Veronica has just finished cooking dinner when a pair of hands wrapped around her waist and a head rested against her shoulder, a masculine smell wafting through her sense of smell as a wide smile formed on her face immediately.
"Welcome home, Love..." She said, patting Julian's arms with one hand while her other hand busy with cooking.
"I'm home, Love..." Julian said, chuckling as he planted a chaste kiss against Veronica's neck which made her giggled. Resting his chin against Veronica's shoulder, Julian finally take a glance at what she was cooking. "Pasta? Looks good, smells good too." He said, planting another kiss on her neck.
"Stop that, Jules. It tickles." Veronica said, lightly smacking Julian's arms while the CEO just laugh, happy to get the reaction he wanted.
"How long have you been here?" Julian asks, arms still wrapped around Veronica's waist.
"Hmm.. I've been here since three, so about four hours?" She answered, moving to get some black pepper despite her movement being limited due to Julian still back hugging her.
"Hmm.. so who's taking care of the café?" Julian hummed, closing his eyes to take in the smell of Veronica's body that he's strangely gotten addicted to.
"I asked Gracie if she could close up today and she agreed." Veronica answered completely unbothered.
"What about Hana? Who's feeding her?"
"I've prepared some food in advance and asked Grace to heat it for Hana before she go to work."
"Hmm.. You came prepared, I see." Julian hummed again. "And I'm glad you found a babysitter for our daughter."
Veronica chuckled, lightly smacking Julian's hand. "Now you're treating her like a daughter?"
"Well, since you're treating her like one anyway, so, I thought why not?" Julian shrugged, definitely finding it cute on how he will 'co-parent' Hana with Veronica.
"Will she be a child of divorce once we split up?" Veronica joked, but accidentally letting out a soft moan when Julian bit her neck.
"We are not splitting up, Vee." Julian chuckled, licking the very spot he had just bitten. "Wouldn't want our child to pick whom she's going with, right?" He added, hands already roaming inside Veronica's oversized t-shirt.
"I'm sure she'll choose me, ngh, though- ahh..." Veronica couldn't form proper words trying to stop her moans when Julian had his hand massaging her chest. "Ju-Jules, I'm still cooking..."
"But I want to eat you..." Julian said in between his kisses on Veronica's neck.
"Let's eat first." Veronica said, turning off the stove to prevent her pasta from burning. "You can do whatever you want after that."
Then Julian halted whatever he was just doing. Turning Veronica's body to face him, he placed a kiss on her lips. "Promise?"
Veronica nodded and rolled her eyes at how excited Julian was. Giggling, Julian stole another kiss before moving in a rush to plate their dinner.
*** *
Veronica put down the hairdryer before walking out of Julian's walk-in closet to find her boyfriend sitting on his bed, leaning against the headboard with his tablet in his hand, probably reading some documents while waiting for Veronica.
Julian puts aside the device on his hand before motioning for Veronica to come to him which made her chuckle at how eager he was. Veronica get on the bed, but not to sit beside Julian. Instead, she sat on his lap, directly on his groin, making Julian let out a heavy groan. Hearing Julian's groan, Veronica smirked.
Julian's hands instinctively find their way to Veronica's hips, fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles through the fabric of her oversized shirt. His breath hitches when she leans closer, her hair still faintly damp from the shower, carrying the scent of jasmine and soap, a scent that's become home to Julian.
"Veronica Carlisle," he murmurs, voice low and rough with affection. "You really like testing my patience, don't you?"
"Patience builds character," she replies softly, brushing her lips against his jaw. "You could use a little of that, Mr. CEO."
Julian laughs quietly, the kind of laugh that only she ever gets from him before catching her chin and guiding her lips to his. The kiss starts gentle, almost reverent, but deepens quickly as if it's been waiting all evening — he has been waiting. Her hands slide to his shoulders, grounding herself in the familiar strength beneath her fingers.
He exhales against her mouth, the sound half sigh, half surrender. "You're trouble," he whispers.
"Then stop inviting trouble over," she teases, smiling against his lips.
"I can't," he admits, his tone softening. "You make this place feel like home."
That quiet confession makes her still for a second, the sincerity in his voice cutting through the playfulness. She cups his face with both hands, her thumbs brushing his cheekbones, and kisses him again, slower this time.
The air between them shifts — no longer teasing, but tender. Her movements become languid, the room filled with the soft sound of breaths, the rustle of sheets, the steady rhythm of two people finding comfort in each other.
