Beyond the Dreaming

As they stepped into the mall, Ember's eyes widened. "It's so big," she exclaimed.

Emir smiled at her awe. "Yes, this is the biggest mall in the city."

"Oh!" she gasped softly, marveling at the grandness.

He gestured toward a shop. "Why don't you go in and pick something you like?"

She hesitated but nodded. "Okay."

Upon entering the store, Ember's thoughts raced. 'I'm spending his money. I need to be careful and mindful.'

Her eyes were immediately drawn to a stunning long dark blue dress with an off-shoulder design. She touched the fabric gently, admiring its elegance. "Oh, this is beautiful," she murmured to herself. But then her gaze fell on the price tag, and her heart sank.

'Oh no! This is way too expensive. Even if I saved all my pocket money for a year, I couldn't afford it. I should find something more reasonable.'

A salesgirl approached her and greeted her in Chinese. "Hello, ma'am. How can I assist you?"

Caught off guard, Ember responded, "I can't understand you. I don't speak Chinese. Could you please speak in English? It would be better for both of us."

The salesgirl quickly switched languages, her tone polite. "Of course, ma'am. How can I help you? What are you looking for?"

Ember smiled faintly and shook her head. "Thank you, but I'll look around by myself."

In truth, she didn't want anyone's assistance. She wanted to choose something that felt right to her, without pressure or persuasion. Her resolve strengthened. 'I don't want them to select a dress for me. I'll know what suits me when I see it.'

The salesgirl nodded but added, "I'm here if you need anything. Just let me know."

Ember replied politely, "Okay, thanks. I'll let you know if I do."

As she browsed through the racks, lost in thought, Emir entered the shop and approached her. "So, what did you find?" he asked.

Ember hesitated, struggling with the steep prices. She remained silent, unwilling to explain her predicament.

Emir noticed her reluctance and chuckled. "Looks like someone's feeling shy about shopping. Let me pick out some options for you."

She nodded slightly, thinking maybe his choices would be better suited to the budget.

As Emir began selecting dresses, he removed his mask. Across the store, the salesgirls whispered excitedly.

"Wow, he's so handsome."

"I think I've seen him on TV."

"Who is he?!"

Ember overheard their chatter and glanced at Emir. A small smile played on her lips. 'They're right. I'm lucky to have him here.'

He turned to her, holding up a few dresses. "Come here, Ember. I've chosen these. Stand in front of the mirror."

She walked over and responded softly, "Hm."

He held each dress against her frame, studying her reflection thoughtfully. "These look good on you. Go ahead and try them on."

"Okay," she replied.

Inside the dressing room, Ember checked the price tags again. Her heart raced at the expense. She stepped out and whispered to Emir, "It's too expensive."

He smiled reassuringly and winked. "Don't worry. Trying them on is free."

His words eased her nerves, and she nodded. "You're right."

She returned to the dressing room and tried on a simple white frock with a boat neck. But as she stepped out, she tugged at the hem, feeling self-conscious. The dress was shorter than she expected, barely reaching her knees.

Emir noticed her discomfort but smiled warmly. "You look nice. Come stand in front of the mirror and see for yourself."

Reluctantly, she stepped closer and glanced at her reflection. The dress fit beautifully, but it wasn't her style. She finally mustered the courage to speak. "Emir, I need to tell you something."

He turned to her, his expression attentive. "What's wrong?"

She took a deep breath. "I'm not comfortable in this type of dress. I don't like exposing my body, even my legs. I prefer something that covers me more. This is way out of my comfort zone."

Understanding lit up his face. "It's okay. I didn't know your preferences. Let me find something more suitable for you." His smile was kind, and it instantly put her at ease.

"Sorry," she said softly.

He shook his head. "Don't apologize. You should never feel uncomfortable in what you wear. Let me take care of it."

She smiled gratefully. "Thanks."

He gestured toward a nearby bench. "You sit here while I look for another option."

A little while later, Emir returned with a long dark green dress. The design featured fluffy sleeves and a waist belt. He handed it to her. "Try this one."

When she emerged wearing it, his eyes lit up. "You look incredibly beautiful in this. Comfort suits you."

Blushing, she smiled.

 He handed Ember a few more clothes, his voice warm as he added, "Now try these on too. Go ahead, change again!"

After several rounds of trying on different outfits, Emir finally declared, "Let's buy all of these."

Ember's eyes widened in surprise. "All of them?" she asked, her voice a mix of shock and curiosity.

He nodded confidently. "Yes. We're not sure when you'll be back home, so it's better to be prepared. I'd rather you not have to borrow my clothes again."

After a moment of hesitation, she agreed. "Alright, let me go change back."

But Emir stopped her, shaking his head with a soft smile. "No, just keep this outfit on."

She gave a small nod. "OK," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. He then handed her a pair of boots, his tone encouraging. "And wear these too."

The outfit he had chosen for her consisted of long pink palazzo pants paired with a crisp white shirt and the sturdy boots he'd just given her.

As they reached the billing counter, Ember's gaze fell on a pair of sandals sitting with the rest of their purchases. She tilted her head in curiosity and asked, "When did you buy these?"

Emir grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "While you were in the changing room, I picked out matching shoes and sandals for you."

Her brows furrowed in surprise, and she thought to herself, 'How does he even know my size?'

