A refreshing, early summer breeze made the bright green leaves on the trees dance.

Red soldier: "Intruder alert! Capture her!"

(This is out of control!)

As I ran for my life down a corridor in the Red Army's headquarters, I thought back on everything that led to this moment.

It had all started this morning.

I was walking through the Central Quarter when I noticed a small crowd forming.

(I wonder what's going on--)

Curious, I went over to check it out.

Old woman: "Thank you so much, Dr. Kyle."

Kyle: "Don't mention it. You're so energetic, so I'm sure you still have a long life ahead of you."

In the center of the ring of men and women, young and old, Kyle was smiling brightly as he examined people.

Kyle was Cradle's top doctor and he came to the Central Quarter on his days off to do free medical checkups.

As I was noticing that his white lab coat looked extra bright under the clear sky, our eyes met.

Kyle: "Oh! Mornin', [Alice]!"

[Alice]: "Good morning, Kyle. So, you're off today?"

Kyle: "Yep. I'm headin' back to headquarters once I finish here, though."

(Wow, he's even busy on his off days.)

Just then, I felt a tug on my sleeve.

Child: "Hey, miss? Are you Dr. Kyle's girlfriend?"

[Alice]: "Wh-What?! N-No way!"

A gaggle of children were looking up at me with inquisitive eyes and I panicked.

Kyle: "That's right. You got it all wrong."

Kyle, on the other hand, remained cool as a cucumber as he packed up his medical kit.

(I get the sense that Kyle doesn't even register me as a someone he'd date-- let alone a woman.)

There was an uneasy grin on my face when Kyle patted my head as he walked by me.

He always treated me like a child.

Kyle: "Well, I'll see you around."

[Alice]: "Oh, uh, yeah."

Fixing my mussed hair, I watched him saunter off.

After running into Kyle, I returned to my walk through town.

Child: "Miss!"

The children I had talked to earlier came running up to me all aflutter.

[Alice]: "What's the matter?"

Child 1: "Can you give this to Dr. Kyle for us?"

The child's little hand held up a bouquet made of wildflowers.

Child 2: "Today's his birthday. So, we all worked hard to make him a present."

[Alice]: "Aww--"

(I had no idea it was his birthday today!)

Child 2: "My mommy told me that people from the Black Territory aren't allowed into Red Territory, so--"

(I see. These kids are from the opposing side.)

I took the bouquet from the eager children.

[Alice]: "Okay, don't you worry! I will get this to him!"

(I also owe a lot to Kyle.)

If I start looking now, I bet I can catch him before he leaves the Central Quarter.)

Children: "Thank you, miss!"

I set off on my search, running through the streets of Central as fast as my feet would carry me.

Shopkeeper: "Dr. Kyle? He said he was going to visit the cafe next on his rounds."

Waitress: "He went to the square. You say it's Dr. Kyle's birthday? How about buying him some cookies as a gift?"

(I keep missing him!)

I ran all the way to the square. When I got there, I tried to catch my breath as I looked around.

Kyle: "Be sure to let me know if that knee of yours starts acting up again."

Merchant: "Thank you, doctor!"

(Yes! I finally found him!)

I took off toward him, but Kyle didn't see me and got into a carriage.

[Alice]: "Wait, Kyle!"

He shut the door and the carriage started rolling away.

(Oh no, what do I do now? No, there's no time to think!)

Although I was living with the Black Army, I ended up following the carriage into Red Territory.

(I know I shouldn't be here, but I'll only be a few minutes!)

I tried to sneak in, but ended up being spotted almost immediately.

Red Soldier: "Intruder alert! Capture her!"

And that was how I ended up here.

(All I can do now is run for it!)

I ran down a hall and flew around a corner.

[Alice]: "Ahh!"

???: "Whoa!"

I smacked right into someone, but he caught me before I could fall backwards.

Kyle: "Are you okay? Hm? What are you doing here?"

[Alice]: "Kyle!"

I had finally found the person I was looking for, but a l could hear the footsteps of my pursuers right behind me.

Red soldier: "She went that way!"

Kyle: "You can explain later. Come with me."

(Uh, okay!)

Kyle took my hand and we ducked into a nearby room.

(This is-- the infirmary?)

I looked at the shelves of medicine, stark white curtains, and a medical book on the desk.

Kyle: "You'll be safe here. Have a seat."

At Kyle's invitation, I let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the bed.

Kyle: "So, what's your story?"

Kyle sat in a chair facing me and rested his chin in his hands.

[Alice]: "I'm sorry for the trouble, but I wanted to give you this."

I held out the bouquet of wildflowers the children had entrusted to me.

Kyle: "Flowers?"

[Alice]: "They're from the children of the Black Territory. They wanted to give you a birthday present."

His eyes softening, he took the bouquet carefully to make sure he didn't hurt any of the flowers.

Kyle: "I see. Thank you for coming all this way to deliver it."

He looked at me with the kindest gaze I had ever seen.

I nearly gasped as his eyes made me feel a tightness in my chest.

I looked down, focusing on the attractive lines of his wrist that poked out from his lab coat.

Kyle: "I could have come to pick it up myself tomorrow if you had sent me a letter."

[Alice]: "Yes, that's true. But it's a birthday present. I wanted to get it to you today, so I just--"

Kyle interrupted me with a sudden outburst of laughter.

Kyle: "So you just infiltrated an enemy base?"

Sunlight filtering through the white curtains made a natural spotlight on Kyle's smile.

(Somehow I feel comfortable here in the infirmary, even though it's inside the Red Army's headquarters.)

Kyle: "I'll be sure to thank the kids next time I see them, too."

Kyle took out a pen and wrote the word 'flowers' on the back of his hand.

[Alice]: "You're not going to forget what that means later?"

Kyle: "Of course not."

I spotted other words on his hand like 'radish' and 'lion' that I had no clue about.

[Alice]: "The people of Cradle must really love you if they're giving you birthday presents, Kyle."

Kyle: "I've been doing my rounds for a long time, so l've gotten close to my patients."

[Alice]: "A long time, huh?"

(Kyle's not that much older than me, though--)

Kyle: "I became an army medic at 16 and l've been treating the townspeople ever since."

[Alice]: "Really?"

(A doctor at 16? Isn't that pretty young?)

Kyle: "Anyway, how 'bout I treat you to dinner sometime as thanks for delivering this?"

[Alice]: "Oh, no, you don't have to do that."

Ignoring me, Kyle added 'feed glutton' to the back of his hand.

