His Half-Granted Wish

"So, my dearest fiancée, I still have one more day of work leave."

"...you want me to plan something again, don't you."

"Oh, I'm so glad that you've learnt to read me well."

"That's only because you insisted on occupying my week off! I need to work tomorrow too!"

I chuckled, hearing her exasperated voice over the phone, paired with the light scratching of pencil on paper. We just returned from the countryside yesterday, after a weeklong trip. Yet, I was still somewhat unsatisfied. My sweet tooth was yet to be satiated.

"Well, I still haven't had a proper birthday cake. My fiancée, what do you think of a nighttime picnic?"

"A picnic at night? That's unique. I thought someone like you would like something bolder."

"You're right, that's not really my style. But there's nothing wrong with wanting something of smaller scale too."

"Hm, I have an idea. How about here?"

My phone vibrated upon receiving her text. I looked up the location she linked in her text message.

"The location you just sent is a 2-hour drive away from your place. You sure about this?"

"Mhm. I guarantee that you'll like it. I'll also pick up a small cake from a shop nearby. Any requests?"

"I think anything my fiancée picks will be absolutely delectable. Although, I do have a request of another kind. Pick one of the sets of clothes I bought you to wear, will you?"

"Sure."

"It's settled then. I'll pick you up later."

"Okay. I'll go buy the cake now. See you."

The call ended. Admittedly, I felt a lightness in my heart, and a small smile crept up to my face. I went about the rest of my morning and afternoon just lounging around my home, spending my time going over medical articles while keeping Sherry company.

Around 5 in the evening, I arrived at her doorstep and rang the doorbell. The first rang was greeted with nothing. Rang a second time. The door creaked open slowly; she was still wearing her oversized shirt and shorts.

"You're here already... I just woke up..." She was rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"How I envy your ability to sleep so much," I said with a dejected sigh. "How long will it take for you to get ready?"

"Not long... everything's ready, I just need to change and do my make-up."

"I'll wait for you inside then."

Her house was mostly neatly arranged save for the papers and books scattered on the coffee table. I looked outside the glass doors that lead to her balcony, admiring the setting sun sinking down the city skyline. The anticipation in me grew, minutes felt like hours. Then, I heard her voice pop out from her room once again.

"I've finished changing, how do I look?"

She stepped towards me and twirled around. She decided to go with the set with a darker colour scheme. A black skirt was secured in place by a matching-coloured belt, with her right leg peeking out from the long thin side part. Translucent black sleeves cascaded down from her shoulders, flowing gently along the swaying of her arms. The sea silk bodice, one with golden patterns matching my own signature shirt and lined with black and silver lace, accentuated her delicate silhouette as it hugged her body. To accessorise, she paired the outfit with layers of vintage golden jewellery, a small vintage coin necklace that fitted like a choker and a golden curb chain necklace with excess cable chain draped on her left. She wore earrings with pearls dangling from golden medallions— the same medallions used in her necklaces, helping to unite the look. Golden hair clips also fixed her straightened hair in place, her bangs in front curled, bringing attention to the amber contact lenses she wore. She looked...