"How the—?! I didn't think it was like this when we—!"

Covering your mouth with both hands, you stand in awe—taking in the view. Your eyes widen with astonishment as you twirl around in a half circle, unable to believe that you're standing in a replica of your bucket list destination.

Completely satisfied with your reaction, Tyler lets out a lopsided smile. Realizing he might miss this moment—he quickly puts the burgers and sugarcane on the picnic blanket, then takes out his phone to record you.

"So.. how are you feeling?" he asks with a smile. Despite his phone directed to you, his eyes are not moving from you—wanting to take in every second from this moment in real life.

You turn your attention to him as you lower your hands from your mouth, revealing your gaping mouth and sparkling eyes. Still in a thunderstruck manner, you shout, "You think?!"

Tyler bursts into laughter, continuing to record as he moves to your front so he can get a better view of you. However, in an outburst you complain, "Get out of my way you're blocking this beautiful view!" Letting out another loud laugh, Tyler steps aside as he makes an exaggerated—allowing gesture to let you admire the view.

It's a very simple decoration—however in this case.. his very effort brings you to the verge of tears. Rushing towards Tyler, you punch him in the arm, exclaiming, "What the hell, Ty?!"

He can't help but let out a sweet lopsided grin and whispers, "Sorry I could only bring you here.. with decorations like.." taking in the finished work, he cringes to add in a slightly displeased tone, "this,"

"What? Ty. this is everything!"

As he gazes back at you, he notices how your eyes are getting glassy. Tyler can't help but chuckle affectionately, immediately wrapping you in a tight hug. Pressed against his chest, in between your gentle sniffles, you mutter some words he can't quite hear.

"Winny Winny~ You okay?" he chuckles, rubbing your back gently before trying to pull you away slightly, wanting to see your face. However, every time he almost manages to do so, you stick your head back on his chest, mumbling softly,

"I jwust—I nevcdf bwen lysfk dzis bfvor,"

"Jennn, English please—"

"I just never felt appreciated like this before!"

You shout as you lean away from him, still wearing the downsided crescent moon on your mouth. He looks at you with wide eyes, trying to suppress a laugh. Plopping your face back in his chest again, you continue your emotional pouting. Eventually unable to contain his laughter any longer, Cavill bursts into a big laugh as you wiggle in his arms, flustered.

"Oookay, alllright Winny, let's sit down for a second, okay?" he laughs, guiding you to the picnic spot. As you both ultimately sit down, unintentionally, you both glance at each other—causing the both of you to burst out laughing. Him in amusement while in your case.. definitely out of embarrassment.

With you still pouting and wiping away your tears, he holds your arms—holding you in place as he bore his eyes to you, very much amused. As he helps you wipe away your grateful tears, he notices your pout increasing. With a nod, he gestures towards the sugarcane you've been holding—and you eagerly take it, starting to sip away.

Trusting in the magical wonders of the sugarcane, he slouches off to grab a burger and takes a big munch. Funnily, his prediction is proven—because not long, you emerge like you've been reborn—grinning—and looking around the environment with excitement like you once were.

The soft glow of the fairy lights above casting a warm embrace around you. As you both munch on your burgers, the two of you share a moment of contentment—enjoying each other's company and the simple pleasure of good food in a beautiful setting.

Tyler nods in amusement—taking in the serene surroundings, before a mischievous grin plastered on his face. "I've been wanting to come here since forever," he remarks in a sarcastic tone, taking a sip of his sugarcane. "This place is so cool, right?!" he teases, nudging you playfully.

You nod enthusiastically between bites of your burger, savoring them. "Absolutely! It's even better than I imagined," you giggle, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Why of course," grinning smugly, Cavill declares proudly, "I made it."

With a playful smirk, you tease, "I wonder how gorgeous the one handcrafted by The Gods would be?" Tyler lets out a low chuckle, raising an eyebrow suggestively.

"Is this an invitation for another date?"

You shrug casually, letting him bask in the mystery of wonder. Nudging his shoulder, you curiously ask, "But seriously. How did I not see this?"

"I took a different route, remember?" he replies with a smirk.

"Oh.. right! I should've seen it coming, argh!" you complain to yourself, shaking your head with both hands—but you pause, as if those shakes finally turn on a switch on your brain.

"Wait, but since you're with me all the time—who's making this happen?"

