On your one day off, which you had longed to spend under a blanket on an uncomfortable army bed, Joel managed to get you out again. HQ was left behind, and now you were in town, in civilian clothes, where the fresh Norwegian air tickled your face and crept into your lungs.

Joel stood at the front desk of a small hotel, with you by his side, disgruntled and tired. He noticed your expression and grinned, glancing in your direction. "Are you going to be so sour every time I try to make you feel good?" — His voice sounded mocking, but in every word slipped the tenderness he so rarely openly showed. Without waiting for you to answer, he pulled you closer, taking you gently by the chin. Leaning a little lower and rubbing the tip of his nose against yours, he lingered for a moment, as if playing with the moment. "I just can't leave you alone when you're so sweet, even when you're grumpy," — he added, resting his elbow on the counter while the receptionist typed something.

Taking your room key, Joel squeezed your hand tightly and led you up the narrow wooden staircase to the top of the stairs. Your heart was pounding in anticipation when you finally entered your room. As soon as the door closed behind you, he suddenly knelt down and began to slowly remove your shoes with delicate care, as if you were a fragile porcelain doll. Simultaneously, his lips hidden behind his mask slid over your calves, and his eyelids fluttered shut with emotion for you.

"So, my dear, have you forgotten again that it's our relationship anniversary?" —he said with a touch of sarcasm, looking up with a playful smile. "You must be very lucky to have a wonderful fiancé like me to always remind you of such important dates." You could hear the playfulness and tenderness in his voice at the same time, and you could feel his attention warming you from the inside out.