The walls have a seamless subtle pattern of soft blues, the ceiling is white with a bulkhead, and the floor is a light brown vinyl. 

As I stepped into the living room that is shaped like a square, I could smell the pot of rosemary placed in front of the sliding glass door leading to the balcony. The scent of rosemary is described as hints of wood or mint. As I realized this, I found myself standing in front. I could see her sitting upright on a long gray couch, yet her back was not leaning on the backrest. There were square bluish-green rugs around the sofa, and beside the couch was a portable air conditioner. There was also a floor lamp that appeared to be off. 

While she was in the center of the room, I was holding the tray with both hands. I started to walk slowly, wearing white closed-toe slippers with socks. 

As I got closer, I noticed her fingers typing on the MacBook's keyboard, causing me to stop walking. The laptop screen is filled with a myriad of graphs, charts, and spreadsheets, displaying a complex array of data. Each chart is meticulously labeled and color-coded, representing various metrics and trends. Rows of numbers and formulas populate spreadsheets, indicating the depth of analysis being performed. The laptop is placed on a mahogany circular table in front of her, with scattered papers and notebooks filled with scribbled notes on the table. Her fingers continue to type as she focuses, unaware of my presence. 

Nevertheless, seeing her just makes me smile. I cannot help but ponder. Since I became an adult, I have had a realization that only dawned upon me. 

At first, it was self-interest. When I was young, I sought her presence, eagerly looking for her to be by my side. I seem to have developed an open-minded perspective. Initially, my pursuit of her seemed driven solely by my own desires or just to satisfy myself. However, as time passed, my mind kept wandering back to her, engulfing me in a sense of confusion. I couldn't stop focusing on her until I decided to observe her more closely. Every time I see her on social media, her tired face in her posts or her weary gait outside the home makes me wonder about the burdens she carries as an adult. It all causes me to worry. I realized that her vulnerability required the presence of someone to take care of her. I often ponder how she manages to take care of others or if she prioritizes her own well-being. 

In the absence of anyone fulfilling this role, I made a firm commitment to take on this responsibility. 

However, during my younger years, I experienced confusion and a lack of direction, which prompted me to make a decision to dedicate myself to learning for the sole purpose of acquiring the necessary knowledge to handle the situations and events around me. Eventually, as I acquired the necessary understanding, I found myself spending more time with her. With all my attention focused on her, I finally realized that I had fallen in love. I don't care about infatuation; all I have are genuine feelings towards her.

"Agnes."

"Aaaahhh!!"

I accidentally uttered the name, which resulted in her shocked reaction and subsequent scream, which startled me, and she turned her head towards me. She was breathing heavily, with both hands resting on her chest while in an upright sitting position.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered as I felt bad. I noticed her expression took on a look of astonishment. "I didn't mean to startle you."

As we both remained silent, I continued to speak. However, as we exchanged glances, she suddenly stood up. She was wearing a crop top, high-waisted pants, and socks.

"I have arrived home," I said, a smile gracing my face, effectively breaking the silence.

"Welcome home," she responded, returning the smile on her face.

"May I inquire about your well-being?" I politely asked.

"I have been facing difficulties, but I continue to persevere," she responded in a calm manner. "But rest assured, I am doing well."

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I began to make my way towards her. The couch was positioned in the middle of the room, causing me to navigate turns while donning a white jacket and dark gray pants.

"When did you get here?" she inquired as I came to a stop in front of her.

"About an hour ago," I answered calmly. 

While standing, I bent to place the tray on the table. I carefully arranged a tray containing utensils, a plate displaying an assortment of food, and a cup filled with fruit-infused water. The tray comprised avocado toast, hummus, vegetable sticks, and graham cracker desserts.

"I refrained from contacting or meeting you immediately due to your busy schedule. I didn't want to bother you, thus I took the initiative to prepare a meal for your consumption." Following my explanation, she attentively listened while we both remained standing. 

In a sudden turn of events, my eyes widened as she unexpectedly embraced me tightly, prompting me to reciprocate the gesture. I'm brimming with joy, signaling the beginning of something special.

"You surprised me," she chuckled. "It's been one week since we last met."

"It is. It's been four years since we've been together, and we've been busy with our own activities," I responded, and she lifted her head to me.

"Indeed, we rarely meet, but we think about each other and text each other through the phone," she answered with a smile as we looked at each other, and I noticed her calm expression.

