Chapitre 10: Ocean and Pearl

Stepping outside, Midori noted the blue-green school of fish design on the building. As they went inside S Ocean, she was ready to be pushed by a lot of people, silently cursing her stupidity of wearing fancy heels for the day. However, she was utterly surprised.

Dan walked alongside her, keeping one hand in his pocket and the other near her, swaying naturally as he walked. He has the urge to hold her hand, but he cannot reason out that she might get lost, since they are the only customers in the aquarium.

That is right. He actually reserved the whole place for the both of them. He kind of want to swear now that he did.

Midori was awed with the place. It was so much better to have the place to themselves. She can look at the fish, sting ray, turtles, and many more as much as she wants. No one will push her aside or compete with her on taking pictures.

Dan was staring at her during their visit. He helped her to have her photos taken a few times.

When they arrived at the penguin area, Midori was intently watching them move, some are swimming.

Dan cleared his throat. "Did you know what's remarkable about the emperor penguin?"

Midori was startled as he suddenly spoke. She looked at him questioningly.

"They are loyal to their mates and the male takes care of the young, rather than the female." Dan continued, lifting the sides of his lips.

Midori turned to look back at the penguins.

Dan looked at his watch. He broke the silence again.

"Dori..."

She looked into his eyes.

Suddenly, he was tongue-tied. She has this tender look in her eyes. The heartbeat ringing in his ears for the past 3 hours might turn him deaf by banging louder.

"What is it?" Midori casually asked.

"Uh...uhmm..." He let his eyes fly for clues of what he was to say. Then he saw that he was still holding his arm up with his watch telling the time. "Right. Uhmm...would you like to have lunch now?"

Midori flashed a sweet smile. "Sure. But before we leave..." she tapped on her phone. Then she handed it to him. "Let's take a photo together."

Her sweet smile melted him so much that he might have already liquefied, if possible.

Dan managed to keep his cool somehow and took their selfie in front of the glass of the penguins. However, she noted that it had only half of his face.

"Not good. Do it again." She pouted while giving back her phone.

This time, she went closer to his side. Dan brought his arm towards her back. She scooched over more until she was almost leaning on his chest. This made her conscious, and lose her balance with her heels. Dan noticed this and supported her by wrapping his arm on her waist. This made the both of them blush. Midori recovered on time and flashed her brightest smile towards the camera as if it was nothing to her. Dan was jumping inside. He managed to take a few photos, including using his own phone, before they went out to lunch.

They went to a nearby mall then into a restaurant with glass windows with a view of the Pearl Tower.

Their lunch consisted of clam chowder, seafood lasagna, pasta puttanesca, iced lemonade and cake slices for dessert.

Before leaving, they both excused themselves to go to the restroom.

Midori patted some oil off her face with a tissue. Then she took out her lipstick for a retouch. She she looked at herself in the mirror and had a wide smile and blush on her cheeks. This was very romantic for her. She thought that even if she had dated someone else before, she will still be touched by the gesture.

Dan was waiting for her outside. He flashed her a smile and held out his hand like it was the most natural thing to do. She reached out her hand, then was dragged into brisk walking.

People in the mall were looking at them in awe. Some girls are jealous of the sight. They would want a boyfriend like Dan. Some are furious because their boyfriends are looking at the girl in tow.

Finally, they were back to the parking space where the driver was waiting for them.

Dan opened the door for her. She was about to enter when she saw a plushie doll on the seat. It was a young emperor penguin.

Midori flashed a wide smile. She looked at Dan as if asking for confirmation.

He nodded back. "It's yours." He displayed his pearly whites.

Midori entered the car and immediately hugged the plush toy. Dan sat beside her, coming from the other side.

Shortly after, they arrived at their next destination.

Midori was so excited as they rode one of the fastest elevators in the country. When they reached the 118th floor, she ran out to the viewing deck.

Dan looked at his empty hand. He slowly shook his head while smiling. He went after her, hands in his pockets.

He stood beside her, but angled his body so he can comfortably reach to her other side with her arm and keep her near against his torso. This is a bold move for him. He is taking a lot of risks.

Midori noticed this but she was appreciating the view so she let it be.

"Can we also have a photo here?" he carefully asked.

"Mhmm..." she nodded thoroughly.

Dan held his phone out with one hand.

Midori was shocked. "Hey! Don't do that! What if you drop it?! It will not survive a more than 2000-foot drop!" She tried to get the phone.

Dan used his other arm to restrain her arms, and in doing so, embracing her unto hi chest. He immediately snapped a photo.

Then he turned them around so that their background would be the view to the city.

Midori composed herself and smiled as naturally as possible. She can hear her heartbeat.

After some time, it was getting dark. Dan grabbed her hand.

"Let's go have dinner."

"Okay." Midori nodded.

They dined at the revolving restaurant in Pearl Tower.

A waiter asked them if they would want some wine, however both of them declined. Again, is this a date? Even the two of them are not sure anymore.

It was past 2000H when they went back to the car. There was a bit of traffic on their way back.

Midori was still hugging the plushie as she looked out the window.

"Did you have fun?" Dan finally asked.

"Hai." Midori smiled, then realizing her mistake, swiftly said, "I mean, yes!"

He chuckled.

"Let's do this again." He gave her a faint smile, staring at her tenderly.

As they entered the residential area, Dan remembered Midori's message the night before. He would meet her mom tonight as part of the permission for going out.

As they walk to the front door, they were holding hands as they did throughout the day. However, Midori was the first to remember that it should not have been a date. She freed her hand as they stood at the door. Her personal maid opened it for them.

As they enter the foyer, they were shocked to find Madam Xiu on the sofa, sipping tea, staring at them.