[Alice]: "Why, exactly, did you write 'glutton' just now?"

Kyle: "Don't worry about it."

[Alice]: "How could I not!"

(Is that how he sees me? I'm shocked--)

The casual atmosphere was suddenly shattered when he said my name sharply.

Kyle: "[Alice]."

[Alice]: "What? Mph!"

With no explanation, he covered my mouth with his hand.

(Huh?)

And then he pushed me down onto the bed.

The springs creaked loudly under our combined weight.

Kyle: "Quiet. Someone's coming."

He pulled the white, starched sheet up over us.

[Alice]: "But why are you hiding, Kyle?"

I whispered urgently as Kyle lay on top of me with the sheet pulled all the way over his head.

Kyle: "If they know I'm in the infirmary, they won't leave and you'll be stuck here."

(Still-- this is getting a bit more intimate than I was prepared for.)

He was so close that I caught the faint scent of antiseptic and fresh lime wafting from him.

I couldn't help but notice the smooth lines of his neck and the sturdiness of his arms that rested on either side of me.

It was dim under the sheet and it felt like we were hidden in our own secret room.

He wasn't looking at me at all.

Instead his sharp eyes were moving constantly, trying to sense what was happening outside the sheet fort.

(I guess Kyle doesn't realize how close we are right now. At least that means he won't notice how fast my heart is beating.)

Trying to keep myself from staring at him any longer, I flipped carefully onto my stomach and buried my face in the pillow.

Kyle: "Keep still!"

[Alice]: "Yeah, I'm trying, but--"

I heard footsteps approaching, but that was far from my biggest concern at the moment.

???: "Kyle? Huh. Guess he's not here after all."

The door had opened, and a soft voice called into the infirmary.

(That sounds like Edgar.)

Edgar: "That's weird-- I could've sworn I heard voices."

Kyle: "Geez, why'd it have to be him of all people?"

Kyle grumbled quietly, his breath tickling my ear.

(Please, hurry up and leave!)

Thankfully, we heard the door close and footsteps walking away.

Kyle: "Good, he's finally gone."

[Alice]: "Y-Yeah."

Letting out a relieved sigh, Kyle looked down at me.

Kyle: "Why do you look so tense?"

At last, he had noticed how much I was straining to keep my calm.

[Alice]: "Wanna guess? You're right on top of me, Kyle!"

We're so close, we're basically embracing.

We could feel each other's body heat and our legs were intertwined.

Kyle: "Well, it's not anything to be embarrassed about."

[Alice]: "How can you say that?"

(I must be flushed bright red by now.)

[Alice]: "I know I don't register as a woman to you, but--"

(It's not like l even care if he does or not, but-- I can't help feeling a bit sad that he doesn't.)

I couldn't keep a sulky expression from showing on my face.

Kyle: "That's not true."

[Alice]: "It's not?"

Kyle climbed off the bed and let out an exasperated sigh.

Kyle: "I'm a man, after all-- And with you here with me, my thoughts are racing like mad."

[Alice]: "You mean --"

There was a heat in his eyes I hadn't noticed before that made my pulse quicken.

Kyle: "People would talk if they found us alone in here."

(Oh, so rumors are his only concern.)

I should have guessed that would be his reason for hiding, but my shoulders threatened to slump dejectedly.

Kyle: "Hm? What's this?"

Kyle pulled a small, wrapped packet from under the bed.

[Alice]: "Oh! That's--"

It was filled with cookies I had bought at the cafe while I was out looking for him.

Kyle: "Is this yours?"

[Alice]: "Yeah, but-- it's actually a present for you."

Kyle took the news in stride as I got off the bed and straightened my disheveled clothes.

Kyle: "A present from you for me?"

The words 'Happy Birthday' were written in icing on the heart and bow shaped cookies.

Kyle: "This looks like something you would get for another girl, though."

[Alice]: "Nuh-uh! I just didn't have much time to get you anything, so I had to go with what I could find."

(Maybe I should have spent some more time choosing, though.)

Kyle: "I was just kidding. Anyway, I'll take them."

With a teasing smile, Kyle put the cookies into his pocket.

[Alice]: "Happy birthday, Kyle."

Kyle: "Yeah, thanks."

His hands felt gentler than usual as he gave my head a pat.

It was just a casual touch, but it sent a wave of heat through my body.

[Alice]: "You're welcome."

(What's wrong with me? I haven't been able to look Kyle in the eye since earlier.)

With Kyle's help, I made it safely out of the Red Army's headquarters.

On the way home, I kept thinking about Kyle's smile and the warmth of his arms.

I still couldn't figure out the meaning behind the bittersweet ache that tugged at my heart each time I did.

After seeing [Alice] safely out of headquarters, Kyle was walking down the corridor.

Edgar just happened to be leaning against the wall and grabbed hold of Kyle's arm as he walked past.

He wore a grin on his face that made it clear he knew everything that had transpired.

Edgar: "You really shouldn't be bringing girls back here, you know."

Kyle: "You know that's not what happened. You really get a kick out of messing with people, don't you?"

Edgar: "Naturally."

Sighing and shaking his head, Kyle took a bite of one of the cookies [Alice] had given him.

Edgar: "What's this? I thought you didn't like cookies and stuff."

Kyle: "Not usually."

A wistful smile appeared on Kyle's lips as he stared out the window with a hand in his pocket.

And so ended the doc's frantic but fateful birthday.

Warm sunbeams shone through the window on my day off.

I looked up at the sky as I relaxed in my favorite chair.

Kyle: "Oh, yeah. Today's my birthday."

(Not that it really means anything. Guess I should go do my rounds in town.)

I went to the Central Quarter to give medical checkups to the people who couldn't come to me.

Woman: "Dr. Kyle, today is your birthday, right? Happy birthday! I got you this present!"

Kyle: "Wow, thanks."

I had lost count of how many presents I'd gotten from patients today.

(How do they all remember my birthday when I barely do?)

The woman's present was an expensive looking watch.

Kyle: "Whoa, I can't accept this."

Woman: "Yes, you can. I wanted to show you how I feel about you."

When I tried to return it, the woman blushed and ran off.

(I feel bad getting something so fancy. What should I do with it?)

My thoughts were interrupted by my next patient.

Old woman: "I've been having some back pain lately--"

I pushed my gift troubles to the back of my mind so l could focus on my work.

(Whatever. I have more important things to worry about.)

After I treated the old woman, she showed me a gentle smile.

Old woman: "Thank you so much, Dr. Kyle."

