Chapter 29
Reyansh
God, how can Amyra be so lazy by turning off the alarm only to fall back asleep?
I know how much she hates waking up early, so I’d seen this coming.
That’s why I made sure to get ready first and check on her.
Thankfully, we still have time for her to freshen up.
I end up strolling the corridor, hands in my pockets, waiting for her door to open and for her to finally show up, ready for the day.
My look today is all about comfort and effortlessness.
Grey tailored trousers, a soft hoodie layered under a dark denim jacket, the contrast relaxed yet put together.
Black-and-white sneakers ground the look, made for walking the city without thinking twice.
Singapore calls for something cool and easy, but I don’t forget my signature silver jewellery, chains at my neck, rings on my fingers.
I might sound silly or unserious, but I can’t contain my excitement about what she’ll wear today, whether it’s her usual silk shirt and trousers or her favourite jeans styled just right.
Then I hear the soft creak of the door. I rush toward her suite, and my breath stills.
Amyra steps out in a cream knit top, sleeves relaxed, paired with a flowing brown midi skirt that moves gently with every step.
Neutral pumps with dark tips, practical, elegant, and a structured beige sling bag resting against her side.
Nothing excessive, yet everything refined.
Even her accessories are quiet, chosen for ease rather than attention.
I’m completely smitten.
Her soft makeup says it all that she doesn’t dress to impress; she dresses to feel comfortable. And somehow, that makes her unbearably beautiful.
I wish I could already call her mine.
"Wow, Rey, you’re such a stunner with your effortlessly chic style. I really love that hoodie on you.” She steps closer, playfully tugging the hood over my head, and warmth swells in my chest, pride blooming at the thought that I chose something she appreciates.
“Says the diva who looks like she sauntered out of a vintage magazine spread.” I take a moment to admire her: her hair, half gathered in a loose bun, the rest cascading in soft waves. It’s the perfect look for our comfort trip.
“Thank you. I just wanted to dress comfortably,” she replies, a hint of mischief in her smile.
“Just as I thought,” I tease lightly. “We match in everything.” Her smile falters, replaced by a stiffness that turns into a firm nod.
“Anyway, let’s go.” She nudges my shoulder playfully, and together we head down the corridor, slipping into the elevator before making our way to the hotel exit.
As we step outside, the cab I arranged for our day trip awaits, the driver standing by with a welcoming smile. I guide Amyra toward it, and we slide into the back seat, the familiar scent of leather and fresh air enveloping us.
The engine hums to life, and my gaze drifts to the girl beside me, already captivated by the world rushing past the window. Moments like this are rare treasures, like unearthing a gem in the heart of a new city, and it feels inexplicably lighter and more hopeful with her beside me.
Upon our arrival at the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi, the first thing that greets us is the soothing symphony of cascading water.
It pours endlessly from the expansive glass ceiling, the sound loud enough to drown out all else, yet gentle enough to steady my wandering thoughts.
Morning light filters through the dome, illuminating the falling water like shimmering silver threads, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
The air is cool and damp, carrying a sacred quality, transforming Jewel from merely an airport into a serene sanctuary.
And then I see her.
Amyra stands across the glass bridge, framed by lush greenery and swirling mist, perfectly still. For a fleeting moment, I question whether she’s real or just another echo of memory conjured by this enchanting place.
The waterfall roars between us, conveying everything I can't find the words to express. It gives me the time to notice the way my chest tightens, how simply seeing her brings an undeniable calm. For a while, we stand apart yet connected, the sound of the falling water enveloping us both.
“I never knew water could bring this much peace, Rey. Visiting this early in the morning is nothing short of a chef’s kiss.” Her face lights up, eyes sparkling with wonder as they remain fixed on the view, while I find it challenging to look anywhere but at her.
“For me, just being with you is the essence of peace, Ames.”
“What?”
I blink, realising what slipped out, and quickly add with a nervous smile, “I mean, being with your best friend. Isn’t it peaceful?”
“That’s right.” She smiles back. After clicking pictures of each other and taking a few selfies, we head back to the cab.
