Thud!
Thud! Thud!!
As he approached, Lola’s heart raced wildly.
She didn’t know why her heart was racing.
It was either from nervousness or excitement, one of the two.
Standing there, only looking down at her toes, Dylan spoke to Lola.
“Shall we sit and talk?”
“Yes.”
That was a relief.
If she stood there any longer, she might have collapsed from trembling.
Lola sat down a little distance away from Dylan. He sat next to her and spoke first.
“Since I was the one who asked to date, shouldn’t we have a proper relationship? I bought these sunflowers on the way here, but I’m not sure if you’ll like them.”
Dylan handed the bouquet of sunflowers to Lola. Her heart continued to race as if it were malfunctioning. Her voice trembled as she spoke.
“Th-thank you. I like them.”
“I’m glad you like them.”
“The flowers are so beautiful.”
It was the first time she had received flowers from a man. Perhaps that was why she was even more nervous.
Still, the flowers were so beautiful that a smile spread across her face without her realizing it. But that was short-lived; when she accidentally met Dylan’s eyes, the smile quickly faded from her face.
“Usually, we’re both busy. So I think it wouldn’t be bad to meet and talk whenever we have time. What do you think?”
Honestly, it still felt like a dream, and Lola felt dizzy. So, of course, she couldn’t think normally.
“Yes. I’m okay with that. But what will you tell Gia?”
Dylan frowned slightly at the somewhat absurd question.
“Does Gia need to be aware of our relationship?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what are you worried about?”
“I’m just worried she might be very surprised. Gia and I have been friends for a long time.”
“She gets surprised over the smallest things, so you don’t need to worry too much. There’s no need to tell her every little detail.”
“……”
Despite being siblings, Dylan Eve and Gia Eve had a close and special bond. Dylan was the type of brother who would go out of his way for his sister. So, when he spoke so nonchalantly, Lola couldn’t help but be a little surprised.
“Whether Gia is surprised or not, that’s her problem to deal with. We just need to do what we have to do.”
“W-we have… things to do?”
“A proper relationship.”
Ah! A proper relationship.
So that means meeting, talking, eating together, kissing, and sleeping together…
And, and! What other lewd thoughts am I having?
At that moment, a voice tickled her ear, pulling her out of her lewd thoughts.
“But Lola.”
“Yes?”
“Isn’t it tiring to live worrying about what others think?”
Of course, it was tiring.
But Gia was different for Lola.
They had never had a petty argument in 14 years, so they understood each other well.
That’s why she couldn’t help but worry about what Gia would think.
“Isn’t it easier to think less and worry less?”
Once again, their eyes met unexpectedly. Lola quickly turned her gaze to the bouquet.
“Do you have time for dinner later? You’re not on duty today, right?”
“For dinner, yes. I’m not on duty.”
No matter how hard she tried to stay calm, her voice kept trembling in front of this man.
“Then let’s have dinner together. I’ll come pick you up at the right time.”
A proper relationship.
It felt like he was asking her out on a date.
Lola couldn’t easily accept or reject it.
Even though she felt like she was being pulled helplessly into his pace, she couldn’t move an inch.
“I’ll see you later for dinner. I’ll go ahead.”
Dylan said briefly and stood up, striding away with his long legs. Left alone, Lola stared blankly at his retreating figure, looking as if she were under some spell.
*****
People walking down the street glanced at Lola, who was walking with a bouquet in hand. Unintentionally drawing the attention of others, Lola’s face turned red.
In front of the hospital entrance, Gia stood with her arms crossed, watching Lola approach with a strange gaze. When their eyes met, Lola flinched.
“The flowers are beautiful.”
Perhaps because she was sensitive, Lola felt Gia’s voice was somewhat cold. Gia’s gaze also seemed complicated. Lola didn’t understand why she felt so small, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong.
Ah! What should I say if Gia asks me?
Lola’s head was spinning.
“It seems like your brother gave you flowers. Our brother has a good eye, doesn’t he?”
“Gia…”
Lola couldn’t continue her sentence after calling her name.
She didn’t know where to start or how to explain.
“Lola, are you dating our brother?”
Her voice was the same as usual. Even with a smiling face, Lola couldn’t bring herself to look Gia in the eye.
