* * * *
Pushing a luggage cart through Changi Airport, I strolled into Terminal Three with Sasuke quietly. We hadn’t really talked on the way here. I didn’t know what to say. I just wanted to appreciate every moment I had with Sasuke before he boarded. I’d been missing every single minute we’d spent together in Black Gold so, so badly.
“Whatsapp me a picture of your new bedroom, would you?” said Sasuke to me as we walked toward the check-in desk.
“Why?” I asked then I got it. “Oh...” With the picture, he would be able to zap into my room anytime. We’d have to take care that nobody saw him in Singapore.
“It’s our secret.” He winked at me, and I laughed, out of relief. With Sasuke about to fly halfway across the globe—okay, maybe that was a little exaggerating, but he was going to be far, far away from me—my mood had been really low. And now I couldn’t believe I’d never thought of this—the crazy revision for our school leaving exams must’ve killed all my good brain cells.
Within seconds, it was silent again.
“You should go in,” I murmured after a while, but he merely held my gaze for a long moment. I found myself getting lost in those riveting black eyes until he reached forward abruptly and pulled me into him.
I hugged him back. “Isn’t this risky?” I asked, peering around for potential paparazzi at the same time. “We’re in public.”
“I can’t help but want to risk it,” he told me, still wrapping me tightly.
I pulled away from him after several moments of bliss. “Sasuke,” I said as his eyes found mine once more. “All the best for your music.”
“Averie, all the best for further schooling.” He mimicked me, making me laugh again. But then his jovial tone turned solemn. “And there’s another thing I have to talk to you about…”
“Yeah?” I watched him intently, wondering what needed such a serious atmosphere. “What is it?”
He stared back at me, a fretful expression on his usually cheery face. “Because of my job, it’s impossible for me to go out with you openly—at least not when I’m still so young. I’m not sure if you know, but show business in Asia is a little different from the West. It’ll attract too much controversies, so I’ve to be extra careful. Of course, I’ll strive hard to make things easier for you, but I don’t know how long that would take...” He looked away, studying the floor. “And so, Averie, if you ever change your mind, know that I won’t blame you. There are plenty of opportunities in your future and I...I don’t want to hold you back.”
“What are you talking about?” I inhaled deeply, knowing that I had to make my position perfectly clear or he wouldn’t feel at ease when he got back to Tokyo. “Since that time you told me to trust you, I decided I want to stick with you. I don’t fully understand what I’m in for, but I don’t care—I just know I have to wait for you.” I took in another long, steadying breath; he was still staring at my face with a strange expression. “I want to take on this world with you,” I said, taking his hands in mine and holding them tightly. “Nobody else. It has to be you.”
I was so relieved when a speck of light brightened up his eyes. “That means the world to me,” he said quietly.
“And you mean the world to me,” I whispered back, my lips forming a wide grin as an equally broad one broke out across his face.
We remained that way for a while, but when he spoke again, his face had turned all serious once more. “Averie?”
My relief disappeared. What else could be wrong? “Y-yeah?”
Eyes not leaving mine, he leaned close to me until there was hardly any space between us. His warm breath grazed my forehead, and, not knowing what to expect, my heartbeat raced.
His face straight, his eyes unsmiling, he said in a low voice, “I’ll make sure your world is as beautiful as it can be.”
It took my breath away, hearing that promise again. My heart soared high in my chest then went entirely light and fluttery with euphoria.
I nodded at him with an earnest smile. “I’ll be counting on you for that.”
Beaming, he gave me a nod as well. “Please wait for me.”
I presented him my biggest grin, to which in response, his beautiful dark eyes shone bright with delight. “And you can count on me for that.”
His smile grew into a full-fledged one, and I gave him a light push toward the check-in counter. His gaze lingered on me one final time before he strode forward, looking determined to give his all for his—or rather, our—future.
Just before he joined the short queue, he swivelled back to me, looking so deeply into my eyes I wasn’t sure how to react.
I stared back nervously.
“Aishiteru.”
I smiled. The Japanese exchange students had taught me that word just before they’d left Singapore to head home.
“I love you, too, Sasuke.”
###
Special thanks...
April, Brina, Clinton, Crystal, Helen, Li Yan, Pei Ru, Pei Xian, Prashanth, Shikin, Syikin, Wei Xian, and Yossi—Thank you for being among the first people who took the time to get to know Averie.
My family, especially my dearest aunt, Chik Fah—Thank you for being my family, for shaping me into who I am today.
My precious one, Baby Blythe—Thank you for being the best thing that has ever happened in my life. I love you, darling.
My fantastic book cover designer, Damon Za—No one could have done the cover better than you. I have absolutely no doubt about that.
My brilliant editor, Danielle Fine—I just want to properly thank you. You are simply incredible!
Everyone who has played a part in getting this book out—Thank you for all of your help and efforts. I really appreciate it.
And last of all, dear readers—Thank you so, so much!
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