The morning sun spilled softly through Celine's window, but she stayed in bed, letting herself wake slowly. Her phone lay beside her, buzzing gently as she typed a message:
"Good morning, Adrian… I woke up. How's your morning?"
Moments later, a reply appeared almost instantly:
"Good morning, Celine. Just having my coffee. How are you feeling?"
She smiled, her fingers flying over the screen:
"I'm okay… just waking up. Feeling peaceful, I guess."
There was a short pause before Adrian replied:
"Glad to hear that. I hope your day starts as nicely as your morning."
Celine felt a warmth in her chest she couldn't quite describe. She typed quickly:
"Thank you… that's sweet. You always know what to say."
He responded almost immediately, with a small smile in his words:
"Only for you, Celine."
The chat continued, light and simple—little jokes, soft compliments, small observations about their mornings. It wasn't much, but every message built a bridge between them, a connection growing stronger with every word.
Celine was tidying up her apartment, trying to focus on her morning chores, when her phone buzzed again. She picked it up, seeing Adrian's name on the screen.
"Hey… if you're free later, could you come by my place? There's something important I want to tell you," the message read.
Celine paused, her heart skipping a beat. Something important? she thought, a mix of curiosity and a fluttering excitement rising in her chest.
She typed back quickly:
"I might be free… around what time?"
His reply appeared almost instantly:
"Whenever you're ready. Just come when it's convenient for you. I promise it's nothing bad… just something you should know."
Celine smiled softly, holding her phone close. The day's chores suddenly felt lighter, her mind wandering to Adrian and the mysterious "something important" he had promised.
Though the message was brief, it carried weight—enough to make her look forward to later, to anticipate what Adrian wanted to share, and to feel that subtle flutter of connection that had been growing between them since their first meeting.
It was 9:00 PM aww, the city quiet and still outside. Celine sat on her sofa, phone in hand, the soft glow illuminating her face. She had been busy earlier with some tasks around her apartment, but now everything was done, and she finally had a moment to herself.
She typed carefully, fingers hovering over the screen:
"Hey Adrian… I had some works earlier, but I'm free now. Is this a good time for me to come over, or is it too late?"
She hit send, her heart fluttering with anticipation, a mix of curiosity and nervous excitement.
Moments later, her phone buzzed with his reply:
"Not too late. If you're comfortable, you can come. I'll be here. Take a taxi, and don't forget to wear a sweater—it's chilly outside."
Celine smiled softly, a warmth spreading through her chest. The thought of seeing him, even at this late hour, made her pulse quicken. She set down her cup of tea and took a deep breath, imagining the moment she would arrive at Adrian's place.
The quiet of the night made every sound in her apartment seem louder—the hum of the fridge, distant cars, her own heartbeat. Yet, excitement and curiosity lingered, stronger than any tiredness she felt.
Celine smiled softly at her phone and typed quickly:
"Alright… send me your address, and I'll head over."
Moments later, Adrian's reply appeared with his address. She put down the phone and took a deep breath, a flutter of excitement running through her chest.
She went to her wardrobe, thoughtfully choosing what to wear. It was late at night and slightly chilly outside, so she picked a soft, cozy sweater that felt warm against her skin. She paired it with her favorite dark jeans, comfortable yet flattering, and slipped on a pair of simple flats that made walking easy.
Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders, and she added just a touch of lip balm. Nothing too fancy—this was just a quiet visit, but the anticipation made her feel a little giddy.
Celine grabbed her small bag, checked that she had everything she needed, and glanced at herself in the mirror. The soft glow of the bedroom light reflected on her face, highlighting the slight blush that had formed from thinking about seeing Adrian.
Taking a deep breath, she locked her apartment door behind her and stepped into the quiet night, the city lights casting a gentle shimmer on the streets. Her heart beat a little faster with every step, knowing she was on her way to him.
Moments later, Celine arrived outside Adrian's house. She stopped for a moment, her eyes widening slightly. The house was large and modern, its sleek lines and glass windows glowing softly in the light of the streetlamps. A well-kept garden framed the entrance, and the driveway was lined with small lanterns that cast a warm, inviting glow.
