Episode 5 : This Is Definitely Not Love (It Is)

Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, I was finally ready for Julie’s birthday party.

I stood in front of the mirror and smiled softly.

I wore a pretty pink dress that reached just above my knees, elegant but simple.

My hair was tied into a beautiful bun with soft bangs framing my face. A little makeup completed the look—not too much, just enough to make me feel nice.

On the table sat the small gift I had prepared for Julie.

Her favorite.

Carefully picking it up, I slipped it into my bag and grabbed my purse.

After taking one last glance around the apartment, I switched off the lights and stepped outside.

Click.

I locked the door behind me.

Just then, I spotted the cab I had booked waiting in front of the building.

A smile appeared on my face as I hurried over and climbed inside.

After fastening my seatbelt, I looked at the driver and told him the address of the club.

As the car slowly pulled away, I looked out the window.

Today wasn't about work.

Today was about having fun.

Not long after, I arrived at the club.

I paid the driver and stepped out of the cab, looking up at the glowing entrance.

Music echoed from inside while colorful lights spilled onto the street.

A smile appeared on my face.

Today was supposed to be fun.

So I took a deep breath and walked inside.

The place was crowded.

People danced under flashing lights while loud music filled the air.

Laughter, conversations, and excitement blended together.

My eyes searched through the crowd until they landed on Julie.

She was sitting at one of the tables with a drink in her hand, completely unaware that I had arrived.

A mischievous grin appeared on my face.

Quietly, I walked behind her.

Then—

"JULIE!"

She jumped so hard she nearly dropped her drink.

I burst out laughing.

Her eyes widened before she turned around dramatically.

"KATIE?!"

I opened my arms and immediately hugged her.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, MY LOVE!! HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY!!"

Julie laughed and hugged me back tightly.

When we pulled away, she grabbed my hand excitedly.

"Come on! Let's drink and have fun!"

I blinked and looked around.

"Wait… where's the cake?"

Julie waved her hand dramatically.

"I'll bring cake tomorrow at work. Tonight is for celebrating."

Then she looked at me suspiciously.

"Also… what are you hiding?"

I smiled and handed her the gift bag.

Her eyes widened instantly.

"WHAT'S THIS?!"

I shrugged casually.

"Open it."

She immediately tore it open.

Then froze.

Her mouth slowly opened.

"…MY FAVORITE NOVELS?!"

I laughed.

"Of course. Did you think I wouldn't know?"

Julie looked seconds away from crying.

Then she attacked me with another hug.

"KATIE I LOVE YOU."

I laughed loudly.

The night had barely started.

And somehow—

It already felt perfect.

We started talking while Julie ordered drinks.

A few minutes later, a server arrived carrying an entire tray.

I stared.

There had to be at least twenty glasses.

My eyes widened.

“Julie… this is enough to start a small business.”

She gasped dramatically.

“Oh please. We only celebrate birthdays once a year.”

I stared suspiciously.

She shoved one glass toward me.

I slowly pushed it back.

She pushed it again.

I pushed harder.

Julie froze.

Then narrowed her eyes.

“…Wait.”

She slowly turned toward me.

“Katie.”

I immediately looked away.

Her eyes widened.

“YOU NEVER DRANK BEFORE?”

I coughed.

“…No.”

Her jaw dropped.

“You’re telling me you’re twenty and never drank?”

I nodded awkwardly.

Julie looked personally offended.

Then—

A dangerous smile appeared.

“Oh.”

She grabbed my shoulders.

“Then tonight is historic.”

Before I could react—

She shoved the drink into my hand.

“Cheers.”

And immediately drank hers.

I stared at the glass.

Then at her.

Then sighed.

“…One drink.”

Big mistake.

The second I swallowed—

My face twisted.

My head felt weird.

Warm.

Julie burst into laughter.

“Oh my God.”

I pointed accusingly.

“This tastes evil.”

She almost fell off her chair laughing.

But somehow…

One drink became two.

Two became four.

Then—

I stopped counting.

Music got louder.

Lights got brighter.

People became friendlier.

My thoughts became slower.

Soon Julie dragged me onto the dance floor.

And somehow…

I let her.

We danced.

We laughed.

At one point I was pretty sure I challenged a random girl to a dance battle.

At another point Julie stood on a chair before security told her to get down.

Everything became chaotic.

I forgot time.

Forgot responsibility.

