Moonlight filtered in through the windows as I carried [Alice] to the bed, gently and carefully as if she were a precious jewel.

(You've been silent since we entered the room.)

She was cradled against my chest, and I looked down to see her wide eyes gazing up at me with need.

Her whole expression said 'I want you' so clearly that it made me feel almost weak for a moment.

Jonah: "What's with that face? I mean, I like it, but--"

[Alice]: "N-nothing's wrong with my face."

She blushed a little as she pouted at me, wrinkling up her nose and turning her face away.

(Really, [Alice], you can be so harsh sometimes.)

(But I forgive you. Because I love you.)

November 18th was almost over-- there was only another hour or so left.

[Alice] had done so much to celebrate me that day, but at last we'd returned to headquarters, and to my room.

(This is the happiest birthday of my entire life.)

All my memories from the day were still fresh and vibrant in my mind, and [Alice] was the source of all of my happiness.

I set her down lovingly on the bed, and she lay back against the covers, her hair framing her beautiful face and her bright eyes watching me.

I climbed onto the bed next to her, stretching out beside her, and propped up my head with one hand as I studied her.

Jonah: "I want you to think about what sort of gift you'd like in return."

[Alice]: "In return for what?"

[Alice] rolled onto her side as well, her hair still splayed around her face as she met my gaze.

Jonah: "You can be so dense sometimes! Obviously in return for you celebrating my birthday."

[Alice]: "But I don't need anything in return. I celebrated your birthday because I wanted to."

Jonah: "Too bad. You're going to have to think of something anyway. What do you want?"

[Alice]: "I don't know, you haven't given me time to think yet!"

Her eyes dropped away, a thoughtful frown creasing her forehead, but then suddenly she burst out laughing.

Jonah: "Why are you laughing?"

[Alice]: "I was just remembering our first date."

(What?)

[Alice]: "It was amazing, how you just launched a full-on gift-giving attack strategy like that."

Jonah: "Could you kindly stop digging up old memories best left forgotten?"

(Just remembering that day is enough to make me want to die with embarrassment.)

Back then I'd had no understanding of what true love really was.

I'd thought I could win [Alice] over with expensive gifts, and I'd dragged her to fancy store after fancy store.

[Alice]: "Now l'm feeling all nostalgic."

Jonah: "Why? Did you like the old me better?"

[Alice]: "No, I'm saying that the 'now me' loves the 'old you', too."

(Wait--)

Her sweet, tantalizing smile was enough to make me forget to breathe.

[Alice]: "But I love the 'now you' much, much more."

[Alice]: "I love you more than anyone in the world."

(Hey! You can't keep launching surprise attacks like this! It's not playing fair!)

I didn't know how to react to her words, so I rolled away from her, burying my face in the pillow.

(I can't take this!)

(You've given me yet another amazing birthday present.)

(I can't even count how many presents you've showered me with in just a single day!)

[Alice]: "Jonah?"

Her voice sounded faintly worried, and I lifted my head with a start, turning back towards her again.

She'd given me so much happiness that day, and I wanted her to know it, but I didn't know how to express it.

Jonah: "Let me just say this! The 'now me' is very different from the 'old me!""

[Alice]: "Oh, really?"

Jonah: "The 'old me' just selfishly assumed that he could make any woman happy if he did things like that."

Jonah: "But the 'now me' only cares about making one person in the whole world happy-- and that person's name is [Alice]."

Jonah: "So I want to give you whatever it is you desire, as thanks for celebrating my birthday."

(I will never again let preconceived notions or assumptions cloud my vision when it comes to you.)

(I want to be honest with you, and give you only the things you actually want--the things that actually make you happy.)

[Alice]: "Okay, then..."

A slow smile spread across [Alice]'s face, and she reached out, grabbing me by the front of my shirt and pulling me towards her.

(Hmm?)

She turned her head to the side, her voice soft and alluring as she whispered directly in my ear,

[Alice]: "I want you to give me a kiss."

(What?)

[Alice]: "That would make me happier than anything."

The moonlight flitting in through the windows lit up her face, making her wide eyes sparkle.

She was looking me right in the eye, and her brilliant smile was almost more than I could bear.

Jonah: "What sort of answer is that? Are you half-asleep?"