Celine leaned slightly against the gate, taking a deep breath as she admired the elegance of the home. It's impressive… just like him, she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips.
The door was closed, quiet, and everything seemed peaceful. Yet, her mind raced with curiosity about the "something important" Adrian wanted to tell her. The anticipation made her pulse quicken, and she found herself holding her breath for a moment, caught in the delicate tension of the night.
Adjusting her sweater against the cool night air, she whispered softly to herself, Okay… just go in. You'll be fine.
Celine took a deep breath and lifted her hand to knock on the door.
Knock… knock…
Almost immediately, the door swung open, and there stood Adrian. His eyes lit up when he saw her, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Hey… you made it," he said softly, his voice calm but carrying a hint of excitement.
Celine smiled nervously, feeling a flutter in her chest. He looks… just like I imagined, she thought, stepping slightly closer.
Adrian noticed her hesitation and gently said, "Come in… it's chilly out there."
Celine stepped inside, feeling the warmth of the house immediately wrap around her. Adrian closed the door behind her and turned to face her, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"You made it," he said, his voice calm but carrying a hint of excitement.
Celine smiled back, her nerves easing slightly as she glanced around the modern, elegantly furnished living room. The soft lighting cast a warm glow, making the space feel intimate and inviting.
Adrian took a small step closer, his eyes lingering on her. He wanted to tell her… to let her know the truth about himself, about the power he carried and the secret he had been keeping.
But just as the words formed on his lips, he hesitated. Doubt and caution tugged at him. Not now… not yet, he thought. She's not ready. I need to choose the right moment.
Instead, he shifted the conversation lightly, a teasing smile curling his lips. "So… how was your evening? Did you manage to finish all your work before coming here?"
Celine nodded, a little flustered but smiling. "Yes… finally. I'm glad I'm free now."
Adrian's eyes softened as he watched her, the unspoken truth hovering between them. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to reveal himself fully, but for now, he wanted to keep her safe and comfortable.
"Well, I'm glad you're here," he said, motioning toward the sofa. "Sit, relax… let's just enjoy a quiet night."
Celine sank into the sofa, her heart still fluttering, feeling the magnetic pull of Adrian's presence. And though the secret lingered unspoken, the anticipation and warmth in the room made the night feel charged with possibilities.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, she looked up at Adrian, her curiosity finally getting the better of her.
"Adrian… there's something you wanted to tell me, right? You said it was very important. Please… tell me now," she said softly, her eyes searching his.
Adrian met her gaze, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He could feel the tension, the anticipation, the genuine trust and curiosity radiating from her. His heart raced.
For a long moment, he said nothing, his fingers lightly brushing against the edge of the sofa as if gathering courage. Then, taking a deep breath, he leaned slightly closer, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Celine… there's something I need you to know," he began, his voice low and steady. "I… I love you."
Celine's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and warmth flooding her chest. Her lips parted slightly, words caught in her throat, as her heart pounded harder.
Adrian reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "I've wanted to tell you for so long… I just didn't know how, or when. But I can't hide it anymore. You mean so important to me."
Celine froze, her eyes wide and her breath catching in her throat. She hadn't expected Adrian to say it so openly, and for a moment, words failed her.
Seeing her reaction, Adrian took a careful step closer, closing the small distance between them. His voice softened as he spoke, gentle but filled with emotion.
"Hey… it's okay," he said, lifting a hand to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. "You don't have to say anything right now. I just needed you to know."
Celine's heartbeat raced, a whirlwind of emotions spinning inside her. She felt the warmth radiating from him, the steady presence that seemed to ground her.
Adrian offered a small, reassuring smile, his hand lingering near hers. "I'm here… and I'm not going anywhere," he whispered.
Slowly, Celine exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She hadn't spoken yet, but the quiet understanding between them spoke louder than words ever could.
Adrian noticed the faint shadow under Celine's eyes, the slight tension in her posture. He softened his gaze and asked gently,
"Hey… have you eaten yet?"