Forgot everything.

But not everyone there had good intentions.

At some point Julie disappeared.

Probably making friends with strangers.

Traitor.

I stumbled away from the crowd.

My head spun.

The music felt too loud.

I barely noticed someone stepping into my path.

A guy smiled.

Too friendly.

“You okay?”

I nodded lazily.

He moved closer.

“You seem lost.”

Something about him felt wrong.

I stepped back.

He stepped forward.

“Come on.”

I shook my head.

“I’m waiting for my friend.”

But my words came out messy.

He reached for my wrist.

I immediately pulled back.

His smile changed.

My stomach twisted.

I turned to leave—

But suddenly the loud music was interrupted by shouting nearby.

Then—

Someone grabbed my arm.

Not rough.

Firm.

Pulling me away.

I blinked.

Turned.

And froze.

Black hoodie.

Sharp eyes.

Annoyed expression.

Miles.

For one second—

Neither of us moved.

Then his eyes scanned my face.

The flushed cheeks.

My unsteady steps.

My expression.

His jaw tightened.

His voice came out cold.

“…Katie.”

I blinked.

“…Miles?”

His eyes moved to the guy.

The look on his face changed instantly.

Dangerous.

Leo suddenly appeared behind him.

Daimen too.

Leo looked around once.

Then immediately understood.

His expression dropped.

Miles stepped slightly in front of me.

Blocking me.

The guy muttered something.

Miles ignored him.

His attention returned to me.

His expression softened for half a second.

Then immediately hardened again.

His voice lowered.

“How much did you drink?”

I proudly held up three fingers.

Then blinked.

“…Maybe seven.”

Leo choked.

Miles closed his eyes.

Looked at the ceiling.

Then back at me.

“…Unbelievable.”

I swayed.

Immediately—

His hand caught my shoulder before I lost balance.

His grip tightened slightly.

His voice became quieter.

“You seriously came here and forgot common sense?”

I looked at him.

Slowly.

“…Why are you here?”

He looked away.

Then muttered—

“…Basketball team celebration.”

I stared.

Then suddenly pointed dramatically.

“YOU.”

He frowned.

“What?”

I squinted.

“You look handsome.”

Silence.

Leo exploded laughing.

Daimen turned away.

Miles froze.

Then looked horrified.

“…You’re never drinking again.”

I smiled proudly.

Then immediately lost balance.

Before I hit the floor—

His arm wrapped around me.

Everything spun.

My forehead lightly bumped his shoulder.

I heard his quiet sigh above me.

Then—

“…Stay awake.”

And before I could answer—

Everything faded into warm darkness.

— Miles’ POV —

I caught her before she hit the floor.

Her body stumbled once—

Then completely gave in.

She fell against me like she trusted the world for one second too long.

My hand moved to her waist instinctively while the other supported her shoulders.

“Katie.”

No response.

Her eyes stayed closed.

Her breathing was slow.

And for some reason—

Seeing her like this made something twist painfully inside my chest.

I looked down at her.

She looked different.

Not because of the dress.

Not because of the makeup.

But because she looked… young.

Like a girl her age should.

Not someone carrying responsibilities heavier than herself.

No tired smile.

No pretending.

No surviving.

Just Katie.

I stared.

Too long.

Leo looked at me.

Then at Daimen.

Neither said anything.

No jokes.

No stupid comments.

Just one look.

And somehow—

That annoyed me.

Because they looked like they knew something before I did.

I swallowed and looked away.

“I’m taking her.”

Leo nodded.

“Okay.”

Daimen spoke quietly.

“Don’t leave her alone tonight.”

I frowned.

“What?”

He looked at me.

Then said—

“You know what I mean.”

I ignored him.

Bent down.

And picked her up.

Her head immediately dropped against my shoulder.

Her fingers curled slightly into my hoodie.

And something inside me became strangely quiet.

Outside the club—

People stared.

Some whispered.

A guy laughed.

A girl smiled knowingly.

I ignored all of it.

I kept walking.

Holding her closer unconsciously whenever people came too near.

When I reached my car, I opened the passenger door carefully and helped her sit.

She leaned sideways immediately.

I sighed.

Fixed her seatbelt.

Adjusted her head so she wouldn’t wake up uncomfortable.

Then—

I stopped.

My hand stayed there.

Near her face.

And suddenly—

I realized something.

