Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Clare's tears came pouring down, feeling like a complete mess. Here she was, facing rejection, and the worst part? She couldn't even find a word to defend herself.

Dustin was just that magnetic, the kind of guy who lingered in your mind long after he was gone. It was only after spending time with him that Clare realized just how unforgettable he truly was.

"Clare, I've said this to all my exes, and I'll say it again: once it's over, I never look back. Clinging to me won't change a thing. They've all met my expectations, earning a spot by my side. But you, you've been chasing me for three years, and I've turned you down every time because we don't see eye to eye. I live for the moment, and you're in it for the long haul."

Dustin's voice had a raspy edge to it, thanks to a cold. He grabbed a tissue to gently wipe away her tears.

"My exes and I moved on quickly, but I'm even more detached; I move on faster than they ever did."

Clare cried even harder, her minimal makeup smudging, but it only highlighted her natural beauty.

Dustin bent down a bit, lifting her chin softly with his fingers to wipe away her tears more thoroughly. "Go home."

He tossed the tissue in the trash and reached for some cold medicine. Just then, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, her voice still trembled from crying.

"Dustin, what if all I want is just one wild night?"

Dustin froze for a moment, swallowing the medicine as his throat eased.

"Do you really know what you're asking?"

"I do. I'm not asking for anything more. Can't you even grant this one wish?"

Her fingers reached out, pausing at a certain spot.

"If you turn this down too, I might as well jump off a building after leaving this room. It'd be less humiliating."

Dustin rubbed his forehead, turning to effortlessly lift her onto the desk.

Her eyes sparkled, the soft blue gaze wandering over his shirt.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I've never been more certain. What's your answer?"

No sooner had she said it than Dustin kissed her.

The lights outside seemed almost too bright, and her mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts.

Dustin always made sure his partner was pleased before thinking of himself.

What was supposed to be a single night of madness stretched into a full day and night.

Clare was left worn out, barely having the strength to dress. It wasn't until the next evening that Dustin had someone bring her fresh clothes and had the chef prepare dinner.

She ate slowly, finally feeling her throat wasn't as raw.

As for Dustin, maybe sweating it out during their time together did the trick; his cold seemed to have lifted. Clare, feeling triumphant, claimed she was his cure.

After his shower, Dustin came out to hear her say that. He tossed aside his clothes and slipped into a new suit.

Once Clare finished eating and doing her makeup, Dustin, ever patient, drove her to the airport.

As she was about to leave, he pulled her back with a playful grin and kissed her without hesitation.

Clare melted into his embrace,

thinking he might ask her to stay but instead, he quoted, "As the red beans grow in the southern lands, with spring they bloom anew"

With a slight pang of sadness, she nodded with a smile, "This time, I'll remember."

Inside the departure lounge, she felt

something in her jacket pocket.

a black

swno

Pulling it out, she disco

card.

He had slipped it in during their kiss.

Just like he said, he was more detached than anyone.