I knew I was blushing far too much than was warranted, but her sensual words had coiled deep inside me, igniting my desire.

(And the way you whispered in my ear like that, as if it was a secret for us alone--)

(How is it that you know so well how to make me this flustered? And how to turn me on this much?)

Jonah: "I demand you reconsider! I want you to think of a proper gift I can give you!"

[Alice]: "But l've thought about it. And that's the thing I most wanted."

Her voice was as determined as her gaze, and as I stared at her I realized that she was serious.

(You mean it, don't you? That really is all you want. I could buy you anything in the world, and yet--)

My mind was suddenly reeling, and my heart was pounding urgently.

(Why are you like this? To think that all you really want is a kiss from me--)

(It's like there's nothing I can actually give you to repay you for all you've done for me.)

(Somehow, you just turn it all around and gift it back to me, with every word you say.)

I was so overwhelmed with joy and love for her that I couldn't handle it anymore, and I reached out towards her.

[Alice]: "Hey!"

I wrapped my arms tightly around [Alice], pulling her close to me, and rolled us both over until I was on my back, and she was on top of me.

Jonah: "Just how much happiness are you prepared to force on me before you're satisfied?"

I stared up at her, mussed hair framing her beautiful face, her eyes wide and glimmering with moonlight, her expression stunned but happy.

She blinked slowly, her lashes brushing against her cheeks for a moment, and even that tiny movement was precious to me.

I took her hand and lifted it to my lips, pressing a soft kiss against it.

[Alice]: "Jonah--"

She gasped my name, that tiny puff of breath warm and welcome against my fingers.

It was such a small thing, and yet it was enough to drive me wild, and I wanted to throw her down on the bed and rain kisses all over.

(Not yet, though. I'm used to holding out against what | want.)

I had learned that when I was with [Alice], being patient and holding out against my initial desires was worth it.

I'd found that when I finally gave in and submitted to them, the pleasure we shared was so much sweeter.

(I meant to make you my captive, and instead l've become the captive.)

(I can no longer imagine a world without you in it.)

Her eyes as they gazed down at me seemed to burn with desire, and I couldn't quite bring myself to meet them.

But I couldn't bring myself to let go of her hand, either.

Jonah: "You really are hopeless."

[Alice]: "I guess I am."

(No, you're not. You never have been.)

(I'm the one who's hopeless.)

Jonah: "Well, you've left me no choice. Tonight, I will give you what you want."

I reached up and slid my arms around her, bringing her closer and pressing our bodies together.

She was so soft and warm, and it felt as if she fit against me perfectly. As if there was no better place for her to be.

(Right now I could fly all the way to the moon with you, and I wouldn't even need magic to do it.)

(But there's no way I could ever say that to you, so let me do this instead.)

I began to shower her with kisses-- first her cheek, then her bare neck, then her collarbone, then just above the top button of her blouse.

She quivered in response to each kiss, her eyelids growing heavy and her head tossed back in pleasure.

Her blouse was in my way, and I began to unbutton it, pausing to kiss her soft skin each time I bared a little more.

Her sighs and moans were like beautiful music to me, and I smiled as her soft breath warmed my cheek with each one.

I reached down, slipping my hand under her skirt and caressing her thighs. Her trembling intensified as I slid my hand slowly upwards.

[Alice]: "Jonah-- Ohhhh--"

My breath caught in my throat for a moment, completely undone by that husky, sensual sound.

(I love it when you say my name like that.)

She was leaning over me, her hair and clothes in complete disarray, and her expression was wanton as she stared down at me.

I forgot everything I'd told myself earlier about holding out and being patient.

I wanted her, and I pulled her close, pressing my lips hard against hers.

I kissed her with all the need and love and desire pulsing through me, and she moaned in response.

The sound seemed to urge me on, and I parted her lips with my tongue, urgently seeking hers.

(I never imagined I could feel this desperate, heady desire until I met you.)

She was clinging to me just as tightly as I clung to her, and her mouth was just as greedy against mine, and it made me deliriously happy.

(I think I finally understand. There was never any way I was ever going to be able to repay you.)

(After all, having you here at my side is the greatest gift of all.)

(Being with you is like being given the best present in the world again and again, every moment of every day.)

(I'm so happy l'm delirious.)

