PERFECT (F4 THAILAND)

little things (44)

"You sure?" she asked, her tone light but honest. "Because I am really a slow learner."

Ren tilted his head slightly, one eyebrow lifting as he extended his hand a little farther toward her. His expression stayed composed, almost casual, but there was a quiet intent behind it that was hard to miss.

"Don't worry," he said. "I can be patient."

His hand remained outstretched, steady and waiting, even though his pulse was anything but calm. He could feel it in the slight tension in his fingers, in the way his breathing had become just a little more controlled than usual.

Then, after a brief pause, he added, his voice dropping just enough for only her to hear, "...Unless you're scared."

There was a hint of challenge in his tone, but it was softer than the teasing he usually used. It did not push her away. If anything, it drew her in.

Rose met his gaze without hesitation. There was a faint glint of amusement in her eyes as she studied him, taking her time, letting the moment stretch just a little longer than necessary. The music continued behind them, voices blending into the background, but for those few seconds, it felt like everything had narrowed down to just the space between them.

Then, slowly, she set the empty ice cream cup down on the counter.

Without breaking eye contact, she placed her hand in his.
The contact was light at first, just the brush of her fingertips against his palm.

A sharp, unexpected warmth traveled up his arm, quick and sudden, like a spark catching. He inhaled quietly, his grip adjusting instinctively. Her hand was smaller than him, her fingers more delicate, yet there was a steadiness to them. For a split second, he found himself hesitating unsure whether to hold on gently or tighten his grip as if he might lose her if he didn't.
He settled somewhere in between.

Without saying anything else, he turned and began to lead her through the crowd. His hand remained around hers, firm enough to guide but careful not to pull too hard. People moved around them, the music growing louder and then softer again as they crossed the ballroom.

He stopped near the edge of the room, where the atmosphere shifted.

The music was still there, but quieter, more distant. The lights dimmed slightly, replaced by soft strands of fairy lights that cast a warm, subtle glow over the space. It was calmer here, less crowded, the perfect distance from the center of attention.
Ren turned to face her, letting her hand slide from his as he took a small step back.

The moment the contact broke, he became suddenly aware of everything again how close they had been, how warm her hand had felt, how easily he had gotten used to it in such a short time.
He ran a hand through his hair, a restless habit surfacing without thought.

"Okay..." he started, then paused briefly. "Before we start, I need to ask you something."

Rose tilted her head slightly, her expression open but curious. "Ask away."

For a moment, Ren just looked at her.

The soft lights framed her face, catching in the strands of her hair and along the curve of her cheek. The navy fabric of her dress moved slightly as she shifted her weight.

He exhaled quietly and forced his focus elsewhere, glancing toward the dance floor before looking back at her.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

Rose's lips curved into a faint, amused smile. "Depends," she replied. "What are you going to do?"

The answer did not surprise him. He was used to her not giving anything away easily. Still, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly in response.