Elin stood in front of her apartment mirror, smoothing the hem of her pastel dress and tugging lightly at the fabric to make sure it sat just right. Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag, twisting it until the leather softened beneath her touch. She caught her own reflection and let out a small, nervous laugh. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering harder than she cared to admit.
On the small table by the window, a batch of bluebell cupcakes cooled on a wire rack. She had baked them as a kind of peace offering for herself, a sweet distraction to ward off the nerves that had begun to gnaw at her since morning. Each cupcake was carefully iced with a swirl of pale blue frosting, delicate enough that she almost didn't want to touch them.
Her phone buzzed, and she jumped slightly, heart skipping a beat. She glanced down and saw his name flashing across the screen: Axton.
Meet me at the riverside promenade at seven. Casual. Don't worry, I promise not to get lost.
Her chest warmed. She read the message twice, then a third time, just to make sure she wasn't imagining it.
A smile tugged at her lips, small but genuine, as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Seven o'clock felt impossibly far away, yet impossibly close at the same time. The thought of seeing him again made her pulse quicken, and she couldn't stop the daydreams from forming.
Axton smiling, leaning against the railing, sunlight catching in his hair, the faint scent of cologne and the river breeze mingling in the air.
Elin set the phone down and took a slow breath, trying to steady her nerves. She paced once across her tiny apartment, glancing at the cupcakes and then back at the mirror.
"It's just a date," she whispered to herself, trying to sound confident even though her voice wavered. "It's just... Axton. And... maybe a chance to see if all that bakery charm is real outside of flour and cinnamon."
A soft laugh escaped her. That thought made her cheeks warm.
With a small sigh, she slipped her phone into her pocket as she glanced once more at the cupcakes. "Don't eat these out of nervousness," she muttered, patting the blue frosting gently. "Save them for later."
The riverside promenade glowed under strings of lights that swayed gently in the humid evening breeze. Lanterns floated above the walkway, their reflections shimmering like molten jewels across the slow-moving river. The air was heavy with the faint scent of salt, jasmine, and the street food stalls lining the edge of the promenade. Somewhere in the distance, a busker's guitar spilled soft notes into the night.
Elin spotted him almost instantly. Axton stood near the railing, one hand in his pocket, the other resting casually against the iron bar. He was dressed in a light shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and jeans that looked lived-in rather than styled. The glow from the lanterns touched his hair in threads of gold, and for a fleeting second, her breath caught. He looked as though he belonged to this place, part of the night itself.
He noticed her just as quickly. Straightening, he stepped forward, his easy smile warming her nerves.
"Hey," he greeted, voice carrying over the hum of conversation around them. "You made it."
"I did," she said, her fingers brushing the strap of her bag as if it might ground her. "You weren't kidding about casual."
Axton's grin tilted, teasing but soft. "I aim to please. Besides, I figured the weather doesn't exactly call for tuxedos."
Heat rose to her cheeks despite the sticky warmth of the evening, and she fell into step beside him as they began strolling along the promenade.
The walkway buzzed with life—couples holding hands, children chasing bubbles blown by a street performer, clusters of friends laughing near food stalls—but somehow, the world around them blurred into the background.
Axton slowed near the railing, pausing to point at a boat drifting lazily along the water. The lantern light painted the surface in shimmering strokes, as if someone had scattered stardust across the river. "I used to come here as a kid," he said after a moment, his tone quieter, gentler. "My mother loved evening walks. It always felt... peaceful."
Elin leaned on the railing beside him, letting the warm metal press into her palms. The sticky air clung to her skin, strands of hair curling against her neck, but she found herself strangely at ease. "I love quiet places like this too," she murmured. "It's when you notice everything. The little things most people walk past without a thought."
When she turned her head, she found his gaze already on her. His green eyes reflected the lantern light, warm and intent.
"I'm noticing you noticing things," he said, lips tugging into a slow smile.
Her laugh came out lighter than she expected, carried away by the river breeze. "Don't flatter me," she said, though the flutter in her chest betrayed her.
They continued walking, their steps in rhythm with the lapping of water against stone. The air thickened with the smell of frying oil and sugar as they neared a row of food stalls. Vendors called out their wares, from skewers sizzling over charcoal to trays of tropical fruit glistening under fluorescent lights. Axton stopped at a stall where the sweet aroma of fried dough lingered like a promise.
"Trust me on this one," he said, handing over a few notes before receiving two long, sugar-coated youtiao sticks wrapped in brown paper. He passed one to Elin with a flourish.
She accepted it carefully, sugar dusting her fingers. The first bite made her eyes widen. The crunch gave way to soft, steaming dough, sweet and warm against her tongue. Cinnamon sugar clung to her lips, and she quickly wiped it with her thumb, cheeks heating at the thought of him watching.
"This is..." She paused, "This is dangerous. I could eat ten."