As we embraced, I slowly raised my hand to caress her cheeks and let her hair glide through my fingers, to which she reciprocated by tenderly touching my hand with her own, using just one hand.

"Athy, are you surprised that I cut my long hair? It's back to being short, just like before."

"Yes, I am surprised. However, your appearance doesn't matter to me. I want you to know that you should do what you want. I appreciate whatever preferences you have."

"Honestly, you genuinely care for me, not just about how I look or beyond physical appearance. I believe that you value me for who I am," she responded. I nodded in agreement.

"It doesn't affect my feelings because my emotions are acceptance, care, and a desire for mutual understanding and happiness in the relationship," I confess. "I'm concerned for your well-being and happiness."

Both of us appear to be blushing. Within moments, she releases her hold and notices the food, prompting her to take a seat, subsequently causing me to sit as well. 

"Thank you for the meal," she expresses as we settle alongside each other. 

A gentle warmth graces my cheeks as she plants a kiss on them, leaving me momentarily stupefied. In a swift motion, she seizes the utensils and begins to eat. 

Lately, she has been surprising me with unexpected kisses, which evoke a sense of self-consciousness within me. Her choice of attire tends to be quite revealing.

Amidst our time together, it appears that our true selves are becoming more revealed. 

Unable to contain my amusement, I let out a chuckle, prompting her to glance at me while she continues to eat.

"May I ask if you have eaten yet?" she inquires, leisurely consuming her food.

"Yes, I have. I consumed food earlier," I respond, glancing at my timepiece, which indicates the hour to be two in the afternoon. 

"I ate a lot at home because my parents and siblings recently returned from Britain. It was a festive occasion for our reunion." I provide additional information as a measure to prevent further inquiries.

"Ah, I was unaware that they had returned to the hometown," she responds calmly, her shoulders down. "It is surprising that they didn't take you with them."

"Indeed, initially they had mentioned the possibility of me joining them, but I declined due to academic commitments," I state. I notice her shoulders rise as she sits upright. 

"Athy, It feels like I wouldn't be able to handle the long distance if you were to go with them," she confidently confessed, leaving me speechless. As a result, I inched closer.

"Why did you not inform me of their intention to take you with them?" she asks, furrowing her eyebrows as she realizes something. I feel a sense of intimidation.

"It was not necessary to inform you at that time, as I believed it would cause you to think the situation," I explain calmly.

"I understand," she says, maintaining a calm expression as she continues eating. I merely observe her, feeling relieved that I have not angered her.

"May I inquire about your current work?" I inquired as I observed her effortlessly typing on the keyboard with one hand while using the other to hold her fork while eating, revealing multitasking. 

"I am currently engaged in conducting an analysis of the company's sales data for the previous quarter, along with performance metrics," she responded, without diverting her attention towards me.

"This analysis will aid in the preparation of a strategic report for upcoming board meeting." As she continued speaking, elaborating on her tasks, I could not help but feel proud of her. 

I remained silent and decided to inch closer as we were sitting next to each other, my hands resting on the couch, while my arms were on either side of me.

"It has been a year since I became a manager, and I am pleased to say that it has been a great success as I was promoted," she joyfully expressed. I found myself smiling widely. 

"You too, I presume? After graduating as a pilot, you have also achieved success. However, I am curious as to why you have decided to take some time before starting your career?"

"...I simply want to spend time with you," I confess hesitantly. "If I were to start my career immediately, I believe that we would only be able to meet once a month for an entire year."

"The airlines I am considering generally do not provide pilots with regular days off, although they do offer rest days in the event of flight cancellations," I answered further.

There was a momentary silence between us before we exchanged glances. It seemed that we were both blushing once again.

"I-I u-understand," she stuttered, clearly feeling embarrassed. 

She suddenly turned her head forward and focused on what she was doing. As we sat next to each other, I kissed the back of her neck, causing her to flinch in surprise.

"Mm," she let out a soft moan as I pressed my lips.

"Are you attempting to seduce me while I am occupied with a task?" she calmly inquired, briefly glancing at me after I kissed her. I then withdrew and leaned against the backrest.

"It is not as you perceive it," I responded with a chuckle. 

"Agnes, I'll buy the eyeglass protection for your eyes because you've been engrossed in the screen. This habit does not contribute to your well-being."

"Thank you for thinking of me," she expressed as I experienced a sense of relaxation on the couch next to her.

