A Moment With You

CHAPTER 16 | A Sweet Night

Why does it feel like
spring in winter?
And why does it seem
The sun shines even though it's night?
Or is it the stars in your eyes
that brightened my life even for a moment...
All I know is I want this moment...
And I'll cherish this moment
because of you.


Today's a BEAUTIFUL DAY
...or should I say
Tonight's a SWEET NIGHT?

The evening was magical.

The festival plaza was filled with music, lights, and people taking photos and chatting as they sat by the outdoor cafes. Ray felt a sense of warmth by watching the scenes that surround him . From a distance was a group of teenage girls giggling as they sip their frappes. Opposite their table was a couple cuddled with their hot beverage on hand as they watched three men busking by the square's fountain. Sharing this time with him was Irene.

"What are you thinking of right now?" A woman's voice asked.

Ray returned from his thoughts and found Irene staring at him from where he sat.

Ray hinted a smile. "Nothing."

"Oh, I thought there was something."

"Something?" Ray wondered.

Irene, who was taking a sip of her hot chocolate, slowly placed her mug down and leaned on the table. "I was pretty sure you were thinking of something."

"And what do you think would that be?"

"Well," Irene started as she straightened herself, "You were looking at least at someone behind me while smiling."

"Me smiling?"

Irene nodded and slowly turned her head over her shoulders. "So who are you looking at?"

Ray chuckled "No one."

"Are you sure? I'm pretty sure there are some beautiful ladies that may have caught your eyes—"

Ray let out a laugh. "Stop that, you're starting to look creepy."

Irene looked at him as if she was offended "Hey, I'm quite serious. It's a beautiful night after all. – or you already have a girlfriend?"

Ray laughed at Irene's silliness.

"Well –"

"--then again if you do have one, surely you would have taken the ride back when you had a chance earlier..." Irene thought to herself. This made Ray laugh more. Soon, the two were laughing.

"Actually," Ray paused as he gazed at Irene who was waiting for what he had to say.

"What?" Irene prodded.

Ray smiled, "I'm just amazed by all this."

Irene smiled and relaxed on her chair. "Oh," She nodded "Well, it is amazing how they do it. I mean, people gathering just to do all these props and shops."

Ray nodded, "People here are amazing."

Irene suddenly sighed. "I wish I could say that about everyone."

Ray curiously watched Irene whose eyes now fell on the busking group as she sip her drink.

"hmmm, I think I know what you mean there."

Irene gave Ray a smile then returned to watch the trio playing music by the fountain.

True, not everyone was amazing. Ray's life proved that.

The night was young, there were only a few minutes before they had to leave. They were just waiting for Alice and Crystal who was still handing out invitations to the bookstore's evening gathering.