*Lily's POV*

"I have no words to say," I mumbled, as he collected a paper handed out by a stranger standing under an outdoor canopy, a smile on his face. It was beside a house, the canopy decorated with red LED lights and paper hearts.

Leaning against a pole holding the canopy, I watch Mason as he talks to the stranger who glances at me and back at Mason; Mason jotting down something in a piece of paper he later shoves in his pocket. Soon, Mason jogs to me, the stranger going back to what he was doing.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. I... might have signed up to enter a scavenger hunt by myself but since I persuaded you to skip that boring class with me, I thought it'd be fine if we... go together? Or do you not... like it?"

I sigh, taking the piece of paper from his hand as he offers it to me, "It's just... why is the theme romance? It isn't even February," I state, pointing to the canopy and to the paper in my hand which is decorated with heart and lip stickers.

"Well... love doesn't need to be celebrated only on Valentine's Day. Also, I'm getting exposure and the possibility of winning a 50% discount at a fine restaurant but that is if we're the first to finish. Either way, it's easier for me to show you places I like through it," Mason replies with a grin. Honestly... it wasn't a bad plan.

I look through the paper, reading the rules aloud. "It says that this scavenger hunt is to help bring couples closer and that we should remember the second and third riddles' answers as it is the password at the end..."

"...At what end of what?"

"...It isn't stated but the next paragraph does say the next riddle... and it's the only riddle on this paper. By the way, when does the scavenger hunt start?"

"...It started three minutes ago so we should probably be on our way," he states, placing his hands in his pockets.

I reply with a nod, my gaze moving to the paper. "So the first riddle is 'I can skip but can't walk. I'd rather sing than talk'."

We pause for a moment before Mason smirks, folding his arms right after, "Since it would rather sing, it definitely has something to do with music. The only thing that comes to mind is a record store so... why not check it out?"

I ponder his words before nodding and we get on our bikes, riding to the record store right after. I make sure my hair doesn't fly on my face like last time. It was pretty shocking and then embarrassing when Mason laughed hard. At least it cooled the air between us.

We get to the record store and I observe the store, a feeling of excitement hitting me. The walls were colored white and the floor was made of wood, causing creaks to be heard when someone walks on it. Different records are showcased on shelf walls, merchandise of artists such as posters can be found at the side of the store, CDs organized neatly in shelves makes me feel at the urge to explore every nook and cranny of this place. While looking around, a male worker walks up to us, a paper in hand. "Are you participating in some scavenger hunt?"

We nod and he gives Mason a piece of paper and immediately leaves afterwards... It kinda reminds me of that guy Liam except that Liam's a tall blonde. Mason unfolds the paper, reading the contents out loud. "'I can carry much more than books. The next clue is in my front pocket. Take a look!'"

We turn to look at eachother, a serious look on our faces. "...It's obviously a backpack."

"Right?"

We laugh and head to the merchandise section of the store looking through the bags there. As I check a simple bag with flowers has hearts embroidered on it, I find multiple envelopes inside it, a paper heart glued on each one of them.

"Mason?" I call out and he heads to me, looking into the bag as well.

"I... guess we're meant to take one?" he questions, his arms folded.

"Maybe," I say, taking a letter from the bunch and handing it to Mason. He opens it as I zip the bag and hangs it with the other bags.

"...It's a poem. A love poem to be exact. It's called 'Our Love'."

"What does it say," I ask as he looks up at me and back at the poem, showing the poem so we can read it together.

Our Love

A love in a million,

Is a love in a trillion,

Yet it is hard to find,

Love that is refined.

Love is warm,

Love is calm,

Our love is bliss,

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Our love is free.

I love the way you smile,

The way it gives me butterflies,

Love the way you laugh,

A melody that never dies.

I love when you're around,

And miss you when you're not,

Your presence is comfort,

A warmth that can't be bought.

Despite my flaws,

You see my worth,

And give me hugs,

When I'm at my worst.

As long as I am with you,

My life is complete,

For our love is true,

An adventure so sweet.

"It's a nice poem," I say after a minute. The poem is... beautifully crafted. It's a heartfelt expression of love and appreciation, highlighting the rarity and beauty of a genuine connection. It's straightforward yet is able to convey deep emotions... kinda like how I want our song to go. I glance at Mason whose gaze is on the paper, clearly mesmerized by it.

"...It's kind of relatable," he says suddenly, causing me to flinch and step back. He looks up at me, an apologetic look in his face. "Sorry. I didn't mean to shock you or anything."

There was an awkward silence between us as we looked around, avoiding each other's gaze. "By the way, we should probably keep it since the rule says so," Mason states out of nowhere.

I reply with a nod and he keeps it in his bag, reading aloud the next riddle on the paper the worker gave us. "'I'm shaped like a donut or bagel, but I prefer soundbytes to mouth bites.'"

"Well... a CD is shaped like a donut. Maybe it'll play a romance song?" I question as we immediately head to look for the CD.

