The Rise of the White Lotus

Chapter 156 Only with you...

His eyes widened and time seemed to slow down when Lexi let his hand go as she began taking an immediate stride towards him. The very instant her arms snaked around him and her hands lounged on his back--Ethan Lu stiffened.

"Are you dumb? If it wasn't for your luck, I'd also keep you an arm's length away from me, dummy. Also, I only date one at a time." Her tone lowered yet, to him, it sounded so reassuring.

Inside his mind, chaos ensued after hearing her words. Who wouldn't be in pain after knowing that he was unintentionally putting pressure on her? After all, that was Ethan Lu's most afraid about: causing her pain or anything related to that.

But the instant she did what she had done, his chaotic mind was abruptly shut off—it stilled like a peaceful lake. Eventually, her warmth transferred to him that made his mind started to function again.

'God… is this real? Is this one of my delusions? Perhaps, a dream?' He questioned inwardly as for a moment, he could not utter a single word.

Soon, his hand slowly moved and wrapped around near her shoulder—his chin on top of her head as the fragrant of her sweet-scented hair wafted in his nostrils. He could not believe it nor did he expect this to happen.

For him, her initiation for a close physical contact was a far-fetched dream he could only reach after years of trying. Granting that he had bearhugged her before, but there was a vast difference from then and now.

Before, he could feel that there was this thick wall surrounding her that even though he was so close to her, it always seemed she was beyond his reach. But now, he could totally feel her soothing warmth that abled to shut his riotous mind to peace.

At the same time, the sun began to set. It slowly goes down on the horizon creating a magical, autumnal golden ray that was so beautiful words couldn't give justice to express it.

"Did you hear me?" After some time, Lexi broke the tender atmosphere as Ethan Lu kept his silence even after returning her hug.

'Was he insulted being called a dumb?'

"I did… I am just so happy, I can't talk." Ethan Lu almost whispered his words as he continued to sniff her pleasant fragrance and gently tightened his grip around her.

"..." Lexi pursed her lips on a thin line as for the first time, she heard her heart loudly 'thump'—it was so loud that it actually startled her. Regardless, she doesn't regret her action because, for some reason, Lexi felt that what she did was right—for her and for the both of them.

Lexi had always been like this. Once she decided on something or what her mother called it 'let someone in her heart', she would do it wholeheartedly—no regrets. That is why she fought for her first love until she lost everything, even her life.

"Lexi, the man hugging you right now and is beyond cloud nine is the real me. The man who confessed his love to you is me. The man who genuinely cares for Uncle and Auntie was also the real me. Every time I am with you, that is the only time I can show the real me… only with you, I can express myself. I don't want to play pretend of the man I am not and give you the wrong interpretation of what to expect from me."

Lexi attentively listened to his gentle yet straightforward words. She was quite surprised that Ethan Lu remembered her first question as she almost forgot about it after his long sentiments. Hearing him utter such words, a subtle smile formed on the side of her lips.

"So, you're also a dummy…"

"Hehe, well, not entirely but I guess I am." Chuckling, Ethan Lu's smile was the brightest he had in his 27 years of existence. His happiness right now... just him, hugging her under the beautiful sunset filled his heart with unparalleled delight. Even though it was not what he had fantasies it to be, it was actually better than he imagined.

It was more romantic, more sincere, and heartwarming; as their heart silently agreed and beat at the same rhythm.

Sensing that she was pulling herself away, Ethan Lu mildly pulled her back as he rested his cheeks on top of her head; "Let's stay like this for a while… I'm afraid I can't control myself if I see your face and might end up stealing a kiss—the sunset, remember?" Referring to what he said earlier, Ethan Lu reminded her as he wasn't ready to face her.

He was afraid that if she pulled away now, he could not control his extreme happiness and might end up kissing her that could also lead to a huge mess. After all, sharing a hug and a kiss had a tremendous difference, and they are not on that level yet.

"Alright…" Recalling his so-called 'delusion', Lexi swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Knowing Ethan Lu, if he spoke his mind like that, that means it was what he knew would do. Hence, Lexi didn't want that to happen as well. After all, the vibe between them was already set and having an abrupt kiss was the last thing she wanted to happen… or so she thought.

Granting that she just decided to open her heart to him minutes ago, that didn't change the fact that they were still on the earliest stage of 'getting to know' part. She wished to know him better. She preferred to make an effort by appreciating his deed as a man, not a friend. And if she ever falls in love with him... maybe tomorrow or after a year, or perhaps more years, she would embrace her feelings despite all odds. Therefore, taunting him right now wasn't a good idea.

"Kyaaaah~!! Kyaaaah!!! OMG~!!" On the top of the deck, Churu kept on squealing like a solid fangirl. Although she promised that she would keep her distance and give them the privacy Lexi wanted, she could not help but take a peek after their heartfelt conversation.

Although Churu was used by Ethan Lu being Mister Romantico -- Churu was surprised when she heard Lexi's soft and cute reply. Unlike her tone when she responded to his confession which was firm and carried pride, this time, it was as if Lexi's heart opened up and welcomed him along when she uttered her half-insult half-teasing.

"Omo~! Omo~! Omo~! What is this~?! OMG~!" Churu's wailing was so loud that it soon reached Lexi's ears.

'Sissy, I was told earlier to forget the noise of the world tonight. Just when I thought I can—shhh!!' Lexi apathetically uttered telepathically as she knew this was coming. However, her words stopped and shushed her instead as Churu flew towards them and kept screaming from the top of her lungs.

Churu then suddenly collapsed on the floor—face front, as if she shut down for a second before she quickly raised her head and started rolling on the floor stating her 'kyah's and omo's'.

For a moment, Lexi's heart stopped when she saw the hysterical dumpling dropping on the floor but after a second, she heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that Churu only rested for a second to boost her energy. Fortunately, only Lexi could see what was happening on the side.

'Don't worry~! I am only sharing Mr. Main task happiness and expressing it for him~!' As shameless as she could be, Churu reasoned out in between her fangirl squealing.