"Of course," I cheerfully responded.

Considering her current occupation, I intended to retrieve my phone from my pocket in order to place an online order. However, I refrained from doing so as she suddenly became silent and didn't do her work, causing me to observe.

"Regarding your professional aspirations, when you informed me of your desire to become an airline pilot in the past, I was both surprised and angry," she unexpectedly confessed, making me feel concerned and oblivious to her emotions, which left me disheartened.

"...Why?" I hesitantly replied.

"There have been numerous aviation accidents, some resulting in explosions or malfunctions, while others have plummeted and crashed," she mentioned without looking at me. Her expression remained concealed from my sight.

"Indeed, that's true," I remarked. "Rest assured, I have the knowledge and competence to operate and inspect airplanes. If the unfortunate day comes, I will ensure the safe landing of the aircraft─"

"Why do you pursue a career in aviation and become a pilot?" she asked me as I was speaking, causing me to pause.

"Because flying allows me to have a unique vantage point of the world, whether it be the sea or the clouds," I replied calmly. "When I'm up in the air, I can see everything, and feel connected to different parts of the country."

"I understand, just make sure to demonstrate that you prioritize safety and avoid any accidents," she said calmly. 

As we sat beside each other, she unexpectedly leaned back, resting her head on my shoulder.

"Please don't give too much concern about it, as I wish to avoid causing you further distress. Instead, I ask that you place your trust in me."

As we sat together, she abruptly stood up after my statement and set her fork down on the table. This caught my attention, and she turned to face me as she approached. I remained seated while she stood before me, an expression of seriousness on her face. I felt bewildered by her actions.

"Agnes─"

Before I could finish speaking her name. I paused as she bent down, placing one knee on the couch and resting her hand on my shoulder. Closer she moved, sitting on my lap with both arms still on my shoulder. I was rendered speechless, taken aback by her confident actions. 

From my point of view, she was now seated upright on my lap, with her bent legs resting on the couch.

We sat in silence, gazing at each other, until a sudden movement brought her closer. 

Her head swiftly approached mine, resulting in a forceful kiss. 

I could taste the warmth and sweetness on her lips. I assumed it was the taste of the food she had eaten earlier. Then, she looked at me, and I was once again taken aback by the silence between us, which seemed to conceal our emotions. I could hear her breathing as she gently touched my neck with one hand, running her fingers through my long hair with the other hand. 

Without warning, she kissed me again, making a soft sound. In that moment, I instinctively placed my hands on her waist, and we closed our eyes simultaneously.

Our mouths became wet as we engaged in a tender kiss, never breaking apart. Her lips then parted slightly, but mine remained closed. 

However, she pressed her lips against mine again, this time with her tongue, causing me to open my mouth. She sucked on my lips with force, creating a moment that felt both pleasurable and intense. With my eyes still closed, I could sense her lips brushing mine, creating a slight distance.

"...Are you okay?" I perceived her voice to be hesitant yet subdued after she kissed me, which prompted me to open my eyes. 

We remained close to each other, sensing the gentle exchange of breath through our noses.

"Yes, I am," I replied. 

Although I wanted to know the nature of her kiss, I found myself unable to do so.

"I am pleased to hear that," she expressed while showing her radiant smile. 

We gazed into each other's eyes as she sat on my lap, my back supported by the couch's backrest. In an embrace, she enveloped me with her arms wrapped around my neck, her bosom pressed against my chest. In return, I rested my head on her shoulder as she did the same and placed my other hand on her back.

"I am simply discussing your aviation career, as it is based on my observations and concerns about the potential risks and pressures that can lead to accidents. It reminds me of the challenges you face in your career," she admitted. 

"This is the reason for my behavior, and I apologize for it. I also want you to be aware that I have faith in you and trust your abilities," she continued to speak as I listened. "As you have now reached adulthood, I believe it is important for you to consider what is right."

"As I became an adult, I can do whatever I want. However, I underestimate myself when it comes to determining my purpose at this stage of life." I shared my concerns regarding adulthood, and she listened attentively. "I was forced to think about what was beyond."

"Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the complexities of adulthood?" she inquired.

"That is indeed correct. However, I am confident that I can unearth my path in life when you are by my side," I admitted as I noticed her inch closer.

"I had a similar experience during my younger years, where I would often ponder what my adulthood would be like. However, I came to realize that too much thinking about the future can be disastrous to oneself and can deplete one's energy. Therefore, I made a decision to stop worrying or thinking too much about it," she explained.

