Arrange Marriage

Ch 27 /Challenge/

Saleslady: Here is the suit and the shoes you requested, sir.

Pooh: They look stylish. I like them. What do you think, Pavel?

Pavel: I like them as well.

Saleslady: I suggest you try them on first to see if they fit properly.

Pooh: Alright then.

Pooh replied, and they both headed to separate fitting rooms, as each room was designed for one person only.

Pooh came out first, carrying the suit and shoes.

Pooh: They fit me perfectly.

Saleslady: Would you like me to pack them up?

Pooh: Please hold off until my fiancé gets here.

Saleslady: Certainly.

After a short wait, Pavel arrived with his suit and shoes.

Pavel: Did they fit you?

Pavel gave a subtle nod.

Pooh: Then please pack them up.

Once the items were packed, Pooh and Pavel left the mall, putting the clothes and shoes in the trunk of Pooh's car.

Pooh: Can we head out now?

Pavel: Sure.

Pavel: But where are we going?

Pooh: Aren't you hungry?

Pavel: A little bit.

Pooh: We're going to a café to grab some food.

Pavel nodded and looked out the window, enjoying the view. As he did, Pooh gently took his hand, sending a wave of butterflies through his stomach.

Pooh: Is it too much to ask to hold the hand of my future wife?

Pavel's shyness grew with each moment. Pooh noticed and decided to tease him further, reveling in Pavel’s blush.

Pooh: Or would you prefer something more than just holding hands?

Pavel glanced at Pooh, feeling the teasing was getting to be too much. He knew he had to respond to avoid further teasing.

Pavel grasped Pooh’s hand tightly and said,

Pavel: What if I told you I want to do more than just hold hands?

Pooh was taken aback, abruptly slamming on the brakes and turning to Pavel with wide, surprised eyes.

Pavel: Why the shock?

Pavel: Did you think only you could flirt with me, future husband?

Pooh's heart raced wildly, and his ears flushed red as Pavel spoke. Pavel leaned in, coming nearly an inch from Pooh’s face and gazing at his lips. Assuming Pavel was going to kiss him, Pooh closed his eyes. Instead, Pavel gently placed his hand on Pooh’s cheek and pushed it away.

Pavel: Just focus on your task.

Pavel: Take your future wife to the café—he must be hungry.

Pooh was amazed at how passionately Pavel was interacting with him. Pavel kept holding Pooh’s hand tightly, and although Pooh was surprised, he smiled, enjoying every bit of it.

Maybe he wouldn’t have the nerve to flirt with Pavel again. Or could he?

Even if Pavel was flirting with him, he wouldn't back down. He’d flirt right back and make Pavel blush.

For now, he decided against flirting. He gently withdrew his hand from Pavel’s grasp and restarted the car. Once the engine roared to life, he reached for Pavel’s hand again, and Pavel eagerly responded.

Pooh, smiling at the memory of their earlier moments, focused on the road. Meanwhile, Pavel admired his handsome husband, who was driving with one hand.

Pavel (thought): How can someone be both cute and hot at the same time?

Pavel (thought): If it weren’t for my rule about not kissing anyone before marriage, I’d have already devoured those sinful lips.

Pooh noticed Pavel’s gaze fixed on his lips through the car's  mirror.

Pooh: Why are you staring at my lips? Do you want to kiss me?

Pavel snapped back to reality and looked at Pooh.

Pavel: Maybe.

Pooh smiled, thinking Pavel was playfully flirting.

Pooh: You don’t stand a chance when it comes to flirting. I’m a romance writer, after all.

Pavel: If you’re the writer, then I’m the reader. I know exactly how you craft your lines.

Pooh: Oh, is that so?

He smiled, feeling the warmth from Pavel’s gaze, and tightened his grip more on Pavel’s hand.

Pooh: Then let’s make it a challenge. If I win at flirting, you’ll do whatever I ask. But if you win, I’ll do whatever you want.

Pavel: You said it. You can’t back out later.

Pavel, now feeling bolder, replied with a confident smile.

Pooh: I’m always true to my word.

Pavel: Alright then. Challenge accepted. Get ready, Mr. hubby.

Pavel said with a serious expression, which made Pooh smile even more.

Pooh: I’m ready for anything with you, my wifey.

Hearing this, Pavel’s heart began to race, but he was determined not to lose to Pooh.