Kyle: "Don't mention it. You're so energetic, so I'm sure you still have a long life ahead of you."

The pleasant words exchanged with patients and the relaxed atmosphere in town was like a salve on my weary heart.

(I think this is gonna be a good day.)

Stretching my arms above my head, I soaked in some of the warm sunlight.

(Hm? Isn't that--)

I spotted a familiar woman walking toward me.

Kyle: "Oh! Mornin', [Alice]!"

I held up one hand in greeting and she waved back at me with a cheery smile.

[Alice]: "Good morning, Kyle. So, you're off today?"

Her name was [Alice]. She had fallen into Wonderland from the Land of Reason.

(She's friendly with everyone, regardless of their position.)

[Alice] was living with the Black Army, so she was technically my enemy.

(Don't see any reason to treat her like an enemy, though.)

As I was packing up my med kit, I could feel eyes looking back and forth between me and [Alice].

Child: "Hey, miss? Are you Dr. Kyle's girlfriend?"

(Wow, kids these days sure are bold. Good for them.)

I was impressed, but [Alice] was clearly flustered by the question.

[Alice]: "Wh-What?! N-No way!"

(Is dating me really such an awful idea? Ouch. Guess I'd better deny it, too.)

Kyle: "That's right. You got it all wrong."

(There, that should satisfy her.)

Surprisingly though, [Alice] could only muster an uneasy grin.

(She still isn't happy? Well, whatever.)

Kyle: "Well, I'll see you around."

As I walked past her, I patted [Alice] on the head.

The smooth, silky sensation of her hair gave me pause.

(I just patted her head without thinking, as if she were a child. Probably shouldn't have done that.)

When I finished my rounds in the Central Quarter I made my way back to the square.

Merchant: "Dr. Kyle! A pretty girl was just here looking for you."

I had just hailed a carriage to take me back to headquarters when a merchant got my attention.

Kyle: "A pretty girl, you say?"

(Who could that be?)

Merchant: "You sure are a popular guy."

Kyle: "Aw, give me a break. Anyway, be sure to let me know if that knee of yours starts acting up again."

Laughing off his words, I climbed into the carriage.

Just before I closed the door, I thought I heard someone call my name.

(Hm? Must've imagined it.)

Without wasting another moment, the carriage took off for the Red Army's headquarters.

The real trouble didn't start until after I got back.

I was strolling along a corridor when I heard the clamor of running feet.

(Hm? What's with the commotion?)

Kyle: "What's going on?"

Red soldier: "Lord Kyle!"

Kyle: "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me 'lord?''

Red soldier: "Sorry, sir! There's an intruder in the barracks!"

Kyle: "An intruder?"

(What a pain.)

Red soldier: "A witness says it's a woman, but we don't know if she's armed. Please be careful, Lord Kyle."

(Seriously, will they ever quit with the 'lord' stuff?)

With that, the soldier went running off again to continue his search.

(You don't hear about female intruders all that often. Interesting--)

Wondering about it to myself, I rounded a corner.

???: "Ahh!"

Kyle: "Whoa!"

Someone crashed hard into my stomach.

(That came out of nowhere!)

I reached out to steady the other person before they fell.

Kyle: "Are you okay? Hm?"

I looked down to find someone who was not supposed to be in the Red Army's headquarters.

([Alice]?)

Kyle: "What are you doing here?"

[Alice]: "Kyle!"

[Alice]'s eyes were filled with relief when she saw me.

We didn't have time to discuss the details of her sudden appearance, though.

Red soldier: "She went that way!"

(That didn't take long.)

Kyle: "You can explain later. Come with me."

As the sound of countless pounding boots approached, I pulled [Alice] into my infirmary.

Kyle: "You'll be safe here. Have a seat."

An extremely apologetic look on her face, [Alice] sat down on the edge of the bed.

Kyle: "So, what's your story?"

(Knowing her, she must have some outrageous reason for sneaking in here.)

[Alice]: "I'm sorry for the trouble, but I wanted to give you this."

I was stunned by what she pulled out.

Kyle: "Flowers?"

[Alice]: "They're from the children of the Black Territory. They wanted to give you a birthday present."

It was a small bouquet made of freshly picked wildflowers.

(She risked her safety coming here just to give me that?)

(So, the girl the old merchant mentioned was [Alice].)

She had searched frantically through the Central Quarter for me just so she could deliver these flowers.

I felt bad for the trouble she went through, but there was also a tickle of something else in my stomach.

Kyle: "I see. Thank you for coming all this way to deliver it."

(Those kids are pretty sweet.)

Imagining the smiles of the kids I treated brought a smile to my own face.

Kyle: "I could have come to pick it up myself tomorrow if you had sent me a letter."

[Alice]: "Yes, that's true. But it's a birthday present. I wanted to get it to you today, so I just--"

Kyle: "So you just infiltrated an enemy base?"

(I don't know if l've ever met someone as intense-- or strange-- as her.)

[Alice]'s glossy hair and soft-looking skin seemed to glisten in the light that filtered through the white curtains.

(I think I understand why that merchant said she was pretty.)

Kyle: "I'll be sure to thank the kids next time I see them, too."

[Alice] eyed me skeptically as I wrote 'flowers' on the back of my hand.

[Alice]: "You're not going to forget what that means later?"

Kyle: "Of course not."

[Alice]: "The people of Cradle must really love you if they're giving you birthday presents, Kyle."

Kyle: "I've been doing my rounds for a long time, so l've gotten close to my patients."

[Alice]: "A long time, huh?"

Kyle: "I became an army medic at 16 and l've been treating the townspeople ever since."

[Alice]: "Really?"

The startled look on [Alice]'s face immediately made me clam up.

(Oops, I said too much. Sometimes I forget to keep my wall up when I'm around her.)

Kyle: "Anyway, how 'bout I treat you to dinner sometime as thanks for delivering this?"

(I should write myself a note about that so I don't forget.)

[Alice] got huffy when she saw me write 'feed glutton' on my hand.

[Alice]: "Why, exactly, did you write 'glutton' just now?"

Kyle: "Don't worry about it."

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching.

Kyle: "[Alice]."

[Alice]: "What? Mph!"

Covering her mouth, I pushed her onto the bed under me and pulled the covers over our heads.

Kyle: "Quiet. Someone's coming."

[Alice]'s eyes darted around in confusion, but she kept her urgent voice quiet.

[Alice]: "But why are you hiding, Kyle?"

Kyle: "If they know I'm in the infirmary, they won't leave and you'll be stuck here."