Celine looked up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the fluttering in her chest.
"Yes… I have," she replied softly, her voice calm but warm.
Adrian nodded, though he still seemed slightly concerned. "Good…, that's good Celine".
Celine sank a little deeper into the sofa, her eyes wandering around the spacious, modern living room. She couldn't help but notice the elegance of the house—the large windows, the soft lighting, and the carefully arranged furniture.
"Adrian… your house is so big," she said softly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Do you live here alone… or with someone?"
Adrian paused for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I live alone," he replied simply, though there was a quiet intensity in his gaze as he looked at her. "It's… peaceful this way."
Celine nodded thoughtfully, her mind filling with images of the life he led here. She could feel a mix of admiration and wonder, realizing that this man—mysterious and strong—had created a space that reflected him perfectly.
"It's… nice," she murmured, her voice carrying a soft warmth.
Adrian chuckled lightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm glad you like it," he said, the subtle pride in his tone making her smile just a little more.
Celine sank comfortably on the sofa, her curiosity getting the better of her. She looked at Adrian thoughtfully, her voice gentle yet probing.
"Adrian… what about your parents? Where do they live?, she asked, trailing off, not wanting to pry too much but genuinely curious.
Adrian's expression softened, and he leaned back slightly, a faint, almost nostalgic smile appearing on his lips. "My parents… they live elsewhere. We don't see each other that often," he said calmly, his tone carrying a hint of distance but also care.
Celine nodded, sensing there was more he wasn't saying, but she decided not to press further. "I see… well, I guess that makes this place even more your own," she added with a small smile.
Adrian chuckled lightly, the sound warm and comforting. "Yeah… it's peaceful this way. Gives me space to think, to live… without distractions," he replied, his gaze resting on her for a moment longer than necessary.
Celine felt a quiet admiration for him, the mix of strength and solitude intriguing her more than she expected.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Adrian leaned back slightly, his eyes studying Celine with a mixture of curiosity and gentle teasing.
"Celine… can I ask you something personal?" he said, his voice calm but carrying a hint of mischief.
Celine tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "Sure… what is it?" she replied, trying to sound casual though her heart was fluttering.
Adrian's gaze softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Do you… have a boyfriend?"
Celine blinked, caught off guard by the question. A light blush spread across her cheeks, and she looked down for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "No… I don't," she answered quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian's smile widened slightly, but he didn't say anything immediately, letting the unspoken words linger in the air. The warmth in the room seemed to grow, and the quiet tension between them deepened, charged with possibility.
"I see," he finally murmured, his tone soft, almost contemplative. "Well… I'm glad to hear that."
Celine felt a flutter in her chest at his words, realizing that the conversation had shifted subtly, and something more meaningful was beginning to stir between them.
After a while, Celine glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing how late it had gotten. She stretched slightly and let out a soft sigh.
"Adrian… I think it's time for me to head home," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "I need to rest a little."
Adrian looked at her, a flicker of reluctance crossing his face. "Already? The night's still young…" he murmured, though he could see the exhaustion in her eyes.
Celine smiled softly, a touch of playfulness in her tone. "I promise I'll come back soon… I just need some rest tonight."
Adrian nodded slowly, understanding. "Alright… take care on your way back. Text me when you get home, okay?" he said, his concern evident.
Celine nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest at his words. "I will… don't worry," she replied, smiling softly before getting up to gather her things.
As she prepared to leave, Adrian added, "And… don't forget to wear something warm. It's a chilly night."
Celine chuckled lightly, pulling her sweater snug around her. "Got it… thanks, Adrian."
As Celine reached the door, Adrian's voice called softly after her.
"Celine… just stay tonight," he said, a hint of insistence in his tone. "You don't need to go back. You can rest here, fully… I'll make sure everything's fine."
Celine hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting his. The sincerity and care in his gaze made her heart flutter.
"Are you sure? I don't want to impose," she murmured, her voice soft.
Adrian shook his head, a reassuring smile on his lips. "You're never imposing. I want you to stay. Please… let me take care of you tonight."
