Chapter 702: Fluttering Hearts

Matthew and Sophia hang out on the balcony after eating their dinner. They were sitting on a nylon hammock suspended by cords at both ends. The cords were tied in the long branch of the big Mango Tree.

The couple were watching the night sky. The weather was so clear that they could see millions of stars, shining brightly above the sky.

The night breeze on the farm helped their tired body to relax while Matthew was hugging Sophia. She was leaning her head on his broad shoulders as both of them looked up, enjoying the night view- the stars and the moon.

Matthew thought that life on a farm was more serene and refreshing than life in the big cities. He felt like he was in a fantasy world. 

Now he understood why Tristan loved to go outdoors and be with nature when he was stressed. It was so amazing especially if you were together with your loved one.

His arm was wrapped around Sophia's back and her waist and their free hands were intertwined with each other.

"I love it…" Matthew suddenly mumbled with a wide smile on his face.

"The stars? The night sky? Or the moon?" Sophia asked him expectantly.

But Matthew shook his head and said, "Nope. None of the choices."

Sophia pouted her lips and tilted her head to look at his face. "Then what do you mean by saying you love it?"

Matthew let out a soft chuckle before answering her.

"I love this moment… just holding your hand, hugging your waist as we both watch the beautiful night sky along with the shining stars and the shimmering silver crescent moon."

Sophia was touched by his words. Her stomach fluttered as if butterflies were flying inside of her. She unconsciously squeezed Matthew's hand and bit her lower lip before looking away.

His penetrating gaze was making her feel conscious. Her heart started racing again inside her chest. That's the effect of Matthew on her.

'He is so charming and handsome under the silver moonlight.' Sophia thought to herself while blushing.

Matthew pulled her closer, letting her lean on his sturdy chest. He raised their interlocking hands to kiss the back of her palm. Matthew's sweet gesture was melting Sophia's heart.

'Matthew! You are making me feel helpless. I feel like I'm falling for you deeply as time goes by!'

Sophia was lost in her thoughts, just thinking about Matthew. He was by her side right now but she was still daydreaming of him. Her feelings for him were getting stronger and stronger.

"Sophie… my love?"

"Yes… Matt… my L-Love."

A small smile made its way on the corners of Matthew's lips. He liked it whenever Sophia was calling him Love. He was in a state of joy and his heart was fluttering. ( *Kinikilig* )

"You are turning 20 tomorrow. Do you have any wish that you want me to fulfill?" Matthew asked her expectantly with his sparkling eyes.

Sophia smiled faintly before shaking her head. "Nothing."

Matthew crumpled his face when he heard that.

"But why? Come on. Please tell me, Love. I will try my best to fulfill it. If you don't have a wish then tell me what gift you want to receive on your birthday." Matthew insisted on her, trying to get an answer from Sophia.

Sophia giggled because of his reaction. After a few seconds, she raised her free hand to touch his face.

"Just be healthy for me and don't get sick! That's my wish! I want my man to be healthy and happy as always."

Sophia meant every word she said. And Matthew's eyes sparkled in delight because Sophia claimed him as her man! His heart was singing in joy.

"Hmm, alright! I will be healthy for my woman and serve her as my queen!" Matthew said, winking at Sophia. 

Sophia giggled before covering Matthew's face using her hand. "Queen my foot! I am no queen!"

"Of course, you are! The Queen of the Campus! Remember, you are the Campus Belle now. And most importantly, you are the Queen of my heart!" Matthew declared confidently.

"You are sweet-talking me again, Mr. Matthew Wilkins! If you continue this… I'm gonna fall hard for you!"

"Really? Then fall for me hard because I am here to catch you! And once I catch you, I will never let you go!"

Sophia hugged him as she leaned her head on the side of his heart. She tried to listen to his heartbeat.

"Matt, everyone likes you. Good job for winning the heart of my parents, even our neighbors. Furthermore… don't take my father's words seriously. He is just overprotective of me. I know he likes you too."

Matthew bobbed his head with a tender smile. "I know. I understand your father. I'm glad to know that he loves you so much and he is always there to protect you. But this time, I want to assure him that I will also protect you and your heart. I will not make you cry."

"Do you know that I'm so happy because they accepted me as your boyfriend? I felt like jumping and screaming in joy a while ago but I tried to hold myself. I don't want them to think that I am weird!" Matthew laughed gleefully.

Sophia's giggle bubbled up as she recalled how nervous Matthew was while talking to her parents this morning.

"You did a great job for just being yourself!"

"Hmm, really? Then where's my reward?" Matthew asked her teasingly.

Sophia smiled lovingly before kissing Matthew on his lips. He was caught off guard when Sophia's lips touched his lips. She didn't hesitate to kiss him.

Matthew grabbed the back of her head, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. He was dying to kiss her under this moonlight. The stars and the moon were witnesses to their love.

It was a long deep passionate kiss. They just pulled out when they had to gasp some air. Both of them were panting heavily, catching their breath.

"Matt…"

"Yes… Love?"

"You can stay in my room tonight. Share the bed with me so that you can sleep comfortably tonight…" Sophia said shyly with her blushing face.

Matthew grinned from ear to ear after hearing that! He wanted to be with her so he could be the first person to greet her a happy birthday!

"Yes! Yes!" Matthew cheerfully said. He would not refuse that offer.