly, hope filling his tone like a child learning what love feels like for the first time.

Athena bit her lip, unable to respond right away. She could feel Asher's heartbeat on her back, the warmth of his embrace—so real, so pure… and so innocent.

"If you do…" Asher whispered, "can I keep staying by your side?"

She didn't answer. She just closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself soak in that warmth. Then finally said quietly,

"If you keep hugging me like this… I might just say yes."

Asher smiled behind her, his arms tightening just a little.

"Then let me stay here. I like hugging you like this. You smell nice…" he said, burying his nose gently into her hair.

Athena exhaled deeply, feeling a strange shiver down her spine. His breath, his closeness—it sent a soft current through her. For a few seconds, she let herself melt… until she shook her head and gently broke away from his arms.

"I have to finish this," she said.

"Alright. I'll wait right here…"

Asher took a few steps back, standing by the fridge, watching her intently like she was the only thing on his mind.

Athena lifted the large bowl of mashed potatoes from the stove to the counter. Her movements were quick but then her long skirt tangled around her foot.

"Ahh!"

She slipped, her body leaning back, the bowl threatening to fly from her grip.

In a flash...

Asher, who had been by the fridge, was suddenly there. In one impossible movement, he caught the bowl in one hand and Athena's waist in the other, steadying her just inches from the floor.

Athena froze.

It took her a few seconds to realize… she hadn't fallen. The mashed potatoes were safe. And she was in Asher's arms—again.

"Asher…?" she whispered, eyes wide.

He looked at her, serious. "Are you okay?"

She nodded slowly, still catching her breath.

"Your skirt attacked you," Asher said, glancing down at the trailing fabric, completely sincere.

Athena chuckled between panic and disbelief. "My skirt didn't attack me… I was just clumsy."

Asher looked at the bowl in his hand. "Still… I was more worried about you than the mashed potatoes."

Athena laughed quietly. "You just saved two very important things in my life tonight."

"In that case," Asher said with a small smile, "I'll be your official guardian. For you… and your mashed potatoes. Full time!"

Athena looked at him warmly. "You're weird...

"Is saving my wife from a skirt attack weird?"

She laughed harder, cheeks flushing. "Stop saying that! My skirt didn't attack me!"

"But it nearly took you down. Next time, don't wear one."

Athena shoved the bowl gently into his hands. "Alright, now take this to the living room. We're eating in there."

Obediently, Asher carried the mashed potatoes to the living room, noticing Lucy was gone. He placed the bowl on the table, then stared at it seriously. Slowly, he dipped his finger into it… and licked it.

"Hmm… it's good. Maybe I should learn to make this for Athena, so she won't get so tired," he murmured with a smile,imagining Athena's beautiful face, as if he was in love.