Chapter 22: Six Years Ago pt. 16

Xander who was standing not very far from her apartment went back quickly as soon as he saw Mayla went out from the house.

They then enjoyed their breakfast. Later that afternoon, Rian asked him to go to a park with her.

They went to a nearby park where lots of people were also admiring the view and enjoying their leisure with their family.

"That bench is empty, let's sit there." He pointed a bench near the ice cream vendor.

They headed that way. Rian directly went to the ice cream stand and bought the choco flavored one.

"Here, one for you." She extended the hand holding the ice cream to him.

"Thanks", he accepted it. They both sat and in front of them was the view of the setting sun imprinting different hues of orange in the sky.

The sight was so serene. Children's chuckle can be heard occasionally while they play and run. Every persons' face is painted with a smile that blooms from their happy heart.

Rian was busy looking at the surroundings that she didn't noticed Xander looking at her.

His intent gaze flowed from her forehead to her red lips and to her chin.

Amidst the breathtaking beauty of the sky that moment, he was dazed by her ethearal beauty that the sunset only became its backdrop.

He was completely stunned that sneaking at his back at that time is possible.

He had seen many beautiful woman in his life that he can't fall for someone just be the looks. But he doesn't know what sets this gurl in front of him to the ones that he has met before.

"It's really beautiful isn't it?" She said pertaining to the sky.

"Yeah it sure is." He whispered.

At a distance something caught Rian's eyes.

"Xander, could you wear that mascot for me please?" She looked at him mischievouslly.

"Yeah" Xander replied as if he's possessed. (Maybe he really is)

Rian's eyes brightened and she giggled. She then calles the one wearing the mascot.

Xander came into his senses when she stood up and started jumping in joy.

It then suddenly dawned at him what he just did.

"No, I won't do this", he said firmly.

"C'mon, it will suit you. Believe me." Rian grinned.

"No, there's no way I'm doing it." He then started to walk away leaving her. From his back, he can hear her whine while catching up to him.

"Woah, look mommy that frog is so ugly." A four year old boy called out his mom and pointed a man standing wearing a frog's mascot.

On his side was a girl eagerly taking pictures of him. It was a bright green that caught everyone's attention.

"Poor guy, his girlfriend must have made him do that." The mother said not knowing if she should feel pity or laugh at the situation.

"Look here Xander!" Rian giggled as she finds another angle of him to capture.

Xander who found himself getting swayed by her persistence is now wearing the said bright green frog mascot whom Rian borrowed. His face red in embarrassment from all the people's gazes. His forehead was furrowed and body stiffed from all the glances.

*It never occurred to me that I'll end up doing something like this because of some girl's birthday request. Her birthday isn't even near yet.

Looking at Rian who was giggling and widely smiling from her naughtiness relieved him a bit. He just sighed and went with what she wanted.
*Alright as long as you're happy, I won't mind looking like a fool.

He began posing for the pictures.

"Woah that's good." She praised him after clicking a shot.
*He's so adorable. This is the first time I've seen him like this hehehe.

"Try smiling." She told him.

He then smiled with arms crossed.

"Try smiling while showing your teeth." She demanded.

Xander then smiled at the camera awkwardly barely parting his lips.

Rian's frowned and put down her phone. She stepped toward him. She looked at Xander seriously which puzzled him.

Xander was caught off guard when Rian suddenly poked her abdomen and then proceeded on tickling him.

He squirmed standing while making cackling sounds that caught strangers' attentions.

"S—stop it." He said while in the midst of laughter.

Rian then stopped and looked at him who was still smiling wholeheartedly.

"That's it." She pointed his face. "Maintain that, I want that smile." Xander was stunned upon hearing this that his smile started fading away.

"C'mon, I said to maintain that smile." Rian said annoyed.

"Alright, just focus on you job and do it properly." Xander said.

His doesn't remembered how he smiled before but all it takes was to look at her who was having fun teasing him and the smile he had earlier made its way into his lips.
*I knew it, this deal is really dangerous.

Rian thought that it would be a waste not to join the picture so she took a selfie instead.

Both of them smiled widely, their eyes filled with happiness as she clicked the button and making that memorable moment continue living as a precious photograph.