The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

97 The First Man

“I knew you would like it. That’s why I brought you here. I feel relieved that you are happy to be here.” Calvin smiled warmly at the girl who made his chest flutter.

Emma looked at Calvin who was blushing with a sweet smile. The man was really nice. Come to think of it, didn’t Calvin Lee describe an ideal lover? Handsome face, muscular-tall body, good at fighting, and an affectionate guy. He took all the privilege for himself.

“Hey.. Look, there’s a sausage booth that’s popular on social media. Let’s try it!” Calvin pointed forward as he pushed the shopping cart faster.

The two of them stopped at every booth they came across in the supermarket and tried out tons of tasters. Calvin invited Emma to do this. He wasn’t even ashamed to eat many tasters in one booth. Emma could see that he was deliberately filling his stomach with free food. Even though he seemed shameless, Emma found it very funny and was described the innocent figure of Calvin Lee.

“Hmm.. The nuggets were delicious..” Calvin held his stomach while leaning on the handle of the shopping cart which was almost full of Emma’s groceries.

“I can guess that you’ve been doing this a lot, Calvin. Tell me, is it possible that you often use this method for dinner hacks?” Emma chuckled as she grabbed two bottles of sesame oil from the spice rack.

Hearing Emma’s guess, Calvin immediately burst out laughing while nodding, “I’m really embarrassing, aren’t I? Sorry for my uncontrollable nature when I saw those free foods..” he answered, still laughing.

Emma shook her head, “Rather than being embarrassed, I find your behaviour very cute. You are like a child walking with his mom in the supermarket.” She replied. But suddenly, Emma realized her words and immediately rubbed the back of Calvin who was slowly fading his laughter, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Calvin. I didn’t think before I spoke.”

“No need to apologize, Emma. In fact, maybe I did this subconsciously because I missed that moment with my mom. Even though it’s only a vague memory, it’s etched a little in my memory when mom took my brother and me to the supermarket. We tried some delicious taster food that cooked right in front of us. Then, my mom finally bought the frozen foods for us to eat at home.” Calvin explained.

.....

Then, he sighed with thoughts drifting back to the past, “The most beautiful thing is eating food cooked in front of you for free. At the booth, the staff cooks for us, giving it away for free with a smile, as if they sincerely do it to please me. Actually, it’s not the food that makes me addicted, it’s the memories it creates.” he continued.

Emma looked at Calvin who was telling the story of his life with teary eyes. What that man went through must have been very heavy. He had no family at all. Must live alone without anyone asking about his condition.

“Can you cook?” Emma asked slowly.

Calvin shook his head, “Tried a few times, but always failed. I finally gave up. Not only am I not good at cooking, but really bad at it.”

“Oh.. No wonder you always look for food outside.” Emma nodded in understanding. “Then, I’ll be cooking for you often. I happen to be working hard to sharpen my cooking skills. I’ll make some more and give them to you on the campus. What do you think?”

“I.. that.. I would be very happy if you want to bother doing it..” Calvin smiled happily as he looked down with his hands scratching the back of his head.

Emma shook her head, “Not a bother at all. Instead, I would love to do it.”

“Thanks, Emma,” Calvin said softly. It seemed he really had fallen in love with the brown-eyed girl.

Spending time with Calvin Lee was so much fun. Emma even felt that time flies so fast when they walked together. He was also very funny and cheerful, making Emma laugh a lot at his antics. He treated Emma very gently and politely. Although his behaviour was a bit reckless, he never offended Emma. Because Emma also knew that Calvin had a good heart for real.

After finishing shopping, Calvin and Emma stopped at a pasta shop near the supermarket with a similar concept as the malls.

“Do you usually always shop this much?” Calvin asked with a look of amazement at Emma’s shopping bag which required two shopping carts to carry it. “I’m afraid they won’t fit in your car.”

“Usually a little less. But because it turned out that the products here were so complete, I was confused which one I shouldn’t buy.” Emma laughed at her own vice.

“Hahaha.. You really are a shopaholic. But it’s fine if it makes you feel good.” said Calvin.

