At dawn, Arevik’s eyes were closed, while Hayk had not slept until morning. He had often spent nights without sleep before — it was nothing unusual for him — but this time the feeling of happiness he was experiencing would not let him rest. He silently watched Arevik sleeping beside him and tried not to move so he wouldn’t wake her.

  During the night, lying next to her, Hayk had realized he did not want to lose a single day with Arevik. That was when he texted Anna and asked her to arrange a continuation of their trip.

  Although Arevik was asleep, she still felt something unusual — she was not alone in the bed. No matter how still Hayk remained, his presence could be felt. She slowly opened her eyes. Seeing him beside her, she didn’t believe it at first and closed them again, thinking it was a dream. But when she opened them a second time, she quickly lifted herself up in embarrassment.

  What embarrassed her even more was that she was naked. She remembered the previous night — and did not regret anything. However, in the morning light, her nudity felt different. Arevik hurriedly pulled the blanket over herself, which made Hayk smile.

  “Seriously?” he said, barely holding back a smile.

  “I really don’t know what to do,” Arevik admitted shyly.

  “You don’t need to do anything. Come here,” Hayk said gently, opening his arms.

  Arevik happily moved closer to him, and he kissed her on the forehead. The gesture touched her deeply, and her eyes filled with tears.

  “By the way… do you have your passport?” Hayk asked.

  “Yes, of course. Why are you asking?” Arevik replied in surprise.

  “Anna is organizing a trip for us,” he answered calmly. “I don’t know exactly where yet, but I’m sure it will be good.”

  “A trip?” Arevik repeated, not understanding the strange feeling that suddenly came over her.

  “Understand me correctly — I’m not against being with you openly,” Hayk explained, noticing her confusion. “But I want us to get to know each other better first. Then we’ll tell everyone about us.”

  Arevik smiled, showing that she agreed. She accepted his words, although she had not yet fully understood their depth.

  The silence was broken by Hayk’s phone ringing.

  “Yes, Anna, that’s a good option. Thank you for organizing everything so quickly. We’ll be downstairs in an hour,” Hayk said confidently.

  “I’ll go get my things now,” he added before ending the call.

  “You’re going to get your things?” Anna asked in surprise.

  “Yes,” Hayk answered calmly. “And don’t worry.”

  “You don’t need to justify yourself, Hayk,” Anna’s voice came through the phone, sounding more pleased than reproachful.

  “See you in an hour,” he said.

  “Don’t be late,” Anna replied.

  Hayk hung up.

  “Are you in a hurry?” Arevik asked.

  “Actually, we both are. We need to be at the reception in an hour.”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “Okay, I’ll start getting ready,” Arevik said.

  “Don’t take too much. We’ll buy whatever we need on the way,” Hayk said, and before leaving, he turned back. “And let your family know your vacation is extended for another week.”

  “Extended for a week?” Arevik asked in surprise.

  “Yes. You don’t mind, do you? Anna thinks my first vacation should be memorable, and one week isn’t enough.”

  “Are you serious? You’ve never been on vacation?” she asked sincerely.

  “I don’t like traveling alone. And before, there wasn’t anyone I wanted to go with,” Hayk answered calmly. “See you downstairs.”

  He left.

  Arevik stood still for a while. Hayk’s behavior amazed her. There were no doubts in him — only certainty. She smiled involuntarily and began to get ready.

  Some time later, Arevik was already standing in a far corner of the reception area. Looking around, she noticed Hayk talking on the phone. She took a step toward him but stopped. Although he had said he didn’t mind being together in public, she still didn’t fully understand what that meant.

  Anxious thoughts began to overwhelm her, and she almost fell into despair. But when she saw Hayk walking toward her, she felt her doubts slowly fade away. Each of his steps seemed to chase away the darkness of her fears. Never before had he seemed so bright and confident to her.

  As he approached, Hayk covered the phone with his hand and quietly said…

  — Sorry, I can’t not answer.

  He took her hand, and together they walked toward the car that was already waiting for them.

  Hayk opened the door, made sure Arevik was seated comfortably, then walked around and sat beside her. They drove to the airport.

  This simple yet confident gesture deeply touched Arevik. In that moment, she clearly realized that she loved Hayk unconditionally.

  For the rest of the way to the airport, they held hands.

  Anna had planned a trip for them across several European countries and had rented a private plane. Arevik had never left the country before and tried to make the most of the opportunity to see Europe. During the day, she explored famous cities, and at night, she discovered the secrets of love.

  Their relationship gradually grew stronger, and they seemed to melt into each other. These were wonderful, unforgettable days. Although both tried their hardest not to show their inner fears, time passed relentlessly. The weekend was coming to an end, and the inevitable day of returning to reality approached.

  The last night had arrived.

  Hayk was more passionate and impatient than usual. It seemed as if he felt this was his last chance to love Arevik so freely, as if tomorrow he could lose everything.

  When Hayk, exhausted, leaned back on his spine, trying to catch his breath, Arevik lay down next to him and settled under his arm like a small child. This moment touched Hayk — he smiled. But then, looking away, he stared at the ceiling with visible worry.

  Arevik noticed.

  — What are you worried about? — she asked softly.

  — Sorry, I didn’t want you to notice, — replied Hayk.

  Her anxiety increased — he wasn’t even trying to hide his state.

  — I want to know. Maybe I can help you cope with it, — Arevik said firmly.

  Hayk looked into her sincere face, into her big, open eyes, and involuntarily smiled. He decided to tell her because she was prone to imagination and wouldn’t make things up.

  — Anna called today, — he began.

  — Are there any problems at the institute? — Arevik asked immediately.

  — Not yet. But if I don’t leave for the mines and wells tomorrow, there will be problems, — Hayk explained calmly.

  — So you’ll have to prepare for a long absence, — said Arevik, already understanding the reason for his concern.

  — If I go, it will be for at least two months, — he added cautiously.

  — Yes… that’s not easy, — she replied quietly.

  — Do you think it’s a serious problem? — Hayk asked with concern.

  — Of course, it’s not easy. But I’ll get through these two months without you, — Arevik said with a slight smile.

  — And you won’t leave me? — Hayk asked suddenly, with unexpected insistence.

  — Where did you get that idea? — Arevik asked, surprised.

  — I don’t know… I just… you know… — he faltered.

  — Hayk, please, tell me honestly what’s really bothering you, — she said softly but directly, sensing that it wasn’t only about the trip.

  Hayk sighed heavily.

  — My fears have been with me too long. Sometimes I don’t even know how to deal with them.

  — Let me help you, — Arevik said quietly.

  After a brief pause, Hayk continued:

  — In my life, the people I loved left. Not by their choice… but they left. And every time it broke my heart.

  — You think I’ll leave you? — Arevik asked cautiously.

  — They didn’t want to leave either, — he replied quietly. — And yet, they did. And now… there’s you.

  She looked at him, trying to grasp the depth of his fear.

  — You mean… you love me? — she asked gently, trying to ease the tension a little.

  — You know very well that I do, — Hayk replied seriously.

  — I love you too, — Arevik said. — And I promise, I will not leave you.

  — You promise? — he asked, as if he really needed to hear it again.

  — I promise, — she said confidently.

  Hayk smiled.

  — I believe you.

  — And I love you, — Arevik whispered and hugged him tightly.

  They held each other until dawn. And that night, the thought of returning to reality no longer frightened them.