"Sorry," Ryan said, grinning. "I guess I'm learning a lot today."
Suddenly Ryan stepped back. I noticed his eyes were watering.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
He shook his head, still smiling. "It's nothing. I was just thinking about..." He trailed off and I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. Finally he sighed and said, "Can I tell you something stupid?"
"I doubt anything that leaves your lips could constitute as 'stupid', but yes, go ahead."
Ryan rubbed his arm. "Well, earlier at the park, before you showed up, I... made a wish. On a cherry blossom petal."
Was that the same petal I'd placed on his face? I had a feeling that it was.
"I wished for an alpha." Even in the dim light, I saw Ryan's cheeks turn pink. "One who loved kids. And one who would love me."
My heart galloped in my chest.
"I know it's silly," Ryan said hurriedly. "A-and I'm not implying that alpha is you. I just—"
"Why not?" I interrupted.
"Because we just met, and even though I like you a lot, that doesn't mean—" Ryan cut himself off. "I sound ridiculous. Forget I said anything."
He turned around, presumably to hide his flustered expression. He was so amusing. Did he not yet realize I would never judge his emotions?
Perhaps I had to show him with actions, not words.
When Ryan was turned around, I shifted back to human form and approached him. I put my hands on his shoulders and pressed my chest to his back. He froze. From this close, I could feel his pulse racing through his body.
"There's no reason to be ashamed of your emotions," I said softly in his ear. "Tell me how you feel, Ryan."
His pulse fluttered like a butterfly. "If you're a magic unicorn, don't you already know?"
"Perhaps," I teased. "But I'd like to hear the words from your own mouth."
"Fine." Ryan turned around. "I like you."
He said it so firmly, so seriously that I had to laugh. The solemn little expression on his face was just too sweet.
"What's funny?" Ryan mumbled.
I cupped his chin. "Your ignorance to see what's right in front of you."
He raised a brow but blushed. "I'm not sure whether to be offended or happy."
"The latter," I said before leaning in to kiss him.
A tiny sound of surprise left Ryan's lips before it melted into a soft moan. I caressed his cheek, holding him gently in place as we kissed. It felt good andright, like everything in the world was finally aligned properly. What was I doing with my life before Ryan was in it?
Our first kiss was perfect.Hewas perfect.
Drawing away from him was not something I wanted to do but biology was making it necessary. Curse the function of breathing.
Ryan's eyes sparkled as he stared at me. "Wow," he exhaled. "I didn't know you felt that way, Ulysses."
"And I tried so hard to make it obvious."
"But why me?" he asked. "There are other omegas out there. Hell, aren't there unicorn omegas in need of a partner?"
