Return With Skills

Following our fun shopping tour, we felt like taking a serene walk beside the river. The day was just right, with a mild wind teasing the leaves that danced above us. Walking hand in hand, it felt so natural, like we'd been doing it forever.

As we ambled along, we stumbled upon a charming place to rest, a fallen tree branch that seemed to have been put there just for our comfort. We took a seat, and I brought out the ice cream cones I'd picked up earlier.

"Here you go," I said, passing her one. "It's chocolate mint, Your favorite flavor."

Her smile was as delightful as the dessert she held. "Thank you," she said. "It's good."

Sitting together, we enjoyed our ice cream while the tranquil river flowed by us. It was such a peaceful scene, like nothing in the world could disturb us at that moment. Her hand gently touched mine, and we held on as if the water's flow could carry us away without our tight grasp.

In a tender voice, she shared, "I've never felt this way about anyone before."

I felt the same, so I whispered, "Me neither."

Our conversation paused as we took in the serenity around us, our hearts beating in sweet harmony. The sound of the river became our personal love song, playing in the background of our quiet moments.

It was pure perfection.

Priyatama took a brief moment to gaze at me, seemingly on the verge of sharing something but hesitating. "Is there something you'd like to tell me?" I inquired gently, noticing the way she studied her ice cream.

"Well, yes, actually," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper and her eyes filled with a hint of apprehension. "You might be thinking of me as a flirtatious person."

"Why would I think that?" I questioned, surprised by her concern.

"Because, you know, I can be very straightforward," she clarified, meeting my gaze.

"Do you think I'm a player?" I probed, hoping to ease her worries.

Shaking her head vigorously, she assured me, "No, never. That's not what I think of you."

"Then why would you assume I see you that way?" I gently took her hand in mine. "I know we've been moving quickly, but it feels right."

"Are you okay with me?" she questioned, finally voicing what was truly on her heart.

"Of course, I am," I reassured her. "And I'd love to take our relationship to the next level."

Her eyes lit up as she asked, "Do you mean... going out with me?"

Without a moment's pause, I answered, "Yes, I'd be thrilled to. I was planning to ask you, but you've just beaten me to it."

I leaned in and tenderly kissed her cheek, feeling the warmth of her blush under my lips. Our connection grew stronger as we shared this intimate moment,

Priyatama looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She threw her arms around me and whispered, "Thank you, Jain," her voice muffled against my chest.

"What for?" I asked, hugging her back.

"For seeing me, for understanding me," she replied, her voice filled with emotion.

I held her tighter, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. "There's nothing to thank me for. I just want you to be happy."

She pulled back slightly and looked into my eyes, her own filled with love and sincerity. "I love you," she confessed, her voice trembling.

I felt a rush of warmth fill me, my heart swelling with joy. "Me too," I said, brushing a tear from her cheek with my thumb. "Will you go out with me, Priya?"

Her smile was radiant as she nodded. "Yes," she said, her eyes shining. "I'd love to."

We sat there, holding each other, our hearts beating as one. The world around us faded away, and all that mattered was the love that had blossomed between us.

As we leave the river side, her arm linked with mine, she's practically whistling with happiness. "You seem particularly cheerful," I tease.

"What can I say?" she laughs. "I'm just really happy."

We climb into the taxi, and as we near her house, she looks up at me with those mesmerizing eyes. "So, Jain, do you have any plans for the evening?"

I shake my head. "Not really," I reply.

Her smile widens. "Good," she says, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Because I was hoping you'd come over."

My heart skips a beat at the invitation. "Is that okay?".

"Yeah," she replied gently.

My heart skipped a beat when she said her mother had asked her to bring me along yesterday. "Oh, I see," I managed to say, trying to hide my nerves. Meeting parents is always a big deal, but even more so when you're just starting to date. "Okay!" I responded, not wanting to appear weak.

Priyatama noticed my apprehension and comforted me with a warm smile. "Don't worry," she assured me.

I was also intrigued by her parents. According to L, she had created them to help her fit into the human world seamlessly. "Are they also...?" I began to ask.

"No, Master," L appeared out of nowhere, finishing my thought. She had a knack for understanding my concerns without me having to voice them fully.

"Okay, thanks," I thought to myself, feeling a bit more at ease.

The romantic tension in the air grew as we approached her house. The sun was setting, casting a soft glow on everything. Priyatama held my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "They'll love you," she whispered, trying to ease my nerves.

As we arrived at her gate, she clutched my hand gently, her eyes sparkling with excitement. We stepped inside, and her mother appeared, her smile warm and welcoming. "Why, you must be Jain!" she exclaimed. Priya had clearly mentioned me to her.

Her mother's gaze fell upon our intertwined hands, but she didn't seem to mind. Instead, she greeted us with the same affectionate smile that had graced her daughter's face so often. "Hello there," she said warmly, "I've been waiting to meet you. I'm Millika."

Nervously, I introduced myself. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. I've heard so much about you from Priya."

With a gentle nod, she replied, "Please, come inside. Make yourselves at home."

The house was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies, a cozy warmth that enveloped us as we stepped into the hallway. The walls were adorned with family photos, each one telling a story of love and laughter. In the corner, a vase of vibrant flowers danced in the soft sunlight, casting a romantic glow across the room.

We sat in the living room, the soft hum of jazz playing in the background. Priya's mom, Millika, served us tea and cookies, her eyes filled with a mother's curiosity as she observed us. Our conversation flowed naturally, the three of us sharing tales of our days and dreams.

"Oh, it's getting late. I really should head home," I gently mentioned to Priya.

"Don't go yet," she pleaded, holding my hand with a warm smile. "Please stay for dinner."

"I wouldn't want to trouble you or your mom anymore," I protested.

Her mother looked up from her work, noticing our interaction. "Oh, don't be silly," she said kindly. "It's no trouble at all. In fact, I'd love the company."

Without waiting for my response, she suggested, "Why don't you show him your room, Priya? I'll start preparing dinner."

"Come on," Priya said, tugging my hand playfully. "Don't worry, she loves it."

"Okay, okay," I agreed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Mrs. Mallika looked surprised but happy. "You're already dating?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Yes," Priya confirmed, her smile growing wider.

Her mother's reaction was more than I could have hoped for. She didn't show any concern or displeasure, which was a huge relief. "That's wonderful news," she said warmly. "Then it's even more perfect for you to stay."

Priya led me to her room, and the comfort of her touch was reassuring. The walls were adorned with pictures of us from various moments of our relationship, each one telling a story of our budding love. The room was filled with the sweet scent of her perfume, which immediately made me feel at home. She sat me down on her bed, and we chatted about our day, our laughter echoing through the cozy space.

As we chat, she gently takes my hand, and we gradually move closer to each other. 

She interlocks her fingers with mine, creating a sweet tingle between us.

"Is it all right if I kiss you?" I inquire softly.

"You don't have to ask." She smiles and leans in.

I gaze at her lips, so moist and inviting. With a tender touch, I feel the softness of her bottom lip, and the warmth of her breath on my hand sends a shiver down my spine.

We draw closer and begin to kiss, the moment filled with passion and comfort, as if it were the most natural thing in our everyday lives.

Our kisses grew more passionate as we lost ourselves in the moment. Her hand found its way to my chest, her touch tender and exploratory. The world outside faded away as we kissed, our hearts beating as one.

You know," she whispered, leaning closer. "I've wanted to do this all day." Her breath was warm, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Is that so?" I teased, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

"Yes," she said, her eyes locked onto mine. "So much."