(Most people only come here if they have something important to discuss with me.)

I stared at the door through a small gap in the sheets, but I couldn't help noticing the unique, sweet scent wafting from her.

(She smells nice.)

It was a fragrance I didn't usually get to smell in an army barrack full of men.

I felt her squirm underneath me as she flipped onto her stomach.

A soft thigh brushed against my leg and I caught a glimpse of skin through her disheveled hair.

I found myself tracing the curve of her neck with my eyes before I could stop myself.

Kyle: "Keep still!"

[Alice]: "Yeah, I'm trying, but--"

[Alice] gripped the corner of the pillow so tightly, her hand was trembling.

(I shouldn't be thinking like this, but this is a pretty naughty position we've ended up in.)

Suddenly, the doorknob rattled as the door swung open.

???: "Kyle? Huh. Guess he's not here after all."

(That's Edgar's voice.)

Kyle: "Geez, why'd it have to be him of all people?"

I grumbled under my breath at my bad luck.

(He's probably already figured out that we're hiding here.)

Luckily, Edgar closed the door and left us in peace.

As I let out a relieved sigh, I dropped my gaze.

[Alice] was looking up at me, her face tight and cheeks flushed bright red.

Kyle: "Why do you look so tense?"

[Alice]: "Wanna guess? You're right on top of me, Kyle!"

There was something enticing about the intense expression in her eyes and the heat in her cheeks.

(I know I tend to treat her like a child, but she and I are basically the same age.)

It was so obvious, I didn't know why l hadn't realized that sooner.

Kyle: "Well, it's not anything to be embarrassed about."

[Alice]: "How can you say that?"

[Alice]: "I know I don't register as a woman to you, but--"

As she averted her eyes, a slight pout appeared on her lips.

Kyle: "That's not true."

(If I didn't before, I definitely see her as a woman now.)

[Alice]: "It's not?"

(I shouldn't have said anything. I better get off of her before this situation gets any worse.)

I climbed off the bed and let out an overly exasperated sigh.

Kyle: "I'm a man, after all-- And with you here with me, my thoughts are racing like mad."

[Alice]: "You mean --"

(Hm? Why does the air around me suddenly feel electric?)

Our eyes locked for one, heated moment before I tore mine away.

Kyle: "People would talk if they found us alone in here."

That's when I spotted something poking out from under the bed.

Kyle: "Hm? What's this?"

It was a small packet wrapped in cutesy paper.

[Alice]: "Oh! That's--"

Kyle: "Is this yours?"

I shifted my gaze back to [Alice] when I heard the frantic edge in her voice.

[Alice]: "Yeah, but-- it's actually a present for you."

My eyes widened at the unexpected reply.

Kyle: "A present from you for me?"

(What'll I do if it's another expensive gift?)

Reminded of the extravagant gifts several women had given me in the Central Quarter, I tore open the wrapping paper nervously.

Inside, I found iced cookies in the shape of hearts and bows.

I had to fight the urge to burst out laughing at the incredibly simple, almost naive, gift.

Kyle: "This looks like something you would get for another girl, though."

[Alice]: "Nuh-uh! I just didn't have much time to get you anything, so I had to go with what I could find."

My teasing jab got a flustered response out of [Alice]-- just as expected.

Kyle: "I was just kidding. Anyway, I'll take them."

(I don't need to worry about treading lightly around her. And I like that.)

When I put the cookies in my pocket, [Alice]'s expression softened.

[Alice]: "Happy birthday, Kyle."

Kyle: "Yeah, thanks."

I gave her head a soft pat.

But this time it wasn't the kind of pat I gave to children. It was gentler than that.

After I helped [Alice] escape headquarters unscathed,

I found Edgar leaning against the wall of the corridor as if waiting for me to return.

I could tell by the smile on his face that he knew everything.

(Uh-oh, I don't like the looks of this.)

Edgar: "You really shouldn't be bringing girls back here, you know."

(I knew it. He figured it out.)

Kyle: "You know that's not what happened. You really get a kick out of messing with people, don't you?"

Edgar: "Naturally."

In the face of his brazen smile, there was nothing for me to do but let it go.

With a defeated sigh, I took a bite of one of the cookies.

Edgar: "What's this? I thought you didn't like cookies and stuff."

Kyle: "Not usually."

The sweet, rich flavor of butter spread across my tongue.

(I really don't like sweets, but these were a gift.)

A wistful smile rose to my lips as I stared out the window with my hand in my pocket.

Suddenly, I got an idea.

(After all she did for me today, I should get her a present in addition to dinner.)

Making up my mind, I rubbed the words 'feed glutton' off the back of my hand and replaced them with '[Alice].'

(Hopefully we'll see each other again soon.)

The crunchy sensation and sugary sweet taste of the birthday cookies lingered in my mouth long after I finished eating them.

It was nighttime and we had celebrated Kyle's birthday earlier that day.

I had just finished showering and changed into a nightgown before heading to Kyle's room.

I had made a promise to celebrate his birthday with him until the clock strikes midnight.

(I feel completely ready for tonight! --I think.)

(But it was Kyle who invited me to his room so I don't need to feel anxious!)

I held my breath as I knocked on his door but--

Kyle: "Oh, hey."

Kyle opened the door and looked startled to see me standing there.

[Alice]: "What's the matter, Kyle?"

Kyle: "Since it's already so late I thought you may have fallen asleep already."

[Alice]: "But we made a promise so of course I'm here!"

Kyle: "Well l'm glad. C'mon in."

(Kyle seems like his usual self so there was no reason for me to be nervous after all.)

I stepped inside his unkempt room, careful not to step on anything important.

Looking over at his desk, I was surprised that there was not an open book or beer bottle there.

(Was he not doing anything while waiting for me?)

Kyle: "Hey so what are you holding in your hand?"

[Alice]: "Hmm? Oh, this?"

Kyle pointed at the planner I held in my hand.

[Alice]: "I wanted to ask about your schedule."

Kyle: "Huh? I thought you knew that my work schedule is on the wall of the infirmary."

[Alice]: "Not your work schedule, I want to know when you have time off."

Kyle: "You wanna know when I have free time?"

[Alice]: "I wanted to celebrated your birthday today but I didn't get a chance to give you a real present.

[Alice]: "On any of your days off, if you happen to have free time, I was hoping we could go somewhere together."

(Kyle actually has pretty good taste so it would be better to pick something out for him together than for me to end up choosing something weird.)

(And then we could go out just the two of us!)

Kyle: "Okay, how about next Sunday? So does this mean--"

Kyle: "You're asking me out on a date?"

