The three of them made their way to the town center, where a vibrant Spring Celebration was taking place. The town had transformed into a lively festival ground, with colorful decorations, music filling the air, and streets lined with food vendors, craft stalls, and entertainers. It was a local tradition to mark the arrival of spring, attracting visitors from all over.
One of the main attractions was the Spring Parade, where a massive golden dragon, adorned with sparkling lights and bright colors, was being led down the street by dozens of strong performers. The dragon weaved and slithered through the crowds, its movements resembling that of a living creature. The spectacle was as majestic as it was captivating.
Tourists and locals alike cheered, following the dragon's path with excitement. Ryan, holding a huge cotton candy, walked along, munching on the sweet treat. As he looked at Aiden Thompson and Grace Li, walking side by side, a sudden wave of loneliness hit him. He felt like a third wheel.
So, he quickened his pace, squeezing between Aiden Thompson and Grace Li, and grinned. "Hey, wait up! Let's all walk together!"
Aiden Thompson shot him a look, half amused and half annoyed. "You could walk to the side, you know. Why do you have to crowd us?"
Ryan shrugged with a grin. "No big deal, but if I walk in the middle, I won't get lost!"
Aiden Thompson rolled his eyes, clearly trying not to laugh.
They walked for a while, passing stalls selling all sorts of local crafts and seasonal treats. Ryan got distracted by a particularly colorful booth selling hand-painted mugs and keychains.
It wasn't until Aiden Thompson and Grace Li had walked quite a distance that they realized Ryan was no longer with them. Grace Li asked, "Where did Ryan go?"
Aiden Thompson had just spotted Ryan by a booth, but he didn't mention it right away. "He's fine. He's an adult, he won't get lost."
Grace Li pulled out her phone. "I'll call him."
Aiden Thompson stopped her, giving a knowing smile. "I'll text him. No need to make a big deal out of it."
Aiden Thompson sent Ryan a message: Hey, where are you? We're heading to another spot. Meet us back at the hotel later.
After sending the message, Aiden Thompson naturally reached for Grace Li's hand and said, "He says he's heading back to the hotel. Let's go."
Grace Li raised an eyebrow but decided to go along with it.
They followed the dragon all the way to the end of the parade route, where they found themselves in a large, open square. The golden dragon was performing a series of mesmerizing maneuvers, twisting and turning in the spring breeze, creating an atmosphere that was filled with excitement and joy. The crowd's cheers blended with the rhythmic drumming, making the air alive with energy.
As they stood among the spectators, Grace Li commented, "We've got similar celebrations back home, but it's usually in the fall to celebrate harvest."
Aiden Thompson smiled, "Well, next year, you've got to take me to one of those."
Grace Li paused for a moment. Taking him to her hometown festival meant bringing him home for the fall season, but they weren't quite there in their relationship yet…
She shook off the thought. No need to overthink things. She had learned to enjoy the present.
After the event ended, Aiden Thompson and Grace Li treated themselves to the town's famous milkshakes—rich, creamy, and perfect for the warm spring day. They even got a to-go order for Ryan, figuring he'd want one when he caught up.
**
They were staying at a three-star hotel, which was considered one of the better options in the town. Due to company policy, employees at VP level and above are allowed to have their own rooms while others of the same gender are required to share a room.
So, they only booked two rooms for the three of them.
Ryan had returned to the hotel before them. He'd already showered and was sitting on the single armchair in his room, his left foot resting on his right knee. He'd been focused on playing a game, but when he heard the door open, he immediately looked toward it.
Aiden Thompson walked into the room, and with Ryan's gaze fixed on him, he walked over and placed the milkshakes he'd brought back on the table beside him. "Here's a late-night snack for you."
Ryan put on a mock-serious face and asked, "Where have you guys been?"
"We didn't go anywhere, just wandered around the street for a bit," Aiden replied casually.
"Uh-huh." Ryan had eaten a lot today, but he still eagerly opened the milkshake Aiden had brought back.
Aiden Thompson finished his shower and, noticing it was getting late, lay down on the bed, ready to sleep since they had work tomorrow.
He was very particular about his sleeping environment and needed complete quiet. Any noise would make it hard for him to fall asleep.
Just as Aiden Thompson was about to drift off, a loud, thunderous snoring suddenly shattered the silence. He slowly opened his eyes, turned his head in the dark, and looked over at the other bed. Ryan's snoring was like a freight train, echoing throughout the room.
There was no chance of sleeping now.
Aiden Thompson grabbed his phone and checked the time—it was already midnight.
He texted Grace Li: You asleep yet?
Grace Li quickly replied: Just about to.
Aiden Thompson opened the voice recorder and recorded Ryan's snoring, then sent it to Grace Li. A moment later, Grace Li sent a laughing emoji.
She then asked: How are you holding up?
Aiden Thompson replied: Not great. I'm probably pulling an all-nighter tonight.
Grace Li: Mike told me Ryan's snoring could shake the walls. Should've packed you some earplugs.
Aiden Thompson: I feel like my brain's about to explode if I stay in this room any longer.
Grace Li: Why not just get a second room?
Aiden Thompson: Grace Li, open the door.
Grace Li: ??
Aiden Thompson: I'm outside your room.
Grace Li got up to open the door and found Aiden Thompson standing there in his pajamas, looking a little tired.
She let him in and asked, "You wanna get a separate room?"
"Wouldn't that go over budget?"
Grace Li shrugged. "It's no big deal. I'll explain it to finance."
Aiden Thompson hesitated, looking at her for a moment before replying, "It's just too much of a hassle."
"Well…" Grace Li stared at him, realizing what was going on. Her room had a big bed, so if Aiden Thompson stayed, they'd have to sleep in the same bed. Although they were dating, they hadn't been more intimate than kissing in the past two months. She felt a little nervous, but it was also something that made sense to her—growing up, her family often shared rooms and space when traveling.
Aiden Thompson didn't directly suggest staying, but his eyes were clearly waiting for Grace Li's response.
Grace Li bit her lip, thinking for a moment before asking, "How about you sleep in my room?"
Aiden Thompson's lips curled into a small smile, and he softly replied, "Sure."
The bed was 180 cm wide, plenty of space for two people without disturbing each other.
Grace Li lay on one side, feeling the odd sensation of having someone next to her. She was used to sleeping alone, but having someone there—someone she liked—made her feel warm and a little fluttery. She thought about how different this felt from family get-togethers when people shared space more freely.
She thought she'd probably be wide awake all night, but she couldn't tell Aiden Thompson that.
Surprisingly, neither of them slept right away.
When Grace Li turned over, Aiden Thompson moved closer, and that's when she realized he wasn't asleep either.
Grace Li whispered, "Still can't fall asleep?"
"Probably will soon."
"Is it always this hard for you to fall asleep?"
"Nah, I'm just too excited 'cause my girlfriend's right here."
Grace Li's face flushed slightly. So, he was having trouble sleeping for the same reason. "What should we do?"
"Guess we just gotta get used to it, Grace Li. We'll need to get used to being around each other from now on."
"Okay."
"Good night."
"Good night."