Chapter 7: Day 1 (Part 2)

Notes: Surpriseeee! I just finished writing the second part. I haven't proofread it yet, but I hope everything makes sense cause I don't always write in sequence LOL Enjoy!

—

"Covey, can we eat sushi?"

"I was about to ask the same thing. Daddy is eating sushi right now and he sent me a picture. Look!" I show Peter a picture of aburi sushi that Daddy sent in our family group chat.

"Okay, that's settled then."

—

We arrive at the sushi restaurant in less than ten minutes. It is located nearby the grocery store.

As soon as we sit down at our table, we already know what we're going to order. Peter and I are big fans of salmon, especially the raw one. We agree that raw salmon tastes a lot better than the cooked one. But, Daddy, Trina and Kitty disagree whenever we suggest this theory. They like the cooked one better. According to them, it is softer and it has more texture after it's cooked. This topic is always brought up every time we eat sushi together.

One by one our order comes. Peter tells me to take pictures of our food and send them to my family. I also send a picture of Peter and I to them. My phone keeps buzzing, so I open the messages and read them out loud to let Peter know their responses.

Margot: Is this supposed to be a sushi eating contest?

Daddy: Go buy yourself some sushi, Gogo!

Kitty: I am mad at you, Lara Jean. You didn't tell me that you and Peter are going on a vacation together.

Trina: Have fun, lovebirds 3

Daddy: Say hi to Peter from me. Don't worry about Kitty. Hv fun :)

"Should we say something to Kitty?" Peter asks me. He looks like he's in doubt about this matter at hand.

"Hmm, I don't think so. She needs to grow up. We can't always take her wherever we're going, right?"

"True. But, I still think we need to say something."

"Even Daddy tells us not to worry about Kitty."

"Yeah, I know, but…"

"Alright. I totally understand how you feel. Cause I feel like crap too for leaving her without saying anything. Still, I think she needs to get used to it."

"Okay, let's just say something to her right now. We can send her a video or something. And next time we're going somewhere just the two of us, we just let her know that we're going, without inviting her to join us. What do you think?"

I let out a chuckle. "Good idea. Okay, so what should we say?"

We discuss for a few minutes, then Peter carefully places my phone against his green tea glass. He presses the record button, then he starts talking, "Hi baby girl!"

I wave from behind Peter. "Hi Kitty!"

"We apologize for not mentioning it to you. But we really want to spend time together. We hope you understand."

I let Peter do the talking. I am just going to nod and agree to everything that Peter is gonna say. Kitty is more fond of Peter than me anyway.

"So, your sister's gonna come home during fall break. Isn't it exciting? We can hang out together or probably take a day trip somewhere. Don't be mad at Lara Jean, okay? Alright, have fun in DC everyone! And Margot, I think it's too early for sushi in Scotland."

I send the video and we finally start to eat since the last dish has just come.

"I kinda miss debating about salmon with your family," Peter says as he puts one salmon nigiri into his mouth.

"Me too. You know what, actually I've been thinking maybe once in a while I can go home during weekends," I tell Peter.

"But aren't you gonna be even busier after this?"

"I'm not sure yet. I know that I will have more activities to do like meetings and events for the student association, but one of my classes is going to end in early November. And it's my only class on Friday."

Peter's eyes are wide opened. He doesn't say anything because he just gulped one big portion of California roll into his mouth. He chews his sushi quickly and drinks his cold green tea. "That's great! Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I just got the email this morning. All of my classes should end in early December. But one of my professors is going to take an early leave for his appendectomy in November. So, he rearranges his classes into two days a week starting next week," I explain to Peter.

"Oh Covey, you have no idea how excited I am to hear that. You can go home on Thursday after you finish your classes," Peter exclaims happily. "I can pick you up if I don't have evening practice."

I nod excitedly at him as I take a bite of my salmon maki.

"Are you going to have any lacrosse games in UNC?"

"I think so. But the coach hasn't announced the schedule yet. I only know when the opening game is."

"Both Em and I will go to your first game," I announce our plan.

"For real? God! You're giving me two surprises in a row. Today won't get any better than this." Peter's grinning from ear to ear. It is obvious that he is very happy.

"It will." I wink at him.

"Are you going to stay in my dorm after the game? Or do you wanna go home?"

"I haven't decided it yet. I mean, for me, I'm fine with staying at your dorm. But what about Em?"

"Hmm, that's right. Let's think about it later then."

Peter's face is still gleaming with happiness on our way back to the cabin. We decided that we need to put our groceries first so that they won't spoil, before going for our canoe ride.

"Peter, are you sure you can ride a canoe?"

"Did you really just ask me that? Are you kidding me? Do you think I've been training for nothing?" He seriously looks like I just hurt him.

I cry with laughter which makes Peter becomes even more annoyed than before.

"Not funny, Covey."

I try to control my laughter. "That's not what I meant. I was just wondering because I know that I won't be able to help you with it, so you will be doing it all by yourself."

"Of course. Do you think I will ask you to help me paddle the canoe?" He asks me in annoyance. He shakes his head slightly in disbelief.

