Chapter 43: Keeping the Promise

I checked my appearance in front of the mirror again. A bit excessive, I thought.

I gently tugged at the hem of the dress. I had never worn something this short before, about seven centimeters above the knee.

“Relax, Frel. It’s just a dress,” I murmured to my own reflection, even though my heart was beating far too fast for something as simple as choosing clothes.

I chose a pair of blue sneakers with white accents, paired them with a matching-toned wristwatch and a small handbag that complemented the color of the dress.

After that, I examined the light makeup on my face and my hairstyle, with the front section clipped back.

“That’s enough. Don’t change anything else,” I said firmly to myself.

Before I could step away from the mirror, a knock sounded on the door. Grandma came in without waiting for an answer, her face instantly lighting up.

“Wow, you look so beautiful tonight, dear,” she said in admiration. “Where are you going? Let Grandma guess. You’re going on a date, aren’t you?” she continued teasingly, raising and lowering her eyebrows.

I immediately became flustered in front of Grandma. Indeed, tonight was my first date with Kevan, and I hoped it would be a good beginning for our relationship.

“When you’re asked, you don’t answer, you just smile to yourself,” Grandma said. “But isn’t your dress a bit too short, Frel?”

I glanced at the hem of the dress again. “A little.”

Grandma laughed even more. “A little is normal. If the one picking you up is handsome, his partner should look attractive too.”

I snorted. “Grandma, you’re saying such strange things.”

“That means Grandma is happy,” she replied lightly. Then she glanced toward the door. “By the way, the person you’re waiting for has arrived.”

I fell silent. “Has he really arrived?”

Grandma nodded meaningfully. “Yes. And believe me, he won’t disappoint.”

Before leaving me, Grandma added, “Oh right, this one is no less handsome than Kenn,” she said with a chuckle.

I could only rub my forehead.

I stepped into the living room with my heart pounding. The white dress fit my body perfectly, and that was exactly what made me nervous.

“I’m ready,” I said softly.

My hand was still gripping my bag tightly, my body moving restlessly. Kevan, who had been chatting with Grandpa and Grandma, suddenly turned toward me.

His gaze locked onto me without blinking. Our eyes met. His eyes looked so bright that I could not bring myself to hold his gaze for long.

I lowered my head, half embarrassed.

A few seconds later, I heard Grandpa clear his throat. Kevan immediately looked away and pretended to cough. I knew Kevan was flustered.

So cute.

“Grandpa, Grandma, may I take Frel out tonight?” Kevan asked politely, his tone gentle.

“Of course you may,” Grandma answered quickly. “Take your time coming home later, Kevan. Even morning would be fine.”

Huh?

Shouldn’t it be don’t come home too late? Why did I feel like Grandma was not worried at all?

“My wife does like to joke,” Grandpa said with a small laugh as he gently rubbed Grandma’s back. “Please forgive her.”

Kevan smiled in amusement and nodded politely. “It’s alright, Grandpa. No problem.”

My heartbeat became harder and harder to control as I took in Kevan’s appearance.

Tonight, he was wearing a dark blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with neutral-colored jeans and sneakers. Neat, yet still casual. His masculine side was clearly visible. His firm jawline framed his handsome face perfectly, his lips were thin, and oh my … he looked incredibly charming.

Kevan then stood up and said his goodbyes to Grandpa and Grandma. I began to feel half to death nervous when he looked back at me intensely.

He smiled sweetly while extending his hand toward me. “Ready?”

I hesitated for a fraction of a second, then nodded and took his hand. “Ready.”

Kevan held my hand and led me out of the house.

“Have fun….” Grandma called out loudly, waving her hand enthusiastically.

Outside the house, Mr. Mamat and several customers from the shop whistled teasingly.

Mr. Mamat and a few regulars who often gathered at his shop continued whistling and teasing endlessly.

“Wow, Frel, you look like an angel tonight,” one of them shouted with a laugh.

“Don’t forget to come back to the shop, Frel,” another chimed in, followed by a long whistle.

I snorted in annoyance. If Kevan had not been here, I might have already caused chaos in that shop without hesitation.

Kevan seemed to notice the change in my body language. I glanced at him briefly and found a faint smile etched on his lips.

“Be patient,” he said softly. “They’re just joking.”

Without waiting for my reaction, he wrapped his right arm around my waist.

“Kevan,” I protested softly, though my voice sounded weaker than I intended.

“Relax. I’m here,” he whispered gently.

He pulled me a little closer, holding me softly, as if trying to calm me down.

The touch felt warm and safe, yet it also made my body tense in surprise, as if struck by an electric current. I froze for a moment, but at the same time, my smile grew even wider.

He tried to calm me by holding me within the circle of his arms. So sweet and reassuring.

And I liked it.

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