7 Till the end of the world

Alice was equally excited to meet Daniel again. She soon found herself near her miniature walk-in closet. From there she found herself the best dress she had. It was a dark blue floral style knee-length dress. After putting it on, she pulled her hair in a messy bun while her fringes hung loosely. She did a light touch up before grabbing her blue clutch wallet & heading out. After she hailed a taxi, her memories rushed back to 6 years back.

It was a birthday party of a girl where both Alice & Daniel were attending. As the party progressed, he suddenly pulled her in a dark corner & trapped her against a wall. She noticed the mysterious glint in his eyes & there was a slight smile played on his lips.

"What?", Alice questioned when she saw his intense stare. But, he just smiled. His intense stare made her blush & she lowered her head. Before she could react any further, a warm feeling engulfed her soft lips. She closed her eyes & the boy could feel her lashes trembling. He sensed her stiffen body as she grabbed at his sleeves. Finally, when she relaxed a bit & was responding, he took the chance to deepen their kiss.

It was their first kiss.

Alice looked out of the window & a bright smile brightened her face. She could sense her warm cheeks as she thought back to the day.

---

5th floor, Hotel River Flint

Like the previous day, Daniel booked the entire 5th floor. After he sat down on the table he booked, he immediately asked Lin, "Did you arrange all the papers?"

"Yes, boss."

"Hm...you can leave now."

"Yes, Boss."

Daniel made his way to the floor to ceiling window & lit a cigarette. He took a deep breath & his thoughts wandered through something memorable...something beautiful.

It was a bright winter afternoon. The school ground was holding a basketball match. Daniel stood in silence, wearing an overcoat. Both the hands were inside his pockets. Someone snuggled closer to him & the familiar warmth made him look down. Alice smiled brightly at him, like the warm winter sun. He interlaced his right hand with hers & shoved it into his pocket again. No words were exchanged but their silence was comfortable. Very suddenly, a warm kiss landed on his right cheek which made him gasp. He looked at the girl beside him who was looking away like nothing happened. Slowly did he realize that his ears were bright red. He looked away & bit his lips nervously. The next moment, he gently placed his lips on her forehead.

No wonder it was her first initiative to kiss him.

Daniel snapped out of his thoughts with a sudden knock.

"Come in."

"Daniel...*cough, cough*...since when doing you...*cough*...smoke?"

He heard her sweet voice & realized that he'd been smoking longer, lately. He threw it off & opened the window to let the smoke out. Then both of them realized that they were wearing matching outfits in blue. Coincidence or destiny? Never mind! Both of them & their silence felt awkward. But Daniel was the first to break the silence. He asked in a concerned tone, "Are you okay?"

"Mm."

"Let's sit down."

"Mm."

"Wanna grab something?"

"Mm."

Soon the waiter served them some snacks & two cups of tea. Both of them took a sip. It seemed more like a date then an official meeting. They switched back to their professional mode as soon as they finished eating. Daniel pushed the contract papers towards her, "Sign it." She took a glance at it through flipping & then signed it. Both of them had a mysterious glint in their eyes, each containing their tons of mysteries.

"First & foremost, you'll move out of the old apartment", Daniel began explaining, "& move to the apartment arranged by us."

"Mm."

"Next thing, I'll personally manage you."

"Mm", she nodded but realization soon dawned on her, "Huh?!!?"

"Why? Is there any problem?"

"Nah, no...no problem!"

"So, this's your new beginning. Are you ready?"

"Yes", determination lighted her eyes.

But what he spoke next made her utterly dumbstruck & speechless.

"No matter what, I'll stay by your side & support you till the end. But there's one condition- No backing off even if you break. Your Dan will always be there for you."

Her heart was beating wildly when she heard the nickname she'd christened him years back. Her breathing was rapid & she blinked quite a few times to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

"Dan?", her voice came out in a whisper. It seemed that the whole world was silent just to eavesdrop at their heartfelt conversing.

"Yes", his voice carried a mixed trace of passion & happiness.

"Dan", she called out again. The next moment she found herself cradled in a pair of strong arms. Daniel had pulled her in for a hug. He whispered deeply in her ears, "I love you & will always love you till the very end of this world. I waited & waited till you came back & finally found you in my arms again."

Alice was silent for a while when she heard his heartfelt confession. Finally, she spoke in a whisper, "Dan...me too. It was really hard for me to leave you back then. Trust me, I loved you back then & I still love you. I never thought I'll ever meet you again & in such a situation. I fell for you when you beat me at karate, you know. I never said that, but I'm saying it now. I love you."

"Alice", his voice quivered as he held her shoulders affectionately & was staring intently at her eyes.

"Yes?", she replied, unsure of what will happen next.

The next moment, her lips were engulfed in a fiery kiss & they melted in their moment. After a few whiles, their lips parted & were left to catch their breaths. Then Daniel commanded in a seductive voice, "I have a family meeting today. You should report to my office tomorrow. No slacking."

"Mm."

She was again pulled into a hug before she was left in the room for fanning her thoughts.