Whimsical beauty ✔️

Chapter 24

**Tourists**

Amal

Saif and I walked out of the hotel. We walked along the street, soaking in the magnificent city. We saw a few people about. What amazes me is the type of buildings they have. It's totally different from the ones I'm used to. It's surprised me that I didn't see this much when the cab driver drove us here. I couldn't help it, I soaked in everything trying to remember. My siblings will want to know..

"This is the heart of Paris little. Isn't it amazing?" He said to me. I nodded in agreement.

Saif bought us tickets and we boarded a bus. I felt strange looking at all those white people, wondering how they felt in their pale skin. I thought I was very fair in complexion. But these people made me look very tanned.

When we alighted, I saw that the streets is lined with so many people doing their own thing. There were shops, stalls and buildings with words written on them I cannot read nor translate. Still, I am fascinated by all of it.

"Oh my God! Look at that!" I exclaimed, pointing at a stall that seems to be selling some kind of snack. The aroma alone is salivating. It called out to me. I couldn't help it. I want to know what they were making and how they are making it. I just needed a glimpse.

"Maybe you should hold off on the snacks until we have lunch. You might not be able to eat much if you fill your stomach with street food" Saif tore my attention from the line formed around the stall.

I nodded. But my gaze simply couldn't leave the area. Can't we really take a peak? I kept giving Saif this ridiculously pitiful look as if begging him to concede and let us go see what it is all about. I tried my best Cutest Hani look. If I am so cute as people are fond of saying, he shouldn't be able to resist. I mean, Hani does it all the time when she wants to get her way. Sometimes it works. Sometimes, not so much. But I guess it's just me. She fools most people though and I hope Saif isn't going to take my example.

At first, the most breathtaking smile blanketed his face. My heart skipped a beat in response. His dimples made him look so charming I wondered if he wasn't using my tactics against me. If he asks me anything right now. I think I'm gonna say yes. Later, I might wonder why I conceded. But right now...

Saif laughed, flicking my nose in resignation. "Arghh! Fine fine. Let's go take a look" he agreed.

Wow! It worked! Yay!

Maybe cute isn't so bad Afterall.

I felt myself cracking a joyous smile. "Thank you" I replied.

"Oh really? Is that the thank you we agreed upon?" He asked me with a raised brow.

Oh my God! I think he's talking about a kiss. But, surely, we can't do it in front of all these people! I worked my heart up to a frenzy just thinking about the remifications.

Saif moved in front of me. He pulled my face upward as he encased it in his two large palms. He gave me a look that calmed my racing heart. "Stop panicking okay?" he instructed. "These people aren't people we know. We might never even meet them again. They are not like the people back home and they won't care if you gave me a peck. Do you understand?" He tried to explain.

I eyed him dubiously. What sort of people wouldn't care to witness such a thing? And maybe they won't care. But I would. But for the sake of peace, I said "okay" his eyes narrowed ever slightly but he didn't question me. I agonized about what to do since I don't want him to think I'm Shashasha.

"Can I take a rain check?" I asked pleadingly.

Saif let go of me with a smile. As if he knew what I was thinking and he agreed with the train of thought. I looked away with a frown. Why didn't I just suck it up and did as he asked?