When Julian finally pulls back, his forehead rests against hers, both of them catching their breath. "You're going to be the death of me," he whispers, smiling.
Veronica chuckles quietly, tracing a line along his collarbone with her fingertip. "You'll die happy then."
Julian presses one last kiss to her forehead, his arms tightening around her. "Yeah," he murmurs. "Very happy."
The city hums faintly outside the windows, a steady backdrop to the warmth of their quiet, shared world.
*** *
The sunlight slipped through the blinds, casting long stripes across the bedroom. Julian stirred awake, expecting the familiar weight of Veronica curled against him. But the sheets were empty.
He sat up, heart skipping. "Vee?" His voice was soft at first, then edged with panic. No response.
Julian swung his legs over the side of the bed and ran a hand through his hair. Where is she? The memory of last night — the warmth, the closeness, the laughter — came rushing back. Did she… leave? Did she regret it?
His chest tightened, a slight panic rising as he imagined Veronica quietly slipping out the door, leaving him behind.
"Vee…?" he called again, louder this time. Silence.
Then, faintly, he heard it — the rhythmic clatter of utensils, a low sizzle, the soft hum of movement from the floor below. Relief started to chase away the panic, and Julian leapt from the bed, almost tripping over the duvet.
Down the stairs he went two at a time, bursting into the kitchen, only to stop mid-step.
There she was. Veronica, standing at the stove, apron tied snugly around her waist, she was wearing Julian's shirt, and her hair tied back loosely. The smell of garlic, fresh bread, and brewing coffee filled the air. She hummed softly to herself as she stirred a pan, completely oblivious to the minor heart attack she had just given Julian.
"Vee…" he breathed, stepping closer, unable to hide the mix of relief and exasperation.
Veronica turned, giving him a small smile over her shoulder. "Morning, Jules," she said, calm as ever, lifting a spatula like a wand. "I didn't want to wake you yet. Breakfast will be ready soon."
Julian exhaled a long, shaky sigh, his shoulders sagging as relief washed over him. "You had me thinking… I thought you left," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
She laughed softly, the sound like music to him, and walked over to press a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Leave you? Why would I? But someone's got to make sure we don't starve this morning."
Julian grinned, letting himself relax completely. "I'm glad it's you. And not me… I'd probably burn the house down."
Veronica chuckled, patting his chest playfully. "Exactly why you leave the cooking to me."
He leaned against the counter beside her, inhaling the warm, comforting scent of breakfast and her presence. "You really are perfect," he murmured, smiling as he watched her move around the kitchen, graceful even in her casual morning routine.
Veronica glanced at him over her shoulder, smirk teasing the edges of her lips. "Careful, CEO — you're sounding almost domestic. Next thing you know, you'll be whining for pancakes in bed every day."
Julian laughed, pressing a quick kiss to her temple. "Then you better be ready to cook forever, because I plan to stay right here with you."
Veronica smiled softly, returning to her cooking, as Julian leaned on the counter, watching her with a contented grin. The morning sun warmed the room, the city outside unaware of the little domestic happiness unfolding within.
Veronica carried the two plates to the small dining table near the window, sunlight spilling over her hair, giving it a soft halo. Julian followed, still barefoot and slightly rumpled, eyes fixed on her every move.
"Careful," he said, reaching out a hand. "Don't drop my breakfast. I've waited all night for this."
Veronica rolled her eyes but smiled, placing the plates down. "You act like I'm going to sabotage the chef's masterpiece," she teased, setting down a small cup of black coffee beside him.
Julian pulled out the chair for her, his grin wide. "You are the chef. That makes me the grateful diner."
They sat opposite each other. Veronica picked up her fork and gestured to the food she had prepared. "I made your favorite — scrambled eggs with toast and that silly little garnish you like."
Julian chuckled, spooning a bite onto his fork. "It is silly," he admitted, "but somehow it tastes perfect when you make it."
Veronica leaned back slightly, watching him take his first bite. "Hmm… are you complimenting the food, or me?"
"Both," he said, reaching across the table to brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Always both."
Veronica felt her cheeks warm and looked down at her plate, trying to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. She stole a glance at him, catching him staring at her, and shook her head lightly. "You're ridiculous," she said softly.
"I'm ridiculous for you," he replied, his tone low, almost reverent. "And I'll never get tired of it."
They ate slowly, savoring the quiet. Outside, the city moved in a blur, but inside this little kitchen, time seemed to stretch. Between bites, they exchanged small touches — fingers brushing, elbows nudging, and Julian stealing quick pecks to her cheek whenever Veronica laughed.
