Extra ― Clandestine Rendezvous Pt. 1 (Li Jie's POV)

Clandestine Rendezvous: An intimate and secretive meeting, often characterized by an air of mystery and discretion. In the context of romance, it signifies a hidden connection, concealed from the prying eyes of the world, where two hearts entwine in a private, cherished affair.

The morning sun painted the world in shades of gold, casting a serene glow upon the ancient city. My heart raced with excitement as I ventured towards our clandestine rendezvous.

For today, I was not the crown prince but a commoner named Li Jie, ready to explore a world that lay beyond the towering palace walls.

This adventure, this secret journey, was a treasure shared by Parsa and me alone.

Parsa had entered my life only recently, but in that brief span, he had become the sun around which my thoughts orbited, and the rhythm to which my heart danced.

As I approached our meeting place beneath the graceful canopy of a willow tree, I could already feel the magnetic pull of his presence.

Parsa's appearance was a testament to the harmonious fusion of cultures, much like the man himself.

His raven-black hair cascaded in untamed waves around his face, creating a striking contrast with his olive complexion. Dark brown eyes, deeper than the midnight sky, sparkled with the curiosity of youth. Earrings adorned his ears, a unique touch that added to his aura of mystique.

His attire was a mesmerizing blend of Persian and Chinese, the most unique person in this vast world.

A finely crafted silk tunic, adorned with intricate patterns, whispered tales of far-off lands. Loose trousers, which billowed gracefully with every step, accentuated his lithe and toned physique.

A decorative belt served both form and function, cinching the tunic gently at the waist. Weathered leather sandals, scarred by countless adventures, cradled his nimble feet.

Atop his head, a hat, selected to match his mood of the day, was adorned with exquisite designs, crowning his appearance with an air of understated elegance.

In summary, Parsa was the most captivating individual I had ever encountered.

"Jie!" Parsa greeted me with an infectious grin, enfolding me in a warm and familiar embrace the moment I reached him. Our silhouettes merged beneath the verdant curtain of leaves, hidden from prying eyes.

"Stop calling me that!" I protested half-heartedly, though my face, I was sure, was as crimson as a peony. Words seemed to lose their meaning when his arms were wrapped around me, and the thudding of my heart resonated with his.

Parsa chuckled, his soft laughter tickling my ear like a gentle breeze. "Then... Your Highness?" he teased, his voice carrying a mischievous undertone. "Would that be a more suitable address?"

"It's Li Jie," I replied with feigned indignation, swatting playfully at his arm. When I was with Parsa, it felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders, leaving only the joy of the present moment. "Why do you always shorten it?"

"Li is your family name," Parsa reasoned with a knowing twinkle in his eyes, releasing me from our embrace. As he stepped back, his palm brushed lightly against mine, igniting a sensation that coursed through my veins like wildfire. "We don't address each other that way in Iran... It doesn't sit well with me."

One look at his face and I knew he was playing around to make me feel better.

He was playful, carefree, and entirely himself, and in his presence, I longed to shed the mantle of responsibility that came with my station, if only for a while.

Although he lacked noble blood, every stride he took was imbued with a certain regal authority. He walked as if the world belonged to him, spoke as if there were no fears to hold him back, and loved with a generosity that could move mountains to tears.

"You're awfully quiet," Parsa's voice gently pulled me from my reverie, his tone playful. "Regretting this little adventure as a commoner, Jie?"

I couldn't help but smile, a genuine one that felt foreign and freeing. "Shut up," I teased, pushing him away lightly. "I've waited for this my entire life."

"Going out disguised as a commoner?" Parsa stepped closer, his warm hands cupping my cheeks with a tenderness that sent shivers down my spine. "Or going out disguised as a commoner with me?"

"With you," I admitted with a soft exhale. Being with Parsa had a magical way of turning even the most anxiety-ridden moments into sweet memories.

"Don't fret," Parsa whispered, his lips brushing against my forehead as he planted a soft kiss. "I'll make sure you return safe and sound. No trouble will befall you, not while I'm around."

My arms wound naturally around his waist, drawing him closer until there was no space left between us. I reveled in his comforting warmth, feeling the reassuring thud of his heart against mine.

"I know," I murmured.

Parsa shared my anxiety, but there was an excitement in his eyes that mirrored my own.

"Oh, what to do?" Parsa sighed, his head resting against my shoulder. "I don't want to let you go now that you're in my arms."

"We have an entire night ahead of us," I replied, my voice tinged with a fond chuckle. I had no intention of ending this embrace either. "Didn't you promise the grandest adventure ever?"

"I did," Parsa said, his grip on me tightening. "Give me just a minute, alright?"

"Alright," I replied, pressing a kiss to his shoulder, feeling like I could burst from the overwhelming affection I held for him. Until...

"Parsa, are you sniffing my hair?" I asked, unable to suppress a grin.

"Mmm," he mumbled, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek and meeting my eyes with a mischievous twinkle. "You smell better than my grandma's cooking."

"You're weird" I quipped, my smile growing wider. "Very, very weird."

"Hey!" Parsa gently bumped our foreheads together. "I happen to be a sweet and romantic person! Don't couples usually enjoy each other's scents?"

"Just be thankful I'm willingly hugging you despite your...um, sweaty fragrance," I teased, barely containing the laughter that threatened to spill out. "I'm not exactly into that."

"W- What?!" Parsa pushed me away with an exaggeratedly bewildered look. I was on the brink of laughter now. "I swear I had a bath before coming here, and it was with flower-scented soap! I—"

And at that very moment, I lost it.

I tried to stifle my laughter with my hands, successfully muffling the sound but not the unmistakable joy in my eyes, which Parsa could easily decipher.

"I loathe you," Parsa playfully declared, tackling me to the ground and nearly knocking the wind out of me. "I mean... I love you, but for the next minute, I'm going to loathe you. So, bear the burden of my exquisite and fragrant self as punishment."

Wrapped up in his arms, I reveled in this intimacy, realizing that love could be both tender and playful.

"I love you," Parsa murmured, his voice a tender caress against my ear.

"It's only been ten seconds," I whispered, a blush creeping up to my ears.

"Mhm," Parsa agreed, pulling me to my feet, and capturing my lips in a kiss that spoke of yearning and devotion. "I can't even go that long without loving you."