"You know I don't mean it like that," I say as I repeatedly touch his bicep with one finger to annoy him. Then, I playfully squeeze it. "Ooh la la, you've got some killer muscles over here!" I burst out laughing at my own joke.

Peter can't help but to laugh too. "I can't believe you just said that, Lara Jean."

I lean forward to kiss his cheek.

—

We have been on the canoe for over half an hour. Peter doesn't look like he's tired at all which I think is very impressive.

"Aren't your arms sore?"

"No. My lacrosse practice is far worse than this. At least here I can slow down whenever I feel like it. But during practice, the coach will shout at you."

The view is very beautiful. Grasses grow tall on the river. There's no one else besides the two of us. It is very serene. I can hear the sound of the birds and crickets chirping together harmoniously.

"Covey, look! There's a small island over there. Let's go and sit for a while."

I look at my phone as we arrive at the island. It is 4.30.

"I think it's better to wait for the sunset at the beach. I don't think it would be safe for us to ride back in the dark," I remind Peter.

"Clever. I didn't think of that earlier. Okay, let's just stay here and enjoy the view for twenty minutes or so before we head back."

After Peter ties the canoe to a nearby tree, we walk around to explore the island for a bit. There's not much to see since it's only around eight times bigger than our little cabin. An old tree is standing tall in the center of the island, its root is massive that we can see it above the ground. We sit on the grass under the tree.

"The island is not bad," Peter says.

"What do you mean not bad? I think it's perfect. I wanna stay here forever. It' so quiet. This can be our private island."

Peter laughs. "But there's no one here."

"That's the whole point of a private island."

"There's nothing here too."

"We can build things later. We can build a small house and hang a hammock over there."

Peter joins in my imaginary private island design. "We can probably set two white wooden chairs at this side of riverbank. It has the best view."

"Do you think we should have a pet?"

"Of course. We're gonna adopt two dogs at least, or maybe three. They're gonna be able to guard this island from unwanted passerby when we're not around."

"Maybe we should plant some crops too."

"We should build our own small boat and a dock over there." He points to the other side of the island.

"I really like the idea of having our own place in the future."

The weather is really nice. We are sitting in silence, enjoying the last summer breeze before autumn comes. I close my eyes and feel the wind softly blows my hair away from my face. I take a deep breath and blow it out of my mouth. I feel very relaxed.

"This is such a perfect place and weather to read a book."

"Or spend time with you boyfriend perhaps?" Peter suggests. My eyes are still shut. But, I can hear his playful tone.

"I haven't finished my sentence yet. This is such a perfect place and weather to read a book, but an even better one to spend time with my boyfriend."

I hear Peter snorts. "Liar," he says.

He moves closer to my side, I lie my head on his shoulder.

"Ooh, such a strong shoulder," I tease him.

"You're getting really good at teasing me, Covey."

"I know, right? You're supposed to be proud of me."

Peter laughs at my answer. Then, I ask him, "Do you think I have changed a lot since we started dating?"

"When did we really start dating?"

"I don't know. When do you think?"

"I always consider we started dating since the fake dating period," Peter says.

I open my eyes and face him. "I never thought you would say that," I say to him matter-of-factly. "To be frank, I am a bit surprised by this fact, or maybe I shouldn't be cause you have always been treating me nicely ever since. Well, you were annoying sometimes, but they were still acceptable. Anyway, all in all you have always been a good person to everyone around you. So, I didn't think I got any special treatment from you."

"I wrote notes to you everyday."

"But that was in the contract."

"Yes, but couldn't you see how sincere my notes were?"

"I thought you were just a flirtatious jock," I tease him.

"Come on! I know you felt it too."

"Sometimes I could feel it, but I was too afraid to really admit it."

"Well, I love the fact that you are no longer afraid to fall in love with someone just because you're scared that they're going to walk out of your life in the end. I'd like to take credit for that if you don't mind," he says with a wide smile. "And I can tell you are becoming more confident with yourself nowadays, which is great."

I do not say a word. I just stare blankly at the river, deep in thought. I was relieving every monumental memories I've had with him inside my head. I am grateful to have him. I reach out for his hand. He locks his fingers with mine and kisses the back of my hand.

"Thank you, Peter, for everything."

"My pleasure, Covey." He grabs my hand and pulls me towards him. A few seconds later, Peter is lying on the grass with me on top of him. He holds my face with one hand, and kisses me. It is a sweet, but very passionate kiss. I can feel his kiss becomes more needy as the time passes. I move my hand to touch his hair.

We are lost in our kiss as the sun is getting lower and lower. The sky is now painted with a mixture of blue, pink and orange.

"Peter," I try to break off from the kiss.

He only replies me with a hum, but still continues kissing me.

I try harder to let go. "Peter, we need to go," I blurt out as fast as I can when we are gasping for air.

He ignores me, moving his kiss towards my neck.

"Hey, Peter! As much as I want to make out with you in this beautiful island in the middle of nowhere, we really need to go now. Look, the sun is about to set in half an hour or so. We need to find our way back."

"Ugh, Covey," he groans. But, he knows that I am right, so he is in no position to protest. He rolls me over to his side and gets up. Then, he offers his hand to help me stand.