After a moment, Veronica placed her fork down. "You know," she said, leaning forward on her elbows, "we should do this more often. Breakfast together, without running anywhere, without a single plan except to sit and talk."
Julian reached across the table, holding her hand in his. "I like that idea," he said. "Very domestic. Very… us."
Veronica smiled warmly, squeezing his hand. "Us," she repeated. And for the first time that morning, she felt the weight of the world outside their little kitchen lift entirely, leaving just the two of them, sunlight, coffee, and the soft rhythm of home.
*** *
Since it's the weekend, their morning has been lazy. Julian and Veronica has been lazing around Julian's penthouse after their breakfast, Veronica seated on Julian's expensive couch while Julian's head resting on her lap. The television showing some movie neither Julian nor Veronica knows the name.
"Are you not going home?" Julian ask suddenly, making Veronica shifted her gaze to him with an obvious frown.
"Are you chasing me out?" She ask, making Julian shook his head profusely, definitely not expecting her to misunderstood. Sitting up, Julian wrapped her hands in his.
"Love, that's not what I mean." He explained quickly, as fast as he could. "What I meant was that it's almost ten in the morning, and Hana should be back from work since three hours ago. I know how you prioritise her over everything, that's why I asked. I swear I didn't mean it in a bad way. I'd love for you to stay here with me forever, that, of course, if you'd like, but —"
"Jules, hey, calm down." Veronica said, cutting off Julian's words — he looked like he's about to cry, in which, Veronica finds cute. So, a soft chuckle escape her lips. "I'm just kidding, Love..."
Julian stared at Veronica for a few seconds before pulling her into a hug, taking a deep breath of relief. "What I meant was; who's taking care of Hana?" He muttered with a cracked voice, obviously sulking.
Veronica giggled, patting her boyfriend's back softly. "I asked Thrist if he could check on her before he goes to work. I'm sure he's fed her, and she'd be sleeping by now." Veronica explained, and right then, her phone buzzed. Pulling out of their hug, Veronica smiled upon seeing the text Thristan had just sent her. It was a sleeping Hana wrapped with her blanket like a burrito. The text read; "Our Little Hamster's asleep. I'm off to work now. And you, Veronica Elise Carlisle, get back before noon. Don't stay out too long!"
"He's acting like he's your dad." Julian huffed at his bestfriend's text. Veronica merely chuckle, placing a kiss on Julian's cheek. They went back to watching the movie and there was a long silent before Julian spoke again. "Hey, Vee?"
"Hmm?" Veronica hummed, eyes not moving from the movie they were watching.
"Let's get away for a bit."
Veronica finally takes her gaze off the television to look at her boyfriend; "What?"
"Just for the weekend, somewhere close, we can stay at my villa by the lake. I swear the place's quite." Julian said, taking one of Veronica's hands, rubbing his thumbs against her palm before placing a kiss on the skin. "Let's bring Hana and Thrist too."
Veronica arched a brow, catching the subtle shift in his tone. "You're not the type to plan group vacations."
Julian shook his head. "I'm not." He paused. "But we haven't went on a date after we started dating, and it's been a while since we've hanged out with Hana and Thristan too." He gaze held hers. "I figured... maybe we all need a break. A real one, somewhere we can breath, without walls, without noise, especially Hana..." And that's when Veronica catches on.
Hana...
"Did something happened to Hana?"
Julian was taken aback, but managed to keep his expression calm. Shaking his head, he let out a laugh, an awkward one. "I just thought that we need a break..."
"She told you to keep it a secret?" Veronica asked instead, and Julian had no choice but to nod guiltily.
Veronica's expression then softened, "And here I wonder why she's been quieter lately. Smiling at the wrong times. Laughing like it's borrowed."
"Exactly." Julian murmured. "So I thought, maybe if she's with you, with us… she'll let go a little."
Veronica didn't answer right away. She looked out the window, the quiet shimmer of the skyline flickering against her thoughtful eyes. "So something did happens to Hana, and she made you promised not to tell either me or Thrist..."
"Sorry..." Veronica looked at her boyfriend and smiled, feeling slightly guilty that he's being dragged into her friends' problem.
"Let's go then." She finally said after a short silence. "Thank you, for worrying about my friend."
"Well, we did agree to co-parent her." Julian shrugged and they both laugh.
*** *
When Veronica finally left Julian's penthouse, it was already close to noon—just as Thristan had annoyingly instructed in text. She rolled her eyes before dialing his number as she walked to her car.