Celine felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. Slowly, she nodded, letting herself be guided back into the living room, her trust in him growing stronger with every step.
"Alright… I'll stay," she whispered, settling onto the sofa, her exhaustion finally catching up with her.
Adrian watched her for a moment, a protective, gentle presence hovering near, making sure she was comfortable before finally letting her rest.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Adrian leaned closer, his gaze soft but teasing.
"Celine… come with me," he said, his voice low and inviting. "I want to show you something… my room."
Celine blinked, a mix of surprise and curiosity crossing her face. "Your… room?" she echoed, her voice soft, unsure of what to expect.
Adrian nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yes… I think you should see it. It's… personal, but I want you to see it."
Celine hesitated for a moment, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. Then, with a small nod, she agreed. "Alright… lead the way."
He took her hand gently, guiding her through the sleek, modern house, the lights casting a warm glow across the walls. Her heart raced slightly, anticipation building with every step.
"Here we are," Adrian said as he opened the door, revealing a room that was both cozy and stylish, filled with personal touches that spoke of him—books neatly arranged, a few framed photos, and a soft, inviting bed.
Celine's eyes widened slightly, admiration and curiosity mingling. "Wow… it's… really nice," she whispered.
Adrian chuckled lightly, watching her reaction. "I'm glad you like it… now you can see a little piece of my world," he said softly, the intimacy between them deepening in the quiet of the room.
Celine stepped fully into Adrian's room, her eyes scanning the cozy space filled with personal touches. But then something on the wall caught her attention—a large, striking painting of a wolf, fierce yet majestic, its eyes seeming to follow her every move.
Celine's breath caught in her throat. She took a small step closer, her heart pounding. "Adrian… why did you paint this?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Adrian glanced at the painting, then back at her, noticing her reaction, "I… I just really like wolves," he said simply, his tone light and unbothered. "They're strong… independent… and beautiful creatures. I guess I just wanted one here."
Celine stared at him, her mind racing with unspoken questions, but she decided not to push. "I see… it's very striking," she murmured, taking a step back and letting the admiration linger in her eyes.
Adrian's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'm glad you like it… it's one of my favorite things," he added softly, watching her reaction, careful not to reveal more than necessary.
Celine nodded slowly, still intrigued but sensing that Adrian wasn't ready to share everything. She smiled faintly, letting the moment settle between them, a quiet understanding passing through the space.
Adrian noticed Celine settling hesitantly on the bed, her eyes still a little tired from the day's events. He took a step closer, his voice calm yet inviting.
"Celine… there's another room I want to show you," he said gently. "It's… even more comfortable, perfect for resting."
Celine looked up, a mix of surprise and curiosity in her eyes. "Another room? For me?" she asked softly.
Adrian nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yes… I want you to have a space where you can fully relax. You deserve it."
Curious and trusting, Celine allowed him to guide her through the softly lit hallway again. The house felt warm and protective, and her heart fluttered slightly at his care.
They arrived at a slightly smaller room, but it radiated coziness. A soft armchair sat by the window, a thick rug covered the floor, and the lighting was dimmed to a soothing glow. A small stack of blankets and pillows lay neatly arranged, inviting rest.
"This is your spot," Adrian said quietly, motioning toward the chair and the pillows. "You can lie down, close your eyes, and just breathe. No one will disturb you here."
Celine's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "It's… really perfect," she whispered, sinking into the cushions, feeling the warmth and care wrapped around her.
Adrian watched her settle, standing quietly by the door, a protective, tender presence lingering in the room. "Rest now… I'll make sure you're safe," he said softly, his gaze lingering on her with unspoken affection.
Celine sank gently onto the soft cushions of the second room Adrian had shown her, the warmth and coziness immediately soothing her tired body. The day's exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and despite the lingering curiosity and excitement, her eyelids began to droop.
"I… I think I need to rest a little," she whispered, sinking further into the pillows.
Celine's breathing slowly evened out as sleep took over. Within moments, she was completely enveloped by rest, her body finally allowing itself to recover from the fatigue of the day.