CEO loves me with all his soul.
Chapter 37. Small Date.

Chapter 37: 37. Small Date.

The soft light of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Adrian lay in bed, his silver eyes half-open as he stared at the ceiling. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and he absentmindedly placed a hand on his stomach, feeling the small but noticeable curve.

"Two months already," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with a mix of awe and tenderness. "You’re growing so fast, little one. How quiet and obedient you are... I wonder if you’re like your father."

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he imagined the tiny life growing inside him. The thought of being a parent still felt surreal, and yet, it warmed him in a way he couldn’t quite describe. He had always believed that he would live a quiet, unremarkable life, but now everything had changed.

His thoughts were interrupted by the gentle stirring beside him. Ethan, still half-asleep, rolled over and wrapped an arm around Adrian’s waist, pulling him close. His lips brushed against Adrian’s neck as he mumbled in a sleepy voice, "Good morning, love."

Adrian turned slightly, his heart swelling with affection. "Good morning."

Ethan opened his eyes, his gaze immediately softening when he saw Adrian’s face. He reached out, brushing a lock of black hair away from Adrian’s forehead. "How are you feeling?"

Adrian let out a small laugh, though there was a hint of melancholy in his voice. "I’m fine. Just... thinking. Two months already."

Ethan followed Adrian’s gaze to his stomach and smiled warmly. "Our baby’s growing strong. And so are you."

Adrian nodded but didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he rested his head on Ethan’s chest, taking comfort in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’m scared sometimes... of everything that’s happening. But when I think of you, and this baby, it feels... less overwhelming."

Ethan’s heart clenched at Adrian’s vulnerability. He kissed the top of his head, holding him tighter. "You don’t have to be scared, Adrian. I’m here. I’ll always be here, for you and our baby. You’re not alone."

Adrian smiled softly at Ethan’s words, his worries easing slightly. "I know," he whispered. "Thank you, Ethan."

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Ethan shifted slightly, a playful glint in his eyes. "I’ve been thinking... How about we go on a date today? Just the two of us."

Adrian blinked in surprise, sitting up slightly. "A date? Really?"

Ethan grinned, his hand sliding up to cup Adrian’s cheek. "Of course. We haven’t had much time to ourselves lately. I want to take you out, show you a good time. Besides," he added with a wink, "you deserve a break."

Adrian’s heart fluttered at the thought. "That sounds... perfect."

Ethan kissed him softly on the lips, a lingering touch that made Adrian’s stomach do little flips—whether from the baby or the kiss, he couldn’t tell. "Then let’s get ready, shall we?"

The morning passed in a blur of soft laughter and romantic moments. Ethan had insisted on helping Adrian pick out an outfit, claiming that he wanted to be involved in every aspect of their day together. His choices had been comically off, much to Adrian’s amusement.

"You’re really going to make me wear this?" Adrian laughed as Ethan held up a bright-colored shirt.

Ethan shrugged with a playful grin. "What? I thought you’d look cute in it."

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Cute? Or ridiculous?"

Ethan leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Cute, of course."

Adrian rolled his eyes but couldn’t help smiling. "Alright, alright. I’ll pick something myself."

Once they were both ready, they left the house and headed to the Aquarium, a place Ethan had suggested for their date. As they walked through the aquarium entrance, hand in hand, Adrian couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth. It had been so long since he’d had a day like this—a day where he felt free, where his only concern was enjoying the moment with Ethan.

The sounds of water splashing and the sight of colorful fish swimming lazily in their tanks created a calm, almost magical atmosphere. Ethan squeezed Adrian’s hand gently as they wandered through the exhibits, pointing out different creatures and making lighthearted jokes.

"Look at that one," Ethan said, nodding toward a large grouper fish swimming by. "He looks like he’s had one too many snacks."

Adrian laughed, his fingers tightening around Ethan’s. "Are you talking about the fish or yourself?"

Ethan feigned offense. "I’m hurt, truly. How could you compare me to that fish?"

"You’re right," Adrian replied with a smirk. "You’re much more handsome."

Ethan’s heart melted at the sight of Adrian’s bright smile, and he couldn’t resist leaning in to steal a quick kiss. "You always know how to make me feel better."

They continued exploring the aquarium, pausing occasionally to take pictures together. At one point, Adrian asked a stranger to take a photo of them, but as the man handed the phone back, Adrian couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d seen the man’s face before.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" Adrian asked, furrowing his brow.

The man looked startled for a moment before shaking his head with a smile. "No, I don’t think so. Just a friendly stranger."

Adrian nodded slowly, still feeling a vague sense of familiarity, but he let it go. There was something else on his mind—something more important than puzzling over a fleeting recognition.

As they found seats to watch the dolphin show, Ethan wrapped an arm around Adrian’s shoulders, pulling him close. The playful dolphins leaped and splashed in the water, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. Adrian couldn’t help but smile at their antics.

"You know," Ethan said quietly, his lips brushing against Adrian’s ear, "dolphins are supposed to be one of the smartest creatures on Earth."

Adrian turned to look at him, an amused glint in his eyes. "Is that so?"

Ethan nodded solemnly. "Yeah. But you know what they’re really good at?"

"What’s that?"

"Flirting." Ethan gave a mock-serious look. "Just like me."

Adrian burst out laughing, the sound bright and contagious. Ethan watched him with a warm smile, his heart swelling with affection. There was something about Adrian’s laughter that always made the world seem brighter, more bearable.

"You’re such a dork," Adrian said, shaking his head fondly.

"But you love me anyway," Ethan teased.

Adrian blushed slightly but nodded. "Yeah, I do."

They sat in comfortable silence for the rest of the show, their hands entwined. For a brief moment, everything felt perfect—no threats, no fears, just the two of them and the tiny life they were building together.

After the dolphin show, Ethan took Adrian to the gift shop, where they browsed the shelves filled with plush animals and ocean-themed souvenirs. Adrian’s eyes lit up when he saw a pair of dolphin keychains—one silver, one black.

"These are cute," Adrian said, holding them up for Ethan to see.

Ethan smiled and picked up the silver one. "Matching keychains?"

Adrian nodded, his cheeks tinged with pink. "Yeah. One for you, one for me."

Ethan bought them both without hesitation, handing the black one to Adrian as they left the shop. "Now we’ll always have something to remind us of today."

Adrian looked down at the keychain in his hand, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything."

Ethan kissed the top of his head, his voice soft and sincere. "I’d do anything for you."

By the time they returned home, the sun was beginning to set, casting a soft orange glow over the house. Adrian, feeling pleasantly tired from their day out, leaned against Ethan as they walked inside.

"That was a perfect day," Adrian murmured, his hand resting on his stomach. "The baby enjoyed it too, I think."

Ethan chuckled, placing a hand over Adrian’s. "I’m glad. We’ll have plenty more days like this."

Adrian smiled, resting his head on Ethan’s shoulder as they walked upstairs to their room. It was in these quiet moments, these simple displays of affection, that Adrian felt most at peace.

As they settled into bed that night, Adrian placed the silver dolphin keychain on the nightstand beside him, the small object a reminder of the happiness they had shared that day.