flicker of flame|| KTH X JJK

16.The beginning of something new.

The morning bird chirped outside Lyra's window.

"Lyra, wake up! Come out, Vyn is here to take you out," her mother called from downstairs.

Half-asleep, Lyra groaned, "Ugh, okay, okay..." But then, with a sudden jolt, she sat up. "What? Vyn? He's here?"

She rushed down the stairs in her nightdress-her black hair was a mess, her face puffy from sleep, wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and a hoodie. Her mother, watching her scramble, scolded her, "What do you do all night? Playing games and sleeping all day like a bad girl."

Vyn chuckled, standing at the door. "Good morning, Lyra."

Lyra gaped at him, her thoughts running wild. Wow... he's so handsome today... his hair looks like a silky brush, his eyes are warm like a morning kiss... his lips-ah, don't lick them! I'm melting... his skin is glowing today...

"Lyra? Lyra!" her mother called, snapping her out of her trance. Vyn waved his hand in front of her, grinning.

"Good morning," Lyra mumbled, bowing quickly before rushing off to get ready.

---

Once they were in the car, Lyra couldn't stop staring. Is this real? He looks like an angel... how can someone be this handsome? And his smell... it's like I'm in a garden. Only a butterfly is missing, and he'd be a real garden.

Vyn, noticing her gaze, teased, "Done scanning me?"

"Scan? No! I was just looking at the... side view," she stammered, blushing.

Vyn chuckled. "Where do you want to go?"

"Oh, um... I'd like to visit the riverside at night, but not now."

"So...?"

"Movie?" she suggested nervously.

Vyn nodded, and they agreed.

They spent the day together, watching a rom-com and laughing at the awkward moments. Later, they wandered around the mall, trying on dresses for her and picking out ties for him. They ate at a restaurant, talking about anything and everything, with Vyn patiently listening and laughing at her funny stories. Slowly but surely, they grew closer.

With only two days left before the wedding, both Vyn and Lyra's families were busy finalizing everything-choosing wedding dresses, rings, and selecting the most beautiful venue in the country. The excitement was building, but in these in-between moments, it was the simple joys that brought them together.

**"The next day...**

Lena came home and saw a bouquet of tulips resting on her doorstep. She was surprised, but no one came to mind who would have left them. She picked up the flowers and went inside, puzzled.

That afternoon, Luke casually crossed her street, feeling a bit frustrated. He wandered toward Lena's home, drawn to the familiar place where they used to sit together at night, drink, and talk. Hoping to ease his mind, he laid down on the old table in front of her balcony, letting his thoughts drift to Lena.

As he lay there, his handsome features softened in the afternoon light. His skin was flawless, almost glowing, and his long lashes brushed against his cheeks when he closed his eyes. A soft smile played on his lips, a mole beneath his bottom lip standing out, adding a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise gentle face. He was lost in memories of her, savoring every moment in his mind.

Suddenly, he felt a shadow hovering over him. Before he could think, instinct took over-he raised his hand, grabbed the figure standing over him, and in a swift motion, pulled the person down, pinning them beneath him. Shock flooded his face as he saw who it was.