[Alice]: "Well, yes, I suppose it does."

Kyle: "Heh, that's interesting."

(He's really grinning from ear to ear!)

[Alice]: "Okay, let's meet up on Sunday!"

Kyle: "Yeah sure."

I immediately opened up my planner and circled Sunday.

(Alright, I'm looking forward to this date!)

[Alice]: "Let me know if there's a store you want to go to."

Kyle: "Hmm, nothing's coming to mind right now."

[Alice]: "Isn't there something you want? Other than alcohol, of course."

Kyle: "I already got lots of gifts from you."

[Alice]: "Like what?"

(What is he talking about? I haven't given him anything yet.)

After I closed my planner and looked up at him, his hair tickled my face as he came close.

(Oh--)

He stared deeply into my eyes and then kissed me gently.

Kyle: "I'm not completely satisfied yet so l'm looking forward to our date."

(Oh, he means 'that' kind of gift!)

[Alice]: "T-that's not enough!"

Kyle: "Huh? Why are you getting so embarrassed?"

[Alice]: "Because it was such a sudden kiss-- But if you really want that for your present..."

Kyle: "That's not what I meant."

(It's not?)

Kyle: "But I'll take 'em if you're offering."

Kyle cocked his head to the side and a smirk played on his lips.

Kyle: "We promised, remember? Later tonight we would continue from where we left off."

(Oh, I think he's referring to what happened earlier today after we kissed...)

Our noses touched and he caressed my cheek with his finger.

Kyle: "May I have a kiss?"

[Alice]: "Y-yeah, sure."

I did prepare myself for something like this to happen but it's still embarrassing.

(I just need to let myself relax!)

I closed my eyes and let myself feel as light as air.

Kyle had already kissed me countless times today, and my cheeks started burning with need.

Our kisses became more passionate and deep--

[Alice]: "Nnn--"

Kyle: "Ahh-"

He kissed me on my neck and on my shoulders, slowly removing my nightgown.

When we locked lips again he looked deep into my eyes and my body reacted with need.

Kyle: “…”

He stopped and stared at me in silence, his golden eyes piercing into my own.

(Don't get so quiet all of the sudden!)

The temperature was high between the two of us.

Kyle: "Are you ready?"

He panted as he spoke, with sweat forming on his brow.

[Alice]: "Umm, could you turn off the lights?"

Kyle: "Sure."

Kyle grinned at me and kissed me on the cheek before going to turn off the lights.

He came back to bed, held me in his arms, and I melted.

[Alice]: "Do you want me?"

Kyle: "I don't just want you, I need you--"

His love for me was overwhelming and I felt my body react to it.

He held my hand tightly in his.

(I really like you-- I love you.)

Kyle: "[Alice]-"

His embrace was so strong yet gentle,

and as we looked into each other's eyes, we let ourselves fall into a night of passion--

The next morning, I awoke to birds singing outside.

[Alice]: "It's morning, Kyle."

Kyle: "Lemme sleep a bit longer."

Kyle's sleeping face was illuminated by the sunlight delicately streaming into the room.

(Since it's only morning and it's already pretty hot, it's going to get even hotter later today.)

Kyle: "Thirty more minutes."

[Alice]: "Nope. It's not your birthday anymore so no more special treatment."

Kyle: "Hey why not? Meanie."

[Alice]: "I'm not being mean, just practical. Besides, aren't you up already?"

(Usually he can't form complete sentences when he's actually still half-asleep.)

[Alice]: "So it's time to get out of bed now."

(I'll go ahead and get changed first.)

I sat up in bed and just as I was leaving it--

Kyle: "Hey, wait."

[Alice]: "What--"

He embraced me from behind and pulled me back into the white cloud of sheets.

Kyle: "Why don't we sleep in once in a while?"

[Alice]: "Because there are things to do--"

Kyle looked at me with pleading puppy dog eyes and I couldn't help but smile and giggle.

(He knows I can't resist that look.)

[Alice]: "Okay fine, if you can answer this question then I'll let you sleep in."

Kyle: "Alright, shoot."

[Alice]: "Yesterday you said that you get lots of gifts from me."

Kyle: "Yep, I did say that."

[Alice]: "What exactly did you mean by that?"

(Did he mean that he's already had enough of celebrating his birthday?)

Kyle: "There's no deeper meaning behind it, just--"

Kyle paused for a few seconds to choose the correct words.

Kyle: "Even on days that are not my birthday I never tire of being with you, [Alice]."

Kyle: "Just having you by my side is a gift I get from you every day. ...That's what I was trying to say."

(Oh, that is so sweet--)

He squeezed me tight and kissed me tenderly.

Kyle: "You're the only one I can do something this embarrassing with."

[Alice]: "Me too--"

Even though just visiting his room made me nervous, I was already very much looking forward to our date.

Endless kisses enriching tender moments. I could only experience that with Kyle.

(Being with Kyle made every day feel special.)

His birthday ended but now our daily routine can begin again.

Both of us felt wrapped up in the magic of love--

On the night of my birthday, I was pacing back and forth in my room.

Kyle: “……”

Kyle: "She's late."

I was alone in my room waiting for [Alice].

(I know that it takes girls forever to get ready but still--)

(Doesn't she realize my birthday is going to end soon?)

She told me she was going to get ready for bed and then come back to my room later.

So I kept looking at my watch waiting for her to arrive.

(Why am I getting so flustered over something like this?)

(Maybe I should just go get her instead.)

Just as l opened the door to head to her room--

Kyle: "Oh, hey."

[Alice]: "What's the matter, Kyle?"

I was startled she was on the other side of the door.

(Yes, she finally came!)

Kyle: "Since it's already so late I thought you may have fallen asleep already."

[Alice]: "But we made a promise so of course I'm here!"

Kyle: "Well l'm glad. C'mon in."

I motioned for her to come inside, then closed the door behind her.

As I sat down next to her on the bed, I noticed she had something in her hand.

Kyle: "Hey so what are you holding in your hand?"

[Alice]: "Hmm? Oh, this?"

[Alice] held out a small planner.

[Alice]: "I wanted to ask about your schedule."

Kyle: "Huh? I thought you knew that my work schedule is on the wall of the infirmary."

[Alice]: "Not your work schedule, I want to know when you have time off."

Kyle: "You wanna know when I have free time?"

[Alice]: "I wanted to celebrated your birthday today but I didn't get a chance to give you a real present.”

[Alice]: "On any of your days off, if you happen to have free time, I was hoping we could go somewhere together."

