Jennifer returned a few minutes later, shaking off the last remnants of her panic. Ana, sitting at the dining table, had been lost in thought, her mind still replaying the small kitchen incident. She called Jennifer softly, once… twice… three times, but there was no response. Growing slightly impatient, she patted Jennifer's shoulder.
Jennifer startled, finally realizing she'd been caught daydreaming. She exhaled a long breath, attempting to steady herself.
"Where were you?" Ana asked, her voice laced with a mixture of worry and curiosity.
Jennifer shot her an angry look, tilting her head. "What if I ask you the same question? Where were you?" she countered, noting the subtle blush creeping across Ana's cheeks.
"I—I was in the kitchen," Ana stammered, trying to play it off. But Jennifer's piercing gaze made her pause, self-conscious.
"Now tell me, where were you? I was waiting for you for the past five minutes." Jennifer took a seat beside her, her tone softening as she continued, "I went to the bathroom… I panicked a little."
Ana's heart clenched as she noticed a small tear trailing down Jennifer's cheek. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around her, squeezing her gently.
"I'm so sorry, Jennie," Ana whispered, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to leave you alone. I honestly, I forgot for a moment. Please forgive me."
Jennifer exhaled softly into the hug, her tension easing. "It's okay… I'm fine now. Don't worry about it."
Their brief moment of comfort was interrupted as Roby entered, carrying a tray of food. "Lunch is ready," he announced, calling Zen to join them. Zen appeared almost immediately, taking his seat across from Jennifer.
Jennifer's lips curved into a rare smile, even as her face remained composed. "I can't believe I'm saying this… but, ahh, you're impressive," she admitted to Roby, her tone neutral but sincere.
Roby chuckled softly, gesturing to Zen. "Well, you'll have plenty of chances to admire me, but for now, eat because I'm starving," he said, his playful smirk lighting up his otherwise calm demeanor.
They all dug in, and it didn't take long for Zen to compliment the meal. "Bro, you are amazing. This is incredible… your future wife will be very lucky," he said, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face.
Ana's eyes widened slightly. Finally, I get to see him smile, she whispered to herself, her heart fluttering.
Jennifer took a bite of her pasta, nodding appreciatively. "I agree. This is really good," she said, her cold tone hiding a hint of warmth.
Ana couldn't take her eyes off Roby as he moved around the table, collecting the used plates. She followed him into the kitchen, determined to help, even though Jennifer's teasing cough and death glare reminded her she was still under scrutiny.
Roby's hands moved deftly around the sink, but Ana's determination brought her closer. "Where's the dishwasher soap?" she asked.
Roby's brow furrowed. "There's no need. I've got it."
Ana stepped closer, her voice gentle but insistent. "You've done so much already cooked, served… now let me help. It's the least I can do."
Roby paused, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Ana's heart skipped. He stepped closer, placing his hands on the sink, leaning just inches from her. The closeness was intoxicating, sending a shiver down her spine.
This man is dangerous… I swear, if he stays this close any longer, I'll... Ana's thoughts raced as she gulped, heart hammering.
Roby's hand slid toward the drawer for the soap, moving closer in the process. Ana's eyes fluttered shut instinctively, breath catching. When he finally stepped back, handing her the soap, he murmured softly, "Miss Ana… you can open your eyes now."
Ana's eyes met his, her breath shallow. She took the soap, her hands trembling slightly, and turned back to the sink, flustered. Roby's gaze lingered on her, quiet amusement flickering in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Jennifer had noticed Zen struggling with the LED connection. She walked over, her expression calm but focused. "Do you need some help?"
Zen looked up, slightly frustrated. "Actually… yes. I can't figure out why this isn't working."
Jennifer crouched slightly, examining the wires. "Hmm… let's see," she murmured. Her eyes landed on the wall switch, and a soft laugh escaped her.
"Why are you laughing?" Zen asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Because… you forgot to turn on the switch," she said, her tone teasing but soft. She flipped the switch, and instantly, the LED came to life.
Zen handed her the laptop, watching her work with concentrated intensity. When he bent down to retrieve the remote from the couch, their faces came dangerously close. Jennifer's breath hitched, and she quickly looked away. Zen, too, felt the heat rising, and he grabbed the remote, retreating to his side.
Ana returned, settling beside Jennifer, while Roby took his place on the opposite couch. The rain poured outside, tapping rhythmically against the window, adding a soft, intimate soundtrack to their working session.
Hours passed, and as the clock struck eight, Jennifer rose abruptly. "We should leave now," she said, glancing outside at the torrential rain.
Roby stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "It's not safe to go out in this storm," he said firmly. Zen nodded in agreement.
Ana bit her lip, trying to convince Jennifer. "Jennie, they're right. Look at it… it's pouring."
Jennifer hesitated, her mind torn. It felt inappropriate to stay at someone's home she barely knew, yet the storm outside was unrelenting.
Roby's reassuring tone softened the edge of her worry. "Don't worry. I'll call Miss Lana and explain. She'll understand."
Jennifer exhaled slowly, allowing herself to trust him, feeling a strange sense of safety settle over her. Ana's eyes sparkled with relief, and Zen's gaze lingered on Jennifer for a moment longer, something unspoken passing between them amidst the rain and warm lights of the room.