"Excuse me, you lovely couple right there!"

The city square was one of the most popular tourist spots in Fenhua City. Despite the numerous tourists meandering in every direction, the area was incredibly spacious that you could run around without bumping into anyone.

​​

"Excuse me, you two!"

There were all kinds of booths that offer various sorts of products that you can buy as souvenirs. But what Lillie liked the most were the food stalls, obviously.

She was nibbling on some sweet, dried permissions while she and Ethan watched the street performers. Along with the rest of the audience listening to the wonderful violin play, they clapped and dropped money on the case.

"Y-you two, excuse me..."

Lillie and Ethan turned their attention towards the voice behind them.

They saw a well-dressed man with unassuming features sighing in relief when he finally caught the couple's attention. He was wearing a backpack and holding a sketchpad.

Judging from the charcoal smudge on his hand, this man must be an artist.

He smiled politely and said, "I apologize for interrupting your lovely afternoon, but I'm a street artist, you see, and I was wondering if you two would like a quick portrait?"

"Sorry, but we already got one." Ethan showed him the paper bag in his hand. Inside was an A4-sized frame wrapped in brown paper.

"O-oh, I see, I'm sorry." The artist stammered in embarrassment, his face flushing red. "E-even so, wouldn't you like another one as a souvenir? I bet my sketch is prettier than the one you have."

"I can tell there's a real reason behind why you're being insistent." Ethan narrowed his eyes at him in suspicion. He brought Lillie closer to him by wrapping his arm protectively around her waist. "What is it?"

The odd artist took note of Ethan's heightened guard on Lillie but didn't find it offensive. He has every right to be wary around a stranger.

"You're awfully perceptive, aren't you? Fine, I admit it's not about business. I'm a passionate artist and I'm here in Fenhua to search for a. inspiration in my art. This sideline was just some sort of excuse to sketch. And since people were willing to pay for my service, why not take advantage of it? Nothing wrong with extra income."

Unless that extra income obstructs other people who are actually trying to earn a living.

There were other street artists here at the square, and he's practically obstructing business by stealing potential customers. Especially since he doesn't have permission to run his sideline here.

Not that anyone but himself has to know. He'll just bolt out of the place once the authorities come in to check everyone's papers.

But to his defense, people insist they pay for his art. He wasn't opening a business. People simply assume he was a street artist and therefore ask to have their portrait done.

Nonetheless, don't be like him, people.

"If you'd like, I can give it to you for free, call it a favor from me." The artist laughed and scratched his neck sheepishly.

This was the first time in years since something caught his attention to the point of pursuit. He would be a fool as to miss this opportunity.

"And why run after us in particular?" Lillie questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I've been all over the place sketching and nothing just seems to catch my eyes." He explained with exasperation. "Until I saw you two. I decided that I would live a regretful life if I let this chance slip past."

"Well, if that's the case, why not?" Lillie nodded with Ethan.

"Many thanks! The name's Leo, by the way." He brightly grinned, offering them a handshake.

"Thea," Lillie shook his hand with a single stroke. "This is my husband."

"Han." Ethan nodded, accepting the handshake.

"I hate people staring at me while I'm drawing, it distracts me, so I hope you don't mind following me to a less crowded place? How about over there?" Leo leads them to a tree bench where there's a tree with its leaves turned red and orange.

Lillie and Ethan stood in front of the beautiful tree and listened to Leo's instructions for their pose.

"Alright! This will be quick, I promise!" Leo took out his charcoal pencil and positioned his sketchpad.

If you're wondering, yes, he's standing while sketching them.

As instructed by the odd artist, Ethan tenderly held Lillie's jaws with both hands and drew her face closer until their noses almost touch.

Lillie cupped one hand on his cheek while the other resting on his chest, tilting her head. Both of their eyes were half-lidded and staring at each other intently.

It was amazing how loud and evident their love radiates from their eyes.

Their pose was as if time froze on them as they were about to kiss.

Leo was perplexed.

He was so caught up in awe by the beautiful display of two peerlessly beautiful lovers about to share a kiss that he almost forgot he was supposed to capture this scene.

His hand began moving in quick yet elegant strokes. Every fine detail he could see was transferred in his sketchpad.

It felt like he went back to the first time he felt so inspired, the first time colors explode in his mind that his hands weren't stopping to take a break in fear that the image disappears.

Staying true to his words, he was finish sketching in five minutes. He even had the time to highlight the lines and shadows, and do a little cleaning.

Pride swelled in his chest as he brought the sketchpad up to observe it in better lighting.

It was magnificent if he says so himself.

"Here, I hope it meets your expectations." He passed the sketch to the pair. "I did say it would be prettier than the one you have. I'll be embarrassed if proven wrong."

Ethan stretched his neck. Being still for five minutes in that position wasn't comfortable, but he did say at one point that he could stare at Lillie all day without getting tired of it.

It was worth it, especially since it evoked a delightfully cute, blushing reaction from her.

Suddenly, Lillie pinched his arm, as if she read his mind.

Ethan reached for the sketchpad and held it for both of them to see.

"Incredible," Lillie breathed in astonishment.

"You're very talented, Leo," Ethan generously praised. "It definitely speaks volumes, especially since you drew it in such a short time."

Leo was overjoyed. He wasn't short in praises, but it still felt good for someone to appreciate his work—no matter how simple it was.

Yes, he considers that sketch simple. He could embellish it much more in a canvas and brighten it up with paint.

But he doesn't have the time, and it seems his muses have more places to be to enjoy each other's company.

Leonard Cha is eternally grateful for this beautiful couple. He would dedicate his next masterpiece to Thea and Han.

Soulmates Under Autumn.