Our lips parted at last, and I twined my fingers in her hair as she leaned against me, her breath warming my ear.

I combed my fingers gently through her hair, trying to keep my voice from trembling as I said,

Jonah: "Since there's no going back--"

Jonah: "Let's lose ourselves tonight."

[Alice]: "Jonah--"

[Alice] lifted her head again, gazing into my eyes, our faces so close that our breath mingled together.

Before I could ask again, she kissed me, her lips so warm against mine that I knew I had my answer.

I lost track of how many kisses we shared under that soft, honey-toned moonlight, but it didn't matter.

All that mattered was that were gifting each other with the only present either of us needed.

And I knew we'd never grow tired of doing that for each other for the rest of our lives.

It was my day off, and it was also getting very close to my birthday.

[Alice] and I were out on a date, something we always did when I had the day off.

But for some reason [Alice] seemed unusually desperate to drag me all over town, and in and out of countless shops.

[Alice]: "Ooh, that jacket's so stylish! Doesn't it make you want to try it on?"

Jonah: "Mmm, not bad. Although I think a darker color would be more suitable this time of year."

Jonah: "But I have more than enough jackets to suit my purposes for the moment."

[Alice]: "Oh, okay. Do you want to go look at shoes, then?"

Jonah: "Yes, that sounds far more interesting."

[Alice]: "Okay! Let's go look at that shoe shop over there!"

(You've been completely focused on me and my needs all day.)

(At first it made me really happy, but--)

It had been going on since the moment we'd first arrived in town, and it was starting to feel like too much.

(We're on a date, and a date is for both of us. We should be looking at things you want to look at, too.)

Jonah: "Listen, you keep asking me what I want. Isn't there anything you want?"

[Alice]: "What? Oh! Um, no, l'm fine, really!"

(What are you so flustered about all of a sudden? Now l'm suspicious.)

(Hmm? Wait a minute, just yesterday--)

*flashback*

Edgar: "Jonah, it's your birthday soon, isn't it?"

Edgar: "How are you planning to spend the day this year?"

*flashback ends*

(Of course! You're trying to figure out the perfect present for me, aren't you?)

The realization made me want to start skipping down the street, except that wouldn't have been proper.

So instead, I let [Alice] continue to drag me from place to place, and I let her ask me her roundabout-yet-pointed questions.

Jonah: 

"Hmm, that's pretty nice."

Jonah: "Yes, not bad at all."

And so our date went on, with me continuing to be vague about what I wanted.

We ended up spending the whole day going from shop to shop, until at last we were wandering back towards home.

Jonah: "Yes, I think it's nice."

[Alice]: "Geez, Jonah, you've been saying the same thing all day! Are you just giving everything the same generic answer?"

Jonah: "Of course not! I've been speaking entirely from the heart."

I hadn't been answering generically at all--it was simply that I was in the mood to accept anything she wanted to give me.

She was frowning at me, her lovely lips forming a pout, but then I saw a sudden flash of doubt cross her face.

[Alice]: "Wait... did you figure it out?"

Jonah: "Hmm? Figure what out?"

[Alice]: "Nothing!"

She turned her face away, quickening her step until she was ahead of me.

Jonah: "Wait a minute."

I reached out and caught her hand in mine, twining our fingers together as I caught up and fell into step at her side.

Jonah: "Just until we reach headquarters. I assume that's fine with you?"

[Alice]: "It is."

She continued to stare off in the other direction, but I could see the faint, satisfied smile gracing her lips.

(You really have been completely focused on me all day.)

(It may have been a little mean of me not to tell you what I wanted, but--)

(It made me really happy, knowing that you were thinking about me that much.)

(And I like the idea that your thoughts were completely consumed by me and me alone.)

The idea had filled me with such pride and delight that in the end, I couldn't bring myself to tell her what I wanted.

(Besides, I have faith in you-- I'm certain that whatever you give me will be something that'll make me happy.)

(I wonder what you'll get me? I'm looking forward to finding out.)

At long last it was the day of my birthday.

The day was busy, and lively, and full of excitement... and it seemed to go by in the blink of an eye.

And [Alice] still hadn't given me a present.

When my party was over, I went back to my room and threw myself down on my bed.