Nobody had ever waited for me.

Not really.

My house was huge.

Too huge.

Too expensive.

Too empty.

Growing up—

My parents were always gone.

Business meetings.

Flights.

Other countries.

Another promise.

Another apology.

Another expensive gift left in my room.

People thought I was lucky.

Funny.

Nobody knew I learned how to eat dinner alone before I learned how to drive.

Nobody knew birthdays became video calls.

Nobody knew silence becomes normal after enough years.

So I stopped caring.

Stopped expecting.

Stopped needing people.

Because needing someone meant waiting.

And waiting meant disappointment.

Then—

Katie happened.

And suddenly…

I noticed stupid things.

Her empty seat bothered me.

Her laugh stayed in my head.

Her messages made my mood better.

Her problems irritated me because I wanted to fix them.

Seeing her tired made me angry.

Seeing her smile made my day feel lighter.

And seeing her with Theo…

That feeling.

That ugly feeling in my chest.

It wasn't anger.

It wasn't annoyance.

It wasn't pride.

It was jealousy.

Because someone else got to stand where I wanted to stand.

Someone else got her smile.

Someone else got her attention.

I looked at her sleeping face again.

And suddenly—

I understood.

I never hated her.

I noticed her.

Too much.

I thought she annoyed me.

But she only made me feel things I stopped letting myself feel years ago.

Warmth.

Comfort.

Home.

She wasn't rich.

Didn't have status.

Didn't have perfect clothes.

But somehow—

She had something I never had.

People.

Love.

A reason to come home.

And for the first time—

I wanted that too.

I looked at her quietly.

Then laughed once.

Small.

Disbelieving.Of all people—

Her.

I fell in love with her.

Not suddenly.

Not tonight.

Tonight was just the first time I stopped lying to myself.

I gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.

And whispered—

“…You really won.”

She didn’t move.

I smiled faintly.

Because she probably had no idea.

No idea that the girl I once tried so hard to push away…

Became the only person that ever made me feel less alone.

I closed her door carefully.

Walked to the driver's seat.

Started the engine.

And drove home.

For the first time—

That empty house didn’t feel quite as empty anymore.

After a while, I drove through the mansion gates as the guards opened them immediately.

The car rolled into the parking area and finally came to a stop.

I turned the engine off.

Then looked beside me.

Katie was asleep.

Her head rested against the seat, her expression softer than usual.

No attitude.

No arguing.

No pretending she wasn’t exhausted.

Just… sleeping.

I stared for a second longer than necessary before letting out a quiet breath.

I stepped out and walked around to her side before opening the passenger door carefully.

She didn’t wake up.

Slowly, I reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt.

Then I paused.

I should wake her.

That would be normal.

Instead—

I slipped one arm behind her back and the other beneath her knees.

And picked her up.

Her head moved slightly and rested against my shoulder.

My chest felt weird.

I ignored it.

The mansion was quiet at this hour. Most of the staff had already gone to their rooms, leaving the halls silent.

I took her upstairs.

I passed the guest rooms.

But for some reason…

my feet didn’t stop.

I walked straight into my room.

I placed her carefully onto the bed and pulled the blanket over her.

Then stepped back.

I should leave.

Instead I looked at her again.

Her face looked calmer than usual.

Too calm.

I reached over without thinking and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face.

My fingers paused.

I pulled my hand back immediately.

“Get a grip.”

I walked out.

A few minutes later I came back with warm water.

I remembered her saying she got headaches after sleeping sometimes.

I placed the glass beside the bed.

Then—

I noticed her shoes.

I stared at them.

And suddenly realized something.

I had never done this before.

Never.

Not for family.

Not for friends.

Not for anyone.

Miles Ashford doesn’t kneel.

That thought should’ve annoyed me.

But weirdly—

it didn’t.

I looked at her sleeping quietly on my bed.

Then clicked my tongue under my breath.

“…Unbelievable.”

Slowly, I lowered myself onto one knee beside the bed.

Carefully—

I removed one shoe.

Then the other.

Gentle.

Like if I moved too fast she’d wake up.

I placed them neatly beside the nightstand.

I stared at them for a second.

This should’ve felt embarrassing.

Instead—

it felt strangely natural.

Like my pride wasn’t disappearing.

Like for the first time…

doing something small for someone didn’t feel beneath me.

I stood back up quietly.

Looked at her one last time.

