Christmas Rose

"You seem to like books." Orion lowered his back and peeked at the book that Helle was reading. His breath landed on her shoulder, instantly returning to reality. Sharply blinking, she turned her head to the side.

"Well yea. It's always been a hobby of mine," she replied and closed the book. Orion stood straight, walked around the couch, and sat beside her.

"um...." He took a glance at the book cover. "You like gothic fantasy?" There was no foul, as he hit straight at the mark.

"Yea," her volume lowered. Almost promptly, he got on his feet and started to go through a few books on the racks. Picking out a few different hardcover books, Orion placed them at the table, while Helle followed him with her eyes.

"You should try these three. They have a gothic tale and a well-built fantasy world, but the lore is dark." about three different book spines faced her.

"Is this... I think I have read this one." Helle took out the book at the bottom, and indeed it was a book she had read and loved!

"Oh! This one! It's one of the best books from the author, "She Squeaked. "Especially those scenes where the protagonist tries to piece together the mystery! It was so crazy I swore I thought it was the mailman, but no!" Her eyes lit up, and perhaps it was the chattiest she had ever been with him.

"I think that his last visit was the arrow to show that the mailman was the murderer," affected by Helle's energy. Orion too had a soft, curved-down smile on his face, enjoying the bookish talk.

"I missed that. Wait...I think I will read it again. I want to map out the entire plan this time."

"Sure. Let's have dinner now though," Orion reminded them, and they both stood from their seats and headed to the dining room, where the food was served. The plates were fancy, and even the dinner, made by the chef, was eye-catching.

She made sure to eat every last bite, savour it, and not leave even the slightest granule. It was silent, and only the clicks of the crockeries were audible. By the end of the dinner, Helle swore she had eaten a bit too much and had a full stomach.

"Want to go out for a walk?"

"Sure. Why not?" She cracked a smile but took her time to get off the chair because it was hard to get up!

Martha brought a thick poncho to keep Helle warm, and they walked outside the gate for the first time. There were a few small houses and stores. Although it was late, there still were a few cars on the path. Since the road was uphill, they walked slowly.

"How are you feeling?" Orion asked, especially after Donovan called him personally to report that she wasn't doing well.

"A little overwhelmed but okay," Helle replied.

"I see," he acknowledged. He had no words to comfort her or perhaps make her feel light.

The hill was steep, and the delicious smell of fried chicken and spicy sauces hit their nostrils. Turning to the left, they walked to a narrow road, which on one side had light fences and on the other side a few houses. The Christmas decorations, such as the trees, the lights, and even the snowman, were kept in the front yards.

"Wow," she murmured while snuggling her hands around her poncho's front. Orion was just a step to her side, at a perfect distance where she neither felt uncomfortable nor touchy.

"Do you want to decorate the house for Christmas?"

"I can?" Helle had to blink a few times to make sure she was hearing correctly.

"Of course you can. Let's go shopping once the engagement is over. I'm sure Leah would be happy to accompany you." Orion was generous with his words, and the smile he had was a sin! Moreover, he didn't feel as if he lived a different life from her. He was so close~

Soon they arrived in front of a house that had an arched front gate and was covered in leaves and perishing flowers.

"Let's go inside." Orion led the way and walked in.

"Eh?"

"To have some gelato. Or you don't want any dessert?"

"No, I do!" She immediately defiled, and they walked inside. A small board was placed, which listed all the flavours and prices. There was greenery all around, and heading to the ice cream parlour, about twenty different flavours were kept.

"Which one do you want?" Both of them keenly looked at the options. There were figs, bananas, blueberries, chocolate, caramel, and many more, but one of them caught her eye.

"How about this whiskey one?" she grinned.

"Sure, then I shall have this rum one."

The whole place was empty, and so they walked to the outdoor garden, where LED lights were spiring around the tall tree's trunk. There were flowers everywhere, even Santa's large plushie.

"Um! It's so tasty."

They sat on the wooden chairs and watched the sky. The crescent moon, and next to it was a small, shiny Venus, which was barely visible.

"So what will you do once the engagement is done?" Orion licked the ice cream even though his glasses were about to slide from his nose bridge.

"I am not sure. I never really thought that far, but maybe I will join the Master's Program. I'm sure I'll stay busy till December and can start applying in February." Helle ate the last bits of her waffle cone.

"That's good. If you need any help or advice, just call me. I was one of the best when I graduated."

"...."

"Eh? You think I'm boasting?" Orion sneered while placing his glasses properly.

"Ye, I mean no," Helle grinned while Orion could only roll his eyes.

"I was even better than Liam," he stated, to which Helle couldn't believe it at all, earning her a side-eye.

"No way!"

"...."

"I mean, Mr. Snow seems like that perfect student!"