Every store would be busy during the holiday season, especially on Christmas, the Americans' favorite holiday. It was a season when people gave presents to their loved ones. Sales increased dramatically during this season, so they tried to close deals by offering discount programs. This also included Saks Fifth Avenue. It was a good thing they were shopping at the Connecticut branch. He shuddered at the thought of how crowded Fifth Avenue in New York was at this time of year. Perhaps she had also thought the same thing when Renata sighed in frustration.

But it turned out she wasn't upset about the crowds. "What if I couldn't find the present for my dad today? I should have gone last week." At the words 'last week', Renata cringed. Unfortunately, Wilson knew the reason.

"Don't worry, Renata. We still have tomorrow. I'll accompany you again if needed." Until she could completely forget Lyle, if she allowed him to.

She faced him and smiled while expressing her gratitude.

Slowly, she continued her search and abruptly stopped at chains and cuff links. Renata's eyes were fixated on a pair of round cuff links with two mallard ducks on them. She soon laughed a little.

He read the description of the cuff links on a little paper in front of it :

"These delightful cufflinks feature two mallard ducks on a solid background with a palladium mount, making them a fun and playfully English design.

*Includes storage pouch and box

*Made in UK

"

Wilson looked at the cuff links with a skeptical expression. "You can't be serious, Renata. Other cuff links are better than that," he said, starting to question her sense of fashion. He would be horrified if he had to wear them.

"Do you know what duck means in Chinese culture? Two Mandarin ducks represent a loyal married couple. My dad would love it because he adores my mom."

"So you buy items based on their meaning, even if they're not the best looking."

"Well, you could say that, but I don't think it's that bad. Look at it, the palladium is in champagne color, with ducks printed on solid white enamel. I think it's pretty."

Pretty weird, Wilson wanted to say but what did he know about fashion anyway? But maybe it would look good when worn.

A smiling young salesgirl approached them. "May I help you?"

"Yes, I would like to buy this pair of duck cuff links."

"Would that be all?"

"Yes." The young salesgirl directed Renata to the cashier and rang up her purchase. She checked every detail of the cuff links before paying $145. The cuff links were carefully placed in a dark blue velvet box.

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His heart throbbed at the sight of her excitement, Renata was skipping a little as she walked out of the store with her arm securely held in his. "I'm done shopping. Where are we going next?" Her voice was chirpier than usual, too.

As much as he wanted to spend more time with her, they had better go back to their dorm. "Go back to school, of course." Wilson hid his sadness.

She abruptly halted, pouting. "I don't want to. It's still early; can we go somewhere else?"

Improvising was not one of his abilities, he shook his head at her. "We still need to stop by the gas station. Or shall we go for an early dinner?" Where could he take her for dinner? Certainly not in a McDonald's. Wilson tried to remember the restaurant list he gathered a few days prior.

"No, it's not even 6 p.m. yet. Let's go somewhere else. Can we?" He couldn't say no when she begged him like this.

"Alright, where do you want to go?" They started walking again to the parking lot as they exchanged ideas.

Park? No. She said they had it much better in their school.

Christmas Light Show? No. She said she was 15, not 5.

Museum? No. She said she was 15, not 50.

Amusement Park? No. She said it was too short to enjoy it.

Santa and Reindeer Festival? No. She said it was too far, and she was not willing to sit on some random old dude's lap.

Even after they were seated in the car, they still couldn't agree on a destination. Wilson could feel the upcoming headache. "Then maybe we should head back for now. It's not like we can't go out in the future. I'll accompany you even if you want to go shopping or hiking or skiing, or do whatever you like to do."

Renata's sudden slap to his upper right arm startled him. "That's it!!??" She was squealing enthusiastically; he thought she was angry.

"What? You want to go more shopping tomorrow?"

"Let's go skiing now!!??" Renata gripped his arm while staring at him excitedly.

"Now? I'm sorry; I don't like skiing in the evening. Why don't we go tomorrow morning?"

"Then let's go ice skating."

Wilson paused; it wasn't a bad idea. He could make time for skating, "But, I didn't bring my skates..."

"I don't even have a pair. Can't we just- rent a pair?" Renata's big, bright obsidian eyes gazed at him, sending a pang through Wilson's chest. "We can look for any rinks on the way back... Please~"

Wilson finally caved in; she was hard to resist when she acted that cute toward him. It was probably karma catching up with him for all the times he mocked James for being led around by the nose. Karma or not, he was happily basking in the warm feeling that was overflowing from his heart. He was so addicted to it that he refused to hold himself back. Maybe he should have, but he didn't want to.

------------------------

"What is your shoe size?" Wilson asked as he turned off the car. Her height should be around 5'4", so maybe a size 7-8?

"Size 6," Renata answered before she stepped out of the car and waited for him eagerly.

She must have missed ice skating a lot, judging by how giddy she was. Wilson didn't have to offer his hand; Renata linked her arm with his like it was second nature to her.

Fortunately, the queue at the ice rink was short. Wilson asked her to wait on one of the red benches that were spreading across the blue-yellow front hall while he chose their rental shoes.

Renata and Wilson were lucky that day since the Veteran Ice Rink was not always open to the public. The place was usually rented by figure skaters or ice hockey clubs.

Wilson actually loved ice skating. The scent of ice brought back bittersweet memories of his childhood, when his mother taught him and his brother how to skate. When was the last time he went skating? 3–4 years ago?

Renata was standing in front of the window, eagerly peering out at the ice rink beyond. Wilson patted her shoulder and gestured for her to sit on the sofa nearby. After he gave her the shoes, he sat next to her to put on his.

So what if he had brought his own shoes? They would probably be too small for his feet now, and the blades would have become dull. Wilson realized that he had grown so much that he would need a new pair of shoes soon.

When he finished putting on his shoes and was ready to go to the rink, he noticed that Renata was still sitting and hadn't put on her shoes. "Why aren't you wearing your shoes? Are they too small or too big?"

"I've never put one before," Renata said with her innocent face.