(I know [Alice] well enough by now-- I already figured she'd prefer to throw a party for me that everyone could attend.)

(So I was okay with the idea of us not spending my birthday alone together. I was okay with it... and yet!!)

Jonah: "How could you go to so much effort to ask me what I wanted, and then not actually get me a present?!"

I stared moodily at the crescent moon through the window, unable to find the words to express my frustration.

(Okay, I know it was wrong of me not to tell her what | wanted, but still...!)

(Wait, wait, slow down. There's no way she didn't get me a present.)

(She must've just forgotten to give it to me. She's probably so embarrassed right now. I'll go see her and sort it out.)

I climbed determinedly off the bed and crossed the room, reaching for the doorknob, when suddenly--

(Don't tell me--!)

Jonah: "[Alice]?"

[Alice]: "Ahh! You startled me!"

I pulled the door open immediately, and sure enough, [Alice] stood on the far side, blinking up at me.

[Alice]: "Oh-- were you already in bed?"

Jonah: "No, not yet. Why?"

[Alice]: "Really? It's just that your hair's a bit mussed--"

Jonah: "Ah! Wait just a moment. I'll fix it right now!"

[Alice]: "It's fine, really. Just let me do this, okay?"

[Alice] smiled sweetly as she reached up, and I felt her gentle fingers smoothing my hair back.

(Ahh, heck. I was so upset and annoyed only moments ago, and yet--)

As her fingers slid through my hair, I could feel all the frustration flowing out of me, and I felt a sweet, wistful twang in my heart.

(It's almost like your fingers are imbued with magic or something.)

[Alice]: "There, all fixed."

Jonah: "Thanks. Do you want to come in?"

[Alice]: "Sure, if you don't mind."

Jonah: "Wait, I'l just put the lights on."

[Alice]: "No, it's fine. The moonlight is bright enough. Besides, I just came to give you this."

I turned quickly, my heart leaping, just as [Alice] held out a small envelope.

[Alice]: "Happy birthday, Jonah."

Jonah: "Oh! Thanks."

(I knew it! You DID get me something! I was a fool to ever doubt you.)

Jonah: "May I open it now?"

[Alice]: "Go ahead."

I opened the envelope slowly and carefully, making sure not to tear it.

Jonah: “…What's this?"

('One Ticket To Ask Me For Anything'?)

[Alice]: "Umm... look, I spent ages trying to decide what to get for you, but I just couldn't make up my mind."

[Alice]: "So I decided to give you a present you can use to ask me for something, when there's something you actually want."

(I was so certain that whatever you got for me would make me happy, and yet--)

Jonah: "Ahahahaha! I definitely wasn't expecting a present like this!"

[Alice]: "Hey, you don't have to laugh that much! I know it's kinda childish, but c'mon!"

Jonah: "If you think it is, maybe it really is."

(You never fail to surprise me by doing the unexpected.)

(And the moon is brighter than I thought it was.)

(I can see your flushed cheeks so clearly, and I love that pout.)

[Alice]: "Anyway! I gave you your present, so I'll be leaving now!"

Jonah: "And what if I don't want you to leave?"

I reached out, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her towards me as I sat down on the bed.

[Alice]: "Well-- I guess I could be persuaded to stay."

She was still blushing, but she gave me a coy, hopeful smile as I pulled her down to sit in my lap, facing me.

(I like it when you look at me like that.)

I already knew that if I started thinking about what to use her ticket on, l'd never, ever be able to make up my mind.

So l decided to just go ahead and ask her to do the thing that I wanted right then and there.

Jonah: "Do you mind if I use this ticket right now?"

[Alice]: "I don't mind."

Jonah: "Then I want you to undress me tonight."

[Alice]: "Oh--"

(I want you to give me that look again. And I want to feel your hands on my body.)

But I kept those desires to myself as l leaned closer and caught her gaze.

Jonah: "I'll even make it easy for you."

[Alice]: "How so?"

I smiled broadly at her as I slid out of my jacket, cravat and waistcoat, letting them fall to floor one at a time.

All that was left was my shirt, and I sat back a little, watching as she reached for the top button, her lashes fluttering as she glanced up at me.

(I know I said l'd make it easy for you, but I actually find myself wanting to do the opposite.)