His gaze lingered, and for a moment he didn't answer, as if he were more interested in her reaction than the food itself. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, almost thoughtful. "I'm glad you like it."
Elin shifted, suddenly hyperaware of how close they stood beneath the hanging lanterns. She bit into the youtiao again to distract herself, the warmth of the pastry grounding her even as her pulse skittered.
"Careful," Axton murmured, smirking as a dusting of sugar clung to the corner of her lip. "You've got a little something."
Her hand flew up to wipe it, but he shook his head lightly. "Not there. Other side." His grin widened, and she knew he was teasing her now, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Do you make a habit of embarrassing your dates?" she asked, trying to sound sharper than she felt, though laughter threatened her voice.
"Only the ones who look good doing it," he replied without missing a beat.
Her heart thumped hard enough that she had to look away, focusing on the lanterns overhead instead of his smile.
They wandered further down the promenade, finishing their youtiao slowly, sugar clinging stubbornly to their fingertips. Elin licked hers clean, self-conscious under Axton's amused gaze, while he simply wiped his hand on a napkin with that unbothered air of his.
The air clung damp and heavy to her skin, and she fanned herself lightly with her hand. The humidity had a way of wrapping around every movement, making even laughter feel thick in her chest, yet the liveliness of the riverside made it bearable. Vendors called out over sizzling woks, children chased each other through the crowd, and music from another busker drifted toward them, a soft melody carried on the warm night air.
"Alright," Axton said, brushing his hands off after finishing his own youtiao, "but if we're being honest, one snack isn't enough. This place is like a treasure hunt. Come on, let's find what's next."
"You're going to eat your way down the promenade?" she teased, though she followed him willingly.
"Of course," he said with mock seriousness. "It's a scientific mission. You can't judge until you've tried at least five different stalls."
Elin shook her head, laughing. "Five? You'll roll home."
"Worth it," he replied, grinning at her.
They wandered past rows of glowing stalls. The smells shifted as they walked: smoky satay grilled over open flames, the sweet perfume of kaya toast, durian lingering in the air so strong that Elin wrinkled her nose. Axton noticed and chuckled.
"Not a durian fan?"
"Not at all," she admitted quickly. "You?"
"I'd rather not eat something that smells like my shoes after a long day," he said.
Her laugh burst out, light and genuine, and he smiled as if that was exactly what he had been aiming for.
Almost as if on cue, the smoky scent of satay wafted from another row of stalls ahead. Axton raised his brows, and without needing to ask, he led her toward it. The stall was crowded, skewers of marinated meat sizzling over an open grill while fans tried their best to push away the smoke. The vendor brushed each skewer with a glossy coat of sauce, and the air was thick with spice and charcoal.
"Chicken or beef?" Axton asked, already fishing out cash.
"Chicken," she answered, eyes bright as she watched the skewers char.
Minutes later, they sat on a low stone bench nearby, each holding a paper plate piled high with skewers and a small cup of peanut sauce. Elin bit into hers, the meat juicy and smoky, and closed her eyes for a moment.
"This is perfect," she said, dipping another skewer into the sauce.
"You should see your face," Axton teased, leaning back on one hand as he watched her. "You look like someone just handed you a treasure chest."
Her cheeks warmed, though she tried to shrug it off. "You're just jealous mine tastes better than yours."
"I'll be the judge of that." He leaned over, eyeing her skewer. "Trade?"
She hesitated, then offered him one reluctantly, only for him to take the smallest bite, lips quirking in satisfaction. "Yup. Yours is better."
She gave him a look, half amused, half exasperated. "You could have just trusted me."
"Where's the fun in that?" he replied, his grin boyish in a way that softened her.
The night pressed warm against their skin, the kind of heat that made the air feel thick, as though it clung to every breath. Elin tugged lightly at her neckline, wishing the breeze from the river was stronger. She wasn't sure if it was the humidity or the way Axton's laughter carried over the crowd that made her cheeks feel warmer.
The promenade was alive with vendors, each stall glowing under fluorescent lights. Steam rose from clay pots, mingling with the smell of charred satay skewers and smoky barbecue wings. The sharp tang of chili crab hit the air, followed by the sweet, heady scent of pandan cakes.
Axton slowed when he caught sight of another stall and turned to her. "How adventurous are you feeling?"
"That depends," she replied cautiously. "What are you planning?"
"Durian ice cream." His grin was mischievous. "It's practically a rite of passage."
Her nose wrinkled before she could stop herself. "I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of... commitment."
He laughed, the sound rich and boyish. "Come on, I'll protect you from the worst of it."
In the end, he bought two cups. The stall owner scooped generous swirls into paper cups, the creamy yellow scent already drifting between them. Axton dug in first, taking a spoonful with exaggerated relish.
"Not bad," he said, nodding thoughtfully. "Sweet. Rich. Definitely not as terrifying as people make it out to be."