(Hmm, that is kind of a round about way to say it but--)

Kyle: "Okay, how about next Sunday? So does this mean--"

Kyle: "You're asking me out on a date?"

[Alice]: "Well, yes, I suppose it does."

Kyle: "Heh, that's interesting."

(So it is a date. I'm glad she asked.)

[Alice]: "Okay, let's meet up on Sunday!"

Kyle: "Yeah sure."

[Alice] smiled up at me then circled Sunday in her planner.

(This girl is always so cute.)

(Every little thing she does, even something simple like marking a planner is adorable.)

It tickled my heart to see her innocent gestures.

I learned all of [Alice]'s little quirks since meeting her.

[Alice]: "Let me know if there's a store you want to go to."

Kyle: "Hmm, nothing's coming to mind right now."

[Alice]: "Isn't there something you want? Other than alcohol, of course."

Kyle: "I already got lots of gifts from you."

[Alice]: "Like what?"

(It's strange but ever since I fell for [Alice] I have been feeling more emotions than before.)

Even just waiting for her makes me excited because I know that I'll see her,

and my birthday has actually become just as important to me as my favorite drink.

(Not just on my birthday, every day I get gifts from her.)

After closing her planner she looked up at me and I kissed her.

[Alice]: "Ah--"

Her face flushed and she looked so adorable.

Kyle: "I'm not completely satisfied yet so l'm looking forward to our date."

As I smiled she lightly punched me in the arm.

[Alice]: "T-that's not enough!"

Kyle: "Huh? Why are you getting so embarrassed?"

[Alice]: "Because it was such a sudden kiss-- But if you really want that for your present..."

(Oh, I see what she's talking about.)

Kyle: "That's not what I meant."

Kyle: "But I'll take 'em if you're offering."

(I enjoy teasing [Alice] because her reaction is always priceless.)

(She has so many different expressions and I must see each and every one of them.)

Kyle: "We promised, remember? Later tonight we would continue from where we left off."

(No matter how much I touch her, it's never enough.)

Our noses touched and I caressed her cheek with my finger.

Kyle: "May I have a kiss?"

[Alice]: "Y-yeah, sure."

The face she makes when she closes her eyes was so cute I couldn't help but smile.

(How can she be this innocent and sweet?)

Our kisses became more passionate and deep--

[Alice]: "Nnn--"

Kyle: "Ahh--"

(It's getting really hot in here--)

All logic left me when I held her close to and our bodies touched.

I kissed her on the neck and on her shoulders and slowly removed her nightgown.

We locked lips again and I felt a heat deep inside of me.

Kyle: “…”

Her glassy eyes quivered as they stared back at me.

(I'm sure I look really desperate now, with sweat on my forehead.)

The temperature was high between the two of us.

(I said that I couldn't wait for this moment.)

(But now that it's finally here I feel overwhelmed.)

Kyle: "Are you ready?"

I wasn't sure if I was actually asking her or myself that question.

[Alice] nodded in agreement.

[Alice]: "Umm, could you turn off the lights?"

Kyle: "Sure."

(Well, it's either now or never.)

I smiled and kissed her cheek before going to turn off the lights.

After returning to bed, I held her in my arms as if she was the most precious gift in all of the world.

[Alice]: "Do you want me?"

Kyle: "I don't just want you, I need you--"

Hearing her voice near a whisper sent shivers down my spine.

I grasped her hand tightly and never let go.

(Ahh-- what have you done to me?)

(I love you.)

Kyle: "[Alice]--"

Holding her in my arms I said her name lovingly,

and as we looked into each other's eyes, we let ourselves fall into a night of passion--

The next morning, I awoke to [Alice]'s gentle voice.

[Alice]: "It's morning, Kyle."

Kyle: "Lemme sleep a bit longer."

I squinted my eyes at the sunlight pouring into the room and mustered all my strength in responding to [Alice].

(She's really energetic this early in the morning.)

Kyle: "Thirty more minutes."

[Alice]: "Nope. It's not your birthday anymore so no more special treatment."

Kyle: "Hey why not? Meanie."

[Alice]: "I'm not being mean, just practical. Besides, aren't you up already?"

(You got me there.)

Actually I am totally awake now and it's really hot in this bed.

(But I don't wanna let you go just yet.)

[Alice]: "So it's time to get out of bed now."

[Alice] sat up in bed and was just about to leave when I stopped her.

Kyle: "Hey, wait."

[Alice]: "What--"

I stretched out my arms and hugged her from behind.

I tightly embraced my beloved girlfriend.

Kyle: "Why don't we sleep in once in a while?"

[Alice]: "Because there are things to do--"

I looked at her with pleading eyes to try and convince her to stay in bed with me and she smiled.

[Alice]: "Okay fine, if you can answer this question then I'll let you sleep in."

Kyle: "Alright, shoot."

[Alice]: "Yesterday you said that you get lots of gifts from me."

Kyle: "Yep, I did say that."

(Why does she always remember even the tiniest of details?)

[Alice]: "What exactly did you mean by that?"

Kyle: "There's no deeper meaning behind it, just--"

It's rather embarrassing to talk about my feelings like this.

But I also did not want to lie to her.

Kyle: "Even on days that are not my birthday I never tire of being with you, [Alice]."

Kyle: "Just having you by my side is a gift I get from you every day. ...That's what I was trying to say."

I squeezed her tight and kissed her tenderly.

Since she always gives me such happiness, I want to return the favor.

Kyle: "You're the only one I can do something this embarrassing with."

[Alice]: "Me too--"

We smiled brightly at each other.

(Just by being with [Alice] every day feels special to me.)

My birthday ended but now our daily routine can begin again.

Both of us felt wrapped up in the magic of love--

The afternoon breeze was warm, and carried with it a sweet, floral scent that heralded the arrival of spring.

I was busy working in the infirmary, but as I paused for a break, I noticed a flower blooming in one of the pots near the window.

(And here I thought doctors only kept medicinal herbs around. Or can flowers be used in medicine, too?)

[Alice]: "Kyle, what type of flower is that?"

Kyle: "It's a bougainvillea. Ahh, it's finally blooming, huh?"

[Alice]: "It's so pretty! And such a vivid color, too!"

Kyle: "You like it?"

[Alice]: "I do! But are you going to be using it to make medicine?"

Kyle: "Yep, but only the leaves."

(So you don't use the flower! Does that mean you'll just let it keep blooming?)

The infirmary usually felt quite sparse and simple, but the brightly-colored flower made the whole room more cheerful.