The salesgirl handed Emir the bill, and Ember couldn't contain her reaction when she caught sight of the total. "Too much," she blurted out, her voice laced with concern.

Emir raised his hand gently, placing his index finger on her lips to hush her. His tone was calm and reassuring as he whispered, "I'll take care of it. You're my guest."

Still, she protested, her worry evident. "But it's so expensive."

He smiled warmly, his voice laced with playful reassurance. "You can repay me in other ways."

With that, Emir completed the payment and called for the driver. As they stepped outside, he turned to Ember and instructed, "Wait here. I need to grab something."

She nodded. "Okay," she replied softly, watching him disappear back into the mall.

After a short wait, Emir returned with a few more packages in hand. He gave her a brief smile before leading her to the car. They climbed into the backseat, ready to head home.

 They sat in the back seat of the car, the silence broken only by the gentle hum of the engine. Ember glanced at the package resting beside Emir and asked curiously, "What is this?"

With a small smile, he replied, "You'll find out when we get home."

She nodded, her voice soft. "Okay." Turning her gaze toward the window, Ember felt the cool night breeze brushing against her face. The soothing sensation lulled her, and as her eyelids grew heavier, she gradually drifted into sleep.

EMIR'S PERSPECTIVE

Watching her fall asleep, Emir couldn't help but smile softly. He thought to himself, "She must be really tired today." As her body relaxed, her head tilted and gently rested on his shoulder. Their hands, resting between them, naturally intertwined for support.

After a while, her head began to slide off his shoulder. Reacting quickly, he cupped her head with his hand to keep her comfortable. However, when he started feeling discomfort, he carefully shifted her head onto his lap, ensuring she wouldn't wake up.

He gazed down at her serene face, his heart warming at the sight. "She looks so adorable when she's asleep," he thought, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face with tender fingers.

His thoughts wandered as he admired her peaceful expression. "I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. I don't know how you managed to come this far from your home, but I'll be here for you. Whether you choose to go back or stay, I'll support you."

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, silently making a promise. "No matter what challenges come our way, I'll hold your hand tightly and stand by your side."

ARRIVAL AT EMIR'S HOUSE

As the car came to a stop in front of Emir's house, he leaned closer to her and gently whispered, "Wake up."

Ember's eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to her surroundings. When she realized her head had been resting on his lap, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She shifted carefully, settling back into her seat.

Emir smiled and gestured toward the house. "Let's head inside," he said, patting her head lightly and running his fingers through her hair with a comforting gesture.

She nodded, her voice barely audible as she replied, "Okay." Together, they stepped out of the car and made their way toward the house, the night quiet and calm around them. 

After Returning Home,

As they stepped inside the house, Emir announced with a smile, "It's time for dinner. Come, let's eat."

Ember called back, "Coming. So, what's for dinner?"

He replied playfully, "Open the package and you'll find out."

Her curiosity sparked, and she responded, "OK." She eagerly opened the package, revealing an assortment of Chinese dishes. Examining the contents, she remarked, "I don't usually have this for dinner."

Intrigued, Emir asked, "What do you mean?"

Ember explained, "In my country, we consider this more of a snack."

Looking apologetic, Emir said, "I'm sorry, I didn't know your preferences."

She smiled warmly and reassured him, "It's fine. Let's try a new cuisine today."

He nodded and said, "Let me know your preferences next time."

With a grin, she replied, "OK. Let's eat before it gets cold." She began unpacking the takeout, setting it up for the two of them.

As they finished their meal, Ember leaned back in her chair, satisfied. "That was delicious. Thank you for this," she said sincerely.

Surprised, Emir asked, "Really?" Though he smiled, doubt lingered in his mind. 'Is she just saying that to spare my feelings?'

She responded earnestly, "Yes. I didn't expect Chinese cuisine to be so tasty."

Relieved, he suggested, "Now, go get some rest. You've had a tiring day."

"Okay," she agreed, and they both headed upstairs to their respective rooms.

 Ember's Room

As Ember entered her room, her eyes fell on a package resting on the bed. Curious, she opened it and discovered a baby pink nightdress. It was undeniably cute but shorter than what she was accustomed to wearing. Shrugging off her hesitation, she decided to wear it.

A few moments later, there was a knock on her door.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"It's me, Emir."

"Coming," she replied as she made her way to the door.

When she opened it, she offered him a heartfelt, "Thank you again."

Emir's gaze softened as he commented, "You look good in that, and the fit is perfect for you."

Blushing slightly, she responded, "Thanks for your kindness."

He smiled and gently advised, "Get some sleep. If you need anything, remember my room is right next to yours."

"Okay, I'll let you know. Good night," she said.

"Good night!" Emir replied as she closed the door.

Emir's Perspective

Returning to his room, Emir left the door partially open, deep in thought. 'What she's wearing now… Did the bags get swapped? I should change it for her tomorrow. But… she looks attractive in it.'

Shaking his head, he chastised himself. 'No, what am I thinking? She looks good, and she wore it. No more returning.' He recalled the furry nightdress he had intended for her—a fully covered top with matching full pants. However, the unexpected bag swap had resulted in her receiving the short baby pink nightdress with a long shrug.

The Next Day, for Ember...

When she woke up, she exclaimed, "What the heck? How could I?"