The afternoon sun had sunk lower in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the world as the day drifted toward evening.
Its gentle light bathed a modest duplex, while the spacious garden stretching before it radiated a quiet sense of peace.
Carefully trimmed grass swayed softly in the breeze, and vibrant flowers spread their petals wide, adding splashes of color to the tranquil scene. It looked almost like something pulled straight from a fairy tale.
Tucked off to the side, almost like an afterthought, was a small garage.
A red-and-black motorcycle roared in from the distance as Adrian stared at the garden in awe.
"Looks like someone's gotten really into gardening, huh?"
"Sometimes I feel like Mom loves these plants even more than me," Natalie chimed in.
"At least flowers don't demand five three-course meals a day."
He chuckled.
"Now you're just exaggerating."
She punched him lightly on the shoulder.
They pulled into the driveway, and Natalie nearly jumped off the motorcycle before it had even come to a complete stop. She hurried toward the front door, leaving Adrian to sigh as he dismounted and made his way after her.
By the time he reached the entrance, Natalie was already knocking rapidly, as though she were trying to break the door down.
"Open uuuuppp," she groaned.
"Coming, sweetie."
A warm, motherly voice answered from the other side.
"I told you to stop knocking so hard."
The door swung open, revealing a woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties. She shared Natalie's chestnut-colored hair, though unlike her daughter's loose locks, hers was neatly tied into a simple bun.
Her round face glistened with a faint sheen of sweat, while soft amber eyes radiated warmth. She wore a simple apron over her clothes, giving her the unmistakable appearance of someone who had been busy preparing dinner.
Her eyes quickly found Adrian standing behind Natalie, and her face immediately lit up with joy.
"Adrian!"
Before Natalie could say another word, Nicole stepped past her and wrapped Adrian in a warm hug.
"Look at you! It's been so long!"
She pulled back and cupped his face between her palms, examining his features intently before frowning.
"You've gotten skinnier. Let me guess—instant noodle dinners again?"
Adrian scratched the back of his head.
"Only three times a week."
He didn't even bother lying. He knew she'd notice immediately.
"Oi! I'm here too, you know!"
Natalie folded her arms and pouted.
"Oh, how was school, dear?" Nicole asked, waving toward her without even looking.
Natalie's eye twitched.
"Mom..."
Nicole was already turning her attention back to Adrian.
"Come inside. Dinner is almost ready."
Natalie stared at her mother for a few seconds before letting out an exaggerated sigh.
"I'll be in my room when you remember I exist!"
She stormed upstairs, disappearing into the hallway before a door slammed shut.
Nicole sighed.
"Don't mind her. She's gotten used to being the center of attention lately."
Adrian gave a wry smile.
"Wouldn't I know."
Nicole waved dismissively before quickly pulling him inside.
"Come in. Dinner is almost ready, so just sit down and relax while I go finish up."
She led him toward the plush couch, but Adrian shook his head.
"Why don't I help you in the kitchen? Besides, four hands are better than two, right?"
Nicole smiled brightly.
"You're still as hardworking as ever. Well then, let's go. I wouldn't want the food to overcook."
"Bet it'd still taste great."
She giggled lightly.
"You flatter me."
Adrian followed her toward the kitchen, the warm aroma of dinner filling the house.
25 Minutes Later
Adrian carefully set down the plates, glasses, and cutlery before taking a moment to look around the room. His eyes wandered over the furniture, and he quickly noticed something.
Looks like it's not just people living here, huh?
There were multiple vases filled with beautiful flowers scattered throughout the house—on the living room table, the dining table, and even the kitchen counter.
"You've really gotten into gardening, huh?" Adrian said, glancing toward Nicole, who was busy serving the plates.
"Staying at home for most of the day can get boring, so I decided to pick up a hobby. I even give bouquets to the neighbors sometimes," she said with her trademark warm smile.
Of course she does.
Adrian couldn't help but think that was exactly the kind of thing Nicole would do.
"Maybe I'll take a couple home with me," Adrian remarked, still focused on the task at hand.
"What do you mean?" Nicole turned to face him.
"It would be nice to have some flowers to brighten up the mood in my gloomy apartment," Adrian answered coolly.
"No, no, no. You're not going back to your apartment tonight."
Adrian looked at her with slight confusion.
"Because you'll be staying here for the weekend."
"Eh?"
Adrian blinked.
"But what about my clothes?"
"You can get them in the morning."
"But this is so unexpected," he argued.
"Hmph. That's what you get for refusing to visit for the last four months."
"But you haven't even asked Drew if he's okay with this."
"I'm sure dear would love to have you over as well."
More like he wouldn't dare object to her decisions.
Still, there was no point arguing anymore. From the way Nicole had said it, Adrian could already tell that his fate was sealed.
As if by fate, Natalie came down the stairs, having changed into a sleeveless gray shirt and a pair of shorts.
"What'd I miss?"
Before Adrian could say anything, Nicole beat him to it.
"Adrian is staying over this weekend."
Natalie's expression brightened noticeably, but she quickly masked it with an indifferent look.
"Okay, then. Whatever. Just don't touch my stuff."
Despite her harsh words, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.