" Can I ask you something?" Yichan asked.

When Ning nodded her head, Yichan curiously asked, "Why are you scared of darkness?" ​​

Tightening his grip around the wine glass, Ning lowered her head refusing to reveal anything. She didn't want to talk about it, in fact she didn't even want to think about her past. She was having a lovely time on the island with Yichan and she had forgotten the real reason for joining the Vast island exertion.

Shifting closer, Yichan gently caressed the back of her left hand which was resting on the couch. "It's fine if you don't want to talk about it. If having this conversation is making you feel uncomfortable then we don't have to talk about it. It's just that Ning I-" Grabbing her hand, Yichan continued, "It's just that I wish to know everything about you. I don't know why but I want to. I want to be someone who knows you inside out. I may sound stupid and girly and it's just been a month but you are giving me butterflies already. It's a different feeling with you and there is no way it's just a 'Only friend' kind of a feeling. You are taking my emotions on a different kind of a roller coaster ride which I have never experienced before. I know I am not in the right place to interfere in your personal matters but still I wanted to know. I am sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I won't mention this again if you don't like it."

Squeezing his hand, Ning shook her head, "It's not like I am uncomfortable around you or I don't want to tell you anything. It's just that I don't want to think about it. I am having a really wonderful time with you Yichan. I have never felt the way you are making me feel. I just-"

Stopping her from saying anything further, Yichan cupped her face, "It's alright, we are not having this conversation. If you don't like anything, we are never doing it."

"Really?"

Yichan vigorously nodded his head, "Yes, we are not doing that."

"What if I say that I don't like pancakes?" Ning teasingly questioned him.

Yichan frowned and thought for a while. His facial expression reflected like he was debating with himself. Pancakes were his favourite but so was Ning. After weighing the pros and cons, Yichan concluded, "Okay, no more pancakes."

" Are you sure Yichan? You don't have to pancakes anymore? I mean they are PANCAKES and they are delicious."

Yichan vigorously nodded his head, "Yeah, I have had so many pancakes till date that not having them for the rest of my life is no biggie."

'Rest of his life' So did Yichan wish them to stay together forever? Nings face turned red and her cheeks started feeling hot. She felt a different kind of warmth in her heart which was making her stomach churn and giddy.

"Is there anything else you don't like?" Yichan wanted to stop doing each and everything she hated. He was willing to change for her.

…..

Inside the bedroom.

It was almost half past twelve when they decided to call it for the night.

Lying beside each other, both of them were wide awake. Both of them were unsure about their current relationship status. Were they just cottage mates, just friends or more than just friends. Yichan said he had feelings for Ning and Ning said something similar to.

Turning towards her, Yichan murmured, "Ning, you like me right?"

Startled by his sudden straightforward question, Ning pursed her lips together and gathered all her courage to question him back. "Do you like me?"

Without wasting a single second, Yichan nodded his head, "Yes I do."

Shifting closer, Ning placed her head on his chest and sighed.

Yichan widened his eyes in shock when Ning suddenly decided to snuggle her head against his chest. Not that he had a problem because he wanted to hold her to sleep too but he was hesitant to make a move. Since Ning was the one who had initiated the cuddle, Yichan did not let this glorious opportunity of hugging the woman he liked go. Without wasting any time, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer.

Running her fingers on his shirt button, Ning took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"I was nine when my mom locked me up in the storeroom for two straight days."

….