Chapter 15
Among their group of friends, most probably thought Zara was a cold, aloof girl–someone who kept her distance. But Julian? He wasn’t afraid of her indifference. He understood her
better than anyone
He gave a small, knowing smile. “She’s still out there ice skating. I promised I’d get her some hot cocoa, but I totally forgot. You guys keep having fun. I’ll go grab it.”
Batu waved him off with a grin. “Alright, alright. But remember, Julian–you’re treating us!” Of course. Money. Julian couldn’t stand how often people around him seemed obsessed
with it
Outside, the streets were still bustling, the air crisp and cold. Julian took a deep breath, letting the chill seep into his coat, then headed to the nearby stall.
He picked up a cup of hot chocolate, along with a few cute trinkets that most girls liked. He wasn’t sure if they’d actually be up Zara’s alley, but he was pretty confident she’d like
them.
Just as he was about to head back, a random impulse hit him. The snow around him looked so beautiful, and without really thinking, he picked up a Polaroid camera. Zara wasn’t much for taking photos, but… he had a feeling this one would be worth it.
He returned to the ice skating rink and spotted Zara chatting animatedly with Batu’s girlfriend, Alana. If he didn’t already know how cold Zara could be, he’d think she was a natural social butterfly. But as it was, it was still nice to see her smile so easily.
Julian fumbled with the camera for a while, finally figuring out how to turn it on. As he sat on the swing under the eaves, he casually adjusted the settings and took a few more glances at Zara.
When he caught her smile in the camera’s viewfinder, it was like a burst of light on a cold winter day. She looked stunning–radiant, almost dazzling. Without thinking, he set the picture as his phone’s screensaver. He couldn’t help himself, sneaking a few more looks at it with a soft grin pulling at the corners of his lips.
She was breathtaking.
Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, it was almost time to leave.
Julian glanced around.
Despite the freezing wind and snow swirling around him, there was something almost magical about the scene. He spotted a tiny flower poking through the snow, defying the odds. It looked like a spring blossom in the middle of winter.
He smiled softly and said under his breath, “Hey there, bud, sorry, but I have to pick you.” Without a second thought, he plucked the delicate flower from the earth and, with skillful hands, wove it into a makeshift flower crown.
Admiring his work, he looked up just in time to see Zara’s dark, wavy hair bouncing as she ran toward him, excitement written all over her face.
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“Julian!” she shouted, grinning like a child.
He set the flower crown aside and opened his arms wide. In an instant, she was in his embrace, her small frame fitting perfectly against him. Her perfume, light and sweet, was almost intoxicating, and he couldn’t help but feel the urge to kiss her.
It had been so long since he’d seen her smile so freely.
“It’s freezing out here. Want me to hold you?” he asked, his voice low and soft.
Zara let out a playful snort, but in her laugh, she accidentally brushed her lips against his Adam’s apple. She pulled back quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Looking into his dark eyes, she chuckled awkwardly. “Oops. My bad. Don’t be mad, okay?” Julian gave a soft laugh, his voice completely calm. “I’m not.”
As if nothing had happened, he pulled her back into his arms. The flower crown, still in his hands, was gently placed on top of her head.
Her delicate braids swayed with the wind, colorful threads dancing alongside the petals of the crown. The quirky little flower crown, though small and simple, gave her an unexpected
charm.
It was as though they’d slipped back into their childhood days–carefree and full of wonder.
She raised an eyebrow, her expression brimmed with curiosity and amusement. “Does it look good?”
Julian didn’t hesitate. “It looks perfect. But… if you liked me just a little bit, it would look even better on you.”
Zara rolled her eyes, playfully avoiding his gaze. “You wish.”
He chuckled, then, more seriously, he said, “It’s time to go home.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly lowered her gaze, trying to hide the emotion flickering in her eyes.
As she moved to stand up, Julian’s soft voice stopped her. “Zara, don’t make me wait too long, alright?”
She looked up, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “You already know–I don’t have much patience.”
Julian gave a half–smile, his usual cool demeanor still there, but his eyes held a warmth. that only Zara seemed to notice. He was ready to move forward, and he was waiting for her to be right there with him.
“Alright?” he asked again.
She nodded, her heart a little lighter. “Alright.”
“Let’s go. It’s time to go home,” Julian said as he grabbed her hand.
Hand in hand, they walked away from the snow–covered rink and into the night, the silver glow of the falling snow dancing around them. The world felt still, quiet, and peaceful.
Just the two of them.