Late morning settles gently over Kampong Glam, Singapore’s historic, culturally rich district.
Haji Lane glows in soft pastels and bold murals, each wall telling stories of art and quiet rebellion.
Boutique cafés spill warmth onto the narrow street, the scent of fresh coffee mingling with laughter and passing footsteps.
We walk side by side, shoulders brushing just enough to spark awareness beneath the ease of our stride.
At a café, we order coffee and local breakfast dishes. Passing her a cup becomes an excuse to let our fingers graze, the pause stretching longer than needed. She keeps her eyes on the cup, visibly nervous, and I pull my hand back before she can feel uncomfortable.
Why does seeing her nervous around me feel so new, something I don’t remember noticing before?
“This place is really vibrant and unforgettable,” she says, praising it warmly. I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.
“Totally unforgettable,” I say with a grin. “But being here with you just makes it even better.” I throw her a wink, and she laughs right away.
“Looks like you’re missing your girlfriend and using me to drop your flirty lines.”
“No one could ever replace you, Ames,” I reply softly. “You hold a special spot in my heart.”
Her expression tightens at my words. I want her to really get what I’m saying, but before she can respond or ask anything, I stand up, shifting the vibe.
“Let’s keep moving,” I say, nudging us to the next stop.
Soon, we reach the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, the iconic, climate-controlled conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, where global flora thrives beneath vast glass structures.
The Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, opens into early afternoon light that filters through the canopy, turning the space into a living mosaic of colour.
Exotic blooms lean toward the pathways, unfamiliar yet strangely comforting, their quiet beauty slowing my steps. The air is cool, almost cleansing, like it’s clearing space inside me I didn’t know I needed.
The moment we step into the embrace of the Cloud Forest, the world around us seems to dissolve.
Wisps of mist swirl lazily through the air, softening the outlines of trees and foliage, creating a dreamlike haze that wraps around us.
The elevated walkway narrows, drawing us closer by an unseen force, inviting intimacy.
Her shoulder brushes against mine, and instead of retreating, I allow a surge of warmth to overcome me.
I loop my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer as we meander toward a weathered wooden bench nestled amidst the cascading waterfalls and vibrant greenery.
Here, in this secluded alcove, silence reigns like a comforting blanket that feels safe and inviting rather than oppressive.
When I turn to gauge her reaction, I’m met with a delightful sight: her cheeks are tinged with the faintest blush, and I can’t help but wonder what has shifted beneath the surface. We once roamed freely, hand in hand, without a second thought. Why does she seem different now?
As we settle onto the bench, positioned beneath an arch adorned with delicate flowers, our knees nearly touch, creating a connection that feels both exhilarating and serene.
I haven’t released her yet; my arm rests lower along her neck, a silent promise of closeness.
She locks eyes with me, and with a gentle smile, she aligns her hand with mine.
A wave of joy washes over us, and the quiet between us is filled with unspoken understanding, just the rhythm of our breaths, the shared warmth enveloping us in this intimate cocoon.
In this moment, it feels exquisite to be so close to my girl.
Eventually, we rise and continue along the mist-kissed path. The narrow walkway once again forces our proximity, and I take her hand, guiding her gently forward. Suddenly, her laughter bursts forth, light and effervescent.
“Rey! Why are you so clingy today?” She meets my gaze directly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Scared I’ll go missing?”
I chuckle softly, shaking my head. “Just making sure you're right here with me, especially since you’ve developed a habit of wandering way too far lately.” She appears caught off guard but opts for silence, and together we walk on until we reach the cab waiting patiently outside.
As the late afternoon light settles gently over Marina Bay Promenade, the skyline glimmers like glass dipped in warm gold.
Before our stroll, we enjoy lunch at a quiet restaurant with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mesmerizing view of the water.
The ambiance is serene, muted conversations mingling with the soft clinking of cutlery.
We share our dishes seamlessly, her fork slipping into my plate as if it has always sought out my food.
Between bites, we engage in effortless banter about unimportant things and everything that somehow matters, weaving a tapestry of connection and laughter above the shimmering water.