Tyler scratches the back of his head. A bewildered and reluctant expression crosses his face as he recalls..

"Parents, let's go!"

Mrs. Winters shouted enthusiastically—hurriedly went to scan the list of arrangements in her hand—her brow furrowed in concentration as she meticulously tended to every detail. On the other side, Mr. and Mrs. Cavill ran here and there, eagerly tending to the preparations for the soon-to-be-important moment.

"Alright, let's place these mountains over there, baby. We need to make sure they're evenly spaced."

"Got it, honey! I think it's best we place it—"

"Here dad! This is exactly where she'd want it—between the lake so it's framing our view of the lake!"

Tyler excitedly helped his dad take another mountain and placed it at the roots of the twin pine tree. Following their only child's lead, Violet and Greg nodded and placed the mountains with his guidance.

Greg puts his hand on his chin in contemplation, before switching his attention to the trees above—then around to suggest, "Guys, do you think we should put up some fairy lights here too? It'll add—you know, some extra sparkle?"

Turning to his dad in slow motion, Tyler mirrored his dad's smug expression and praised, "Wow~ Dad!" he shook his dad's body as Greg maintained the smug face—swaying right and left of the impact. Violet and Janet watched the two of them in giggles.

"You're not lying when you say you're good at this!"

Greg bounced his eyebrows proudly at him to affirm, "I never lie, kiddo."

"While you two handle that, I'll brainstorm the picnic set up with Violet before tomorrow okay~" Janet sings excitedly arm in arm with Violet.

Greg and Tyler's tall figures—positioned on different sides of the tree, nearly touched the top of the tree as they stood on the mini plastic stand—meticulously tending to the little lights on the trees. Suddenly, Greg pivoted on his stand and shouted to the back,

"John, come on! Stop lazing around you lazy. fat-ass. asshole!"

Briefly turning their attention to the far end of the tree—near the picnic area, everyone burst into laughter—except for Tyler, who awkwardly scratched the back of his head, avoiding the big man's suspicious glare that had been fixed on him for the past hour.

Mr. Winters stood there with a disgusted look, glaring at his bro's back, shouting, "What did you just call me, twig?!" Then, looking around in confusion, he asked, "Ugh, what is this for anyway?!"

"Tyler's throwing a surprise party for your daughter so you better give your all! Let's go!" Violet laughed as Janet jumped in excitement beside her.

John, though initially reluctant, eventually joined in with the guys. He walked over to Tyler and stood behind him for a moment. Feeling a large.. menacing presence behind him, Tyler closed his eyes—already anticipating an incoming–

SLAP!

Of course, John really had to give it to him—merely for his satisfaction before finally giving in to the troop's demand. Defeated, Tyler rubbed the back of his head before reluctantly turning around.. and handed the string of lights to John—all with a crisp of laughter from Greg beside them.

"Uh.."

For a moment, Tyler's eyes darted nervously from side to side. But then he regains his composure, changing his position on the blanket before shrugging nonchalantly, flashing you a smug grin.

"A man never tells his game Winny~"

"Oooh, so 'mysterious'," you nod approvingly in a proud smirk. Having another sip from the sweet sugarcane, you mumble, "It's been a long time since I drank sugarcane—"

"With burgers?" he interjects between mouthfuls of his burger—before raising his eyebrows and sarcastically complain, "Yeah, feels like it's been 20 years since I ate this combo—"

"You're not even 20, drool-baby,"

Giving you a disgusted look, Cavill growls before playfully jostling your head, eliciting satisfied giggles from you. As if suddenly realizing something, he quickly finishes his burger—well, that one-bite-left burger—wipes his hands, and stands up.

"Know what's missing?" he raises an eyebrow with a lopsided grin playing on his mouth. You're initially bewildered.. until you see him bouncing his eyebrows repeatedly—and a smug smirk crosses your face.

Placing your burger down, you stand up and take out your phone. Cavill puts a bud on his right ear and another on your left ear. After a few punches on the screen, your song starts playing—and you begin moving your shoulders.

Laughing as if the world belongs to only him and you, Tyler joins in the fun dance. But suddenly, the song halts into a pause. Tyler flinches and panics—almost instinctively moving his hand swiftly to catch something but misses.

Oh, his bud fell out.

