The Importance of Being Thick-Skinned

Early in the morning, the weather was clear. A gentle breeze stirred the curtains, and sunlight slipped through the gap into the room, spilling across the sleeping girl's face. After a moment, Isabelle groggily opened her eyes, raised a hand to shield herself from the somewhat glaring sunlight, then turned to look at the big boy still asleep beside her. Blinking, she secretly reached out and gently tugged at Albert's sleeping face.

He was clearly still underage, yet he conducted himself with maddening maturity. Only when he was deeply asleep did that innocent, adorable face make the girl feel a little older than him.

From confessing their feelings, to becoming boyfriend and girlfriend, then dating and falling in love, several years had somehow already passed. They were even discussing marriage now. Yet Albert was still underage. The thought felt unbelievable, and even more absurdly, she had actually accepted his proposal.

Albert stirred slightly and slowly opened his eyes.

Their gazes met at close range.

Isabelle jumped in fright and hastily leaned back, sitting on the bed as she watched the boy sit up.

"Good morning!"

Albert rubbed his eyes and lazily stretched. Turning to look at Isabelle beside him, he said gently, "If you're still not satisfied, even in the morning I can—"

Before he could finish, a pillow struck him in the face and shut him up.

"It's time to get up. We overslept today, and it's all your fault." Isabelle climbed out of bed and began picking up the clothes they had tossed around the night before. She then pulled a beige outfit from the leather case and dropped it over Albert's head, clearly displeased with the fellow who kept staring at her.

"I've already seen everything."

Albert curled his lip and removed the clothes from his head.