Chapter Thirty-One: The First Night

That night.

The evening sea was like a deep, wise old man, quietly slumbering in the twilight. No wind, no waves, silently facing the sky.

One could not truly perceive the vastness of the heavens or the immensity of the sea, but the sea breeze always brought a sense of pleasure. After a few cans of beer, listening to wandering artists sing gentle folk tunes by the shore, Natsuki felt tipsy, pleasantly drunk.

His gaze lingered on the woman sitting on the swing by the shore, his brows raised. He knew that after this night, if he did not seize the moment, he might never get another chance to know her.

He had joined a tour group for this trip, and during their encounters, he had several opportunities to interact with this captivating, elegant woman. Her every smile and frown was enchanting, and each exchange felt as if they were kindred spirits, mutually understood.

At that moment…

She turned, her bright and soft gaze meeting his, tilting her head gently, a bewitching, beautiful smile curling on her lips.

Natsuki stood there, dumbfounded, meeting her eyes. He wasn’t sure if he’d seen it right, but for a brief instant, he thought he saw a faint red glow in her pupils.

Unconsciously, his heart began to race, thundering in his chest. If he had to explain it, he would say he was truly moved.

Drawing a deep breath and gathering his courage, Natsuki walked towards her.

“Hello!”

“Hello,” she replied, her voice both commanding and sweet, pleasant to the ear. She smiled warmly, radiating kindness.

“Ms. Su Rouxue, I have something to say to you.”

Natsuki scratched his head, a shy and slightly awkward smile on his face.

She blinked her long lashes, her gaze sparkling with a hint of magic. “What is it you want to say?”

“I feel we’re fated to meet!”

“So?”

“Well… Sister Rouxue, I think I might be falling for you.”

“Mmm, I know.”

---

“Ah? Was it that obvious?”

“Do you really like me?”

“Yes, and I don’t want to miss the chance. Since you already know, would you accept my confession? Will you be with me?”

“Alright.”

Su Rouxue’s clear, bright eyes curved into crescent moons, and under the moonlight, she gave Natsuki a smile he would never forget for the rest of his life.

He was stunned, eyes wide with disbelief and exhilaration.

“I… it’s just…” Flustered, he didn’t know what to say. “This is my first time falling in love.”

“Yes, I think you mentioned that a few days ago. Sit beside me.”

Su Rouxue turned her gaze to the empty spot next to her.

Natsuki sat down nervously.

They were close together, and perhaps emboldened by the haze of drunkenness, Natsuki found himself reaching out to take Su Rouxue’s hand.

The moment their palms touched, he realized hers were icy cold.

Their fingers intertwined, as they savored the sea breeze brushing against their faces.

“Can you drink a bit more?” Su Rouxue smiled, wanting to share drinks and conversation with him on the beach.

Now that their relationship was confirmed, and the night was beautiful, it was the perfect opportunity to get to know each other.

“Of course. I’ll go buy some.”

Natsuki nodded, squinting to keep himself sober.

He returned shortly, carrying several more cans of beer.

As he sat down again, Su Rouxue suddenly leaned against his shoulder, took a sip, and mused, “You give me such a unique feeling. I wonder what it’s like to date a younger man!”

“Heh, now you have all the time in the world to find out. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to you. Even if you’re much older, I just can’t let you go.”

Natsuki drank, glancing sideways at Su Rouxue’s face, his gaze slowly lowering to her lips—so alluring he couldn’t help but swallow nervously.

Never before had he felt so feverish over someone.

He licked his lips, holding Su Rouxue’s delicate hand tightly, feeling an inexplicable heat rise within him.

Su Rouxue stared ahead, but could sense Natsuki’s furtive glances.

---

Natsuki’s eyes trailed downward, and he realized from this angle, her chest was quite prominent, a pale, soft curve rising, quivering gently with each breath.

He quickly turned his head toward the distant sea, embarrassed, fearing Su Rouxue would notice his wayward gaze and think him a rogue.

“Pfft!” Su Rouxue suddenly laughed.

“Huh? Why are you laughing?” Natsuki asked, puzzled.

“Guess!”

She didn’t explain, and instead stared straight into his eyes, close enough that he could feel her breath.

“How could I guess? I…”

Natsuki swallowed again, feeling as if her gaze bound him in place.

The look in her eyes seemed to hint at something. He didn’t know if it was the drink or his imagination, but he thought he saw another strange gleam in her eyes.

A mysterious energy surged through him, making him lose control. He lowered his head and kissed Su Rouxue’s soft lips.

She didn’t resist, and as she felt Natsuki’s heated breath, she quietly closed her eyes.

Su Rouxue herself couldn’t explain the intense passion she felt for Natsuki. From the very first moment of their acquaintance, she was irresistibly drawn to him.

He felt familiar, as if they’d met before.

She couldn’t explain it, nor did she know why.

So when he abandoned restraint and threw himself at her, she didn’t resist, nor did she think their relationship was moving too fast.

And as they kissed, Su Rouxue felt an unprecedented sense of immersion.

His actions were clumsy and inexperienced, yet gave her immense pleasure.

Their first kiss—neither knew how long it lasted.

When they finally parted, they continued to drink, and Natsuki grew truly drunk, his boldness increasing.

That night, hand in hand, they found a guesthouse and slept in the same bed.

At first, they simply held hands and slept quietly. But as midnight approached…