(I never stopped to think about it before, but there's something to be said for having flowers in an infirmary.)

(I bet they'd make Kyle's patients feel better. I'd love to fill the room with all sorts of flowers!)

The next day--

I brought in several small vases full of artificial flowers, and began to arrange them around the room.

Kyle:"What's all this?"

[Alice]: "You remember how the bougainvillea started blooming yesterday? Well, it got me thinking how nice it is to have flowers in an infirmary."

Kyle: "Gotcha. But why fake flowers?"

[Alice]: "I thought real flowers might be a problem because of the scent."

[Alice]: "Strong scents can be overwhelming when you're feeling unwell, don't you think?"

Kyle: "You really thought this through, didn't you?"

Kyle grinned at me, reaching out to tousle my hair affectionately.

(Ahh, I always love it when you praise me.)

His light touch filled me with warmth, and I grinned happily back at him.

Kyle: "Hey, are you free tonight?"

[Alice]: "I am. Did you want to go out for a drink?"

Kyle: "No, I didn't mean-- just, if you're free, come up to my room."

[Alice]: "Hmm? Okay."

(It's not often you ask me up to your room. I wonder what you've got in mind?)

He turned quickly back to his work, so l decided not to press him about it.

But my heart was suddenly soaring as I started the day's work, and I couldn't wait for the evening to come.

(You were the one who invited me here, you know.)

Kyle and I had had a drink together, but as soon as we were done, he'd climbed into bed and fallen asleep almost instantly.

(Well, you were really busy all day today. I'm not surprised you're exhausted.)

Gazing down at his sleeping face made me realize how tired I was, and I crawled under the covers with him and snuggled up close.

(Goodnight, Kyle.)

His warmth was gentle and reassuring, and before I knew it, I was drifting off into dreamland as well.

Many hours later--

A sound woke me from a deep sleep, but my eyelids felt so heavy it took me a few moments to convince them to open.

(Kyle? Are you awake?)

I rubbed my face sleepily with one hand as I rolled over towards where I expected Kyle to be.

Kyle: "Ah!"

[Alice]: "Kyle?"

Kyle: "Geez. I was almost done, too."

[Alice]: "With what?"

I followed his gaze to his hand, and realized he was clutching the beautiful bougainvillea I'd seen in the infirmary.

Kyle: "Well, I guess it doesn't matter. Hold still for a sec, okay?"

[Alice]: "Okay."

Kyle put a hand against the bedhead as he leaned closer, and I blinked up at him in sleep-addled confusion.

(Неу!)

His long, bony fingers brushed against my head, and I shivered a little at the brief burst of warmth that flooded into me.

Kyle: "There. It's perfect for ya."

He combed his fingers through my hair, his whole expression softening as he studied me, and my heart skipped a beat.

[Alice]: "What do you mean?"

I was still too sleepy to process things properly, but when I reached up to my head, my fingers brushed against soft petals.

(Oh! You put the bougainvillea in my hair!)

Kyle: "You obviously really liked it, so I thought it might make ya happy if you woke up in the morning and found it in your hair."

[Alice]: "Oh, wow. Thanks so much, Kyle!"

Kyle: "Heh, when you smile like that, it's even more perfect for ya. You really are beautiful."

[Alice]: "Oh-"

(Sometimes you can just be so direct all of a sudden, and it's not good for my heart!)

His simple, sweet words set my heart racing, and yet at the same time they filled me with a gentle, contented warmth.

And it was times like those when I realized just how completely smitten I was with him.

[Alice]: "Hang on, is that why you asked me to come up to your room?"

Kyle: "Yep. You were so excited and bubbly about how pretty the flowers looked, after all."

(You're always paying attention to me and what matters to me, even when I don't realize it.)

[Alice]: "Thanks, Kyle. I really appreciate it."

Kyle: "Well, good."

Kyle cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly, and then reached out, wrapping his arms around me.

[Alice]: "Kyle? What is it?"

Kyle: "Hey, I can't help it-- you just looked really huggable."

He murmured the words in my ear, his voice huskier than usual, and it sent a shiver running right through me.

(Geez, Kyle, when you say things like that, in that voice--)

Kyle: "When I'm with you, I always end up feeling self-conscious and outta my element, but--"

Kyle: "Moments like these make me real happy, and I love 'em."

Kyle: "So... I just wanna stay with you, today, tomorrow, the day after that, and all the days after that."

[Alice]: "I feel the same way."

He loosened his grip a little, and I looked up to find him gazing tenderly at me.

[Alice]: "And Kyle... you're perfect just the way you are."

I wrapped my arms around his neck, and leaned in, pressing my lips against his.

For a moment, his lips were slack with surprise, and then he was kissing me back with an eagerness that surprised me.

I sighed softly into his mouth, and he lapped at my parted lips with his tongue.

(I get awkward and self-conscious myself sometimes, especially when you just throw those compliments at me so out of the blue.)

(So you don't need to feel so out of your depth. We're both fine, just the way we are.)

Our lips parted at last, and Kyle grinned at me as he pressed his forehead against mine.

Kyle: "When you look at me like that, it's like you're just asking for another hug."

[Alice]: "Well, maybe I am."

Kyle: "C'mere then."

[Alice]: "Okay."

I snuggled right up against him, pressing our bodies so close that it felt as if nothing could ever come between us.

The early spring evenings were still a little chilly, but I knew l'd never be bothered by it, not so long as he was there to enfold me in his warmth.

I closed my eyes as he leaned in for another kiss, silently wishing happy moments like these could last forever...

Some time had passed after Kyle had been chosen as the Intelligent winner of the Cradle Awards.

I was going through the letters addressed to members of the Red Army, when one of them caught my eye.

It was a wine-red envelope with gold writing that said [To Kyle Ash], so I headed to the infirmary.

[Alice]: "Hey Kyle, are you busy? A letter arrived addressed to you."

Kyle: "Nah, l'm not busy so let me see it."

[Alice]: "Sure."

After handing him the letter, he turned it over in his hand and frowned.

Kyle: "Hmm, I have no idea who this letter is from."

[Alice]: "Really?"

Kyle: "See, there's no return address."

[Alice]: "You're right, I didn't notice that before. I wonder if someone is playing a joke on you?"

Kyle: "It's probably not something as innocent as that. Maybe someone wants to cause trouble for me."

[Alice]: "Do you know of anyone who would want to do that?"

Kyle: "My first thought is a certain Jack in the Red Army, but I doubt he'd do something like this."

