Shipping Game

Novelty on the Prowl

"Do you want to make me cry or what?", I ask, astonished.

In this park, there are not only columns, arches, and water jets.
Aligned, on the edge of an imposing fountain, we can see characters from the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Puss in Boots, Hansel and Gretel, or Sleeping Beauty.

How did I not know about this enchanted park in Berlin?

"I'm sure there are no tears of happiness and excitement more beautiful than yours," Axel tells me, wiping away a tear that escapes me, and my heart tightens.

It shouldn't be like this, but he makes my task very complicated.

"That's because you need to see more of the world, and I will find you the perfect company," I assure him as I take out my cell phone upon hearing the notification sound. "This is the new ringtone for your next romance."

"Why do you keep insisting on that?" he asks me as if he were wasting his time.

"Come on, don't be boring," I say and check the notification with the results of the test I prepared myself to determine the type of romance that suits him according to his personality. "Your type of romantic trope is enemies to lovers, I love that trope."

"Do you read romance now, besides the ones in fairy tales?" he asks with a smirk.

"In dark fantasy, sometimes there is romance," I say.

"Yes, but it's not the focus, and it seems to excite you to play matchmaker," he questions me. "It doesn't add up; I thought you were joking so I would dare to eat..."

"Tocosh, it's called tocosh, and I sweetened it a bit with dates," I reply.

"Sorry, but it smelled awful; but I ate it," he reminds me. "Do I deserve a reward?"

"It's a fermented food, it expels a lot of oxygen, which is what your cells need the most," I inform him firmly as he stops me to stand in front of me. "What smells bad has the same code as your body - it won't harm your system... but yes, you liked the taste."

"Your hands are magical," he says, intertwining his fingers with mine.

"I promise I know other healthy recipes that don't smell bad," I assure him, and he laughs.

"Maybe, but for that fermented food, I deserve a reward," he insists. "Even though the end result was delicious, you gave my workers extra work, and I will avenge them."

"Don't overdo it," I say. "Since when did you stop being charming and become the avenger?"

"I can be the charming avenger, just for you," he says, and something inside me trembles, but I struggle not to show it.

"Okay, the prize is that you choose your own cliché; if you don't trust my little app," I say. "Do you know the list? Or should I give you options?"

"Shouldn't I be able to choose the girl myself?"

"Yes, but there are fundamental characteristics she has to meet," I remind him.

"That's why I want to choose," he says, pressing his forehead against mine. He fixes his gaze on our intertwined hands. "Because the universe, fate, or whatever you want to call it; made me fall in love with someone who hurt me - 'Amanda, I hate you' - and with someone whom I could hurt... she knows it."

"She knows it."

"Alright," I say with a weak voice. "You and your future new love will decide. There will be no more -" I place my hands on his cheeks. "- unpredictable circumstances of fate that will break your heart... and mine."

"I wish I could believe you," he whispers near my ear.

"I don't want you to believe in me," I say as I feel his fingers playful on my waist. "Because only what you believe matters, as your world possesses a unique charm."

I don't want to turn my face, but he gently forces me with a hand under my chin.

"Do you really... " he asks with a soft voice. "Want me to get a girlfriend?"

My heart beats so fast that I think it will stop at any moment.

He can't stop staring at my lips, and in my silence, Axel begins to try to part my lips.

I let him, and his breath fills my mouth with a profound pleasure.

I feel his grip on my waist tighten, so I make a huge effort to abruptly separate our lips.

We embrace each other and share our breaths.

"I love you," he hugs me tighter, and I don't know whether to continue, but I know I have to go on or I might confuse him. "That's why I know someone else can make you happier..." I remind him with a sarcastic tone. "A charm needs a different kind of charm," I tell him.

He shows me a sad smile that pierces my chest. I always want him to show his emotions no matter what, but this time I will join him in that fake smile.

"It's only in this kind of situation that I will let the world surpass me."

"We all have our charm."

"Trust me, don't despair, okay?" I say, extending my hand towards him to seal the deal. "You know I am effective in everything I promise."

"Only if you let me ship you with someone too," Axel proposes with a strange gleam in his eyes. "It's fair, and besides, with yourself, a couple's issue, you are not very effective," he reminds me, and I laugh.

"My powers don't work on me," I conclude. "Maybe I'm the reincarnation of Cinderella's fairy godmother and of other not-so-popular tales."

Axel laughs, and this time it's genuine. That's enough to fill my heart with joy.

"You have a serious problem," he jokes, "and you need my special charm."

"I don't know, you've proven to be ineffective in choosing girlfriends," I remind him. "What can I expect?"

"And what can I- he crosses his arms over his chest- expect as well? If it goes wrong, the punishment should be for both of us."
"Um..." I say, touching my chin with my thumb, while looking at him with narrowed eyes. "What are you hiding?"
"Nothing," he replies, raising his hands in a sign of innocence. "I just want the suffering or the joy to be equally shared," he assures me.
"That's very strange," I assure him.
"This is a new beginning, new lessons," he tells me, glancing behind my shoulder. I follow his gaze to see the statue of a bear illuminated by the last rays of the sun. "Do you remember when we saw the sunrise for the first time?"

Axel runs and throws himself into the grass, and I do the same. I lie down next to him, and he puts his arm over my shoulder to pull me closer.

I comply, and I love seeing his satisfied smile, even though I roll my eyes.

"Now we're watching the sunset," he whispers in my ear, stroking my forearm. "A fresh start for both of us, are you in agreement?"
"Of course," I say, "but remember that I'll figure it out if you're trying to trick me..."
"No, believe me, I know I won't go wrong with you."
"How are you so sure?"
"For the same reason as you," he confesses, and I feel butterflies in my stomach. "But yes, we won't play with either person, and we'll be clear from the start."
"Obviously."

It's not really that obvious, the truth is, I don't have such good feelings about my idea anymore.

But there's no turning back, and I will do everything in my power to make this lesson beneficial for everyone.