After closing the wooden door behind her, Alice leaned against it, her heart pounding like a drum. That kiss, gentle yet fiery, was like an irresistible breeze that left a deep impression on her heart. She couldn't help but giggle, cupping her cheeks like a little girl, a blush spreading across her face. Suddenly, she couldn't resist spinning around the room, dancing lightly with her hands waving in the air, as if her partner were Tarrant, who had just left. Her skirt fluttered in the breeze as she danced to the bedside, eagerly throwing herself onto the soft bed and burying herself in the velvet blanket.
"I kissed him..." she murmured to herself, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for her next encounter with Tarrant. She couldn't help rolling around on the bed, wishing time would fly so they could meet sooner.
Meanwhile, Tarrant left Alice's room and walked alone through the corridors of the palace. His fingertips lightly traced over his lips, as if he could still feel the warmth of Alice's kiss. Closing his eyes, he imitated Alice's lip shape with his hands, his lips curling up into a smile as he was completely immersed in the memories of the moment. His steps became lighter, his mind replaying the tender moment repeatedly, so much so that he didn't notice the patrolling soldiers approaching.
"Hey, look at what he looks like," one soldier snickered. "He's completely mesmerized by the girl, isn't he?"
"It looks like it is," another soldier joked along. "He can't even walk steadily!"
Tarrant didn't hear their teasing, still lost in the image of Alice. When he arrived home, the house was silent. All his family members were already asleep, with only moonlight streaming through the windows onto the hall floor. He rarely came home so late, and if he worked late into the night, he would sleep in his studio. But today was different; he was eager for everything to be perfect for tomorrow's tea party. He tiptoed upstairs and got into the soft bedding, closing his eyes and seeing Alice's sparkling eyes again in his dreams.
In the morning, the Hattop family was enjoying breakfast, but Tarrant's empty seat stood out prominently. Father Zaneek lowered his newspaper, furrowing his brow. "Where is Tarrant? Did he come back last night?"
Mother Tuva smiled and replied, "I heard him come back, but it looks like he's still sleeping."
At this point, Tarrant's cousin Bin put down his utensils and joked, "Don't call him, Auntie. I bet he dated very late last night and must be exhausted today."
Zaneek couldn't help but smile inwardly. After all, everyone else in the family had already started their own families except for Tarrant, and he had always hoped his accomplished son would find a suitable partner. At this moment, a hint of satisfaction spread across his face.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains and shone on Tarrant's face. The golden glow seemed to call him to rise, but he was immersed in sweet dreams until the sunlight pierced through and woke him up near noon. He sat up abruptly, realizing it was already late and panicking. "Oh my goddess, why am I sleeping so long!" he muttered to himself as he hastily got dressed and practically ran out of the room.
Tarrant jogged all the way and finally arrived at the location of the tea party. Sunlight poured onto the grass, and a gentle breeze blew from the distant forest, but no friends had arrived yet. He looked around and suddenly saw a familiar figure running hurriedly as well—it was Alice.
Both of them burst into laughter at the same time. "It seems that we all overslept," Alice panted, lightly brushing her hair that had been blown out of place by the wind.
"It seems so," Tarrant responded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. He pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit down first. "Since the others haven't arrived yet, why don't we have a cup of tea first?"
Alice smiled and sat down, while Tarrant quickly brewed a cup of tea for her. He watched her every move intently, especially when she picked up the cup and took a sip, and a strong urge suddenly surged within him. He wanted to know if she tasted the same as yesterday, as enchanting as ever.
He slowly approached and leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek. Alice was slightly startled but then flashed a mischievous glint in her eyes. "How dare you!" she laughed and kissed him back, feeling unsatisfied.
This kiss was more passionate than the previous one. They leaned closer to each other, immersed in this sweet moment. They kissed for some time, as if forgetting all the hustle and bustle of the world.
However, familiar voices suddenly came from the distance—it was the laughter and footsteps of their friends emerging from the forest. Both of them stopped at the same time, their gazes meeting awkwardly for a second.Tarrant coughed, quickly picked up his tea cup, and pretended nothing had happened. Meanwhile, Alice covered her mouth with a chuckle, also picking up her tea cup in an attempt to hide the blush on her cheeks.
"Well... the tea is good," Tarrant said, pretending to be serious.
"It's pretty good," Alice echoed with a smile, her eyes still sparkling with a hint of mischief.
Just as they were not quite out of the sweet aftermath, their friends stepped onto the lawn of the tea party, their laughter drawing nearer.