Forver Mine

Season 01, chapter 02

Season 01, Chapter 02

Chloé follows me, visibly intrigued. We leave the building, and I first take her to a museum I recently discovered. Upon our arrival, her eyes light up at the grand architecture and captivating exhibits. We spend hours running from room to room, laughing and discussing the artworks. The atmosphere becomes light and playful, and I sense that Chloé is beginning to relax.

Ethan: Look at this painting! It fascinated me so much when I first came here. If I had the money, I would buy it.

Chloé: It's beautiful. I didn't know this museum was so close. Yet I pass by here every day.

We continue our exploration, visiting picturesque corners of the city that I discovered during my first weeks here. Each place has a story, and I share my discoveries with Chloé, who seems to enjoy every moment.

Next, I take her to an arcade where we let loose like kids, playing on the machines and enjoying virtual reality games. Time seems to stand still, and Chloé regains a youthful sparkle in her eyes.

Chloé: Ethan, that was incredible. Thank you for today. I know it's not over yet, but I want to tell you now... I never dreamed of a day like this. Thank you so much. (She kisses me on the cheek and hugs me tightly)

Ethan: It's not over, Miss Chloé. Come on, let's go.

Chloé: Call me Chloé. Just Chloé.

As we leave the arcade, she hands me her car keys.

Chloé: You drive. I want to see where you're taking me next, but I'm exhausted.

I take the keys with a smile and drive her to a small restaurant where we can treat ourselves and that I can afford. After we relax for a few minutes, we drive to the beach, the sky gradually darkening, tinted with shades of pink and purple.

Upon arriving at the beach, we walk on the shifting, wet sand, playing hide-and-seek among the coconut trees. We end up collapsing in the sand, but it's Chloé who falls first and pulls me down when I try to help her. When the sky has turned completely dark and the moon reaches its zenith, we walk towards a small boat that I managed to get thanks to Lucas. She looks at me curiously as we board.

Chloé: Ethan, what have you planned? And whose boat is this? I mean, how did you know today was my birthday?

Ethan: You'll see. Trust me. No, I didn't know. I'm just improvising. Every minute, I think about what wonderful thing we can do next. This boat? I don't know who it belongs to. I found it thanks to Lucas.

We sail away from the coast until the city is just a distant memory. The calm of the sea surrounds us, and I set up the projector that Lucas rented and brought on board.

Ethan: Here we go, our private cinema on the water.

Chloé laughs softly, amazed by the idea. I start the movie "AFTER," and we settle in comfortably, rocked by the gentle movement of the water. The moon shines high in the sky, and the stars seem to dance around us.

The movie begins, and we let ourselves be carried away by the story. At one point, Chloé moves closer to me, resting her head on my shoulder. My heart beats faster, but I remain still, savoring this magical moment.

Chloé: Ethan, thank you. I never imagined spending a day like this.

Ethan: I'm glad you enjoyed it. You deserve to celebrate your birthday with joy.

We stay like that, watching the movie, surrounded by the tranquility of the sea and the glow of the distant stars. When the movie ends, we remain silent for a moment. Then, slowly, we return to the shore with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts. By this time, the glow of the moon and stars is already fading, giving way to dawn. I take the wheel and drive Chloé to my apartment, a few buildings away from the café. Upon arrival, I invite her in, eager to give her a special gift. It’s something I made one night out of boredom to distract myself, never thinking it would be useful so soon.

Ethan: Wait here for a moment, I have something for you.

I rummage through my things and pull out a large, worn sketchbook filled with memories and personal creations. It's a sketchbook I've used for years for my drawings and sketches, a true treasure of my past. I carefully tear out a page, fold it into a scroll, and tie it with a ribbon.

Ethan: Here you go! This is for you. You can open it once you're home. Chloé takes the scroll with an emotional expression. She looks at me, her eyes shining. This makes me smile, feeling happy and proud.

Chloé: Ethan, thank you. I don't deserve a gift on top of this wonderful day. No one has ever made me feel so much happiness, so much love. Truly, thank you.

