Helena woke up late like usual and with the noise of a hammer hitting the nails. She grabbed herself out of bed and went outside to check. She peeked out and saw it was Arthur working early on the outdoor shower project.

Arthur was doing his best to give Helena her dream outdoor shower. He was eager to finish his project in a day; he started it at 5 in the morning. He woke up at 4 in the morning, cooked breakfast, and had her first meal with a mug of coffee.

Like they agreed the night before, he puts the project on the side of the house facing the beach. He puts his passion into every hammer hitting the nail, hoping it would create a desirable result worthy of Helena's praise. He couldn't wait to witness Helena's reaction when his creation took shape.

Helena didn't disturb Arthur and went inside to have her breakfast, and she found food on the table with a note. "I'm working; I apologize for waking you up early."

"How thoughtful," she muttered to herself.

Every remorse inside her disappeared, knowing Arthur was working and was thoughtful enough to cook her breakfast. She wondered how early the man started his day when he had already cooked meals for the two of them and eaten his breakfast.

She savored every bite of her meal even more, knowing the hands that made it work hard early in the morning. It was her way of being grateful to Arthur without saying a word to him. She paused when she realized it was strange for her to feel grateful again. The only man she adored was Israel, and she wanted him to be the only one. She dismissed the thoughts in her head and convinced herself that she only appreciated Arthur because of the favors he did for her.

Helena finished her meal, washed the dishes, and went outside, intending to help Arthur. Arthur worked silently, focusing on the task; he didn't even notice Helena standing behind him. She watched as Arthur expertly measured and sawed the wood. She was fascinated by the way he worked and how he paid attention.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Helena hesitantly asked. Even though she thought her presence wasn't needed there since Arthur was a man who looked like he could do anything, especially in construction. With his big biceps, 6 packs-abs, and well-built masculine body, any work that requires exerting strength won't be a problem for him.

Arthur paused and turned in Helena's direction. Sweat started dripping at Arthur's temple while his thick blonde curly hair covered half his face. He wiped it with his hands and tucked his hair in his ears showing his defined jawline.

"I would love some help if you're free to."

"Sure. I am here to help. Let me know what you need."

"Please hand me the hammer. I left it on the other side, just right behind you."

Helena was fast to get the hammer and hand it over to Arthur. "Here. Let me know if there's anything more. I'll be right here."

"Of course, I will surely need your help," he was happy to have Helena around even if he could do everything easily without assistance. A small smile was playing on the corners of his mouth as he continued with his work.

Helena urged to wipe Arthur's sweat as she thought the man needed a face towel to dry him up or maybe tie his hair in a ponytail for his face to be fully seen, and he could work well. But on the other hand, she thought it would be too much to approach him regarding those matters. Arthur is a grown-up man who can take care of himself.

"Helena"

Helena was cut off from her reverie as Arthur called her name. "Yes?"

"I've been meaning to tie my hair since this morning. Do you have a tie I can use?"

"Yes, I'll get one for you," Helena immediately went inside the house to get one of her hair ties.

She doesn't tie her hair regularly but uses scrunch when washing her face. She chose the red one.

She went back to Arthurs and was hesitant to show the scrunch. "I chose this red scrunch for you."

"Finally, I can tie this hair," he gathered his hair, trying to make them in a ponytail. He looked like he wasn't used to tying his hair as he awkwardly held it.

"Let me," Helena combed Arthur's hair through her fingers, their hands brushing each other. She gathered his hair from all sides before tying them up.

"There," she said as she finally tied Arthur's hair into a bun.

"Thank you, you can obviously do it better than me. Now, I can work just fine."

Helena just nodded as Arthur went on with his work. He started with the plumbing and waterproofing and then drainage. And Helena was there to assist him whenever he needed her. Helena cooked for their lunch, and they had it together.

It was okay compared to the few times they had together, but she wasn't wholly comfortable. They took a short walk on the shore before returning to the project, where Helena still assisted Arthur.

It went smoothly to the design Helena desired. As hours passed by, the outdoor shower took shape. Arthur was doing the enclosure for privacy as Helena brought the tea and cookies for their afternoon snack.

"Take a break. Let's have tea and cookies," Helena asked as she brought tea and cookies for the two of them.

Arthur was delighted to see Helena with her specially made cookie and tea. He immediately left his work and joined Helena, savoring their afternoon snacks.

Arthur was daydreaming of them as a couple as they looked like one while they had snacks. People would mistake them as a couple which sends butterflies in his stomach. He couldn't help but smile about his thoughts.

"What are you laughing at?" Helena asked.

"Nuh...nothing," Arthur stammered, his face warming by his wild thoughts. Helena just showed a straight face as she did not believe Arthur's answer.

They spent the day working tirelessly on the shower. Arthur handled most of the heavy lifting while Helena helped where she could. Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, they stepped back to admire their finished product.

"It looks amazing," Helena breathed, admiring the sleek, wooden plank flooring. "Thank you so much for doing this."

Arthur felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over him as he saw Helena smiling ear to ear. It was the first time he had seen her smile like that.

"You know, Helena, I never realized how beautiful you are when you smile," Arthur said in awe.

Helena blushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Arthur."

As Helena smiled in gratitude, Arthur's heart swelled with emotion. He had never seen her so happy before. It was then that he realized he was hopelessly in love with her.

"I...I just want you to be happy, Helena," he stammered, staring deep into her sparkling eyes.

Helena blushed and looked away shyly. "I appreciate everything you did for me," she murmured softly.

With those words ringing in his ears, Arthur knew he would do anything to keep making Helena smile like that forever.

Arthur thought Helena would love an old way of showing love and affection as she is an old soul. He was proud to brag about his work even without saying a word, and he succeeded.

"Let's try it now."

"What?" Helena's eyes widened.

Arthur giggled, thinking about what might be in Helena's mind. They were standing inside the outdoor shower, as he asked. Let's try if the water flows perfectly. Should we open the shower?"

"Alright. Let's see if it works," Helena twisted the shower open, and the water poured into her. "Oh, it's working. Great job, Arthur."

"My pleasure," Arthur wickedly smirked at Helena. "Would you like to join me? I'm taking a shower. I didn't have time to do it early in the morning."

"No," Helena immediately got out of the shower and opened the door. "Nasty," she shouted.

"Helena, please get me a bathrobe, "Arthur asked to piss off Helena.

"No," she shouted again.

"I hope you don't mind a man lurking around butt naked."

"Fine. I'll get it," she said, pissed off.

She didn't want to be tempted by his charm and good looks. She had been hurt before and didn't want to risk it again. But there was something about Arthur that made her feel alive and wanted.

Arthur giggled inside the shower as Helena went home to get him a bathrobe.