Julian looked at the tickets Nick had bought and discovered they were for an animated movie. Animated films were typically for kids, weren’t they? Nick had the audacity to claim that Julian’s preference for monster movies was a weird taste, but wasn’t this even worse?
“You think this is a good movie?” Julian asked, unconvinced.
“Of course! Irene always cries at animated films-they’re her favorite. She’ll love this one for sure,” Nick replied confidently.
“A man blinded by love.” Julian chuckled. Irene liking animated movies was normal enough, but was it so strange for Little Bunny to enjoy monster films?
“Look who’s talking.” The two men exchanged teasing remarks before heading back to their respective partners. Aurora had gone ahead and bought some drinks.
“Let me carry that,” Julian said, taking the snacks and drinks from her hands.
For some reason, the theater was unusually empty. It was unclear whether they had arrived too early or if no one was interested in the film. In truth, Julian had rented out the entire theater, secretly discarding the extra tickets and pretending they had only purchased two. Nick had done the same for Irene, both men wanting an uninterrupted experience.
Aurora, unaware of Julian’s arrangement, assumed they had simply shown up early. Even as the movie was about to start in three minutes, the theater remained empty.
“I read online that this movie got great reviews. Why isn’t anyone here during prime time?” Aurora asked, puzzled.
Most young people, after finishing work, would take the evening to relax. Even for poorly rated films, there were usually a few people in the audience, let alone a big-budget production like this.
“It’s probably been out for a few days. Everyone’s already seen it,” Julian offered casually.
“Oh.” Aurora still found it odd but let it go.
“Well, the movie’s starting soon. Let’s just enjoy it and not worry about anyone else.”
“You’re right.” Aurora settled into her seat, quietly munching on the snacks. The constant crunching sounds Julian heard beside him reminded him of a squirrel nibbling away at its food.
Falling in love could do that to a person. Actions that might seem annoying if done by anyone else suddenly became endearing when it was your beloved. Every little thing Aurora did, every smile, every movement, seemed irresistibly charming to him.
She had become much more of a foodie than before, which Julian found oddly comforting. Aurora’s amnesia had erased her memories, including the unpleasant ones, and this new chapter in life felt much lighter and happier. Lost in thought, Julian was abruptly jolted back to reality by a deafening explosion from the screen. The movie’s science-fiction theme unfolded in a violent world filled with monsters. Grotesque creatures would occasionally appear, with fight scenes that were especially gory.
Julian began to regret bringing Aurora to such a graphic film, particularly since she was pregnant. The screen was filled with severed limbs and splattered blood. One scene, in particular, made Julian feel ill: a swarm of hideous bugs attacked by a monster, their greenish-blue blood spurting everywhere, mixing with the mangled bodies. Julian felt nauseated, as though the steak he had eaten earlier was about to come back up.
He turned to suggest they leave, only to find Aurora completely engrossed in the film, absentmindedly munching on popcorn. Her sheer focus and lack of disgust left Julian both impressed and bewildered. She not only didn’t find the scenes repulsive but actually seemed to enjoy them.
Meanwhile, Julian could barely stomach it. He closed his eyes during the worst parts, trying to block out the grotesque imagery. All he could hear was the cacophony of sounds: the loud clashes and explosions from the movie, and Aurora’s relentless munching of popcorn in perfect rhythm with the action.
When the movie finally ended, Aurora looked completely satisfied. “Mr. Barnet, this movie was amazing!”
“Was it? Haha…” Julian forced a smile, struggling to understand how she found a movie about grotesque monsters fighting each other so entertaining.
Aurora nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! The baby bug’s journey to avenge its mother, overcoming all odds to defeat the monster king-it was so inspiring and moving!”
Julian couldn’t fathom how she had interpreted the film this way. To him, it was nothing more than a mindless display of violence with decent special effects. But he knew better than to criticize the movie in front of an enthusiastic fan. That would be asking for trouble.
“I thought it was pretty good too,” he said diplomatically.
“Let’s watch it again tomorrow! That scene where the monster’s head exploded was just incredible!” Aurora’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at Julian.
By the time they stepped out of the theater, Aurora finally noticed Julian’s pale complexion. “You don’t look so good. Did the air conditioning give you a cold?”
Julian had been queasy from the film’s visuals, and the thought of sitting through it again was unbearable. If it had been a cinematic masterpiece, he might have understood the desire to rewatch it. But this was just a monster brawl. He couldn’t see the appeal.
“You’re still pregnant. This movie is too violent and gory-it’s not good for the baby’s development. We shouldn’t watch it again,” Julian said, trying to decline politely.
Aurora looked disappointed. “But the baby is still so small. It’s too early for things like prenatal education. Besides, you’re busy, right? I can just come back and watch it on my own.”
Hearing her insist, Julian sighed inwardly. If she was determined to watch it again, he’d rather accompany her than let her go alone. “I’m not that busy. I’m just concerned about your health.”
“I’m perfectly fine,” Aurora reassured him.
“Alright then, we’ll watch it again tomorrow,” Julian relented.
“Really? Mr. Barnet, you’re the best!” Aurora exclaimed, grabbing his hand in excitement.
Julian fondly tapped her nose. “I can’t say no to you. As long as you’re feeling up to it, we’ll go.”
“Of course, I’m fine!” Aurora realized a moment later that she was still holding Julian’s hand and quickly let go, blushing.
Julian didn’t mind. He knew Little Bunny would return to him completely someday.
“I’ve been sitting for too long. I’d like to take a walk,” Aurora said.
“Alright, I’ll walk with you.”
The two strolled out of the mall. The sky had turned dark, and as they walked side by side under the streetlights, the serene atmosphere made it feel as though they had never been apart.