"Do you believe I find you a burden?"

Startled by his words, Claudia sought clarification. "What?"

“I'm not bothered."

His ebony eyes held her tenderly, a smile gracing his lips

Claudia was suddenly taken aback. She gazed at him, blinking in bewilderment, "What, what do you mean by ‘not bothered'?"

Did it hold the same significance as she had surmised?

Had she misconstrued his intent?

She blinked and another teardrop fell.

Bennett couldn't bear to witness her tears. He tenderly brushed them away and drew her onto his lap, saying, “Would you like to understand what I meant by that?"

Claudia simply desired confirmation, unsure if she had misinterpreted him. She scarcely noticed his embrace. Hearing his question, she nodded and replied, "Yes."

She genuinely yearned to ascertain whether he reciprocated her feelings.

"Alright." After uttering those words, Bennett tilted his head slightly and captured Claudia's lips once more.

This kiss held an entirely new dimension compared to the previous one. It unfolded as delicately as a caress bestowed upon a priceless jewel.

Claudia sensed his warm breath enveloping her nose and mouth. He continued to kiss her, his lips slender and persistent.

His breath, like a gentle tide, permeated her from the inside out. Her mind hummed, and her body swelled and simmered Like dough in the oven, under the influence of the heat.

Just when she believed she might explode from the sensation, those slender lips, moving with rhythmic grace, finally departed. Even if Claudia had been a fool, the message was unmistakable.

Yet, she remained in a somewhat dreamlike state. Her cheeks flushed, she gathered her courage and asked directly, “Bennett, you feel the same way about me, don't you?"

“Isn't it painfully obvious?" Upon hearing his response, Claudia felt her thoughts scatter into nothingness.

She was so astonished that words escaped her. She gazed at him for an eternity before finally managing to say, “I... I don't sense it."

He was left momentarily speechless. Following her revelation, Bennett fell into a contemplative silence. Neither of them exchanged words, leaving the atmosphere hanging in an awkward yet romantic tension.

After a while, Claudia stole a glance at the man embracing her and whispered softly, "Could you kiss me again?"

It still felt Like an enchanting dream.

In response to her request, Bennett tightened his hold around her waist, lowered his head and claimed her Lips once more.

This time, his tenderness was unreserved.