The feel of her fingers brushing against my skin like that made me want to touch her, and I lifted my hand, sliding it under the hem of her nightgown.

[Alice]: "Jonah--"

Jonah: "What? Aren't you meant to be undressing me?"

I caressed her knee lightly, then slid my hand slowly up her thigh, tracing teasing patterns across her skin as I pushed her nightgown higher.

She undid a button, and then another, but as my hand slid higher, she fumbled with the next one, a soft, needy sigh escaping her.

Sudden determination flashed across her face, as if she refused to let pleasure distract her from the task, and that was what really did my head in.

(Here I thought I was the one teasing you, but I think l've got it back to front.)

(I want you, and I want you badly.)

She'd barely even finished unbuttoning my shirt, but I didn't want to wait any longer.

Jonah: "You're taking too long."

[Alice]: "What? Hey--"

I pushed her down against the bed, my shirt sliding off my left shoulder, baring my skin and hanging half-off me in disarray.

(Normally I'd never let anyone see me like this.)

(But somehow, when I'm with you, it seems like the most trivial thing in the world to care about.)

Jonah: "If you're going to undress me that slowly, then I guess l've got no choice but to undress you first."

[Alice]: "Geez, you're impatient."

Jonah: "You're the one who gave me a ticket to ask you anything."

Jonah: "But I don't recall it saying you were going to judge me on what I asked for."

She gave a sudden, soft laugh, but it turned into a gasping sigh as I tugged her nightgown down a little and began to kiss the curve of her breasts.

[Alice]: "Jonah--"

She spoke my name like a plea, as if asking me for more, and I looked up into her desire-filled eyes as I kissed and lapped at her soft skin.

(I love it when you look at me like that, but today it's not enough. I want you to lose yourself completely in me.)

Jonah: "It's a little early to be begging. Did you want me to touch you that badly?"

[Alice]: "I didn't say that!"

Jonah: "Oh, didn't you?"

I continued to hold her gaze as I tugged her nightgown lower still, leaning in to catch her nipple between my lips.

She cried out softly, her body arching up towards me, her hips twisting against mine.

I slid one hand downwards, slipping it under the hem of her nightgown again, and her thighs parted eagerly as soon as I touched them.

Jonah: "Liar. You know exactly what you want."

[Alice]: “...Maybe I do."

Her expression was a mix of desire and vexation as she reached up suddenly, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck.

Jonah: "[Alice]? That makes it really hard to do anything, you know."

[Alice]: "I know, and I want you to do plenty, but--I know I'm not gonna be able to think straight soon."

[Alice]: "So let me say this, before that happens."

Jonah: "Say what?"

She loosened her grip a little, and I looked up, just as she leaned towards me.

caught my breath as her lips pressed against mine in a sudden, vibrant kiss that stole my breath away.

(Wait--)

The kiss was over far too soon, and I stared down at her as a slow smile touched those sweet, tempting lips.

[Alice]: "I love you so much, Jonah."

[Alice]: "I don't always find it easy to say, but it's your birthday, and I wanted to say it clearly."

(Ahh, what is it with you?)

Her expression was so replete with love for me that my heart seemed to seize up completely for a moment.

(I know you're making me happy here, but you're also making a total mess of my heart.)

(Just moments ago, I was enjoying watching your expression dissolve into pleasure.)

(But now I'm so happy I don't even know what to do with myself-- or with you.)

I was horrified to feel sudden tears threatening, and I threw my arms around her, burying my face in her shoulder.

[Alice]: "Jonah?"

Jonah: "Don't look at me. Not for a while, anyway."

(I never imagined that l'd let anyone affect me so completely like this.)

I was certain that the old me would have said it was foolish to let anyone have so much influence over how I felt.

And yet, that foolishness was the reason I felt so warm and satiated in that moment, as if nothing could ever bring me down.

(And that's why I'm perfectly happy with being the foolish man who's completely at your mercy, [Alice].)

Because I knew, in my heart, that what I was feeling meant something special.

It was proof that l'd found someone I couldn't live without, someone who made my life complete.

And as I lifted my head and pressed a soft kiss against her lips, I knew that my joyful smile was anything but foolish...

One night at the Red Army headquarters, something unspeakable happened.

I was finishing getting ready for bed and after having some chamomile tea, I left the dining hall.