She gently takes my hand, her fingers trembling slightly. Her eyes, soft but shy, meet mine, and I feel a deep and sincere connection. Before I can respond, she leans in and kisses me on the mouth. It was a sweet kiss, full of gratitude and affection.

Chloé: Thank you, Ethan. For everything.

I'm still in shock from this unexpected but incredibly touching gesture. We smile at each other, and I walk her to her car. The drive to her place is quiet.

Upon arriving at her place, Chloé turns to me one last time.

Chloé: Good night, Ethan. Thank you again for this unforgettable day.

Ethan: Good morning, Chloé (laughs).

Chloé: It's already daylight. How wonderful. Who would believe me if I said that despite my age, I've never seen time fly by? It's the first time I've spent a night without counting the hours.

Ethan: Have a wonderful day, and... happy birthday again.

She goes inside, and I take a taxi back to my apartment. It's almost 4 AM when I finally get home, exhausted. I lie down on my bed, reflecting on every moment shared with Chloé, every laugh, every smile, every look.

Lying on my bed, I think back to the day. Every adventure, every smile from Chloé, every shared moment resonates within me like a sweet melody. Tears of joy silently fall down my cheeks. I wonder if I'm falling in love with Miss Chloé. The depth of my feelings surprises me and leaves me both excited and anxious. Lost in my thoughts, I'm suddenly pulled from my reverie by the ringing of my phone.

Ethan: Hello?

Mia: Hi Ethan! It’s Mia. I hope I didn’t wake you?

Ethan: No, not at all. What’s up?

Mia: Well, I wanted to invite you to a birthday party tonight. It starts at 7 PM. It would be great if you could come.

Ethan: A birthday party? For whom?

Mia: A friend of mine. It’ll be fun and a good chance for you to relax a bit after your first week of classes. What do you think?

I think for a moment. Yesterday was incredibly intense, and my feelings for Chloé are still fresh and confusing. But an evening with Mia’s friends might help me clear my thoughts.

Ethan: Alright, Mia. I’d be happy to come. I’ll be there at 7 PM.

Mia: Great! I’ll send you the address via text. See you tonight, Ethan!

Ethan: See you tonight, Mia.

I hang up, a smile forming on my lips. The prospect of the party gives me a chance to clear my mind and see things from a new perspective. I close my eyes, letting sleep take over, my mind wandering between memories of Chloé and anticipation for the evening ahead.

In the evening, at 6:30 PM, I get ready for the party. A quick shower, a casual but neat outfit, and I’m ready to go. Mia has sent me the address, and I take a taxi to get there. Upon arrival, I find a lively house, with laughter and music spilling out of the windows. Mia greets me at the door with a big smile.

Mia: Ethan! I’m glad you came. Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.

We enter, and I quickly find myself immersed in the festive atmosphere. Mia introduces me to her friends as her new guy, and I’m struck by the warmth and friendliness of their welcome. Conversations and laughter fill the air, and I begin to relax.

While enjoying the party, my thoughts occasionally drift back to Chloé. Her smiles, our day together, and that unexpected kiss. I wonder what she’s doing right now, and if she’s thinking of me too. But for now, I decide to live in the moment and enjoy the evening with Mia and her friends.

The hours pass quickly, and before I know it, it’s already midnight. The party starts to wind down, and Mia and I find ourselves chatting quietly in a corner.

Mia: So, Ethan, did you have fun tonight?

Ethan: Yes, a lot. Thank you for inviting me, Mia. It did me a lot of good.

Mia: I’m glad. We should do this more often.

Ethan: Absolutely. It really helped clear my mind.

As the party comes to an end, I say goodbye to Mia and her friends, and take a taxi home. The day has been long and full of emotions, but I feel strangely serene.

Slipping into bed, I think about Chloé, Mia, and what the future might hold for me. I fall asleep, lulled by hope and curiosity about what is to come.

To be continued…

Forever Mine, by Saint Daniel.