It was unlike Phainon to be late.
Sitting in the kitchen of your strangely quiet apartment, you stared at your phone, waiting for anything from him. It's your first Christmas together… if he even shows up. You've set up the table, decorated your place, and cooked a good amount of dishes for both of you.
But what was meant for two people would turn cold long before Phainon could reply to your messages. He was supposed to be here an hour ago, after he told you he was on the way.
A plethora of thoughts circulated in your brain as you nervously waited. What if something happened to him? Did he lie about leaving on time? Did he forget something back at his place? Did he get lost? Wait, no, he's been to your apartment before, multiple times at that.
As you fidget with your fingers, a thought you've been burying at the back of your mind keeps pestering you.
What if… he forgot? Surely not? Phainon isn't the type.
But even after knowing that, all you could do was hope that he would prove you wrong.
He's late. Extremely late.
Phainon grips the steering wheel of his car, pushing more energy than he realizes. He was supposed to be at your place an hour ago, but on the way, he passed by a pop-up flower stand and couldn't pass on the opportunity.
The bouquet he picked out for you was beautiful—perfectly and carefully selected flowers that perfectly matched your taste and personality. But he didn't take into account how long it would take him. I mean, you're just too lovely that every flower suited you!
And now he's stuck in unbelievable traffic, reminding him why he was supposed to leave early. He did! But uhm… got sidetracked. Not to mention that his phone was dead, so he couldn't even tell you what happened and where he was.
Another 30 minutes pass by, and now the food is cold, and you're left sitting—looking as if you've been abandoned—and at this point? You might as well be.
Anger, worry, and sorrow fueled your mind as you stared at your phone. Messages you've sent to Phainon being left on delivered.
Feeling dejected, you finally made up your mind and started placing the lids back on the dishes you've made.
Before you knew it, you were already at the door, hand on the door handle. As you carefully swing the door open, you can hear little sobs and sniffles.
"Phai—?!" You were abruptly cut off by strong arms embracing you in a tight hug.
"My dearest dawnlight! I'm so sorry, I didn't realize I was running late!" Phainon lifts you off the ground, spinning you around in excitement.
"Whoa, hey! Put me down!" With a sigh, he mutters an apology before setting you down. As your feet hit the floor, you gaze up at a fascinating sight.
He was pouting, puppy eyes on full show. Honestly? He looked like a kicked puppy with his tail tucked between his legs.
That didn't really work, though; you were still upset at him for showing up incredibly late with no notice. "Why didn't you respond to my messages? I've been waiting for around 2 hours for you!" You frown, trying your best to stay serious while he practically whimpers to gain your sympathy.
"I would if I could! I swear! My darling, my phone's dead, so I couldn't—" Before he could continue, he got distracted by the disappointed and upset look on your face. It stung his heart to know he was the one who had caused that. Oh, the world was practically ending for him at that moment.
Quickly, he picks up the bouquet he set down on the floor earlier before ringing your doorbell and offers it to you. His gaze was apologetic, his body looming over yours due to his height. Something about a tall and at times, intimidating man, downgrading to a state like this because of you felt quite enthralling.
"For you, Dawnlight. I passed by a flower stand on the way here, and I just had to get you a bouquet. And before I knew it, I already lost track of time after being so immersed in picking the best ones for you."
"And I got caught in traffic, but let's not talk about that part, please hehe." He quickly adds in a voice much smaller.
His grip tightens on the flowers, but not too tight as to damage the stems. A desperate, almost pathetic voice comes out as he opens his mouth to speak again.
And as much as you wanted to hate him right now. As much as you were upset that the food you'd spent hours cooking was now cold. Plus the fact that he was late. You couldn't bring yourself to be mad at him right now.
The bouquet looked stunning. It was all your favorite flowers and some additional ones. Ones that reminded Phainon of you, you assumed. With your heart softening up for him, you sigh as you accept the flowers. In which his eyes practically light up as you do so. If he had a tail, it would be wagging excitedly by now.
"Does that mean you forgive me, Dawnlight? I promise I won't do it again! I'm so sorr—"
His ramblings are then met by you, catching his lips in a kiss to shut him up. Not that he was complaining, he practically melted immediately under your touch.
At least he didn't forget, and now he's in your arms once more.
merry christmas and happy holidays, everyone!