"We won't know until we find out right?" Mason says, quickly walking towards the shelves and checking it, pulling out a CD in its casing seconds later, his eyes lighting up. "I found it!"

He shows the CD to me which has a sticker with 'Romantic Scavenger Hunt' written on it. I look up at Mason as he grins proudly, looking my way afterwards. What kind of luck does he have?

Mason takes my hand, heading to a turntable that is on a counter, taking the CD from its casing and placing it on the turntable. He later searches his bag, bringing out his earpiece afterwards and giving me a pair. I wear it, my gaze on him as he plays the song called 'At My Worst'. A song that I'm familiar with.

It's a song about someone's heartfelt plea for unconditional love and acceptance, a desire for a partner who will stand by their side even during hard times. For a partner who can love them for who they are. Soon the opening plays, and I listen to the soothing beat, tapping my finger on the counter. The singer asks for a deep connection, asking their partner if they can be their friend, a lover and a constant presence in their life. They offer to love their partner even when times are tough and promise to always be there for them. Later, they reassure their potential partner, showing their commitment to support them in return.

The chorus plays afterwards, the first line obviously the central theme of the song: the quest for unconditional love. The singer then acknowledges their imperfectness and expresses hope that their true worth will be recognized despite them. They sing the last line of the chorus, saying they're willing to go to great lengths, even through the worst situations, for the one they genuinely love.

I take a quick glance at Mason when the second verse plays, watching as he looks up at the ceiling, contemplating something. The song... is so relatable because of him. The first time we met, I never thought we'd be friends. I never thought he'll be someone important to me. Someone who I... will call my bestfriend.

Now that I think about it, I've never seen him as a potential partner. He's always disturbed me when we were kids, trying to get me to play or talk to him. I've always seen him that way but now... I'm not so sure. He still disturbs me, he's still talkative but... his presence is always comforting, his voice a soothing melody. A melody I don't want to stop hearing. Seeing him laugh and smile is... contagious. Seeing him sad makes me want to comfort and hug him, even though I don't like hugs. I remember when he'd take my hand in his, watch him play pranks on neighbors and play at the beach and in the sea with him. I slowly opened up to him when I didn't mean to. When I didn't want to make friends and maybe it's why I can't hate him. Maybe it's why I feel butterflies in my stomach as I stare at him or maybe it's just my stupid heart making me feel this way. But the big question is; do I... like Mason?

The chorus plays one last time and I realise I was too caught up in my own thoughts, staring at Mason in the process. I look away, my gaze moving to the CD. Why... why did I stare? I clear my mind, listening to the song as it comes to an end. He takes off his earpiece, his gaze meeting mine.

"Did you like the song?" he asks as I take off his earpiece and hand it to him.

"...Yeah, I did. And you?"

He smiles softly, putting the CD back in its casing. "Yeah, it's relatable and a really good song. The host has a really good taste in music."

"Yeah. They do," I reply as Mason hands a worker the CD. What did he mean by 'it's relatable?' The love aspect? The friendship aspect? Now that I think about it, I don't know his type. I lose my train of thoughts when he reads aloud the last riddle on the paper, his voice a bit louder than earlier. "'Tall and solid, all homes have me. To get me open, you'll need a key.'"

"...Why are the riddles so easy?" I question as we head towards the front door of the record store.

"Because this is meant to help couples bond, not fry their brains. But I wouldn't lie that it would've actually been fun if the riddles were a bit more tricky," he states as he smiles brightly. "And you would be stuck with me talking all day."

"...How splendid," I say sarcastically, looking behind the front door of the shop. He lets out a chuckle as he rolls his eyes, his gaze moving to the riddle. "Anyway, the riddle is 'The building that has the most books'. Okay... these riddles are easier than I thought. Maybe we will finish early."

"Probably. We'll have to be quick though..."

He suddenly leans to my ear, feeling his warm breath on my neck. It tickles me a bit but I don't move, imagining him smirking beside me.

"By the way, are you tired?"

I frown at his words and cross my arms. "No, why?"

"Because... the last to get to the library, has to dress in the other's style."

"You aren't serious... are you?" I question. Before I know it, I see him running out of the store and hopping on his bike. I do the same, paddling as fast as I can. Mason... what kind of childish game is this? Honestly, I don't want to lose. I don't want to see some kind of cheeky or teasing smirk when I lose. Before I know it, we're side by side, his hair getting swept up in the wind. He turns to me with a smile, before paddling faster, sticking his tongue at me right after. I roll my eyes, forcing my legs to move faster so I can beat him, and I know I can. It's just a matter of time.

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Lily's Playlist

• Windy Day by Helios Relaxing Space

• Melancholy by Helios Relaxing Space

• Dandelions by Ruth B

• The Other Side by Hugh Jackman and Zac

Efron

• At My Worst by Pink Sweat$ feat. Kehlani

• N/A

• N/A

• N/A

Mason's Playlist

• The Other Side by Hugh Jackman and Zac

Efron

• At My Worst by Pink Sweat$ feat. Kehlani

• N/A

• N/A

• N/A