"Oops, sorry—damn we're too excited, Jen," he laughs as you giggle, helping him by scanning the blanket for the bud. As soon as you find them—he also finds them. Quickly, he picks up the bud and puts it back in place—and you immediately click your bud twice. But weirdly, the song keeps changing. Confused, you click and click and click—

"Wait, why does the song keep changing—shouldn't it rewind instead?"

With annoyed, squinted eyes directed at you, Tyler sneers, "Rewind is 3 times you moron, not twice. And you don't have to click once the buds on the ear coz it'll play on itself—God! You're such a noob!" He seethes through his teeth in annoyance as you pout, also irritated.

Punching his arm in frustration, you're eager to redeem yourself by clicking again—but Tyler stops you by slapping your hand, trusting you no more. Pouting more, you watch Tyler rewind once.. then twice.. but then you notice 'Lovers' by Taylor Swift starts playing—

"Stop!"

You grip his arms in desperation. With a puzzled look on his face, Cavill squints at you, "What? How can we dance to this song—" but then you tilt your head with a smug expression.. take a few steps back.. and curtsy.

Surprised yet amused, Tyler chuckles softly, "In that case.."

He takes a few steps back, mimicking your curtsy before extending his hand to you. Chuckling, you accept his hand. As the sweet melody fills the air, you sway gently together.

"You know, I don't know why.. but you seem.." whilst guiding you, Tyler trails off, his gaze softening as he looks at you, "10 times prettier than before,"

You smirk bashfully before teasing, "Just 10 times?"

He chuckles and ducks his head down, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush. When he looks up again, his eyes meet yours as he teases, "Fine, trillion times prettier."

"Pfft, I knew you like me that much. Thanks though,"

However, his expression turns slightly awkward as he defends, "Uhhh no? Of course I don't. Bestfriends aren't supposed to like each other—" his words trailing off. But in his mind, a single question lingers..

Right?

"Nooo, bestfriends are bestfriends because we like each other, dumbass," you counter—a playful glint in your eyes as he falls silent, lost in thought. However, as a sudden realization dawns on him, a smirk spreads across his face.

"Anyway, we're not exactly 'bestfriends' today, are we?"

With your eyes widening in realization, you chuckle nervously and glance away—attempting to conceal the pinkish blush spreading across your cheeks. Observing your reaction, he can't help but suppress a smirk—his own cheeks tinted with a hint of color as he also looks away. However, eager to capture your attention again, he playfully squeezes your hand which had been resting on his chest, and asks,

"So, how was your date today? Did it—live up to all those clichés from your Wattpad stories?"

With a scoff at his mocking tone, you retort, "Why? Nervous whether you'll outshine all my previous dates or not?"

"Well, I'm an optimist,"

"Oh, what makes you feel so optimistic, huh?" you tease, leaning in challengingly. With a smug expression, he confidently declares,

"Tell me—who in this whole wide world brings your bucket list to your doorstep, Winny?!"

Bursting into laughter at his smug remark, you throw your head back—before resting your forehead on his shoulder. Chuckling proudly, Tyler joins in your laughter before his voice turns low, suggestive.

"You don't want this date to end, do you?"

Reacting to his overly confident demeanor, you shoot him a repelled look and scoff, "Oh don't be ridiculous. Trust me, I want this date to end. fast. Why does this day feel longer than it should?"

As he starts making silly faces to tease you, you can't help but laugh—and he gently guides your head to rest on his shoulders. You catch a whiff of the Bleu de Chanel emanating from his neck, and you marvel at how effortlessly the scent blends with his skin so well. Closing your eyes, you feel as though the world melts away.. leaving just the two of you around the glowing tiny mountains. Wrapping your arms around his waist, you pull him closer in a hug—compelling him to circle his arms around your shoulders.

"Hey.. Tyty,"

A smile forms on his lips as he hears his favorite nickname from you. "Yeah?" he responds, his voice equally gentle as he leans closer to you. With your eyes still closed, you revel in the comfort of his embrace, savoring the moment before finally whispering,

"Wanna know a secret?"

A soft chuckle escapes him, his warm breath brushing against your skin as he whispers, "What?"

You squeeze him tighter. And as a smile paints on your face, you whisper,

"I don't want this date to end."

