Sunday morning came with a quiet calmness over Ashrock City. The streets were softer today — families walking, kids with balloons, and the air carrying that weekend stillness that made everything feel gentler.
Ashburn had already prepared the shops the night before, leaving them in the care of his trusted workers. For once, his day wasn't about schedules or deliveries. It was about someone he had begun to care for more than he'd expected.
Kainat stood before the mirror, adjusting the soft peach-colored long dress she had chosen. It flowed lightly as she moved, her hair tied half-up with a small pearl pin. A faint rose perfume lingered in the air as she looked at herself and smiled nervously.
She wasn't someone who went out often, and certainly not like this.
"I hope I don't make him wait… he always looks so patient, but I can tell he notices everything."
Meanwhile, Ashburn, dressed in a white button-up shirt with rolled sleeves and dark blue jeans, locked his door and looked at the rising sun. His silver watch caught the light. He smiled slightly.
"Let's make her day easy," he thought, "She deserves a calm one."
They met outside Central Avenue Mall — the city's modern heart. Glass walls reflected the sunlight, and fountains sparkled at the entrance.
Kainat saw him first. He looked so composed, one hand in his pocket, that same steady calmness in his eyes. When she waved shyly, his expression softened immediately.
"You look beautiful, Kainat," he said simply.
Her cheeks warmed. "Thank you… you look nice too."
Inside, they wandered through shops — scarves, jewelry stalls, little boutiques. Kainat ran her fingers over fabrics, pausing at a pale blue scarf.
Ashburn picked another one, slightly darker. "This would suit you more," he said.
She tilted her head. "You think so?"
He smiled faintly. "I'm not sure about colors, but I know what looks right."
They laughed when he struggled to fold the scarf neatly again. Kainat could feel herself relax — his presence always carried that quiet steadiness that made noise around them disappear.
After shopping, they stopped at Bloom Café, a cozy spot with hanging plants and large glass windows overlooking a quiet street.
Kainat ordered cold coffee with cream and a slice of chocolate cake, while Ashburn took black coffee and a chicken sandwich.
"So," she asked between sips, "do you ever take a day off like this?"
He chuckled softly. "Not really. Feels strange not worrying about work."
"Maybe you should try it more often," she said, smiling. "You spend so much time caring about everyone else, it's like you forget yourself."
He looked at her gently. "Maybe that's just how I rest — by seeing others at peace."
She didn't reply, but the warmth in her heart deepened.
---
The Movie
Later, they entered Galaxy Cineplex, a clean and softly lit hall. The movie was a romantic drama — two people rebuilding their lives after losing everything.
They sat side by side, the air cool from the AC, lights dimming slowly. Halfway through the movie, a man in the back row began shouting comments, mocking scenes loudly.
Kainat tried to ignore him until he leaned forward and made a remark when she laughed softly. Before she could react, Ashburn turned around.
His tone was calm but sharp. "That's enough. Watch quietly, or leave."
The man blinked, muttered something, and fell silent.
Ashburn sat back, his expression steady again, as if nothing had happened.
Kainat looked at him — he hadn't raised his voice, but his words carried weight. She felt safe, and strangely proud.
She whispered, "You didn't have to—"
He cut her off gently. "I did."
---
Dinner at Luna Garden
Evening settled over Ashrock as they entered Luna Garden Restaurant, a quiet terrace place with soft yellow lights and a cool breeze.
Kainat pulled her shawl closer as Ashburn ordered for them — grilled chicken, pasta, and fresh orange juice instead of mint lemonade.
"I was nervous about today," Kainat admitted, eyes on her glass.
"Why?" he asked.
She smiled faintly. "You're… different. Calm. Hard to read."
He met her eyes. "And what did you read today?"
"That you care," she said softly. "Maybe more than you should."
He smiled — that quiet, almost unnoticeable smile that always carried warmth. "Maybe I just met someone worth caring about."
The rest of the dinner was filled with light laughter, shared memories, and comfortable silence.
He drove her home under the soft city lights. The street outside her house was quiet, only the hum of his car filling the air.
As she stepped out, she turned to him, her face glowing gently in the porch light.
"It was a beautiful day, Ashburn," she said.
"It's beautiful because you were in it," he replied softly.
She paused — then leaned forward quickly and gave him a small, shy kiss on his cheek.
Ashburn froze for a moment, surprised, then smiled.
"That was… unexpected," he said with a hint of amusement.
Kainat blushed deeply. "Just… a thank you. For today."
He looked at her for a moment longer, then nodded gently. "Then I'll take it as that."
She smiled, stepped back, and went inside.
As the door closed, Ashburn touched his cheek lightly, a rare smile spreading across his face.
Maybe, he thought, some days are worth keeping forever.