"As a result, I discovered my own interests as I transitioned into adulthood, which felt authentic to who I am. This newfound clarity and direction in life has been immensely rewarding," she continued, prompting me to share my thoughts based on what she had just said.

"It is indeed a valuable lesson in trusting oneself," I responded. "It's admirable how you found your path as you changed into adulthood by letting your interests guide you and letting go of worries about the future."

"Yes. In fact, your perspective changes, allowing you to find your way naturally as you get older. Just like letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out can often lead to unexpected findings that lead to fulfillment," she shared, referring to me. I listened attentively.

"I intend to purchase a house and lot," she suddenly stated, changing the topic. "We can no longer continue staying at the hotel apartment."

"I will help you with this task," I replied. However, something came to my mind.

"Agnes, it appears that you prefer to wear revealing clothing that exposes some skin." 

"Yes, that is true. It is my personal preference," she affirmed. 

"Do you have any objections to it?" she continued, speaking. I felt intimidated as her tone was serious.

"No, I cannot take issue with what you prefer." I said. I observed an object slipping out of her pants pocket and sliding onto the couch.

"Y-Your pad emerged from your pocket and fell," I stammered, feeling embarrassed as I remembered what had happened before.

"I will pick it up later," she stated. "There is something on my mind, you seem to never experience menstruation."

"That is true, I do not have periods," I chuckled. "It is because I exercise regularly, which I realized all this time, and my friend just told me who's pursuing a career as a doctor."

"Indeed, I have also noticed that," she chuckled. 

"These days, my mother has been calling me, expressing their desire for me to visit them. So, I will not be coming home during that time," she shared, changing the topic. 

"Do they also ask that you do not come home frequently?" I asked. 

"Yes, I simply reply that I am staying at a hotel near my workplace" she replied. "And what about you?"

"They occasionally ask me the same thing. I respond by saying that I am staying at a hotel for my thesis and near the school, but I don't mention that I am living with you."

"That is a good plan. We should wait a while longer before informing them about our relationship." 

"I understand," I replied. 

After our conversation, as she was sitting next to me, she got up. Her legs brushed against mine in a slow movement as she gracefully repositioned herself by my side, and now we find ourselves sitting together on the couch. In a seamless motion, she retrieved the fork and resumed her meal, while her nimble fingers typed on the keyboard to fulfill her role as an analyst.

In the meantime, while she was occupied with her tasks, I made the decision to scroll through the phone. I reached into the pocket of my pants and retrieved my phone. 

I have also made the decision to purchase eyeglasses through an online application. However, I have noticed that my phone wallpaper still displays an image of the ocean illuminated by a sunset orange sky, which I wish to change. After thinking once more, I have decided to capture her image to use as my new wallpaper. While sitting beside her, I subtly moved away, prompting her to notice.

"What are you doing?" she asked calmly. "Just sit beside me, there's no need to move away." 

"It's not like that," I realize my intentions and admit with a hint of embarrassment. "I just wanted to capture your image for my phone wallpaper." Her face suddenly reflects a startled expression in response to my confession.

"..."

"I understand," she finally responds after seconds of silence, now appearing calm and relaxed. 

"Give me your phone." In response to her statement, I obediently comply and hand her my phone.

As we were seated, she came closer and sat beside me, abandoning her food and laptop. She leaned her head on my shoulder, causing me to lean my head on hers, and our hair brushed against each other, resulting in her extending her arm forward to hold the phone. I slowly slid my arm beside her and touched her waist, while her other hand rested on my lap.

With a single click on my phone, we took a picture. As she held the phone, she brought it closer for us to see the display.

In the photo, I noticed her wide smile, which made her eyes squint.

"Why are your eyes not looking at the camera, but instead, they are directed towards me with a timid smile?" 

"I didn't realize it," I admitted, feeling bashful. "I just realized that I was looking at you."

"Hahahaha."

After my confession, she laughed, causing her body to move involuntarily, including her arms.

"You're too adorable," she said while holding my phone and setting the photo as the wallpaper.

"It's all done now. If I'm occupied with something and you need something, don't hesitate to let me know. I can make time for you," she said, looking directly at me.

"I appreciate that, thank you," I responded with a smile and a nod. 

