Chapter 104 - CAN I STILL HOLD YOUR HAND?

After eating their breakfast, Cayenne volunteered to wash their utensils; and because he was too afraid that she'd disappeared when he's not looking at her, he stayed to wipe the utensils dry and return them inside the drawers. The two of them still worked in harmony even though their relationship had changed.

Cayenne wiped her hand with her apron before untying it from her waist and placed it on the rack. "I'll go and wash up first so that you can have a rest."

"Sure. I'll just come up in a bit. Make sure to wear lighter clothes because it's hot in this place during the day." He didn't forget to remind her with obvious concern for her. His care towards her well-being didn't diminish even after the light dispute they had.

She nodded her head and went upstairs to the master's bedroom for a shower and change of clothes. Stefan stayed in the living room, enjoying the light breeze of cold wind on his face. He waited for at least twenty minutes before going upstairs to follow her. His mind was busy all the way back to their bedroom. He was thinking how he can persuade her or how he can get a yes from her. He was worried that Cayenne instantly refuse him with his proposal.

The moment he opened the door, Cayenne was combing her wet hair. "I'm done bathing. You can come in." They both maintained polite distance and even though they were still concern for each other, they weren't overdoing it. "Would you like me to go out?"

"No. No, you don't have to do that. You can stay. I will be changing my clothes inside the bathroom. Just do your thing and don't mind me."

"O-okay." Cayenne ignored him and continued to dry her hair, combing it and blow drying it to make sure that it won't soak her clothes. She was wearing a tank top and faded ripped shorts which exposed her fair skin and long legs. She was petite compared to Stefan but compared to other girls, she was just tall enough to reach his neck.

In fact, Stefan liked their heights so much, especially when they're standing side by side or when he's cuddling with her. He can easily smell her hair and kiss her head. He had been secretly kissing her head during their sleep, making it as light as possible to make sure that she wouldn't notice anything.

Stefan brought a change of clothes inside the shower together with a towel to dry his body from the droplets of water. Stefan looked at his face, handsome and serious. "Is he afraid with my face? Bu, I've been smiling and laughing around her. Do I look creepy when I smile?" He had never been conscious with his facial expression. This was the first time that he wanted to know what he looked like.

After fifteen minutes, Stefan came out with a new set of clothes. He was wearing blue and white faded checkered jeans and a white shirt. He was wiping his wet hair with the towel to prevent the droplets of water from falling on his shirt. Cayenne just finished drying her hair when she turned around and saw him.

"Do you need help? I can dry your hair for you." Cayenne offered since she was still at his mercy. She had no idea where she was and didn't know how she can go back home. She still needed to depend on him.

Stefan didn't say anything but he smiled and walked towards her. He sat on a chair in front of the vanity mirror and leaned her back on her. "Thank you."

"Don't leaned back a lot. I can't properly dry your hair." Cayenne mumbled while meeting his eyes through the mirror's reflection. "Can you sit properly?" She even pushed his head gently to lean forward but he exerted his force and didn't move a budge. "If you won't move, I won't dry your hair."

"Alright. I'll stop teasing you." He straightened his back and grinned at her while looking at her beautiful face in the mirror. "Ayen?"

"Hn?"

"I have something that I've always wanted to give you."

"What?"

"My heart. Do you want it?" He looked so serious when he spoke. Cayenne paused for few seconds before continuing as if nothing happened. Even though she was trying her best to control the palpitations of her heart, the corner of her mouth still hooked upward, forming a faint yet lovely smile.

Stefan smiled happily but he didn't say anything to tease her. Since she smiled, there's a chance that their conversation will go smoothly later.

Cayenne refused to speak but he was paying attention to his small actions with a side glance. After five minutes, his hair was still a little damp but Stefan told her to stop so that they can finally go somewhere. Cayenne loved the feeling of touching his hair. The smooth and silky feeling warms her heart.

"Let's go. I've got something to show you." Stefan took the hair dryer from her and put it back on the vanity mirror after turning it off.

This time, since their relationship isn't clear, he didn't hold her hand like he used to, even though his hand and heart was itching to do it. He could only put his hands inside his pocket.

He locked the door to their room and the main entrance of the house. "Let's just ride their means of transportation here." Stefan commented and walked beside her. They maintained a good distance from each other, just enough for him to lightly brush his arms on her skin.

They walked towards the main exit of the rest house but they didn't feel tired at all. The shade of the huge trees and creeping vines protected them from the direct heat of the sunlight. There were many flowers around them and she heard the lovely chirps of the birds. There were small butterflies flying over the flowers, as well as bees and other insects that help the plants in pollination.

Stefan had been stealing glances at her left hand that swayed beside her and the itchiness in his chest couldn't be suppressed anymore. "Ayen, can I still hold your hand?"