◎ Spring is coming, and I can’t resist it. ◎

As I spoke, my eyes couldn’t help but wander to where those adorable abs should be. Even though they were now hidden beneath a color-blocked crewneck sweater, in my mind, they were wrapped like fruit hard candy in a glossy wrapper.

I must have been grinning too brightly because X outright refused to respond.

“Just focus on eating,” he said, glancing at me with a smirk.

His tone and expression weren’t the least bit stern, so I remained fearless, shaking my head and chuckling. “Respect for food, I get it.”

Who could stay calm in a moment like this? I barely focused on my meal for two bites before my thoughts drifted back to X. I turned to press against his firm arm muscles again and whispered with a mischievous smile, “I noticed your ears always turn red.”

My hand had been in X’s palm the whole time, but suddenly, he gave it a firm, punishing squeeze. I was caught off guard and yelped, “Ouch!” drawing the attention of several nearby tables. Their open stares were crystal clear—look at these two lovebirds flirting!

X’s ears turned even redder, the flush creeping all the way to the base of his neck and disappearing into his sweater.

I was guilty. Just last night, I had decided to take things slow and steady, yet seeing him like this made my heart flutter wildly.

Neither of us dared to look at each other out of sheer embarrassment. We finished breakfast in a daze, which was a shame considering how delicious the soup dumplings were.

Hand in hand, we left the restaurant. The old street, shaped by time, was perfect for a leisurely stroll. As we walked on the large, timeworn bluestone slabs, I looked down in curiosity and asked, “Are these real historical relics?”

“Some are from the Qing Dynasty, while others are later one-to-one replicas.”

X caught up from behind and handed me a warm paper-wrapped plum blossom cake.

I thanked him and silently apologized to my long-absent fitness trainer. It was all my fault—I kept looking around, asking non-stop questions about everything.

Every time I got curious about something, X would buy it for me without me noticing. Just like that, we ate and snacked our way down the entire street. Miraculously, every bite was delicious.

Was it because this street’s food was truly exceptional, or was it because the person beside me was simply delectable?

“You must be an amazing travel companion,” I said.

I swear, this compliment was absolutely sincere.

X asked me why I thought so.

I praised him generously, “You provide emotional support and have excellent execution skills.”

As we passed a trash bin, X took the wrappers from my hands and even sorted the trash properly.

We were just like any other couple on this street, holding hands, strolling leisurely, chatting idly, soaking in the rare, beautiful spring sunshine.

That was until I casually mentioned that I’d be taking a long vacation soon.

X went completely silent. Confused, I turned to look at him and found that he had stopped half a step behind me, still holding my hand, staring straight at me.

“Don’t tell me…” I hesitated, a guess forming in my mind. “Is it because I called you an amazing travel companion?”

This brat! He was actually acting smug about it, raising an eyebrow as he said, “Why not test it out and see?”

Wow. My brain buzzed. Things seemed to have escalated several levels while I wasn’t paying attention.

A travel companion, huh? That was a whole different concept from today’s casual date. Right now, we were just testing the waters—if we got along, we’d naturally keep seeing each other; if we didn’t, we could always find an excuse to slip away.

But traveling together was on a completely different level, both emotionally and physically. We’d be spending days and nights together, and saying “sparks will fly” would be an understatement. If something intense didn’t happen, it would be an injustice to my surging hormones these past few days.

X led me onto a small stone bridge. Beneath us, the clear river flowed gently, carrying a covered boat through the arch below.

This was spring. The trees budding, the world awakening. Spring meant warmth, growth, and hope.

Spring was a time for beautiful things to happen.

Any hesitation would be a waste of such a warm and beautiful spring.

I sighed in resignation, using it to mask the restless joy bubbling inside me. Pretending to be hesitant, I said, “Well, technically, it’s possible…”

X glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “But?”

Taking a deep breath, I stopped walking and, for once, put on a serious expression in front of X. “Do you have any plans next? I mean, before lunch today?”

“No,” he answered, seemingly surprised by my sudden seriousness. He stopped as well and looked at me intently. “You’re in my city. How could I have any other plans?”

