STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES

CHAPTER 37

Rubyview is a decent place. Hell, it's one of the most elite and expensive residential lands in Asia.

The place is massive, and the structures scream rich and modern, yet it didn't amaze Chenle as much as he ran to catch the closing elevator up to the fifth floor.

His mind wandered through many imaginary scenarios, imagining the moment when he'd gather the courage to ring the doorbell and wait for her to open the door. Or how the words roll off his tongue and how he will keep his tone gentle and sincere the whole time. Or how he will steady his hands in a confident but also polite way to mask his nervousness and appear firm.

Chenle had way too much in his head when the elevator door opened as it stopped at his floor, and his body went into auto-pilot mode as his feet patted on the clean, classy floor. He stopped when he reached unit 503.

Thinking that he's ready enough, he pushed the doorbell attached to the smart lock and waited there. Patiently.

He shifted his weight on both his feet as his teeth caught his lower lip.

Now he waits. Like five years wasn't enough, he waited again.

And when he heard the door unlocking and a pair of familiar eyes stare at him on his own, it felt like time had stopped for him.

Chenle thought he was ready. He is stupid to think that way.

Because the moment their eyes met, all those imaginary scenarios vanished. All those words he formed like a script vanished. All those breathing exercises and positivity vanished.

Because this time, this isn't some happenings in his head. This time, this is real.

"Hi", he managed to crack out a word.

"Hi?", Harae doubted. "Are you sure about the room number? Did you get the numbers wrong?"

"I didn't. I heard it right. Here you are."

"Yes, here I am", Harae's brows furrowed. "What are you really doing here, Yichen?"

"I miss you", he confidently said. "I want to hold you so much. I want you."

She scoffed, "Yier Chen, tell me my mind is just tricking me."

Chenle pulled her in and hugged her. Tight.

The familiar warmth engulfed her fully, and it lulled her to comfort. The grip is not demanding, but rather desperate—clinging to her body, never letting go.

She can inhale his body scent as her nose hits his neck. The same scent she used to wake up to and snuggle to until they decided to get up.

A sigh of relief and a weakened weight from the male snapped her back to the present.

Chenle is hugging her. She was being hugged by Chenle. She's with him. Right now.

"Le,", she whispers, "Chenle."

"Yes, baby. I'm here."

"Love,", her lower lip quivered. "You're here for me?"

"Yes, I'm here for you", he assured. "Only for you."