She was only listening to music through her earphones. Liam hung up the phone and before going back to the bookstore he looked back and saw her.

Her gaze was fixed on the sketch, her face stern yet beautiful. His smile was as wide as it could be. Her hand was moving quickly and with laser focus. He didn’t think much about it and walked to her, crossing the road slowly and enjoying looking at her.

He caught a glimpse of what she was drawing before he was right in front of her sitting body he saw the precise spot of the bookstore, the massive trees surrounding it, and him. “Wow!” she didn’t respond.

He finally approached her, his shadow covering her sketch, almost startling her. When she looked up, she saw Liam. He smiled as he waved to her. She removed her earphones and smiled back. “Hello there,” his deep voice said, brightening her smile. “I noticed you drawing, so I had to come over and say hello.”

“Yeah, the building is incredibly beautiful.”

“Indeed, and you drew me in as well.” She chuckled lightly, and he couldn’t help but chuckle along with her.

“You looked good as well, couldn’t resist.” She laughed and winked at him.

“Are you an artist?” she nodded, “You’re fantastic.”

“Are you interested in that type of art?” she asked, raising both brows. With her big almond-brown eyes, she resembled a cartoon character.

“No, but my brother is a fantastic artist. I admire anyone with a remarkable talent like yours.” He fixed his gaze on her lovely features.

She invited him to sit by tapping on the bench. “So, you must know how to draw.”

“No, I am awful at it. I’m Liam Choi.”

“Nadine Alaoui.”

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The image faded, along with groans from Liam, who remained seated while his body shook violently. The red thread moved once more, forming a new image.

He is sitting on soft sand that feels like clouds, smooth and light. The beautiful golden rays of the sunrise reflected in the clear azure water. His soul was soothed by the aroma of freshly brewed mint tea mingling with the salty smell of the enthralling sea.

Ruffles in the sand behind him drew his attention back to Nadine, who was holding a cup of tea and smiling at him. He returned the smile and turned. “This is like heaven!” Nadine nodded and took a seat beside him.

“I love it here, the chilling, the great sea, and the incredible food,” she said, waving her hand randomly and pointing to the island they were on. “When I told my parents that we needed something to do for the next two weeks, Papa got excited and told me about the Giftun islands.”

Liam moved closer to her, and she moved with him, slightly elevating her legs above his. He wrapped his arm around her and lightly caressed her back. As she told him more about her parents, he looked into her eyes.

They sounded lovely and fun. Her father insisted on going to Big Giftun island, telling her that he took her mother there last year to celebrate their anniversary with their best friends, and they enjoyed how calm and fun the entire trip was.

He told her that it’s one of many wonderful places they can visit, and it’s an exciting idea to have her friend experience a piece of her own heritage. Nadine rested her head on Liam’s shoulder, telling him more stories about her parents, how they spoiled her and her sisters, and how they were still madly in love after thirty-five years of marriage.

“I wish I could find someone who is like them.” She said this as she moved closer to Liam. He snuggled closer to her and kissed her forehead. She raised her head and locked her gaze on him. “Do you think I will ever find him?”

His eyes welled up with emotion, and he replied, “Yes, I believe so.” He pressed a small kiss between her brows. She hummed softly. His head lowered slightly, his minty breath hovered over her right cheek, and he kissed it once more.

His lips were inches away from hers, and he placed another at the very corner of her parted lips. His lips were remarkably close to hers, and he was about to move closer to finally kiss her when they both heard their friends laughing loudly.

They were still too far away to see them. Liam moved his arm away from her, and she smiled as she noticed a hint of annoyance on his face. She reached out and grabbed his face. “Thank you,” she said, kissing the same corner near his lips, creasing her thumb over his smiling bottom lip, and moving away from him slightly.

Si-won was the first to appear and jumped over them, causing plenty of sand to fall on their heads along with their genuine laughter.

Groans grew louder, and his body trembled incessantly. ”Come on Liam! Don’t lose it!” Eleni said. With the agonizing pain, her voice faded.