Tyler's eyes widen, his smile growing shy as he reluctantly pulls you away, wanting to see your face. With a wide grin, he stares at you. Your hand goes to his cheek to pinch him playfully—waking him from his reverie in a flinch. At his reaction, you giggle. However—slowly.. you turn your pinch into a gentle caress, whispering,

"Thank you for today, Tyty."

Feeling a flutter of warmth in his chest, his smile turning sheepish as Tyler gazes back at you.

I don't want this day to end too..

But his words remain unspoken as he gets lost in your dark brown eyes. You both glance at each other, caught up in the embrace. As the song reaches its chorus..

Can I go where you go?~ Can we always be this close?~

You sing.

And Tyler's heart skips a beat as he feels the sudden rush of emotions caving in. His eyes widen in surprise as he listens to you intently. With each note, his expression shifts. Warmth spreads through him.. and he finds himself smiling softly, completely captivated. Not like he hasn't heard your sweet singing voice before, but—this time.. it feels different.

This, is different.

You're my, my, my, my~ Oh, you're my, my, my, my~

You shift your singing style into whimsical shouts, playful. Instead of breaking the spell, Tyler seems to become even more engrossed, caressing your arms gently. As the song nears its end and you deliver the final notes—

Darling, you're my, my—

"You're so beautiful, Jennifer Winters."

And you stop.

In this fleeting moment.. everything seems to slow down. The song fades into the background, and you find yourselves locked in a silent exchange, each lost in the other's eyes.

And somehow.. slowly.. you lean in towards each other.

Your movements are hesitant at first.. but your faces get closer.. and closer.. With every inch, the scent of his cologne fills your senses—intoxicating and familiar. The heat of his breath brushing against your skin. Your heartbeats quicken. Just an inch closer.. and—

But then the song changes into a rock song—snapping you back to reality! Startled, you jump away from each other!

The spell finally broken.

Tyler curses softly under his breath, frustration evident on his face as he runs a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure. Nonetheless, you can't help but laugh—and with a playful grin, you dart forward and plant a quick kiss on Tyler's cheek, earning a surprised yet sheepish lopsided smile from him in return.

"Whoever gets to the car first gets free sugarcane or burger for a week!"

Caught off guard by your sudden proclamation, Tyler can't suppress the grin that spreads across his face. Still frozen, he watches as you grab your sugarcane and burger, giggling with excitement—before dashing off, leaving him behind.

Heh—I know I'm always happy seeing her happy. But.. how come seeing her this happy makes me.. I—I don't think I've ever been like this with anyone.. with all of my exes—heck, I never even been like this with her.

With a chuckle, he shakes his head in amusement before breaking into a run—but you already reach the car. He opens the door, and pops his head from the car door frame—grinning and shaking his head to you.

As he gets into the car, saying, "Winnyyy, Winnyyy," he unconsciously ruffles your head playfully! Instantaneously realizing what he had done—his eyes widen as he apologizes, "Shit—sorry Jen—"

"It's okay!"

Widening his eyes, Tyler freezes. Instead of going rampage, your hand already on his arm—holding him in place. A smirk forms on his lips at your rare behavior—when it immediately subsides as he suddenly gazes at you calculatingly, lost in his thoughts.

Wait. I haven't thought about Taylor at all, have I? Shouldn't I like—at least.. have her roaming around my mind—now that she's my ex? I mean—we broke up only a few weeks ago, right? Or a week—fuck, why am I not missing her? Do I—did I.. love her? Was it love, though? Heck, forget about love. Did I ever.. like her?

Nervously, you bring your sugarcane to your lips and start sipping until it's empty. Soon as you finish, you cutely give him a big smile—startling him from his thoughts. There's just.. something about your smile that makes him.. wants to smile too. He strokes your head carefully—when a sudden realization hits him.

Seriously—I don't know about her these days. She feels.. different.

With wide, doe eyes.. you meet his gaze, feeling a rush of warmth spread through you. He watches you intently, still stroking your hair softly—his touch light and delicate. Time seems to slow down as his fingers trace along your head.. to your hair.. till he tucks a few behind your ear.. and you can't help but smile softly.

She feels.. so fucking right.

Or is it just how I see her now?

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Cecylia Costania @rcpcswrites

You can elevate your experience by also listening to songs I added to this story's playlist! Full Playlist on bio💖

The songs that matches this Chapter's vibe:

https://youtu.be/jO2viLEW-1A

"In that case.."

https://youtu.be/-BjZmE2gtdo