That Mysterious Man in My Dream

Just then, the doorbell rang. I guessed it was Steven, and I was right.

He was wearing a black suit. His already upright figure looked even more imposing, with a hint of restraint that made him seem distant.

I did not dare to gaze at him any longer, quickly lowering my head. I stammered, “Dr. Frost… are you ready?”

He replied casually and handed me a black gift box. I was slightly surprised.

“I prepared a dress for you.”

I already felt bad for taking up his weekend. I could not accept a gift on top of that.

Then he said, “Your birthday is coming up soon, right? Think of this as a birthday present.”

I looked up at once. There was confusion in my eyes.

“Dr. Frost, how do you know when my birthday is?”

“People say college students can be a bit naive. I suppose that’s true.

“Did you forget? I have your medical records.”

My face turned warm. He was right. I had forgotten. Even so, I was still reluctant to accept it.

“Fair exchange. My birthday is on the same day as yours. You can give me a gift then, alright?”

He spoke with a smile, but his tone allowed no refusal. I felt that familiar sense of pressure again. It was strong enough that I barely registered that we shared a birthday.

“Go get changed. We need to leave soon.”

I nodded without thinking. I felt that something uncontrollable would be triggered if I refused.

I went back to my room and opened the gift box. Inside was a black strapless dress. The hem fell just below my hips. It was beautiful.

I changed into the dress and found that it fit perfectly. The fabric clung to my body, as if it had been tailored for me.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror and looked at myself. A vivid poppy was tattooed on my leg. It was small but striking.

Evidently, I got the tattoo because of a burn on my leg. That was how it all began.

I went out in my slippers. Steven sat on the couch with his legs crossed, his back against the cushion, and one hand resting loosely at his side. A faint smile lingered on his face as he tapped the seat beside him.

Without thinking, I walked over and sat where he had tapped. Everything felt natural, as if I had done this many times before.

He stood up and crouched in front of me. The moment his hand touched my foot, a strange numbness spread through me. It felt like an electric current running through my body.

I quickly pulled my foot back and murmured, “No… this isn’t appropriate.”

I did not know whether he heard me. He only lifted his gaze slightly and said, “You’re very sensitive.”

“What?”

I stood up. My heels were around three inches high, yet I barely reached Steven’s shoulder.

He placed his hand on my waist. The pressure slowly increased, and it became firm enough to make me uneasy. I looked at him in confusion. His expression remained polite and composed, with the same measured smile.

“Let’s go. Your classmates are waiting.”

When we reached the meeting place, there was no one there. I checked the class group chat. Everyone gave the same explanation. The time had changed, and they had forgotten to tell me.

That was when I realized I had been fooled.

A wave of hurt rose in my chest. My eyes reddened, and tears gathered before I could stop them.

Steven patted my back. “Don’t cry. It’s bad for your eyes.”

His voice carried a quiet firmness.

He guided me back to the couch and sat beside me. “Weekends are meant for relaxing. Even if they are not here, we can still enjoy the evening.”

He handed me a glass of red wine. “Have a sip.”

I nodded and took a small drink. It tasted bitter, and I frowned.

Steven let out a soft laugh. His kisses landed in gentle, fleeting touches. They grew tender and close, and a familiar warmth slowly took over my senses.

Only after my breathing grew rapid did he finally pull away.