Chapter 23: Secrets in the Morning
As Bright watched Emily stride toward the car, he finally made up his mind. He pushed the door open and stepped out.
The moment they got close, Emily threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
Bright wasn't even surprised anymore.
This girl got weirder by the day.
For a moment, he just stood there, arms hanging awkwardly at his sides. But then—finally—he gave in, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Her body was warm, soft—way too soft in certain areas.
He felt something stir inside him.
Oh, he definitely knew what that was.
Over the past months, Emily had become the most important person in Bright's life—maybe the only person he really cared about.
And now that he knew she liked him back?
He wasn't about to hold back.
Bright gently pushed her back, his hands resting on her shoulders. He stared into her confused eyes for a second—then his gaze flicked to her lips.
Without thinking, he leaned in and pressed a light peck against them.
Emily froze.
Bright took that as permission.
He kissed her again—deeper this time. Clumsy. Hesitant. But real.
Emily melted into him, her hands gripping the front of his shirt.
They stood there, completely wrapped up in each other, until the need for air finally pulled them apart.
Bright grinned, a little breathless.
"You've been wanting that too, huh?"
Emily immediately looked away, her cheeks flushed.
"Shut up."
Bright chuckled softly. "I knew it."
Before he could tease her more, Emily grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the house.
Inside her room, the atmosphere shifted.
Bright stood awkwardly in the middle of the spacious, minimalist space. His eyes scanned the room—big bed, couch, TV, and a dresser cluttered with makeup and random trinkets.
It felt… weirdly normal.
Emily leaned against the door, watching him carefully.
"Bright…"
Her voice was softer now.
"I'm sorry for being bossy earlier."
Bright blinked. When the hell was she bossy?
He waved it off. "It's fine. I should be the one apologizing. I promised I'd wake up early… and I disappeared."
A flicker of something crossed Emily's face—relief, maybe.
"You really scared me, you know."
Bright sighed and walked toward her, lifting her chin with his fingers.
"As an apology… ask for anything you want."
Emily's eyes darted away. "Um… okay?"
Bright smirked.
"Come on, Em. I'm handsome. I'm powerful now. Ask for something cool."
Her lips twitched.
"Have you even killed an ant before?"
Bright grinned wider.
"So now can I kiss you whenever I want?"
Emily rolled her eyes—but then leaned in and gave him a quick peck.
That was all the invitation Bright needed.
He grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close as he deepened the kiss.
His hands started to wander—lower, then lower—
And she didn't stop him.
By the time they finally broke apart, Emily's face was flushed, and Bright was… well, visibly excited.
Emily glanced at the obvious tent in his shorts, smirking a little.
"You're such an idiot."
Bright chuckled, flopping down on the bed beside her.
"You love it."
Emily's smirk faltered. She stared at him for a moment—then her voice dropped to a whisper.
"I was really worried about you."
Bright's playful grin faded.
He sat up, running a hand through his hair.
"I know… and I'm sorry."
He took a deep breath.
"But Em… I have to tell you something."
Her eyes sharpened.
Bright told her everything.
The portal. The monsters. The dungeon. The system interface and his new powers.
By the time he finished, Emily was pale, gripping his hand tightly on her lap.
"You… have superpowers now?"
Before Bright could answer, another voice piped up from the door.
"You have superpowers?"
Both of them jumped.
Emily spun around.
"Elijah! Don't you know how to knock?"
Her younger brother leaned against the doorframe, grinning ear to ear.
"You guys were kissing for, like, five minutes. I figured you wouldn't mind if I listened in."
Bright buried his face in his hands.
This little brat was going to get him killed.