She handed me my phone and upon viewing my phone's wallpaper, she surprised me with a kiss on the cheek, leaving me feeling somewhat self-conscious once again. Returning to her task at hand, she resumed typing on the keyboard and sipped on a glass of fruit-infused water. Placing the cup on the table, she continued eating as the food slowly disappeared.

I feel intrigued; I couldn't help but observe her. My curiosity led me to reach out and touch her, and in that moment, I realized something.

"Agnes," I uttered.

"What is it?" she calmly replied, without diverting her attention towards me.

As a result, I remained silent, moving closer to her and embracing her from behind, resting my head on her shoulder. 

She ceased her typing, choosing instead to pat my head with one hand before resuming her work. While observing her, I took notice of her outfit once again: a light green button-up crop top paired with high-waisted beige pants, and white short socks adorning her feet.

While embracing her from behind, I positioned one hand on the couch for support and the other on her waist, which startled her and caused her to pause her typing once again.

In that moment, I lightly kissed the side of her neck, causing her to lean her head against me as I sat behind her, my foot stepping on rugs. She turned to look at me.

"There has been something weighing on my mind lately," she stated out of nowhere. "I feel compelled to express it."

"May I know?" I said, wondering.

"If you should ever consider the idea of marrying me, I would decline," she unexpectedly revealed, catching me off guard as I never think about matrimony.

"I have never entertained the thought of marrying you. It has never crossed my mind," I replied. "However, I am intrigued. May I ask why you would refuse?

"I am glad that the idea of marriage has never crossed your mind," she expressed with a smile, prompting me to gently kiss her forehead. 

"Our last names, Aguirre and Ingram, solely belong to our respective fathers. If we do decide to marry, the last name would inevitably change, be it yours or mine. I must admit, I would feel disappointed by this change as I hold a deep love for my parents." Her admission carried a serious tone. However, in that moment, I came to a realization.

"Thank you for sharing your sentiments, and I totally understand your point of view. I, too, have no desire to impose my father's last name upon you," I responded. 

"It is fortunate that the concept of marriage does not hold us back. Instead, let's cherish the fact that we are together, as that is what truly matters." 

"I understand," she responded timidly while mustering a smile. I gently caressed her cheeks with my hand, showing a tender gesture of affection.

"I have come to another realization merely by looking at you earlier," I spoke calmly.

"What is it?" 

"If we always meet constantly and spend time together, it may prove burdensome to the tasks we are working on. Therefore, it would be more beneficial for us to meet when we have no obligations, enabling us to spend our time together," I concluded. "So, after we have completed our tasks, we can allocate time to communicate and share updates with each other."

"I see. I understand your suggestion, it's all about the importance of finding a proper balance between personal and shared time," she acknowledged. "By prioritizing dedicated moments together when we are not preoccupied with other obligations. Therefore, it is a considerate approach that we prioritize both our objectives and our bond as a couple," she continued to articulate, to which I nodded in response. As a result, we chuckled.

As we gazed into each other's eyes, she unexpectedly moved closer, resulting in our lips colliding. 

She eagerly slipped her tongue into my mouth, prompting me to reciprocate. Her hand gripped the couch as she maneuvered, turning herself towards me. 

In a momentum, I noticed that she gracefully stood up while I remained seated, our mouths still locked in a passionate embrace. Our tongues delicately entwined, causing us to close our eyes. 

Her hand gently touched my jaw as she pushed me backwards with one hand, allowing me to rest my head on the arm of the couch, causing me to recline. 

In an attractive way, she hovered closely, and I could feel our legs entwined in an intimate embrace.

As I lay down, her bosom pressed against my chest, even through the layers of our clothing. I discovered her lying on top of me, and in response, I delicately cradled her head with one hand to prevent it from becoming numb, while my other hand rested gently on her waist, symbolizing a gesture of care and comfort.

In the afternoon, the room was bathed in sunlight, as its rays filtered through the sliding glass door in front of the couch where we lay. 

The calmness and peace enveloped us, as on this particular day, we shared affection and emotional intimacy. These moments suggest a profound connection, and as we openly express our feelings, we come to realize just how they resonate within us. It is through these shared experiences that we find understanding and relatability. Everything just shared emotions within affection. However, when circumstances require our physical separation, we trust in faith to maintain our connection.

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments in life unfold unexpectedly, as if our emotions and destinies are intertwined; as if our heartstrings are intertwined, guiding us toward each other.