A few minutes later, we are already sitting in the canoe. According to Peter, it won't take us too long to go back to our starting point.

We are enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounds us. It looks completely different from when we came an hour ago now that the color of the sky changes.

"Do you believe in fate?" I ask Peter after a while.

"Nope." Peter shakes his head.

I turn my head to look at him, I arch my eyebrow signaling him to continue.

"What? I don't believe in it and I have no particular reason to support that."

"I think we are together because of fate. Not completely, but it all started because of it," I try to explain.

I am sure Peter knows that I am referring to my letter which Kitty sent. Both Peter and I never planned for this to happen, so in my opinion it is all because of fate.

"If you think about it, isn't it very romantic that fate brought us together?" I ask him again.

"Probably." Peter shrugs.

"Probably?"

"Firstly, I don't believe in fate. Secondly, sure, we noticed each other because of the letter and I am forever grateful that Kitty sent it, but it wasn't the reason why we became together. It was our choice. We decided to be together and we work hard for our relationship."

"Hmm, interesting theory."

"What?" Peter asks in a high-pitched voice which makes me laugh. "I am pretty sure you agreed with what I just said. You just don't want to admit that I'm right," Peter accuses me.

"Alright, alright. Yes, I agree with you. You sounded like you had this very thoughtful insight. I'm usually the wise one in our relationship, you know."

We both laugh together. But then, Peter's face suddenly turns serious. "Are you happy being with me, Covey?"

"Didn't you just see me laugh?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow.

"I'm seriously asking you."

"Of course. Why did you ask something like that?" I look at him as if he just insulted me.

"It's just that I still think about it sometimes."

"Think about what?"

"I told you before that I was scared you were going to figure out that I wasn't worth it."

"And I bet you still remember what I said to you that night. You're the most special person in my life besides my family."

Peter doesn't respond. He looks away contemplating.

"Peter," I call his name, trying to make him listen to my every words. He turns his head and finds my eyes. "Listen to me. You constantly make me happy. You always go out of your way to make me happy. How can you not know that? I always tell you how happy I am, don't I? Look at us now. Look where we are. We are in this beautiful place thanks to you."

"I guess I just have this insecurity that always haunts me and keeps telling me that I am somehow not worthy of you, like you are out of my league."

I shake my head in disbelief and give him an annoyed stare. "Are you out of your mind? You are out of my league? Have you never see yourself?"

"Come on, Covey. You are smart and hardworking. You always help other people. You take very good care of your family and your friends, not to mention how beautiful you are. You are perfect."

"Are we in a compliment battle right now?"

Peter snorts with laughter.

"Peter, you are the most thoughtful guy I've ever met in my life. You care for everyone that matters to you. You are a good son to your mom and a good brother to Owen, even to Kitty. You even call her 'baby girl'?! What the hell is that? You never even call me that! You're such a perfect boyfriend. Actually, you are exactly how I imagined the perfect boyfriend should be. I honestly couldn't ask for a better one. My family loves you, I don't think there's a better compliment than that. If it makes you feel better, my family loves you more than they will ever love Josh or Ravi. When we broke up, my family was as devastated as me. Even my dad questioned my decision. He loves you that much. Oh, and I don't think I still need to mention how attractive you are, right? All girls are gasping for air whenever they see you. It's so unfair."

Peter is processing my answer. His eyebrows furrow. I can see the creases on his forehead starts to disappear as his worry begins to fade. I give him an encouraging smile. I reach my hands out to touch his face.

"We are going to work it through together. Don't worry about it. I'm sure we both have our own insecurities. It's very normal," I say as we gaze deeply into each other's eyes.

He gives me a tiny nod and a slight smile.

"Promise me you'll never say that again. It breaks my heart when you say that you are not worth it."

"I promise," he says softly. But in a few seconds, the corners of his eyes suddenly crinkle. This is a typical expression that Peter has when he is about to tease me. Then, he continues, "Baby girl!"

I shriek in laughter. "Ew, please. Don't! You're hurting my ears!" I raise my hand, gesturing for him to stop talking.

Peter snorts, "If I'm not mistaken, you said something like 'you call her baby girl?! What the hell is that? You never even call me that!' Oh, you were totally jealous!" He mimics my voice and teases me. Then, he explodes with laughter.

I playfully hit his arm as I laugh along with him.

Peter and I are getting closer and closer to the dock. The sky is filled with gold and deep pink and purple as the sun is nearly gone now.

"This is amazing," I gasp, admiring this breathtaking scenery. Peter is looking up at the sky, lost for words.

Then, he gazes at my eyes and leans forward. He tilts his head slightly and we share a kiss as the sun goes down.

"You know what, Peter, if our love story were a movie our kiss just now would definitely be the poster."

He smiles brightly and kisses me again.

—

Notes: Soooo, how was the story? Tell me what you think about it! I really love reading all your comments. They really make my day, so send me more of em! Anyway, I don't think I will be able to post the third part as fast as I posted this one. But, I'll try my best. In the meantime, leave me some comments for the sake of encouragement hahaha