Max was dreaming.
It was a dream of the past, which he seldom experienced after coming to this world. A young him was running through the roof with his friends, laughing excitedly as they finished the hardest course they had just found.
Body bruised, but none of them cares. The freedom they felt, the wind brushed against their skins...
Everyone was fulfilled.
In the past, he was just a member. His name was unknown, a stage name called Breeze. He just wanted to run away, away from his home that bound him with rules.
Wealthy household with nothing lacking. Money wasn't a problem. His monthly pocket money was higher than some workers.
High school was when he became less and less bound. He lived in a dorm, learning about subjects he didn't want to. Economics bored him. The talk about money was burdensome.
Then that accident happened. After getting freed from the family, he was now tied to a chair, unable to move. Fortunately, his family sent him to the hospital with the most advanced equipment, allowing him to survive and live.
This was the lowest point in his life, until he found out about streaming. Then, he got a second chance and reincarnated without memories for 18 years. His personality changed slightly, and he understood the importance of money for the first time, seeking it greatly.
He got a new friend, someone who cared for him, and someone he loved. He supported Nina with her dream, remembering his past situation. Unlike his past parents and family, he wouldn't restrict someone from their dream with the words love or money. He wanted them to experience freedom.
Following that, he found a girl in a similar situation as past him. He... related greatly. But her situation was unique. She could acquire freedom if she wanted to, and she did. And he was attracted to her as someone with a similar fate.
Max only watched his dream as if it was a movie. He wasn't afraid anymore. The scent of lily tickled his nose, calming him. He looked down and saw a beautiful girl with black hair looking back at him. Her head was on his lap.
It was tiring, but he didn't dare to move and disturb her. She was at an important point of her life. Getting a bit sore on the legs sucks, but that was worth it.
Suddenly, the girl moved. The weight on his lap was lifted. She stared at him, caressed his cheek, and leaned closer. The flowery scent became stronger as their noses touched each other.
The tickling feeling woke him up. He opened his eyes only to see that Lily was in the same situation as he had been in his dream. Strangely, it was still vivid in his head. And then...
"I love you."
She kissed him.
Max's eyes widened slightly, but then enjoyed the soft sensation that brushed against his lips. It was an awkward light peck, but it was their first regardless of anything.
After Lily backed away, their eyes met with each other. She blinked a few times before her face became as red as a tomato. Surprised, she jumped back from him.
"Alright."
The soft but quick melody filled the room as soon as she said that. The lyrics started off strong but soon turned softer.
Max closed his eyes and noticed that the lyrics were about them. He couldn't help but smile as he felt a weight on his shoulder. Lily had leaned against him and enjoyed the song with him.
In the middle of the lyrics, he heard another voice. Heavier than the first one, it belonged to a man. This song wasn't a solo but a duo. The latter part was short, only two sentences. And those two sentences were answers to the flower's wish to be taken away.
Lily looked at him with an expectant look, waiting for his answer. He looked back and called her name softly.
"Lily..." He leaned closer, just like what the lyrics describe it. "You're unexpectedly so naughty."
"Did you just realize it?" Lily giggled playfully after realizing what Max meant. She guided his hand to caress her cheek, and she snuggled against it close. "I can be bold when I want to."
"Is that so?" Max asked, not asking for a confirmation but for affirmation.
"Un." Lily affirmed, "And as you thought, I want you to sing the last part. Can you?"
"I will do my best."
There was no need to say anything more. Their faces got closer and closer. At this moment, he could finally say it.
"I love you, Lily. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"Gladly."
And they sealed their vow with a kiss, longer and more passionate than before. They parted and kissed again and again as if they had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Only after a few minutes did they stop. They laughed together, happy with the progress in their relationship.
"Do you want to continue making that video?" Max asked her as they sat side by side on the couch, "Now that we're a... couple, I want to post the video to commemorate it."
"I also want that. Un, let's make it with my original idea." Lily answered, "Is snuggling okay?"
"If you want to."
"Then let's make it."