The Flirting Men Time-Space Agency

Cole hung up the phone and leaned against the car, quietly waiting for Elora under the soft glow of the streetlight.

Originally, he had planned to go to Elora's house to see them off to the station, but just before leaving, his grandfather had suffered a flare-up of his leg ailment due to the cold weather. He had to take his grandfather to the hospital, and by the time his grandfather was discharged, several days had passed...

When Elora finally saw Cole standing there, her heart leaped with a mixture of surprise and joy. Without hesitation, she rushed into his arms, nuzzling her cheek against his chest like a contented little kitten.

Ding... Hero's affection +5, current affection level 75.

Cole, feeling an undeniable warmth in his heart as Elora snuggled against him, instinctively held her tighter.

"You didn't come to see me that day, and you didn't call me at all these past few days!" Elora pouted, feeling a wave of grievance rise in her. Despite being the one to distance herself, she couldn't help but feel hurt. After all, any boyfriend would at least comfort his girlfriend, wouldn't he? Why did it feel like she was the only one left unsettled? The more she thought about it, the more upset she became, and her voice trembled with emotion.

Seeing Elora so hurt, Cole felt a pang of guilt in his chest. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "My grandfather's leg condition flared up, and I had to take him to the hospital. By the time he was discharged, you'd already left. Please don't be upset with me."

Elora, holding Cole's hand, was about to say something when she suddenly noticed how cold his hand was. "Your hands are freezing! How long have you been out here waiting?" she asked, her voice unintentionally tinged with irritation.

"Not long, just a little over an hour," Cole replied, seemingly unfazed, and instinctively reached to take her hand.

"Why didn't you stay in the car? Are you out of your mind?" Elora snapped, swatting his hand away in frustration.

"It's cold out here, don't freeze yourself. Let's go to the car and talk." Cole's heart ached as he noticed the redness creeping across Elora's face from the cold. He cursed inwardly; in his eagerness to hold her earlier, he hadn't noticed the temperature.

Elora shot him a glare. Though she was displeased with Cole's attempt to change the subject, she couldn't help but soften when she saw how cold he was. With a sigh, she obediently climbed into the car.

Once inside, Elora quickly removed her gloves, took Cole's hand, and slipped his fingers into hers, rubbing his hands together to warm them. "Seriously, on such a cold night, how could you not stay in the car..." she muttered, the warmth of concern evident in her every action.

Cole gazed at her intently, watching as she focused entirely on warming his hands. A warm feeling spread through him, and no matter how much she scolded, he couldn't help but savor the moment.

"Hey! Did you hear what I said?" Elora raised her voice, her irritation growing as Cole remained silent.

"I did! I was just thinking..." Cole replied earnestly, though his words were nothing short of a confession. "I didn't stay in the car because I didn't want you to miss me."

Elora blinked, her eyes moistening at his words. "Usually, I say ten things and you respond to maybe one, and now you're just casually dropping love lines?" she muttered, her voice tinged with shyness.

"What did you say?" Cole leaned closer, clearly unable to hear her last words.

"I didn't say anything!" Elora quickly denied, flustered. "By the way, how's your grandfather?"

Cole hesitated for a moment before responding, "It's just an old issue. He broke his leg when he was young, and every time the weather changes, it causes pain."

"Is it serious?" Elora asked, her concern deepening. She had grown fond of the kindly grandfather she had only briefly met at the hospital.

"It's not too bad. As long as the weather doesn't change drastically, it shouldn't flare up. The family was planning to send him to Z Country for a while to recuperate. The climate there is always spring, perfect for recovery. But he stubbornly refuses to go."

"Well, as long as there's a solution, there's no need to worry. You should try to convince him again," Elora said thoughtfully, then glanced at Cole. "Do you have to head back right away?"

"Yeah, I need to get back. I've got something to take care of tomorrow."

"Then, why don't you rest a little here with me?" Elora's heart ached seeing how weary Cole looked.

"Okay," Cole replied, exhausted from two sleepless nights. Without a word, he leaned his head against Elora's shoulder, quickly drifting into a deep sleep.

For a while, the car was filled with nothing but the sound of their synchronized breathing.

...

As the first light of dawn began to creep into the sky, Elora gently shook Cole awake. "Cole, wake up."

Cole slowly opened his eyes, looking at Elora with a sleepy gaze. "What's wrong?"

"The sky's about to brighten. I need to go, or my parents will start worrying. Don't forget to call me later," Elora said with a soft smile. She had spent the first night of the New Year with Cole, and the sweetness of it lingered in her heart.

"Alright," Cole replied reluctantly. Deep down, he didn't want to part from her so soon. After finally calming Elora down, he knew they'd be separated for several days again.

Elora said her goodbyes and reached for the door handle, but before she could open it, she found herself suddenly enveloped in a strong embrace.