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Noah yanked Yunah closer, his lips crashing onto hers. His kiss was urgent, hungry, his tongue forcing its way in, exploring every corner of her mouth. Heat surged through her, her body trembling as her breath hitched. She wanted to push him away, to stop—but her limbs betrayed her, heavy and unresponsive.
Her chest heaved, her vision blurred, and then—whispers, laughter. A crowd had gathered around them. Faces sneering, mocking.
"She's kissing her own brother's friend?"
"Pathetic…"
"Shameless…"
The world spun. Her head felt light, her stomach twisted, and panic ripped through her chest.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Yunah bolted upright, her scream slicing the silence. Her chest rose and fell in frantic gasps until her eyes darted around the familiar room. She pressed a trembling hand to her chest, whispering, "T-Thank God…just a dream."
"Di! Are you okay?" Noah burst through the door, breathless, worry etched across his face.
"Wahhh!" Yunah shrieked again, recoiling at the sight of him, her dream still vivid, his lips branded into her mind.
"Di…" Noah's voice softened, steadier this time, though concern still clung to every word. "Are you okay?"
"…Yeah." Her voice cracked. Her eyes, against her will, flicked down to his lips. Heat surged up her neck, staining her cheeks scarlet. Noah stepped closer, and she froze under his gaze, flustered and lost for words.
"Did you catch a cold last night?" Noah muttered, kneeling slightly to study her face. Without waiting for permission, he placed his hand against her forehead, then against his own. "No fever. But why are your cheeks so red?" His voice was low, thoughtful, but loud enough for her to hear every syllable.
The coolness of his touch seared her like fire. Her heart skipped wildly, every beat echoing in her ears. No one had ever cared for her this way—so gentle, so attentive. She thought back to last night, to how he had shielded her dignity in front of Meena and Gaurav, claiming to be her boyfriend without hesitation, how he had quietly followed her through her pain, never demanding, never complaining but out of all this things, there is this one word makes her feel uneasy—why?...
Her chest tightened. Then she mumbled to herself— " why he is being so good to me, towards us.....???? This boy standing infront of me, I know nothing about him, yet makes me feel ..." She stared with her intence eyes towards Noah then shook off her thoughts "he is a kid Yunah....how can you think of him or feel that way...."
"Di?" Noah's voice snapped her back, his brows knitting as he searched her troubled expression. He pulled his hand away, tilting his head. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," she replied quickly, forcing a smile. Then, to change the subject, she asked, "But what are you doing here this early in the morning?"
Noah raised a brow. "Early? It's already ten. Don't tell me you forgot—we're supposed to meet the real estate agent today."
Her eyes widened. "Ah! I almost forgotten about it." She scrambled out of bed, running a hand through her messy hair. "Just give me a little time. I'll freshen up and get ready."
"Hm." Noah's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Don't take too long." With that, he turned and walked out, leaving her space—but his presence lingered, heavy in her chest.
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About half an hour later, Yunah stepped out of her room, dressed in a pair of fitted jeans and a white baggy shirt tucked neatly into her waistband. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, side bangs framing her face. She looked fresh, vibrant—almost younger, as if unconsciously trying to match Noah's vibe. Only she knew the reason behind the choice.
The living room was empty, her sling bag slipping onto the couch as she headed towards the kitchen. There, her steps slowed.
Noah stood at the kitchen island, focused on cooking. He wore her panda-print apron, which looked comically tight against his tall, broad frame. His grey shirt's sleeves were rolled up, veins running along his forearms as he stirred the pot. His hair fell slightly over his forehead, softening the sharpness of his features. Serious, concentrated, and oddly domestic—he looked breathtaking.
Yunah froze, unable to tear her eyes away. For a fleeting moment, she almost forgot to breathe. Then reality snapped her back, and she forced herself to walk in.
Noah's expression shifted before she even spoke. A faint smile tugged at his lips the instant he caught the faint scent of roses. He didn't need to look—he already knew it was her.
"Where's Yogesh? Did he already left for practice?" Yunah asked walking towards Noah, her eyes fixed on him.
"Yeah...he already left as soon as I arrived here." Noah replied with a nod while cutting some onions.
"What are you cooking? We could've just eaten outside," Yunah said, sliding onto the stool across from him.
"Nothing much," he replied without glancing up, his voice steady as he stirred. "Just hangover soup. You drank a lot last night. I figured you'd need this." He paused, then added, "Though… I guess you don't remember anything you did. Same as last time."
Yunah's cheeks warmed. "Well… yeah. I tend to forget things when I'm drunk." Her gaze flickered nervously to the counter. "So… did I… do anything?"
Noah hesitated, ladling soup into a bowl. That tiny pause made her pulse race. Her mind flashed back to her dream, her lips heating at the memory. What if—what if it hadn't been a dream?
Her anxiety must have shown, because Noah let out a quiet laugh. "Relax. You didn't do anything. You just fell asleep in the park. Then I brought you back to your appartment. Just like last time"
Relief washed over her, and she quickly sipped the soup. "Mm… you really are a good cook," she admitted, trying to mask her embarrassment. "I guess having you around is actually very useful. I can put your cooking skills to use."
Noah finally looked up, a mischievous glint in his eyes. " You can use me however you want."
Yunah choked on her soup, coughing violently. "Ugh—ugh!"
"Di!" Noah panicked, rushing water into a glass and holding it out while patting her back. "Careful."
She gulped the water, her face blazing as she glared at him. "Yah! How—how can you say something like that?"
"Like what?" Noah tilted his head, expression perfectly innocent, as if he truly didn't know.
Yunah stared hard, searching his face for even a flicker of guilt. But he gave her nothing. Finally, she huffed, muttering under her breath as she slid off the stool. "Forget it. Let's just go."
She left the kitchen quickly, her steps uneven, her ears still burning.
Noah lingered a moment longer, watching her retreat with a faint smile curved on his lips, that wasn't innocent at all. It lingered like a shadow, edged with possession. Slowly, he untied the apron, set it aside, and followed after her.
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Outside Haven's Apartment Building.
Yunah and Noah stepped through the grand iron gates of Haven Apartment. The building towered above them, sleek and modern, every inch exuding luxury. Yunah still couldn't shake off her doubts — it all felt too good to be true. She had stumbled upon the listing online, reached out to the agent, and received an instant, polite reply. Too polite. And then, there was the price.
Eighty percent off.
Not thirty. Not fifty. Eighty.
It screamed scam, yet here she was, curiosity stronger than her suspicion.
As they reached the entrance, a woman in her late thirties approached, her smile warm and professional.
"Welcome, Miss Yunah. I'm Rhea Subba, your agent." She extended her hand. Her gaze, however, lingered just a moment too long on Noah, searching his face for something. Noah remained impassive, unreadable.
"Hello…" Yunah shook her hand, her tone brisk. "I'm still… honestly shocked about the discount. Eighty percent? That's not normal. I hope this isn't some kind of elaborate prank."
Rhea chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, no. I understand your doubts. Anyone would. But there's a reason behind it — one I'll be happy to explain… perhaps over tea later?" Her voice carried calm reassurance.
Yunah hesitated, then forced a smile. "Alright. Let's see the apartment first."
"Of course." Rhea gestured politely toward the glass doors. "After you, Miss Yunah."
Yunah gave a small nod and walked ahead, her steps cautious but curious.
The moment she was a few feet ahead, Rhea's smile faltered. She turned sharply to Noah, her voice lowering.
"Young master… do you think she'll believe it?"
Noah's expression didn't shift. He only stared at her, silent, unreadable.