Holding hands, hugging, kissing - we had a weird little pay-per-action deal, that guy I was set up with and I., Now, as Ernest spilled the beans, it was clear he knew about it., Looks like he had more than just a physical showdown with that blind date guy after that night. Thing is, he never mentioned a word of it to me., What's with this Ernest, really?, But instead of a kiss, he grabbed my hand, and we bolted through the crowd, running like there was no tomorrow..., It was my first taste of sprinting through a bustling crowd, surrounded by bewildered stares. They couldn't fathom why Ernest and I were running, yet parted ways to let us through., So there we were, dashing down the lively streets, with people stepping aside, and Ernest pulling me along. Every now and then, he'd glance at me, making it feel like a scene straight out of a movie., The wind was messing up my hair while I watched Ernest lead the way. Kinda had the feeling we were running off to get hitched or something., It wasn't until I was panting for air that Ernest finally slowed down and we came to a stop., Breathing heavily, we stood there, still holding hands, and my heart was racing like never before., It was the rush from our sprint, sure, but also the thrill of being with Ernest in a way I'd never experienced., Neither of us said a word until our breathing evened out..., But Ernest didn't let go of my hand, and I noticed his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed, prompting me to do the same., The air between us was charged with tension..., My heart raced even faster. Clearing my throat nervously, I broke the silence,

"So... why did we run?

",

"To avoid kissing in front of everyone,

" Ernest quipped, sending my cheeks into a blaze of red., I was speechless, trying to pull my hand away, but Ernest held firm. In a mix of irritation and embarrassment, I stomped on his foot., He winced, releasing my hand, and I made a quick getaway., Behind me, his laughter rang out, heating my cheeks even more...,

"I want that,

" Ernest said quietly, following me. When my embarrassment subsided slightly, he stopped me in front of a stall selling candied fruit. Since I had offered to treat him, I couldn't just walk away., I paused, looking at the stall filled with candied fruit of all sizes, traditional and with a twist of seasonal fruits, a dizzying and drool-worthy array.,

"I love these too,

" I thought but didn't say. Instead, I asked Ernest,

"Which one do you want?

",

"What about you?

" he countered., I pointed at a selection of mini candied fruits,

"One of each of these.

", Then, looking back at Ernest, I asked,

"And you?

", He pointed at the traditional large candied fruit,

"I'll have one of those.

", After we made our choices, I paid with my phone., Ernest didn't argue about paying, which I appreciated. I had offered to treat him, and if he had paid, it would have felt like I owed him something, making the treat less sweet.

"Is yours good?

" Ernest suddenly asked while I was happily munching away., I glanced at his untouched candied fruit,

"Why? Got a craving for mine now?

",

"Yours looks really tasty,

" Ernest remarked, making me want to roll my eyes.,

"Yours must be good too. That's a classic candied fruit,

" I said, trying to sound encouraging., But I had no intention of trading. I loved my candied fruits too much., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.