The storm outside had dwindled down into a steady pour. They could have travelled back to the city but Gio is against the idea. It’s too dark already. Besides, he doesn’t feel like driving in this kind of weather.

Who in their right minds would trade this woman’s warmth for the rain? If he could bottle the moment and preserve it for eternity, he would without second thoughts. His hand moved absentmindedly, gliding against the smooth silk of her hair as they lay cuddled on the sofa.

A gingham-patterned blanket in brown and grey was draped over them, both their toes tucked in the covers. He’s feeling deliciously warm that his eyelids were starting to droop. If not for Sandy’s small movements as she tried to find a more comfortable position on his side, he could have dozed off.

Suddenly, her little head snapped. Small fingers grabbed his chin, ensuring his full attention.

"But you're forgetting something."

He gave her a puzzled look. "What?"

"You're the dragon of all dragons, Gio Kwon. Will you be able to slay yourself for me?"

His mind went blank, he couldn't think of an answer. He just stared at her like a moron, brain in liquid form. So he let his instinct take over, to fill up the silence which hung in the air between them. Lowering his eyelashes, he eyed her pink lips, slightly swollen from his kisses and bent his head.

“You think too much,” he mumbled as their lips touched for God knows how many times already.

“Hmm…am not.” Her whispered reply came reverberating on his lower lip.

“You are,” he whispered back.

“Not.”

He chose not to answer. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her frame to flip Sandy atop him. The sooner she stops entertaining doubts in her head, the better. He won’t give her a chance to take back her words. This walking strawberry-scented woman is not going anywhere but in his arms.

***

It was past ten after three o’clock in the morning when they decided to call it a night. She recalled that she dozed off beside Gio downstairs but he shook her awake. He insisted she sleep in her room. By the time she came up the stairs, sleep already left her.

The comfortable bed of her younger years felt odd. She tried changing the sheets and pillowcases but to no avail. Frustrated, she plopped down on a nearby bean chair.

"What now?" she thought aloud. Only silence answered her.

Saying yes to Gio was by impulse. But she couldn’t find it in herself to take back her words. Be it his eyes, his scent or his intensity that made her say yes is not important now. Somehow, she knew within herself that she’s bound to be swept by the handsome hurricane that is Gio Kwon. So she wasn’t surprise if her impulsiveness kicked in and got the better of her.

You like him, simple as that. Even though he irritated the life out of you, you still like him. Even if he was a jerk, you still like that jerk. And the sooner you admit it to yourself, the better. You’re not the type of girl who beats around the bush, Sandy. You like him, go for it, follow your heart. But do not close your eyes while you do so.