Elin eyed him skeptically, then dipped her spoon. The moment the flavour hit her tongue, she froze. Axton was watching closely, so she tried to keep her expression neutral, but the pungent sweetness filled her nose in an instant.
"Well?" he prompted, leaning in slightly.
Her face betrayed her before she could find words. She covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head quickly, trying not to laugh. "It's... an experience."
His grin widened in triumph. "So that's a polite no."
"That's a never again," she corrected, still laughing.
They tossed the cups away, and Axton immediately steered her toward another stall as though determined to erase the taste. "Alright, palate cleanser. Takoyaki. You can't go wrong with that."
The smell of sizzling octopus balls was comforting, almost nostalgic. Elin accepted the little paper tray he handed her, steam curling upward into the night air. The bonito flakes danced with the heat, and the first bite melted on her tongue.
"Mmm. This is more like it," she said, a small hum of approval escaping.
Axton raised a brow. "So I've redeemed myself?"
"Partially." She smiled, holding up her toothpick as if to make a point. "We'll see if you can keep up the streak."
They wandered further, shoulders brushing now and then as the crowd pressed around them. Neon signs buzzed above their heads, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled every space between stalls. Elin found herself relaxing, caught up in the playful rhythm of their exchanges. The earlier nerves about the word "date" began to fade, replaced by something steadier, sweeter, like the sugar still clinging faintly to her fingertips.
At one stall, Axton picked up a pair of bottled drinks, condensation dripping down the glass from the cooler. He handed her one, the chill seeping into her palm, a welcome relief against the heat.
"Thank you," she said softly, twisting the cap and taking a sip. The sweetness of the lychee soda was refreshing, bubbles prickling at her tongue.
He watched her for a moment before taking his own drink, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You're easy to please."
She tilted her head. "Is that a compliment or an insult?"
"Definitely a compliment." His tone was sincere now, quieter than before, and for a moment the noise of the promenade seemed to fade.
Elin held his gaze, her heart fluttering at the weight in it. Then she broke the moment with a light laugh, gesturing toward another stall.
At a small booth selling keychains shaped like cartoon buns and pastries, Elin lingered, her hand brushing over a tiny croissant charm.
"This is so silly," she murmured, though her smile gave her away.
Axton leaned down beside her, his shoulder brushing hers, and picked up one shaped like a little loaf of bread. "This one looks like you."
She blinked up at him, confused. "I look like a loaf of bread?"
"Yes. Soft and golden. People want to keep you around." He said it with a straight face, though his eyes glimmered with laughter.
Elin covered her mouth with her hand, laughing so hard she had to put the charm back. "That is the worst compliment I have ever received."
"I'm buying it." he said, already pulling out his wallet.
She tried to protest, but the vendor wrapped it up before she could stop him. He handed her the little bag with mock solemnity. "Your loaf, madam."
Her laughter softened into something warmer as she accepted it. She gave him a sly look. "Well... if you're giving me a loaf, I suppose I should give you something too."
Before he could protest, she picked up a tiny croissant keychain and handed it to him. "For you. Think of it as... a fair trade."
Axton's eyes widened, and then he laughed, clearly pleased. "I accept. The bakery diplomacy works wonders, apparently."
She giggled.
After finishing their last bites and drinks, they drifted away from the bustling stalls, following a narrow path that curved along the riverbank. The hum of the crowd faded behind them, replaced by the gentle lapping of water against the stone embankment and the occasional chirp of a cicada hidden among the trees.
The air was thick with humidity, warm and sticky, clinging to their skin, but the occasional breeze from the river teased a faint relief. Elin brushed a damp strand of hair behind her ear, aware of the heat but too caught up in the moment to care.
Axton fell into step beside her, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the stone path. "This has been... really nice," he said, his voice quieter now, almost hesitant. "I didn't expect a casual evening to feel so... easy."
Elin's cheeks warmed at the sincerity in his tone. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smiled softly. "I had fun too," she admitted. "I haven't... done something like this in a while."
He glanced at her, green eyes catching the lantern light. "Would you... like to do it again sometime? Maybe another night, another walk? I'd really like that."
Her heart skipped. The heat of the evening, the stickiness of her dress, and the faint sweat on her forehead faded into the background as she focused entirely on him. She could feel the pull between them, subtle but undeniable. She nodded, smiling shyly. "I... I'd like that."
Axton's smile widened, and for a moment, he simply watched her, his gaze warm and unwavering. The river shimmered behind him, the lights flickering across his features. Then, with a quiet, playful gentleness, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
The world seemed to pause. The lanterns above swayed gently, the river lapped softly against the stone, and the heat of the evening pressed around them. But all Elin could feel was the imprint of that kiss, as though it had left a quiet promise resting against her skin.
She laughed softly, though her voice trembled with nerves. "That wasn't on the menu, Mr. Croissant."
Axton's smile turned a little crooked, his tone playful yet earnest. "Consider it a special. Limited edition."