(I'll be able to sleep well tonight!)

As I was making my way back to my room I saw my boyfriend in the distance.

[Alice]: "Jonah!"

Jonah: "Ah, [Alice]?"

I called out to him without thinking and Jonah turned around in surprise.

[Alice]: "Are you going to sleep soon Jonah?"

Jonah: "Yes, it is getting late after all."

After giving a rather curt answer, Jonah glanced from side to side awkwardly.

[Alice]: "Were you in a hurry to do so?"

Jonah: "Hmm? Well, maybe, yeah. Perhaps."

Jonah: "You should sleep soon too. But it's not like I care if you stay up all night and sleep in late the next morning though."

[Alice]: "Umm, okay."

That was all Jonah said as he turned around and walked away.

(So he's really going to sleep in his own room tonight too.)

I had been feeling lonely the past few days.

(Jonah, why don't you want to sleep in my bed with me recently?)

Just up until a few days prior, Jonah had always come looking for me to say goodnight.

And then, he would fall asleep in my bed.

But he hasn't even said good night to me recently.

(Could it be that he's avoiding me?)

(No, wait. Nothing has changed during the daytime.)

I stopped myself from thinking negatively.

Even so, the way Jonah reacted just now made me feel as if I wouldn't be able to sleep well tonight.

I didn't mean to but I sighed out loud.

Edgar: "Is something on your mind?"

[Alice]: "Edgar!"

Edgar was passing by in the hallway and looked at me curiously.

(While the situation is a tad embarrassing, Edgar does know Jonah really well so maybe he could help me.)

[Alice]: "It's just that--"

As I explained how I was feeling to him, Edgar chuckled.

Edgar: "Hmm that does seem rather unusual for Jonah to do such a thing since he cares about you so much."

Edgar: "But I think there's a way to solve this problem."

[Alice]: "Really?!"

Edgar grinned suspiciously and looked into my eyes.

Edgar: "Why don't you try sneaking into his room at night?"

[Alice]: "Sneaking into his room?!"

(This seems like a very extreme solution!)

Edgar: "Since you are a couple, it shouldn't be that difficult to do, right? If you're always waiting for Jonah, nothing will change."

[Alice]: "But I couldn't-- could I?"

(Sneaking into his room at night is so embarrassing! But...)

(Edgar's right. If I don't do something, nothing will change.)

After waving goodbye to Edgar, I headed to Jonah's room.

[Alice]: "Jonah..."

I carefully opened the door slowly and saw that Jonah was already asleep.

(I think it's probably okay if I enter his room.)

Even though I felt a twinge of guilt, I had already come this far so there was no turning back.

I went closer to his bed and saw him sleeping peacefully.

(As usual, he looks like a perfect porcelain doll, even in his sleep.)

His long eyelashes fluttered slightly as if he was dreaming.

(So I shouldn't just stare at him... I have to actually do something.)

I lifted the sheets and cautiously got into his bed, trying not to make a sound.

As I lay down next to him, I became wrapped up in Jonah's sweet scent.

(He's so warm...)

I wanted to get closer to him so I pressed myself against his back.

Jonah stirred and his eyes opened.

Jonah: "[Alice]?"

(Oh, he's awake now.)

He seemed still half-asleep though as he said my name.

After he realized it was reality, he sat up in bed.

Jonah: "What are you doing?"

[Alice]: "I came to see you... Jonah."

Jonah: "Why though? We just saw each other in the hall."

[Alice]: "That's true. I'm sorry..."

Jonah: "You don't have to apologize. But why would you do something like this so late at night--"

[Alice]: "Well, I just--"

Jonah kept blinking as he was trying to figure out the situation.

(What should I do? If I tell him l'll feel so embarrassed. But I must be honest so--)

[Alice]: "I was just trying to-- sneak into your room."

Jonah: "What?!"

[Alice]: "Recently you haven't come to mine to sleep so I was feeling lonely..."

Jonah: "Oh--"

Jonah's usually pale cheeks flushed strawberry red.

Jonah: "Well, that's--"

(Jonah seemed at a loss for words at the moment.)

Then his coral-colored eyes shone with passion.

Jonah: "Why do you always do such adorable things?"

[Alice]: "Ah--"

Jonah pulled me close and tightly embraced me.

