An exquisitely tender glow crept up Sera's beautiful countenance, her smile deepened into a gorgeous one that could lit up the stars more dazzlingly than ever.
"I.. Was also tempted to run into your arms when I saw you.. But I was feeling really shy. It's the first time we are openly dating in front of our friends. I'm so happy, I wish we could be like this with our family as well.."
Clutching the soft fabric of Lucifer's white tshirt underneath the grayish-white zipper jacket firmly, Sera cooed what sounded like the most mellifluous song to his ears.
Thinking back to the mess created by Liu Chenmin as well as his men, the devil's gaze flashed with a menacing light that was bone-chilling. Even his expression hardened.
"It's just a matter of time.. We'll definitely meet your parents, and then.."
Caressing the small of Sera's back, Lucifer reassured her in a soothing voice that was as pleasing as the nightingale's song to the ears. In a flash, Sera's tense heart was put to ease however, his words piqued Sera's curiosity.
"And then?!"
Whipping her head up from his embrace, Sera was akin to a curious cat as she met Lucifer's mysterious gaze with her round black orbs.
"Then.."
Chuckling, Lucifer was about to continue when Sera's phone in her hand chimed a tune.
*ring* *ring*
Casting an apologetic look at her man, Sera quickly glanced at the caller id displayed on the screen.
"It's Su Yin.. We should hurry up!"
Terminating the phonecall at once, Sera hurriedly tugged at Lucifer's sleeves, urging him to return back lest her friends find her like this with Lucifer. It would be really embarrassing then!
When the pair of lovebirds arrived at the gazebo a weird and heavy atmosphere hung in the air, filled with awkwardness.
Exchanging glances, Sera and Lucifer shrugged indifferently as they made their way to the white table which was now cleared up. The servants were tidying up the table and dishes whereas Ethan Lee, Xia Ruo Lan, Adrian and Su Yin were all seated comfortably. Or so they thought.
In the heavy silence that hung between them, Su Yin sat at the corner seat, away from Ethan Lee and Xia Ruo Lan with her head hanging low. For once, Su Yin was unusually silent. Pressing his lips, Adrian too was as still as a rock with flashes of helplessness across his face that wasn't hard to miss. It instantly intrigued Lucifer.
"What happened..?"
Perched across Su Yin who was as meek as a mouse, Sera raised her brows while turning to Xia Ruo Lan, questioningly.
"Not.. Nothing!"
Before anyone could answer, Su Yin almost jumped out of her chair to reply. Her face beet-red.
Lazily leaning against the chair, Lucifer swept his languid gaze around the table and caught sight of the smiling Xia Ruo Lan. She had an unusual hint of rose on making her glow like the luminous moon on a starless dark night. He suddenly moved his sharp gaze to Ethan Lee, who didn't look that dull anymore but was seen grinning like a fool as he watched Su Yin squirm in her seat. Lucifer's gray irises flickered.
'Now.. That's interesting!', Lucifer thought with a slight smirk on his seductive lips that were kissing Sera's swan like neck moments ago.
The man's all-knowing eyes lingered on his brother's carefree face until he turned to glance at Lucifer. Ethan Lee shuddered at the exchange.
"Yes! Xia Ruo Lan, we wanted to watch a movie and the boys said that you have a mini theater.. That's so cool!"
Clapping her hands in excitement, Sera beamed at Xia Ruo Lan who laughed at her zealousness and nodded her head.
It was easy to see how cheerful Sera was today, especially in the presence of Lucifer. Xia Ruo Lan could totally understand her sentiments for she was the same. Her gaze subconsciously flitted to Ethan Lee who was also staring at her. Their eyes met, and a jolt of electricity ran through Xia Ruo Lan.
Conscious of Ethan Lee's smothering eyes on her Xia Ruo Lan looked away, abashed.
"Yea, let's go.. I'll ask Aunt Yu to prepare everything"
Nodding shakily, Xia Ruo Lan smiled at Sera as she said, and got up.
On the side, Ethan Lee soft chuckle laced with amusement reached Xia Ruo Lan's ears and she coughed lightly.
"Yinyin.."
No longer abashed, Su Yin timidly cocked her head to steal glances at her friends, while Adrian shook his head before pulling her up.
All six of them headed to the direction of the mini theater where Xia Ruo Lan used to watch animated princess as well as barbie movies in her childhood. Sometimes Mia Chung would also join in along with Lucifer and Ethan Lee. They used to have a blast.
On the way, something hard crashed into Xia Ruo Lan's back, she turned to find the man in white suit hovering. Deliberately slowing her steps she matched her pace with his.
Seconds later, Xia Ruo Lan felt something being slipped into her hand. Looking down at her palm, Xia Ruo Lan found a couple of her favorite caramel candies while Ethan Lee held her firmly. Her face brightened up.
"Thank you!", Xia Ruo Lan mouthed while gently squeezing his cold fingers in her soft palm.
Satisfied with Xia Ruo Lan's reaction, Ethan Lee secretly sighed in relief. He'd seen her dull face lighting up like a bulb at the sight of the dulcet caramel whenever Uncle Xu would come to visit. She's been like this ever since their childhood days.
Unknown to them, Lucifer was observing each and every action of the couple with a wide grin. His gaze darted to the blue sky searching for Mia Chung, he sighed softly and followed after them.
"Wow.. I must say, this place has got even better than before.. Don't you think Lucifer?"
Looking at his surroundings, Ethan Lee was all praises. He turned to glance at his bestfriend with a grin, feeling nostalgic in his heart. His gaze hazy yet full of warmth.
"Yea, this brings back memories.."
With a shake of his head, Lucifer breathed in deeply with a rare smile in the dimly lit space. The blithely grinning Mia Chung surfaced through his glistening orbs, and his face softened.
"You guys can get seated wherever you want.. I'll go check with Aunt Yu!"
Unaware of the interaction between Ethan Lee and Lucifer, Xia Ruo Lan said smilingly.
Just as Xia Ruo Lan passed by him, Ethan Lee's fingers brushed past her wrist lightly. And she rushed out with her head lowered much to his amusement. When he turned, Ethan Lee was met by Lucifer's enigmatic gaze that was spine-tingling.
The meaningful glance just now from the devil was more than enough for Ethan Lee to know that his bestfriend is cognizant of the changes between himself and Xia Ruo Lan. Still, he didn't feel guilty for hiding it because he knew Lucifer isn't petty to hold it against him. Unlike him who was rather upset at Lucifer!
Instead Ethan Lee felt immensely grateful for the wise words that Lucifer had told him the last - to give Xia Ruo Lan a chance! Ethan Lee is well aware that Lucifer will be supportive and understand him well.