"Eden, how has your day been?" asked Willow inquisitively as we strolled towards our destination.

“Well, I have had better days.”

"It appears to have been rather dull," she remarked, to which I concurred with a nod.

I was curious as to what reaction Willow would have if I were to recount the events of my day to her. The confrontation between Xavier and myself, fueled by the intense thirst that nearly consumed me, still lingered in my thoughts. The desire for blood was so strong that I could feel it burning at the back of my throat. However, I have yet to feed, but I know that I must do so before returning to the manor tonight.

“You caught me off guard earlier." Willow's voice cut through my train of thought.

"Did I really? I was certain it would take a lot more to catch a lass like yourself off guard." 

She raised a brow. “A lass like me, huh?”

“After our little incident in Greenland, I sort of figured you’re not a typical lass.”

I measure her expression for a moment. She smiled. “I like to see you smile,” I confessed, causing Willow’s breath to catch. 

“Following our incident in Greenland, I realise that you're quite an unconventional lass.” I measure her expression for a moment. She smiled. “I like to see you smile," I revealed, causing Willow to gasp in surprise.

“T-thank you.” She blushed and lowered her head.

“Many people have a certain glint in their eyes when they smile, and that’s all there is,” I said. “But when you smile, I see something that I haven't seen in quite some time — the essence of life itself. When I was human, I can barely recall experiencing unhappiness. This is not to say that difficult moments did not occur, but they were few and far between.”

Willow's eyes locked with mine. "It sounds like life was truly lovely back then.”

She didn't appear to be in a hurry, as Willow maintained a leisurely stride. I made the choice to inquire further. Basic questions tend to be less intrusive, but they often provide insight into a person's character.

"Which day of the week do you enjoy the most?" I asked, and Willow laughed. "What's so amusing?"

"You asking about my preferred day of the week. Most people would begin by asking more personal questions."

My nod was slow and thoughtful. “I suppose that is true.”

“I like Wednesdays,” she replied.

"Why?”

“It’s in the middle of the week. It has a delicious feel to it because I know there is only two reaming days before the weekend.”

“That’s an interesting way to look at it. I never thought about it like that.” I said, intrigued.

“What is the one thing you miss about childhood?” she asked, turning the conversation back to me.

“The blissful ignorance of my parents protecting me from the dark realities of the world.”

“Oh, yes! That is something to be missed, indeed.”

"Willow, I'm curious to know, what has been the highlight of your past week?"

She furrowed her eyebrows briefly and scrunched up her face, as if trying to remember something.

Whispering almost inaudibly, she uttered, "Seeing you again," with a tone so hushed if not for my supernatural ability, I would have missed her words.

“Is that so?” I attempted to mask my tone with a sense of normalcy, yet the quavering in my voice couldn't be ignored.

"Sorry. I regret saying it, even more so as I hear them spoken aloud," she expressed with regret.

“I don’t mind. I like knowing your thoughts. And it's truly an honour to have made your week." 

Her lips formed a slight crease as she hesitantly nodded, casting a thoughtful expression upon her face. A thick strand of hair had fallen into her face, but with a tender touch, she brushed it behind her ear and revealed a gentle smile. It was impossible to ignore her beauty and charm. It was nothing short of captivating. 

Upon entering the village busy centre, Willow’s reluctance caught my attention immediately, and her subtle resistance to walk beside me. I stopped and looked at her.

"I am not in the mood for childish antics. Is something wrong, Willow? Why are you lagging so far behind?" 

Her behavior was puzzling, and as I stood still, waiting for her to respond, it felt like the silence held a weight.

“You are the problem!” Willow exclaimed.

The sudden tightness in my lips might have been an attempt to mask my irritation, concern, or perhaps confusion.

"I am looking out for other vampires.” Willow announced.

I creased my brows. “Why?”

"Can you imagine if someone, like that impolite vampire from before, catches us in each other's company?”

“What does it matter?” I asked.

“Tell me the truth. Will you get in trouble?” Willow demanded.

"Are you seriously asking that now, after being so insistent?" I scoffed.

 "Apologies," she murmured, her gaze falling to the ground as if she was ashamed.

"We should not have any involvement in anything related to the Twilight Guard," I stated firmly to her. "As for you, I am unsure of your connection with them. If Finn were to catch us together, it will turn ugly.”

Willow body rocked with shock, causing her to let out a gasp and start shaking. As I waited patiently for her quivering to subside, I couldn't help but feel annoyed as her body seemed to intensify in its shaking. With a shake of my head and a roll of my eyes, I made my way towards her. She looked up at me with worry in her eyes. Tentatively, she placed her hands on my arm for support. However, the mere touch of our skin caused her to let out another gasp and shiver. Though I had held her once before, there was never any skin-to-skin contact, so I momentarily forgot about my cold temperature.

"I am sorry,” I said. “I forgot.” I was about to remove my hand when Willow grasped onto me even harder.

"Really, it's no bother." Willow insisted, her cheeks flushed with a deep, irresistible blush.

We were just a short distance away from the Bamboo Diner. I was by her side, helping her as I guided her into the restaurant. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Once I am seated, I will be," replied Willow. I allowed her to take a seat at my usual table, where we could enjoy the view outside.

“You are still shaking.” I observed. “Are you still in shock over what I said?”

“Somewhat.” Her eyes twinkled despite her state.