Returning with a tray of delicious pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee, Tristan found Summer still lounging in bed, a satisfied smile on her face as she took in the sight of him. "Look at you, all domestic," she teased.
"Only for you," he replied, setting the tray down. "Eat up. You need your strength if you're going to take responsibility for me later."
"Oh, I plan to," she said, her eyes glinting with playful intent.
As they sat across from each other at the breakfast table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Tristan, momentarily lost in the warmth of Summer's smile, suddenly remembered he'd ditched his meeting with Dr. Lifeath yesterday. Guilt crept in, and he decided to text her an apology, feeling the weight of responsibility.
"Hey, just a sec," he said, picking up his phone.
He crafted a professional yet apologetic message: "I couldn't make it yesterday due to a personal emergency. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience."
Just as he hit send, Summer's phone vibrated, catching her attention. She glanced at it, smirking.
She replied "I hope that's not an excuse. Otherwise, I'd think you're a lousy cat who set a trap for the mouse yet couldn't catch it! By the way, great move yesterday at the club."
Tristan raised an eyebrow. He shot back another message, trying to keep his composure. "You're really something else, you know that? I actually had a good reason for leaving."
Tristan couldn't help but roll his eyes, half annoyed and half satisfied at Dr. Lifeath's signature compliments cloaked in insults. Just then, his phone buzzed again, and he glanced down to see a notification of a 400 million transfer.
His brows furrowed as he read Dr. Lifeath's follow-up text: "Sending you half the amount because I didn't come either. Man! What a missed opportunity. I'd have loved to see your fallen face with your flop scheme of locating and meeting me. No worries! Better luck next time!"
Tristan groaned in frustration. Meanwhile, Summer couldn't contain her laughter, thoroughly enjoying their exchange on phone. Both of them, lost in their phones, looked at each other and asked in unison,
"Anything amusing?"
"Anything wrong?"
Again at the same time, Tristan replied, "This person's a pain in the ass," while Summer shot back, "I'm kicking someone's ass!"
They locked eyes, both stunned by the synchronicity. A moment of silence followed, then they burst into laughter, oblivious to the irony of their situation.
Tristan leaned in closer, playful mischief dancing in his eyes. "Whoever they are, I bet they have it coming."
Summer, with a cheeky grin, leaned forward too. "You don't know the half of it. This 'ass' has no idea how much trouble they're in!"
Tristan couldn't help but smirk, feeling a spark of camaraderie. "I'll make sure to keep my distance from your wrath then."
"Oh, you should! Or you might end up on the receiving end of my kick!" Summer replied, her eyes twinkling with playful challenge.
Tristan couldn't resist the banter. "Careful, or I might just have to rescue you from your own wrath."
Summer laughed, shaking her head. "Don't worry, I can handle myself just fine.
As they exchanged witty banter, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and humor, both completely oblivious to the fact that there are cursing each other behind the screen while showering love face to face. And their day passed by without any events as they both immersed themselves in their respective pending work.
The next day...
Tristan sat at the edge of the bed, watching Summer stretch awake. The morning light from the Parisian sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow on her skin. He couldn't help but smile as her eyes fluttered open.
"Good morning, Trish," she mumbled, her voice still laced with sleep.
Tristan leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Morning, Sam. I have a request today," he said, his voice uncharacteristically serious.
Summer raised an eyebrow, still blinking the sleep from her eyes. "What is it?"
"I want your whole day."
Summer squinted at him, puzzled. "For what?"
"To impress you," Tristan replied bluntly, a playful smirk on his lips. "So you'll take responsibility for me—aka, become my girlfriend."
Summer blinked, now fully awake, her surprise morphing into amusement. She leaned back against the pillows, crossing her arms. "Oh, so now you think you can just demand a whole day and sweep me off my feet, huh?"
Tristan shrugged. "I mean, it's Paris, and I'm charming. What could go wrong?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You've got guts, I'll give you that."
"So?" Tristan pressed, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "What do you say? Give me your day, and I'll make sure you'll never forget it."
Summer pretended to ponder, her lips pursed thoughtfully. "Hmm, a whole day dedicated to impressing me? You do realize that's a high bar, right?"
"Then let me set it even higher," Tristan shot back, his grin widening.
Summer grinned, finally giving in. "Alright, Trish. You've got me for the day. But you better be ready to deliver."
Tristan's smile softened into something more genuine. "I've never been more ready."
They both opted for casual but stylish outfits for their day out. Summer slipped into a flowy, knee-length sundress—light and elegant, with a playful print of delicate flowers. She paired it with comfortable white sneakers, the perfect balance of chic and casual. Tristan chose tailored yet relaxed beige trousers and a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His sneakers matched hers, a subtle sign of their unspoken coordination.
Summer took a moment to eye him appreciatively as they left the hotel. "You clean up nicely," she teased.
"Is that your way of saying I'm already impressing you?" he shot back, raising an eyebrow.
"You think too highly of yourself," she winked, brushing past him as they stepped out into the bustling streets of Paris.
Their first stop wasn't anything grand, just a stroll through the iconic streets of the city. But the ease between them made it special. As they wandered hand-in-hand, they passed quaint bookstores, vibrant flower shops, and street performers. The air was filled with laughter and the distant notes of an accordion.
Tristan was the first to break the comfortable silence. "So, what's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"
Summer shot him a side glance, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Why do you want to know that?"
"Hey, if we're going to date, I need to know all your quirks."
She laughed. "Alright, but only if you tell me yours after."
"Deal!"