"You're back, Ruoxi! Have you eaten yet? I cooked lunch just in case you were hungry," I said with a wide smile. She still had that serious, mysterious expression she'd worn since the day we met. She had just arrived from her appointment, and she looked a bit tired.
I set the table as she sat down, gracefully removing her coat.
"What do you call this dish? I've never seen it before," she remarked, observing the plate. I felt a surge of anxiety. I don't cook often at home, so I wasn't exactly confident in my skills.
"Ah, t-that's called m-menudo. It was all I could find in the fridge, so I just went for it. D-do you not like it? I'm s-sorry..." I looked down, embarrassed. I suddenly remembered she came from a wealthy family; she was probably used to five-star restaurant meals, not my humble home cooking.
"I'll replace it, Ruoxi," I added quickly, reaching for the plate. But she moved it out of my reach.
"Wait, I haven't tasted it yet," she said, her aura turning intense. She took a fork, picked up a slice of pork, and took a bite.
I swallowed hard, watching her chew. I was so nervous my stomach was doing flips. Please, don't let her be like a grumpy Gordon Ramsay...
I watched her in silence. When she slowly turned her gaze toward me, I squeezed my eyes shut and bowed my head. How many saints do I need to pray to right now so she likes it? huhuhu!
"You have great cooking skills. This is nice. I'll rate it a... nine out of ten."
I opened one eye. I couldn't believe it! She liked it! Even if it was just a nine, kyaaahh!
"T-thank you! It's actually my first time cooking that, so I was sure you'd hate it."
"Good improvement for a first-timer. Have you eaten?" she asked. I shook my head. "Sit down and join me."
I followed her lead, unable to stop smiling as I watched her enjoy the meal I made. She's so perfect. Beautiful, kind, and elegant. She probably has a line of suitors she's rejected because they didn't meet her standards.
If I were her girlfriend, I'd cook whatever she wanted every single day...
W-wait, what? Girlfriend?! Waaahhh! Alice, what is going into your head?! You are NOT a "tibo"!!
"Why aren't you eating? Is there a problem?" Ruoxi asked. I realized I had been staring at her like a creep. I quickly shoved a spoonful of food into my mouth, blushing furiously.
"Hehe, n-nothing," I mumbled with my mouth full. Gosh, I'm so awkward.
"Don't talk when your mouth is full," she said. I went quiet immediately. Her serious stares are actually quite intimidating.
I finished chewing before speaking again. "S-sorry."
Suddenly, I saw her hand reaching toward me. Before I could react, she pressed her thumb against the corner of my lip. I felt my face turn bright red. The heat flowing through my body was undeniable!
My eyes nearly popped out of my head when she licked her thumb to taste the sauce she had wiped from my lip. Waaahhhhh!!!
I think I'm going to have a nosebleed!!
"The sauce was spreading," she said simply. I covered my face and looked down, my heart hammering against my ribs. What does this mean, Alice?! Doc, prepare my coffin, I'm dying of kilig right now.
"Do you have anything to do after this?" Ruoxi asked, her tone returning to a business-like seriousness.
"Uhm, nothing. W-why?" I asked. She pulled her phone from her shoulder bag.
"I don't have any appointments later. I wanted to ask... if you want to go out with me?"
I went silent, the spoon still in my mouth. Go out with her? Like, a date? Or just a friendly stroll? There goes Alice assuming things again, urghhh!
"Where would we go?" I asked. She leaned her arms on the table.
"Anywhere," she replied instantly.
What if I suggest a motel? Charrrr!
"No, Ruoxi, it's embarrassing. I'm already staying at your place for free, I shouldn't be asking for a night out too." I stood up to clear the table.
"You don't have to worry. I'm the one asking you," she said. Her hand brushed mine as I reached for the last plate. Every time she touches me, I feel like I'm going to melt.
"Hmm, okay. Just a second, Ruoxi, I'll just wash the dishes."
I was so flustered I was practically vibrating. I didn't know if this was just shyness anymore—it felt like pure kilig. What is my gender role even? Am I fifty-fifty now? Waaahhh!
This is all your fault, Kianna! I'm not a tibo!
As I was scrubbing a plate, I suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist from behind. It was Ruoxi. She was hugging me! Waaahhh!!! What do I do?!!!
"Thank you," she whispered into my ear. Then, she kissed me on the cheek.
GAY PANIC
"W-what was that for, R-ruoxi?" I asked breathlessly as I turned around to face her. I was pinned between her and the sink, her hands still resting on my shoulders.
"Nothing. I just wanted to thank you," she said, flashing a smile so beautiful it could melt ice. STOP! HELP ME!
Before I could breathe, she leaned in and kissed me—not on the cheek, but on the lips. ACCCCKKKKK!! My heart was like a stampede of wild horses. The thumping in my chest was so loud I was sure she could hear it.
She pulled away with a smirk and walked toward the stairs, leaving me frozen.
I touched my lips, staring at her retreating back. I finally let out the breath I had been holding. She left me standing there, red-faced and speechless.
She stole my first kiss!! Waaaahhh!