Kyle curiously took the envelope toward the window and held it up in the sunlight.

Kyle: "Well, it looks like there's only once piece of paper inside the envelope, so l'm gonna go ahead and open it."

(I think Kyle's actually pretty intrigued by this!)

Just as he looked over the note, he squinted his eyes and put his hand to his chin.

Kyle: "Oh, so that's what this is all about."

[Alice]: "What does it say?"

Kyle: "See for yourself."

My gaze dropped down to the piece of paper in his hand.

[There is a present for the Intelligent category winner of the Cradle Awards.]

[Read on to find out where the present is located. If you really are intelligent, you should be able to decipher this message.]

(Decipher? It sounds like some kind of hidden message.)

[To # you must remove the last 2 from a white knight.]

[Then, you must switch 2 in the middle.]

(I have no idea what this means...)

[Alice]: "This code is really puzzling... I wonder who sent this letter?"

Kyle: "If we figure out what the code means, we'll find that out too."

Kyle: "Alright, let's go."

(Go where, exactly?!)

Kyle stood up quickly from his chair and immediately headed out of the door.

[Alice]: "Did you already decipher the code, Kyle?"

Kyle: "Yep, I sure did."

(That was fast!)

Kyle: "Don't you get it?"

[Alice]: "No, l'm really confused--"

Kyle: "Okay, I'll explain it while we're walking to our destination."

As we walked down the hallway, Kyle pointed to the sharp symbol on the paper.

Kyle: "First, what do you think this means?"

[Alice]: "Well, I'm not exactly sure what it's referring to, but maybe it's related to the white knight mentioned afterward."

[Alice]: "Perhaps it has something to do with chess?"

Kyle: "Very good. In chess, the sharp symbol means 'checkmate'."

[Alice]: "Oh okay! So in that case, the message should say..."

[Alice]: "[To checkmate you must remove the last 2 from a white knight.]"

Kyle: "Exactly!"

(Alright! I wonder what the rest of it means.)

Kyle: "Next. What do you think about this? [You must remove the last 2 from a white knight.]”

[Alice]: "Hmm... well, there's only one white knight in chess so maybe it's referring to the black knight as well?"

Kyle: "Close!"

[Alice]: "Can I have another hint?"

Kyle: "Okay, how do you spell 'knight'?"

[Alice]: "K-N-I-G-H-T."

Kyle: "Take off the last two letters."

[Alice]: "Oh, I wonder if this is an anagram!"

(If I remove the H and T then I get--)

[Alice]: "K-N-I-G?"

Kyle: [Then, you must switch 2 in the middle.]

[Alice]: "So is this talking about switching the two letters in the middle then?"

Kyle: "Yep, you've got the hang of solving these, now!"

I drew the letters in the air with my finger.

[Alice]: "So if you switch it, you get the answer, 'king'!"

Kyle: "Correct. Okay, let's start again from the beginning."

Kyle: "So in order to checkmate the person who sent us this letter…”

Kyle: "We need to find the king, or in other words, the King of Hearts."

[Alice]: "So the answer to the message is..."

Kyle: “I ...Lancelot is waiting for us."

Just as Kyle said that we'd arrived in front of Lancelot's door.

He patted me on the back with one hand as if to praise me and knocked on the door with the other.

After we returned to the infirmary, Kyle decided to take a break before going back to work.

[Alice]: "That's great that you won two tickets to a stay at a fancy bed & breakfast!"

Kyle: "Yep, you're coming too, right?"

[Alice]: "Can I join you?"

Kyle: "Of course. I actually have no intention of inviting anyone else other than you."

[Alice]: "Thanks, Kyle, I appreciate it!"

As I drank some iced tea next to Kyle, I felt my face flush.

(I'm so excited that I get to say overnight with Kyle somewhere special!)

Kyle: "You really looked like you were enjoying yourself while trying to decipher that message."

[Alice]: "Yeah, it was difficult at first, but gradually I got the hang out it."

[Alice]: "But you figured it out instantly, Kyle, which I think is incredible."

Kyle: “Well, I guess it's similar to a quiz, which I really enjoy."

[Alice]: "I suppose so. Even so, there's no way l'd have been able to figure it out without your help!"

(As soon as he'd looked over the message, he'd immediately started heading for King Lancelot's room.)

(I really shouldn't be surprised he's so smart since he won the Intelligent category, after all.)

I placed my drink down on the table and Kyle reached up to tuck a loose section of hair behind my ear.

[Alice]: "Kyle..."

Kyle: "Well anyway--"

Kyle: "You always look so cute when you're having fun."

(He knows just what to say to make me blush!)

His eyes looked at me with a simmer of lust and my pulse sped up.

[Alice]: "H-hey, I want to give you a congratulatory gift too, so is there something you want?"

Kyle: "Yep, there's one thing I really want. ...But it's more interesting if I don't just tell you."

Kyle: "So take a guess."

[Alice]: "What? Or you could just tell me--"

Kyle: "The hint is that it has something to do with you."

(Hmm, something that Kyle wants and it's about me...)

[Alice]: "Do you want me to help you in the infirmary?"

Kyle: "Nope, that's not it."

[Alice]: "Do you want me to get you a drink?"

Kyle: "That sounds great, but it's not exactly what I want."

(Hmm, what could it be--)

Kyle: "3-2-1, Time's up!"

[Alice]: "Shoot..."

He put his arms around me and I could smell a hint of lime in his hair.

[Alice]: "You didn't tell me there was a time limit."

Kyle: "I meant that time's up for me, actually."

[Alice]: "What do you mean?"

Kyle: "Your smile is just so adorable that well..."

Kyle: "I can't stand it anymore--"

Kyle: "I really wanna hold you in my arms."

[Alice]: "Is this all you want, Kyle?"

Kyle: "Yep. Just stay like this, for a moment."

He squeezed me even tighter to emphasize his desire.

Kyle: "Having you near me gives me such strength."

Kyle: "So even if I was the smartest guy in the world, I'm nothing without you."

[Alice]: "But we always hug each other so does it really count as a present?"

Kyle: "Good point. Then I'd like a kiss as well."

[Alice]: "Nn--"

(Kyle is so clever I could talk with him for hours on end.)

(To be honest, l'm touched he wants to be with me more than anyone else, especially since I feel the same way.)

[Alice]: "Okay, is there nothing else you'd like from me?"

Kyle: "Just you wait. The evening has just begun--"

He put his hands around my waist and kissed me deeper.

I gave him more kisses as presents than I could count--