He picked up on the first ring.
"Are you home yet?!" Thristan barked immediately. In the background, pans clattered, a sign that he must already be at work.
"Wow, good afternoon to you too," Veronica drawled, unlocking her car. "I'm calling to—"
"I'll come if Hana agreed to come."
Veronica blinked. "…I haven't even said anything yet."
"You only call me during work hours for two reasons," Thristan continued matter-of-factly. "One, Hana-related emergencies. Two, you want to take a day off because of Hana. And since there's no sign of urgency in your voice, I assume it's the latter. So, where, and is she coming?"
Veronica groaned, slipping into the driver's seat. "Can you not act like I'm her mother? I was trying to ask if you'd like to come with me and Jules—"
"And Hana's coming, right?" he repeated, voice tightening with something close to urgency, which made Veronica paused.
There it was again, that protective edge growing sharper ever since Hana's quietness began, and he wasn't even hiding it anymore.
"Yes," she answered softly. "Julian and I are taking a small weekend trip to his lake villa. And we wanted Hana to come. Of course, you, too."
There was a short silence before Thristan exhaled, long and heavy.
"Good," he muttered. "She needs it."
Veronica's fingers drummed on her steering wheel. "…You noticed too."
"Of course I did," he snapped. "She's been… weird. Quiet. Avoiding eye-contact with everyone except me, and even that's only because I force her to look up. Yesterday she didn't even steal my dessert. My dessert, Vee. That's not normal."
Veronica snorted. "That's your metric for concern?"
"Yes. Absolutely." Thristan paused. "Is Jules the one who suggested this?"
"Yes."
Another silence. Thristan wasn't stupid. "…So something did happen."
Veronica sighed. "She didn't tell me. But Jules knows. And she made him promise."
"Of course she did," Thristan muttered, almost to himself. "And of course Julian being Julian, he would keep it a secret." Thristan's tone wasn't angry—just tired. Worried. Far too worried.
"Which is why," Veronica said gently, "we're taking her away. All four of us. She won't say yes if it's just me. Or just you. But together? She won't be able to resist."
Thristan let out a humorless laugh. "You mean she won't resist because you told her."
"Well, I'm her mother," Veronica deadpanned.
"And I'm her father," Thristan shot back.
"God," Veronica groaned. "That makes Jules her stepdad."
"Yeah," Thristan agreed. "And Hana will absolutely kill him." They both laughed—then fell quiet again.
"You're coming, right?" Veronica asked.
"Obviously," Thristan replied. "I'm not letting her go anywhere without me. Especially not with that forced smile she's wearing lately."
Veronica's chest tightened. "We'll help her. Together."
Thristan didn't answer at first—then: "Yeah," he whispered. "This time we will."
"This time we will..." Veronica repeated.
There was a short silence between them, Thristan spoke again, breaking the heavy silence. "Anyways, when's the plan?"
"Next week. Everyone's busy this week, including me, so we'll go next week." Veronica replied.
"Next week..." Thristan hummed, as if contemplating. "Sure, next week it is.." He then finally concluded.
"And what happens if we can't convince her?"
Veronica paused, strumming her fingers against the steering again, glancing at the big ad screen across the road, and let out a chuckle. "Then we kidnap her."
There was a short silence on Thristan's end before he also chuckled; "This is why you are my favourite."
Veronica rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. I'm cooking dinner for everyone tonight, come over before Hana goes to work."
"Aight, ma'am." Thristan answered before the call ends. Putting down her phone, Veronica stared at the ad screen again, it was an advertisement for alcohol. Veronica contemplate to buy some but knowing Hana's working tonight, she decided to just drive home.
*** *
The sound of someone banging around in the kitchen dragged Hana out of sleep. The clock on her wall shows thirty-three past two in the afternoon. The sunlight leaking through her curtains felt sharp, and her body ached the way it always did after a long shift.
With a groan, she rolled out of her burrito blanket and shuffled out of her room—hair messy, oversized sweater slipping off one shoulder, eyes barely open.
She followed the noise into the kitchen. There stood Thristan, chopping vegetables as if he's a professional cook. Veronica stood beside him, stirring whatever it was that she's cooking on the stove. Their movements shows how much they have been cooking together in their life. Meanwhile, Julian stood next to Veronica, apples in hands, staring hard at the blender as if it had offended him.
Hana blinked at them, confused.
