Daniel returned home close to eleven that night.
The apartment was quiet.
Jade was already asleep.
She must have been exhausted.
Daniel entered her room quietly. The soft light from the bedside lamp illuminated her peaceful face.
For a moment, he simply stood there, watching her.
Then he slipped into the bed beside her and gently wrapped his arms around her.
Jade stirred slightly and turned to face him.
"Daniel…?" she murmured, her voice heavy with sleep.
"You're back?"
He nodded, even though her eyes were barely open.
He placed the bouquet of flowers he had brought on the nightstand beside the bed.
Her hand slowly reached up and rested against his cheek.
"You came back late… what about your memory?" she asked softly, still half-asleep.
"Don't worry about it," he replied calmly.
She hummed quietly.
Her fingers moved lazily through his hair, and a small sleepy smile appeared on her lips.
"You're so handsome…"
She shifted closer and rested her head against his chest.
Daniel looked down at her.
"You know, Jade…" he began quietly.
"Yes…" she murmured, already drifting deeper into sleep.
"I'm not really good at expressing myself… or saying what I truly feel."
She nodded faintly against him.
"But… I… think…"
He hesitated.
The words felt strangely difficult to say.
Then he heard it.
A soft little snore.
Daniel lowered his head slightly and looked at her.
She had fallen asleep.
Completely.
He watched her for a moment longer, then brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"I love you," he whispered.
No response.
Jade was already fast asleep.
She hadn't heard a single word.
Daniel pulled her a little closer, his arms tightening gently around her.
And soon, the two of them fell asleep like that—
holding each other in the quiet of the night.
.
.
The Next Morning,
Jade woke up slowly.
For a moment she stayed still, her eyes barely open.
Then she felt a warm presence beside her.
And suddenly she remembered.
Daniel came back last night…
She turned her head slightly.
He was still sleeping.
Peaceful.
The morning light softened his usually sharp features. Without that cold, distant look he always carried, he seemed… different.
Warmer.
Almost cute.
His familiar perfume lingered around her, comforting and strangely addictive.
Jade watched him quietly for a moment.
Then his eyes slowly opened.
Caught.
Immediately, she looked away as if she hadn't been staring at him at all.
Daniel noticed.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Good morning," Jade said, her cheeks slightly pink.
"Good morning," he replied calmly.
She cleared her throat.
"So… you slept with me, as I can see."
Daniel looked at her with calm amusement.
"Yes. Of course."
Jade rolled her eyes and sat up.
"Well then… could you get out? I need to get dressed."
Daniel paused.
He looked at her like she had just said something very strange.
"Get out?" he repeated.
"Yes."
"For what?"
She stared at him.
"I just said it. I want to get ready."
Daniel leaned back slightly against the pillows, clearly entertained.
"What exactly are you trying to hide that I haven't already seen?"
Jade froze.
He continued casually,
"Remember… I know every inch of your body."
Her face turned red instantly.
"For example," he added lazily, "I know you have a beauty mark on your belly."
Jade's eyes widened.
How did he even notice that?!
"Pervert!" she snapped.
Daniel smirked.
Completely unapologetic.
Then he stretched slightly before adding,
"By the way, get ready."
She crossed her arms suspiciously.
"For what?"
"Today we're going to my hometown."
She blinked.
"What?"
Daniel sat up.
"We have a meeting with the families there. They're under the protection of Constellation."
He spoke as if it were completely normal.
"We do it every year."
Jade stared at him.
Completely confused.
"Wait… WHAT?"
.
.
.
Jade was still trying to process what Daniel had just said while the car moved smoothly along the mountain road.
"Your hometown?" she repeated.
Daniel nodded calmly, his eyes on the road ahead.
"Yes."
"And this meeting… what exactly is it?"
Daniel remained silent for a moment before answering.
"It's a gathering organized every year."
"By who?"
"My great-uncle."
Jade turned slightly toward him.
"Your great-uncle?"
Daniel nodded again.
"He's the one who manages most of the affairs related to Constellation in this region."
She frowned slightly.
"And the families?"
"They're under Constellation's protection," Daniel explained simply. "Some of them have been for generations."
Jade leaned back in her seat, still confused.
"So every year you all meet?"
"Yes."
"At his residence."
The car turned one last curve.
And then Jade saw it.
Her breath caught.
The town appeared like something out of a dream.
Nestled between mountains and forests, the small city seemed untouched by the chaos of the outside world.
Stone houses with ivy-covered walls lined the narrow streets.
Soft golden lanterns hung from old iron posts, even though the sun was still rising.
The air looked… clearer somehow.
Almost magical.
Colorful flowers bloomed along balconies and windows, and small streams of crystal water ran along the edges of the streets like natural decorations.
People walked peacefully through the town, greeting one another with warm smiles.
Children ran through the square, laughing freely.
It felt…
Safe.
Different.
Almost fairy-like.
Jade slowly lowered the car window.
A fresh breeze entered the car, carrying the scent of pine trees and wild flowers.
"This place…" she murmured.
"It's beautiful."
Daniel glanced at her briefly.
"It hasn't changed much."
They drove deeper into the town.
At the top of a small hill stood a large estate surrounded by ancient trees.
The mansion looked old, elegant, and imposing, with tall stone walls and large arched windows reflecting the morning light.
Several cars were already parked outside.
Families were arriving.
Jade noticed something strange.
People looked at Daniel differently.
With respect.
Almost reverence.
The car finally stopped in front of the mansion.
Daniel stepped out first.
Jade followed slowly, still taking in the place.
"This is your great-uncle's house?" she asked.
Daniel looked at the massive residence before answering.
"Yes."
He turned toward her.
"He's the one who organizes the gathering for all the families under Constellation's protection."
Jade looked around again.
There were dozens of people already there.
Children, parents, elderly couples.
All gathered peacefully under the warm morning light.
And for the first time since she met Daniel…
She felt like she had just stepped into a completely different world.