“Someone once told me that I would have a hard time finding a husband if I kept this bad shopping habit of mine. I might end up dying their wallets.” Emma chuckled a little. That’s what Jonas once told her while accompanying her shopping. The man couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

“In my opinion, it is true that excessive shopping habits are not good. But I think, a man who is afraid of his woman spending his money, is actually a weak man. A strong man should not be afraid of anything. He should love his woman, not be afraid of her. If he loves his woman, he will try to make her happy, even by means of shopping. Therefore, as a strong man, he must work hard. So, even money matters will not frighten him.” Calvin explained as if he was like a warlord making a speech.

Emma looked at him with an open-mouthed face, then, clapped her hands in amazement, “What a manly thought.” she praised with a little laugh.

Indeed, Emma admitted that Calvin was a little naive. Maybe because he had a fairly rich family, so he hadn’t felt how difficult it was to find the money. Therefore, what Calvin said was actually quite difficult for some men to do in the real world. But of course, it was not impossible to do. A person must have great determination to make it happen. And Emma was very touched that Calvin had such thoughts.

“Eum.. Emma. If I may ask, what causes you to have this shopping habit?” Calvin’s question interrupted Emma’s thoughts. At the same time, their ordered food arrived at the table.

Emma looked at Calvin for a moment, then took a deep breath before speaking, “Actually, I don’t really remember when I started having this bad habit. But it seems.. According to someone who knows me well, he said that I started to be like this a few years after my mom died. From there, I thought maybe I did it as an outlet for the loneliness and rebellion in my heart. Because my dad was always busy, he could not give love to me directly. He conveyed it through material such as money. Maybe at that time, my subconscious said that I should spend that material-formed affection, in order to get the true love.”

“And it continues to this day? If I may ask.. how do you feel when you do this habit when you are an adult?” Calvin asked carefully, afraid to offend Emma.

“I don’t feel anything. I feel like everything is normal, even though I know that it’s wrong. Maybe this is what is called a ‘habit’.” Emma answered unsurely.

Calvin nodded, “Seeing so many experiences like this makes me think that parents really have an important role in the mental health of their children in the future..” He realized his words, then, moved restlessly, “Well, I didn’t mean to say you have a problem with your mentally. I meant, the character-building...”

Emma laughed at the stuttering Calvin. He was really a pure soul. “I understand what did you mean, Calvin.. Why are you so afraid of offending other people? It’s like your heart has never been hurt by anyone else.”

“Even though my heart has been hurt before, that’s not a reason for me to be able to hurt other people’s hearts.” Calvin smiled.

“After everything you’ve been through.. You still have a good heart. If only I had a heart like you,” Emma muttered.

“You have a kind heart, too, Emma. I’m even really amazed that you accepted Poppy for who she is. You’ve also always tried to help Roger, who has always been shunned by everyone. That’s what makes you so special.” Calvin replied honestly.

“Do you know, Calvin? You are the first person I trust to tell about my life and my past. I want you to know that it’s actually not so easy for me to do.”

Calvin looked at Emma in disbelief, then, he smiled widely, “Thanks for trusting me, Emma. I’ll try to be around as your listener. You can depend on these two ears.” he pinched his ears, which immediately made Emma chuckle.

When they left the supermarket, the sky had already darkened. Emma stared in awe at the beautiful street because it was decorated with decorative sparkling lights.

“This area is famous for its beauty at night. Whether in winter or spring.” Calvin said after glancing at Emma who was sitting in the passenger seat beside him. He smiled gently because he was happy to see Emma was busy looking out the window. “Next time, I’ll take you on a walk for finding good food and fun places in the area. How about it?”

Emma took her eyes off the car window, “How about now? It just so happens that it’s not too late.” said Emma, ??looking at the leather watch wrapped in her wrist.

“Oh.. I’m sorry, Emma. I’m actually going to see Troy after this. We promised to meet in about two hours now.” Calvin answered with a regretful face.

“O-oh.. Well, that’s fine, then.” Emma replied. “Where will you guys meet? I’ll take you there.” she continued.

Calvin shook his head, “No need, Emma. You can drop me off at the closest bus stop to your house. I’ll take the bus.”

“Are you sure? I really don’t mind dropping you off. After all, I don’t have anything else to do at home either.” Emma told the truth. She usually would practice ballet or martial arts. But now, the condition of her leg was not supporting.

“I’m good, Emma.” Calvin convinced. “The streets are dangerous lately, because they get too deserted at night. I’ve seen a few thugs wandering around. Please stay at home in this situation.” he explained.

Emma didn’t give more answers. She knew Calvin was only worried about her, and she appreciated it.