A Game of Hearts

[Not interested.]

[It's been five years, and I honestly didn't think you'd be interested in Selena.]

Not wanting to see any more of Jessica's messages, I shut off my phone and walked with Selena, chatting as we made our way to her apartment.

When we reached the building, I turned around after bidding her goodbye.

But then, she called out, "Sebastian."

I turned back to find her nervously fidgeting with her fingers in the dim light, hesitating before finally speaking up.

"The next time we meet, can I... hold your hand?"

I smiled and nodded. "Sure."

Selena looked up as if electrified, then stepped forward and gently kissed me. It was a shy kiss, fitting for her personality. As soon as it happened, she turned away, not daring to meet my eyes.

"Get some rest once you arrive home. See you tomorrow," she said nervously before she turned and hurried off, her face a bright shade of red.

My heart fluttered at the unexpected kiss, leaving me momentarily dazed.

-

The next day was a Saturday, so I savored a leisurely sleep-in. In the past, I would jump out of bed right on time, rush to the market for the freshest ingredients, and then queue up in the city for a serving of pudding that Jessica loved.

I had acted like a diligent, devoted man.

But without that obligation weighing on me, I felt a newfound lightness. Still, my body's internal clock kicked in, waking me up sooner than I wanted.

As I picked up my phone, a message from Jessica flashed on the screen.

[I'm craving some fried chicken and mashed potatoes today.]

Before I could even process it, she retracted the message.

It must have been meant for Cameron, but accidentally sent to me instead. Did she really think I would still jump to obey her commands?

Ignoring her, I got up and started my morning routine.

A little while later, Selena sent me a message inviting me out to the pedestrian mall. Her enthusiastic invitation was hard to resist, so I eventually agreed to meet her later that evening.

The pedestrian mall was located in the old town of Ashenford, lined with low-rise buildings and small shops. The lights twinkled in the evening, and the street was adjacent to the river. Many locals came out to stroll and enjoy the cool breeze.

When I met up with Selena, she was holding a thermos close to her chest.

As I approached, she smiled mysteriously. "I made coffee at home just for you! It's still warm. You have to try it before it gets cold."

I felt a warmth spread through me at her thoughtful gesture. I reached for the thermos, unscrewed the lid, and took a sip. The bittersweet taste of coffee filled my mouth. It was pleasantly refreshing.

"Is it good?" she asked eagerly.

I nodded earnestly. "It's really good."

She let out a breath as if a weight had been lifted, then took my hand to stroll along the riverbank.

Selena wasn't overly talkative or outgoing, but that suited me just fine. We walked side by side, enjoying the comfortable silence. I noticed how she furrowed her brow, trying to think of something to say. It was adorably endearing. Even when there were pauses in the conversation, the air didn't feel stifling.

I couldn't help but recall my time with Jessica. I used to tread carefully around her, watching her every expression, afraid I might provoke her. Looking back, I realized how much I had constrained myself by trying so hard to please her.

What a waste of my youth.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang.

The night sky erupted in a burst of color!

Fireworks lit up across the river, drawing the attention of everyone around. Selena and I had the perfect spot to watch the show. As I gazed up at the fireworks, a swell of emotion filled my heart.

When the display ended, Selena beamed at me. "I actually checked the official website and saw there would be fireworks tonight, so I invited you out."

Her voice bubbling with excitement, she continued, "In my hometown, there's a legend that if two people watch fireworks together, they'll receive the blessing of the gods and be together forever."

I had once said something similar to Jessica, but she had rolled her eyes and dismissed it as boring information.

I looked at Selena. Her dark eyes were shimmering in the night, and I saw sincerity and joy radiating from her smile. She was also watching me, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"Thank you, Lena," I said, returning her smile.

But then she grew anxious, spinning in place, her hands running through her hair. "Sebastian, does this mean we're officially a couple?"

Before I could answer, she rushed on, her voice a mixture of eagerness and trepidation, "Don't worry! I'll only ever like you and will be by your side forever."

She laid her heart bare, presenting herself to me with a sincerity that shone brighter than the sun.

My eyes stung with emotion.

With Jessica, I had felt so unfortunate. Yet with Selena, I realized I was incredibly lucky.

I smiled warmly and pulled her into my arms.

"Lena… What is it about me that you like?" I asked curiously.