"…who let you guys in?" Their movements halted, two heads turns to look at Hana except for Thristan.
"Good morning, Hana." Julian greeted with a smile. "Slept well?"
"You left the door unlocked," Veronica said.
"Which is a crime," Thristan added without looking up. "A crime, Peanut. Do you want to get kidnapped? Mugged? Murdered? It's like you're volunteering—"
"Good afternoon to you too, Thristan…" Hana muttered, moving to open the fridge. As she reached for the cold water, the smell of food hit her and she froze. "…is that porridge?"
"Yes," Thristan said while plating it. "You skipped dinner yesterday."
"I drank water."
"That is not dinner," he snapped, pulling Hana to sit before sliding the bowl in front of her.
"How the heck do you even know that?" Hana muttered.
"I have eyes everywhere in the club, Peanut." Thristan rolled his eyes.
"Are you abusing your power by making the staffs report to you about me? What are you, a stalker?" Hana accused.
"First, I'm your best friend. Second, I'm also the owner of the club. Third, I didn't 'make' them report to me, I 'ask' them. There's a difference." Thristan barked back, putting a spoon on Hana's hand.
Hana puffed her cheeks, a visible pout on her lips. Veronica chuckled at their usual bickering, while Julian just smiled seeing their dynamic. Hana sat down, starts eating while her mouth muttering incoherent words at how Thristan treating her like a toddler.
Thristan stood beside her, as if he'd smack the heck out of her if she doesn't finish her food— which, usually done by Veronica.
Seeing how her friends were staring at her, Hana couldn't help but starts eating— before they starts nagging at her for skipping her meals. Hana ate in silence, while Veronica and Thristan exchanged a look.
There it is again, Veronica thought. That heaviness. That silence.
Hana ate slowly, avoiding both their gazes.
Once she'd put down her spoon, Veronica cleared her throat. "So… Jules and I are going on a mini trip this weekend."
Hana perked up. "Ooh, romantic getaway? Please tell me there's a fireplace—"
"And you're coming with us," Veronica finished.
Hana froze mid-blink. "…what?"
"And me," Thristan added proudly. "So technically, it's a family trip."
"It's not a family trip," Veronica corrected. "It's a relaxing weekend."
"It's a family trip," Thristan repeated, louder. Julian chuckled.
Hana stared at them, completely bewildered.
"Hold on. Why am I included? Don't you two want alone time? Romantic lakeside vibes? Rose petals? Bubble baths? Gross couple stuff?"
"We want you there," Veronica said gently.
"We need you there," Julian added, more bluntly.
Hana frowned, picking at her sweater sleeve while glancing back and forth between her friends. "Why? Did something happen? Why are you two acting weird?"
Veronica looked at her, but didn't answer. Thristan did, voice soft but firm. "You've been… off, Hana."
Hana's glance fell on Julian immediately. "You told them?"
"They could tell even without me saying anything, Hana. They know you better than you know yourself." Julian shook his head. Hana's eyes met Thristan's and looked away in frustration.
"I'm fine," She managed to speak, but her voice shows that she wasn't.
Thristan's jaw clenched, ready to speak, but Julian shook his head, stopping him. Veronica reached across the table and touched Hana's hand.
"You don't have to tell us anything," she said softly. "Just come with us. Let's breathe for a while."
Hana looked between them—her two anchors, both staring at her like she might vanish.
Slowly, she exhaled. "...I can't."
"Hana—"
"The club's understaffed. I can't let them overworked."
"And you're fine with overworking yourself?" Thristan snapped. "You've been working nonstop for over two months, Hana! Can't you see how tired you look?"
"Just one night, please?" Veronica said softly, trying her best not to lose her rationale.
"I can't, Vee. Sorry." She said, almost a whisper.
Veronica shot Thristan a glare when he was about to speak again, before taking a deep breath. Sighing, Veronica finally nodded. "Fine, then. We'll just go by ourselves."
"Vee!"
"Enough, Thrist. She said she can't go."
Thristan shot Veronica a glare before heaving a heavy sigh. Rubbing his temple, he brushed Hana's hair, taking a chopstick to put her hair in a bun — a skill he's learn through the years.
Hana glanced at Thristan before looking down at the bowl before her. "Sorry..." She muttered.
Sitting beside Hana, Thristan pinched her cheek lightly, earning a frown from the bartender. "Just finish your food, you don't have to go if you can't. We won't say anything." Was what he said in the end.
Veronica smiled, patting Hana's head, while Julian just slid a glass of apple juice for her.