I could feel the temperature rising between us, our pulses racing.

Jonah: "And here I was, trying to hold back."

[Alice]: "What were you trying not to do?"

Jonah: "I was trying to not visit you at nighttime so frequently."

(Really? I wonder why.)

Jonah: "I thought that if I'm with you every night, surely you would tire of it."

(Is that what you were thinking?)

Jonah: "And if you tire of me, l'd be devastated. So I thought that if I held back, then that wouldn't happen."

His words made my heart skip a beat.

[Alice]: "Don't worry, Jonah. I could never tire of you."

[Alice]: "I enjoy sleeping by your side, Jonah."

(So much so that I don't want to sleep alone anymore.)

Jonah let out a loud sigh of relief.

Jonah: "I'm going to hold you accountable."

[Alice]: "For what?"

Jonah: "For saying such adorable things."

Under the sheets Jonah moved his hands along my back and down to my waist.

[Alice]: "Ah, Jonah--"

Jonah: "Isn't this how you wanted me to touch you?"

[Alice]: "Y-yes, touch me more--"

(Of course I want to make out with Jonah.)

My pulse started racing as the heat between us increased.

Jonah: "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Jonah: "I'm going to touch you all over and then we can fall asleep together."

[Alice]: "If you stay up all night you'll sleep in late the next morning though?"

Jonah laughed at my remark.

Jonah: "I don't care."

Jonah: "My work doesn't start until tomorrow afternoon. Sometimes sleeping in late is necessary."

[Alice]: "Are you sure?"

Jonah: "Yes. However, you must stay by my side all night."

Jonah's piercing eyes caused a thrill of excitement to run down my back.

(How can you turn me on just by looking at me?)

[Alice]: "I will stay by your side--"

We went deeper under the covers and he kissed me over and over.

I knew we wouldn't fall asleep until much later tonight.

But that's what I wished for.

(My heart beats faster when I'm with Jonah like this.)

(He's so warm and safe-- I just love him so much.)

And the night was still young--

It was a warm, genial afternoon, and the soft spring breeze carried with it the faint scent of early-blooming flowers.

I was in town to do some shopping, and by good fortune, I ran into Jonah, who was on his way to a meeting at the civic center.

(What were the chances? Ahh, I'm so glad I actually ran into you like this! Normally I barely get to see you during the day when you're working.)

Jonah: "Where are you headed, [Alice]?"

[Alice]: "The grocery store. Do you mind if I walk with you part of the way?"

Jonah: "I don't mind."

I fell into step at Jonah's side, feeling bubbly and happy, and as we rounded the next corner, I spotted fresh tulips on display outside a florist.

[Alice]: "Oh, wow! Look, Jonah! Pink tulips! It really is spring at last."

Jonah: "The color is certainly evocative of spring, but-- don't tell me you like tulips?"

(Hang on a minute--)

There was an edge of laughter in his voice, and I felt suddenly suspicious.

[Alice]: "I do. Why?"

Jonah: "Really. I wasn't expecting you to be the type to get excited over tulips. You don't think that's a little childish?"

[Alice]: "What? No! It's not childish at all!"

Jonah: "Is that so? Well, I suppose tulips are certainly your style."

Jonah glanced back and forth between the tulips and me, that mocking smile still playing at the corners of his lips.

(Geez, you don't have to be like that about it!)

[Alice]: "What, because you think l'm childish? Well, I'm not!"

Jonah: "Really? Shouldn't you be going that way if you're heading to the grocery store?"

[Alice]: "What? Oh! Yes!"

Jonah: "You're not even paying attention to where you're going, and you don't think you're at least a little childish?"

[Alice]: "Jonah--"

(Ugh, I can't even refute that one. You're so infuriating sometimes!)

Jonah: "Well, off you go then. Be careful crossing the road. Don't talk to any strangers. And make sure you get home before it gets dark."

My cheeks burned at his teasing words, so clearly the sort of things you'd say to a child, and I scowled at him.

[Alice]: "I'm not a child anymore, so I'll be fine!"

I turned on my heel and stalked off in the direction of the grocery store, not even stopping to look back.

(Ugh, my voice sounded strident, and the way I wrinkled up my face at him like that--)

(I probably looked more childish than ever.)

