Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

Karen pushed Lip down onto the bed, straddling his waist as she slowly began to unbutton her top.

Lip's eyes widened, and his breath caught as he gazed at her flawless, porcelain-like skin, smooth and radiant like white jade. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard.

"Does it look good?" Karen teased with a playful smile.

Lip nodded vigorously, too captivated to speak.

Karen chuckled, her gaze softening as her index finger began to trace lazy circles over his chest.

But suddenly, her expression shifted. She leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized him intently.

"What's wrong?" Lip asked, slightly taken aback.

"Lip," Karen began hesitantly, "are you… a virgin?"

"Wait, what?" Lip blinked, stunned. Then, frustration bubbled up inside him. Are you seriously asking me this now?

He reached out, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. His voice dropped into a low, commanding tone.

"Karen, whether I am or not doesn't matter," he said firmly. "The point is, I'm going to make you mine tonight."

Karen's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing at his bold declaration. "W-well… you…" she stammered, caught off guard by his sudden assertiveness.

Leaning in closer, Lip's voice softened as he whispered in her ear, "What about you, Karen?"

Karen's initial surprise melted away, replaced by a mixture of shyness and flirtation. She blushed deeply, biting her lower lip before responding, "I hate it! I asked you first, and now you're turning the question on me?"

She playfully pouted, gently punching his chest with her fist.

Lip smiled, pulling her into an embrace as he stroked her back soothingly. "Karen, of course I am," he whispered.

"Really?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for sincerity.

"Absolutely."

Karen beamed, her smile as sweet as it was radiant. "That's amazing! Me too!"

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her voice grew softer. "Lip, promise me you'll stay with me forever?"

"I promise," he replied, holding her tightly.

Karen suddenly hesitated, her expression turning conflicted. "But… now I'm confused."

"About what?"

"Should I give myself to you? I read online that boys don't cherish girls who are too easy to win over."

Lip couldn't help but chuckle. "Karen, it's your decision to make. I'll support whatever you choose."

Karen frowned, her tone turning accusatory. "Hmph! Are you seriously leaving this up to me?"

"Of course," Lip replied with a teasing grin. "How about you teach me, Karen? Show me what to do."

"You're impossible!" Karen huffed, her cheeks puffing out adorably in frustration.

Recognizing he'd pushed her enough, Lip decided to change the subject. "Karen, do you like watching movies?"

"Of course!"

"What kind of movies?"

"I love romantic ones—things like Titanic, The Time Traveler's Wife, or A Walk to Remember."

"Ah, the classic romantic dramas," Lip said, nodding thoughtfully. "I like those too."

"What about you?" Karen asked curiously.

"I prefer movies with vibrant colors and dramatic plots," he replied. "Like The Beautiful Legend of Sicily or Malena."

Karen giggled. "You make it sound like I don't watch enough serious movies!"

Lip grinned. "Don't worry. We can watch them together sometime."

As their conversation continued, their laughter filled the room, light and carefree. But before long, their playful banter shifted into more intimate and earnest exploration.

For the next half hour, they navigated this new chapter of their relationship together, their awkwardness giving way to genuine connection and mutual learning.

Afterward, Lip leaned back against the bed, pulling out a cigarette from his jeans pocket and lighting it.

"Hiss…" He inhaled deeply, letting the smoke swirl in the air before exhaling.

Karen, lying beside him, rested her head on his chest.

"Lip," she murmured softly.

"Yeah?"

"What were you thinking about just now?"

"Nothing important," Lip replied with a chuckle.

Karen pouted. "You're lying. I can tell."

Lip smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Alright, fine. I was thinking about our future."

Karen's face lit up with joy. "Really?"

"Of course."

Karen traced slow circles on his chest with her finger, her cheeks turning pink. "Lip… do you know why I told you that science makes me feel… excited?"

"Why?"

"Well… a few days ago, my friend sent me a documentary," Karen said, her voice growing quieter.

Lip raised an eyebrow. "A documentary?"

Karen nodded, her blush deepening. "It was about the mysteries of adolescence… and the connection between men and women."

Lip smirked knowingly. "Ah, so that's what's been on your mind."

Karen pouted again. "Don't tease me! The documentary said that men and women experience the most happiness when they're together."

"And?"

"And ever since I saw you, I felt like… you were the one I'd been waiting for."

Lip's heart skipped a beat at her confession. "Karen, have you found the happiness you were looking for?"

Karen nodded shyly. Instead of replying, she reached over and plucked the cigarette from his fingers, taking a small, hesitant puff.

Lip chuckled, pulling her closer. For the first time in a long while, he felt content.