Can I Hold Your Hand?
Three days had passed since the wedding.
Life at Hawthorne Grand Hotel had finally returned to normal.
Well…
Almost.
There was one thing that hadn’t returned to normal.
Ethan.
He had become even more protective of Ava.
Whenever she climbed a ladder to check decorations…
He was standing below.
Whenever she carried something heavy…
He quietly took it from her hands.
Whenever she disappeared for more than ten minutes…
He somehow knew.
At first, Ava thought it was a coincidence.
By the third day…
She knew it wasn’t.
— “Ava.” She turned around.
Ethan was standing behind her.
“You skipped breakfast.” She blinked.
“…How did you know?” “You always become quieter when you don’t eat.” She stared at him.
“You noticed that?” “I notice everything about you.” He held out a paper bag.
“I bought you breakfast.” Inside was a warm croissant, fresh fruit, and her favorite iced vanilla latte.
Her eyes widened.
“…When did you even have time to buy this?” “I left a little earlier.” “…For me?” Ethan simply nodded.
Ava smiled so brightly that even Daniel, walking past the office, stopped for a moment.
“…Young love.” He muttered to himself before continuing down the hallway.
— Meanwhile…
Lucas was having a much less peaceful morning.
“Mia…” “No.” “I haven’t even asked.” “The answer is still no.” Lucas sighed dramatically.
“You don’t even know what I wanted.” “I do.” “You want attention.” “I always want attention.” Mia laughed.
“And you already have enough.” Lucas stood up from the couch and walked over to her desk.
“What if…” He leaned closer.
“…I just wanted to hold your hand?” Mia looked up from her laptop.
“For what reason?” “So I don’t miss you while you’re sitting two feet away.” She burst into laughter.
“Lucas!” “What?” “You say the cringiest things with the straightest face.” “I learned from Ethan.” Mia laughed even harder.
“Please…” “Don’t ever tell him that.” Lucas grinned.
“Too late.” — That afternoon…
Ava and Ethan were asked to inspect a newly renovated executive suite.
The room overlooked the city.
Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across one wall.
“It turned out beautifully,” Ava said.
“It did.” As they walked through the suite, Ethan noticed a small tear in one of the curtains.
He reached up to inspect it.
Ava, trying to help, stepped onto a small decorative stool.
“Ethan, I think if I just-” The stool wobbled.
“Ava.” She lost her balance.
Before she could fall…
Strong hands caught her once again.
This time…
She didn’t crash into his chest.
Instead…
She ended up in his arms.
One arm beneath her knees.
The other supporting her back.
A princess carry.
They both froze.
“…” “…” “…” Ava blinked several times.
“E-Ethan…” “I’m sorry.” “I panicked.” He made no attempt to put her down.
Neither did she ask him to.
Instead…
She found herself staring into his eyes.
“You know…” she whispered.
“You carry me quite often.” He smiled softly.
“I hope it becomes unnecessary.” She laughed.
“I hope so too.” Still…
Neither of them moved.
Finally…
Ava cleared her throat.
“…You can put me down now.” “Oh.” “Right.” He carefully lowered her until her feet touched the floor.
The moment she stood…
She immediately missed the warmth of his arms.
That realization startled her.
— As they prepared to leave the suite…
Their hands brushed.
Just slightly.
Ava instinctively pulled hers away.
Then paused.
She looked at Ethan.
He looked back.
Without saying a word…
She slowly reached for his hand again.
This time…
She was the one who took it.
Her fingers slipped gently between his.
She looked down, too shy to meet his eyes.
“…Just until we get back.” Ethan’s heart nearly stopped.
“…Okay.” His thumb softly brushed against the back of her hand.
Neither of them spoke as they walked through the hallway.
Guests smiled at them.
Employees quietly exchanged knowing glances.
One elderly guest whispered to his wife, “They’re such a lovely young couple.” Ava heard it.
Her cheeks immediately turned pink.
She instinctively tried to let go.
But before she could…
Ethan gently tightened his grip.
Not enough to trap her.
Just enough to say…
Stay.
She looked at him.
He smiled.
“Let them think what they want.” For the first time…
Ava smiled without arguing.
“…Okay.” Across the lobby, Lucas almost dropped the coffee he was drinking.
He blinked once.
Twice.
Then turned to Mia.
“…Are they…” Mia followed his gaze.
Her eyes became as wide as saucers.
“They’re holding hands.” Lucas rubbed his eyes dramatically.
“I’ve waited months for this moment.” Mia squealed and grabbed his arm.
“They’re so cute!” Lucas chuckled.
“I think…” “My brother finally stopped running away from happiness.” Neither Ethan nor Ava noticed the two of them watching.
They were too busy enjoying the quiet comfort of walking side by side.
Hand in hand.
For the very first time.