I sighed softly, slowing to a more leisurely place as I thought back over our conversation.

(Is it really so childish of me to like tulips? I mean, they're so pretty!)

(I suppose you'd suit a more extravagant flower, like a red rose or something.)

(Wait-- does that mean we're not such a good match for each other?)

It seemed such a little thing, and yet I couldn't stop worrying about it, and I hastened my step again.

Late that afternoon--

Jonah's meeting was finally over, and he was standing in front of the florist that had caught [Alice]'s attention earlier that day.

He was silent and still, a frown marring his pretty face as he stared at the flowers lined up in front of him.

The pink tulips trembled in the gentle breeze, looking as delicate and adorable as they had in the noonday sun.

Florist: "Welcome, welcome! Let me guess--you're trying to choose a present for your girlfriend?"

Jonah: "What?"

Florist: "You seem to be having a lot of trouble deciding, so I just thought that might be the reason."

Jonah: "Well, you're not wrong."

Florist: "In that case, I recommend these pink tulips! In the language of flowers, they mean 'sincere love'."

Jonah: "Hmph."

Jonah turned his gaze on the delicate flowers again, his expression thoughtful.

Dinnertime was drawing near, so I headed to the dining hall, but I was surprised to find Jonah already there.

[Alice]: "Jonah... welcome home."

Jonah: "Thanks."

(Wait--)

As Jonah turned towards me, I saw that he was carrying a large bouquet of pink tulips.

[Alice]: "Jonah... what are those for?"

Jonah: "I thought you could put them in your room."

(Wait-- seriously?)

Jonah: "On closer inspection, they're quite elegant flowers. They have a soft, sweet color, and a delicate shape, and they're more lovely than I realized."

Jonah: "They suit you very well."

[Alice]: "So... they're not childish?"

Jonah: "Your naivety is a part of what makes you so charming."

He gave me a gentle smile, and I realized with a start that the pale pink tulips matched the color of his lips perfectly.

(You've been thinking about our disagreement non-stop from the moment I walked away, haven't you?)

(I can't believe I let myself get so worried about such a little thing.)

[Alice]: "Thank you. And also-- I'm sorry, Jonah."

Jonah: "No, I'm the one who's sorry. I took it too far."

Jonah: "But never mind that. I want you to tell me some more things that you like."

[Alice]: "What? Why?"

Jonah: "Because if you like them, then I want to grow to like them with you."

His cheeks turned the same pale pink as the tulips, and I stared at him, wide-eyed.

(I never, ever imagined you'd actually come out and say something like that to me.)

(Ugh, I'm so happy I almost can't stand it!)

[Alice]: "Well in that case, I want to know more things that you like, too. It would make me happy to grow to like them, too!"

Jonah: "Okay, then. First of all, strawberries."

[Alice]: "Haha! I know that."

Jonah: "And also..."

[Alice]: "Mille-feuille!"

Jonah: "Why did you have to say it first! I mean, you're not wrong, but-- anyway. I also like…”

(Now what?)

He trailed off as he leaned towards me, his amber-gold eyes gleaming as they met mine.

Jonah: "You."

[Alice]: "Jonah--"

My heart skipped a beat, just as his lips pressed against mine in a short, teasing kiss that left me wanting more.

Jonah: "But naturally, you knew that too, right?"

[Alice]: “...Right."

His smile was warm and suddenly my heart was pounding fast and I wished we were somewhere more private than the dining hall.

Jonah: "It's your turn now."

[Alice]: "What? Oh, to tell you what l like?"

Jonah: "That's right. Tell me everything you like."

(Um, let's see--)

But I still felt breathless from his kiss, dazzled by his smile, and no matter how much I tried to think, only one thing came to mind.

But it was hardly surprising-- it was something that I loved more than anything else.

(Nothing else even compares, so...)

[Alice]: "I like... Jonah."

Jonah: "...l know."

We grinned at each other, and then our lips came together in another kiss, and I sighed softly as his warmth flooded into me.

Jonah: "Maybe you should tell me the rest in your room later."

Those husky, suggestive words echoed round and around in my head, and I wasn't entirely sure how I even made it through dinner.

But when we were back in the privacy of my room, we decorated it with tulips as we shared with each other all the things we liked best...