See? Look at this man. Every word he says makes it seem like I matter so much to him. We’ve only met a few times, and I’m already getting the illusion that I’m the love of his life.

I surrendered, giving up all resistance. “There’s something very important I have to invite you to do with me. Of course, only if you’re willing.”

X didn’t hesitate. “Sure. Where to?”

Taking the opportunity to bring up travel companions, I carefully and tactfully shared my thoughts with X.

“A medical check-up?”

X’s eyes widened in surprise.

My heart sank heavily, a sudden panic surging inside me. I hadn’t realized just how much I was hoping he’d agree because I didn’t want to lose the chance to connect with him on a deeper level.

Fortunately, he still seemed relaxed, so I figured he wasn’t opposed to the idea—just surprised.

I had no choice but to explain honestly, “These days, Photoshop technology is too advanced. A pre-existing medical report isn’t exactly reliable. I think it’s responsible—for both of us—to get tested together and exchange reports in person.”

If we were going to take that step, a medical check-up was my bottom line.

“Alright. No problem.”

From the lingering expression on X’s face, I could tell he was still processing the surprise. But I had to admit, he was incredibly efficient. The moment we got back to the car, he had already found several clinics open on Sundays that didn’t require appointments and showed them to me for selection.

I randomly clicked on the nearest one, skimmed through the reviews, and, seeing nothing concerning, handed the phone back to ask for his opinion.

X had no objections. The roads were slightly congested, and it took us about twenty minutes to get there.

There were quite a few people at the clinic that weekend. We chose a package that covered most sexually transmitted diseases.

Some tests were gender-specific and required us to go to separate rooms. We split up and managed to complete everything before noon, though we had to skip any tests that required fasting.

When I finished my last test and put on my coat, I saw X already waiting for me at the front desk.

What was happening to me? We had only been apart for a short while, yet I already missed him so much that I wanted to run to him at full speed.

Oh my god. I officially declare this—crashing into his solid chest—as a significant milestone in my life. I was so happy.

X caught me effortlessly, laughing as he wrapped his arms around me. Then, he told me that he had asked the front desk earlier—the results wouldn’t be ready until next week.

“Oh.”

I looked up at him, shrugged meaningfully, and said, “So I guess that means today is another no-go…”

X turned his head away to laugh, then turned back and playfully accused me, “Why is that the only thing on your mind?”

I shamelessly admitted, “So what if it is? Do you even realize how good your body looks?”

“That’s victim-blaming logic,” X continued to criticize me.

“Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right.” I nodded earnestly, but I had no intention of repenting.

X handed our check-up receipts to the front desk and scheduled a follow-up visit for next Saturday to collect our reports.

After leaving the clinic, as per my request, X said he would take me to a restaurant that only locals knew about.

During lunch, I couldn’t help but sneak glances at him—over and over again. He hadn’t shown any dissatisfaction earlier, but I was still worried. Would he feel uncomfortable about today?

On the way back to my hotel, I finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Do you think today’s plan was a little…”

The car stopped at a red light. X turned to me, waiting for me to finish. “A little…?”

“A little…” I carefully chose my words, trying not to make it sound too harsh. “Hmm, how should I put it? Not very romantic?”

The moment I said it, I regretted it.

What exactly did I want to hear from him?

If he admitted that he was dissatisfied, I would probably start overthinking—did he think I was too experienced? Would he assume I was a casual woman and distance himself from me? Or, worse, did he dislike the idea of a check-up altogether?

But if he was completely indifferent, I might start wondering—was this kind of thing too routine for him? Was his personal life a mess?

Ugh. I didn’t even know what kind of answer I was hoping for.

I threw a question at him that I couldn’t even sort out myself, yet I expected him to give me a satisfactory answer. I admit, at that moment, I was being difficult.

As the light turned green, X suddenly reached out his right hand, ruffled my hair, and smiled as he started driving forward.

“What does it matter?”

His tone was light, with no hint of forced reassurance.

“We’re working together toward something even more romantic.”

I was stunned.

As traffic moved forward, I felt something warm and soft bloom in my heart. Like fresh spring buds woven into a net, trying to capture me.

Spring was coming, and I could no longer resist—I was about to surrender.