By the time we arrived in Paris, the sky was painted in soft shades of gold and pale blue.
I pressed my face lightly against the window, watching as the city came into view—rows of elegant buildings, narrow streets, and the faint outline of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
It felt surreal.
"Welcome to Paris," Harley said. His laptop and phone were nowhere to be seen; instead, his attention was on me. His gaze lingered a second longer than usual, like he was trying to read something in my expression.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
The moment we stepped out of the airport, a cool breeze brushed against my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of coffee and something sweet I couldn't quite place.
It was different from Seoul. Slower. Softer. Almost romantic.
The last time I was here, a very handsome young man had asked one of the girls in our group out on a date. It had been a romantic sight to see. Back then, I had laughed it off, teasing her about it for the rest of the trip.
I adjusted my coat as we waited for our luggage. My eyes kept wandering, taking everything in—the language, the people, the atmosphere.
It felt like stepping into another world. Like something here was waiting for me… even if I didn't know what it was yet.
"Why are you acting like it's your first time here?" Harley asked.
I glanced at him. "Honestly, I don't know. But… everything about this place is breathtaking."
His lips curved slightly. "It is." His voice was quieter this time, almost distracted, like his thoughts were somewhere else.
I looked away, trying to hide my smile. "Let's visit some places we didn't get the chance to see last time."
"This trip is all about you. We'll do whatever you want." His tone was firm—too firm for something so simple.
I frowned slightly. "I think you meant to say we, not you?"
Harley picked up his luggage and handed me mine. His fingers brushed mine for the briefest moment before pulling away. "No, I meant you."
I narrowed my eyes at him but didn't press further. There was something in his expression I couldn't quite place.
Outside, a black car was already waiting for us. Harley opened the door and gestured for me to get in.
"After you."
"Such a gentleman," I teased lightly before slipping inside.
The ride through the city was quiet, but not uncomfortable.
I watched as Paris unfolded before my eyes—street cafés lined with small round tables, couples walking hand in hand, artists sketching along the sidewalks.
Everything felt… alive.
My gaze softened as we passed a familiar street. "I remember this place," I murmured. A faint tug pulled at my chest, like a memory just out of reach.
Harley glanced at me briefly, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "You got lost here."
I turned to him, eyes widening. "I did not get lost."
"You called me five times in ten minutes."
"That was because you weren't answering!" I had been so scared that day—I got separated from the group, and when Harley found me, I was a mess. I still remembered the way I had grabbed onto him without thinking… how steady he had felt.
For a split second, something flickered in his eyes. Not amusement. Something deeper. But it was gone just as quickly.
He chuckled softly. The sound made my chest feel strangely warm.
The car came to a stop in front of a grand hotel, its exterior elegant and timeless. My eyes widened slightly as I stepped out.
"Harley…"
He walked around the car and stopped beside me. His gaze shifted briefly—not to the hotel, but to me—like he was watching my reaction more than anything else. "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful," I admitted.
Inside, the lobby was just as breathtaking—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and soft music playing in the background.
Everything about it felt luxurious… but not overwhelming.
Harley handled the check-in while I stood nearby, still taking everything in. I caught the receptionist smiling politely at him, but his attention never left me for long.
When he returned, he handed me a key card.
"Room 1208," he said.
I blinked. "Room?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Room."
"As in… one room?"
A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, but there was something else beneath it—something more careful. "Is that a problem?"
My face warmed slightly. "No. I just thought—"
"That we'd stay separate?"
I crossed my arms and looked away. "That would make more sense."
Harley leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. Close enough that I could feel his presence more than hear him. "Relax, Sophie. It's a suite."
My face burned hotter.
"Oh."
He smirked. "What were you thinking?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, turning away. Harley and I sharing a room for a week in the city of love—I don't think my heart will be able to handle it. And yet… a small part of me didn't entirely mind.
He chuckled softly.
When we stepped into the suite, I froze for a second, taking in every detail.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, golden sunlight pouring into the room. A spacious living area sat in the centre, with the bedroom further in.
It was… stunning.
I walked further in, running my fingers lightly over the back of the couch. The fabric was soft beneath my fingertips, grounding me in the moment.
"This is insane," I whispered.
Harley set the luggage down but didn't immediately respond. When I glanced back, I caught him watching me again—quietly, intensely, like he was memorizing something.
"Get changed. We're going out."
I turned to him. "Already?"
He nodded. "You didn't come all this way to stay inside, did you?"
I smiled slightly. "Fair point. Give me about fifteen minutes."
He nodded.
After freshening up, I stepped out in a light pink pullover sweater and medium-wash skinny jeans, my hair falling loosely over my shoulders.
Harley was already waiting by the door, scrolling through his phone. For a moment, he paused mid-scroll and just looked at me.
Not casually. Not absentmindedly.
Really looked.
"Is something wrong?" I asked.
He blinked, like I had pulled him out of something. Then he shook his head slightly. "No. Let's go."
I frowned but didn't question it. Lately, Harley had been looking at me more. Like he was trying to figure something out… or like he already knew something I didn't. Secretly… it made me happy. Even if I didn't understand it.
We stepped out into the streets of Paris, walking side by side as the city buzzed softly around us.
The air felt different here. Lighter. Or maybe it was just me.
Our shoulders brushed as we walked, and this time… neither of us pulled away. The contact lingered for a second longer than it should have.
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. He was already looking at me.
Not surprised. Not accidental.
Like he had been waiting.
My heart skipped. I quickly looked ahead and cleared my throat. "Where are we going?"
Harley's lips curved slightly.
"You'll see."
And for some reason… that made my heart beat even faster.