Then turned the bedside lamp dimmer and walked towards the couch—

forcing myself not to smile.

I laid down on the couch and immediately

realized—

this was a terrible idea.

It was my first time sleeping on a couch.

Who even chooses to do this?

The thing was too small, too stiff, and somehow managed to make every position uncomfortable.

I turned to one side.

Then the other.

Adjusted the pillow.

Adjusted it again.

Nothing.

I stared at the ceiling for a while, wondering how people survived sleeping like this.

My neck hurt.

My back already hated me.

And every time I almost fell asleep, I’d move and wake up again.

Unbelievable.

I closed my eyes and forced myself to stay still.

After what felt like forever—

and way too many failed attempts—

sleep finally won.

Even if it wasn’t comfortable.

Even if tomorrow’s version of me would regret every second of this.

At some point during the night—

I fell asleep.

— Katie’s POV —

My head hurt.

Not normal hurt.

The kind where opening your eyes feels like a personal attack.

I frowned and slowly opened them—

…and froze.

This wasn’t my room.

Immediately, I sat up.

Bad idea.

Pain shot through my head and I grabbed my forehead with one hand.

Wait.

I looked around quickly.

Big room.

Expensive room.

Very expensive room.

Dark furniture.

Large windows.

Everything looked annoyingly neat.

My eyes widened.

No.

No no no—

I quickly looked under the blanket and checked myself.

Still wearing my clothes.

I stopped moving.

Then dramatically fell back against the headboard.

Okay.

Good.

Crisis avoided.

I let out a long breath and slowly sat up again.

That’s when I noticed him.

Miles.

Sleeping on the couch.

And suddenly—

my headache didn’t feel as important anymore.

I stared.

His arms were crossed awkwardly and his long legs barely fit.

His eyebrows were slightly furrowed even while sleeping.

Like his body personally disagreed with being there.

…Wait.

Did he sleep there?

I looked around the room again.

Then back at him.

And for some reason—

my chest felt weird.

Slowly, I got off the bed.

Immediately—

dizzy.

I held the bed slightly until my balance returned.

That’s when I noticed a glass of water on the table.

I blinked.

I slowly picked it up.

Warm.

Not cold.

I drank quietly.

Then placed it back.

And froze.

My shoes.

Placed neatly beside the bed.

I stared.

Then looked down at my feet.

Then back at the shoes.

My stomach did something strange.

I never removed them.

Slowly—

my eyes moved back to the couch.

Miles.

…He removed my shoes?

The same Miles?

Mr. “Feelings are illegal”?

I stared at him.

Unbelievable.

Then my eyes wandered around the room again—

until I noticed picture frames.

One with Miles, Leo and Damien.

Then another.

I walked over.

And immediately smiled.

Baby Miles.

Tiny.

Grumpy.

Little folded arms.

Same annoyed face.

I picked up the frame.

“Oh hell no…”

I whispered.

“You had attitude since childhood?”

I looked closer.

“…Why do you actually look cute?”

Then—

a sleepy voice came from behind me.

“Finished falling in love with my baby pictures?”

I froze.

My soul left my body.

Slowly—

I turned around.

Miles was awake.

His hair was messy.

His eyes looked sleepy.

And his face—

deeply offended.

I panicked.

Immediately smiled.

The fakest smile in human history.

Then lifted the picture frame and hid half my face.

“I was not staring.”

He looked at me.

Then the picture.

Then me.

His expression clearly said:

You are a terrible liar.

He stood up.

Stopped in front of me.

Reached forward—

and took the frame.

Not harshly.

Not gently.

Just quietly.

Then placed it back.

He looked at me.

“…You checked if your clothes were still on.”

I froze.

My eyes widened.

He noticed?!

His mouth moved slightly.

Almost smiling.

“Relax.”

My face heated instantly.

“I DIDN’T THINK ANYTHING HAPPENED—”

His eyebrow lifted.

“…Sure.”

I wanted to disappear.

I pointed at him dramatically.

“YOU MADE ME WAKE UP IN A RANDOM MANSION.”

He stared for a second.

Then quietly said—

“You had a headache.”

I stopped.

His sleepy eyes shifted away.

“You fell asleep.”

His voice got lower.

“So I brought you here.”

I blinked.

Then quietly looked toward the couch.

“…You slept there?”

He followed my gaze.

Looked annoyed.

“…Worst sleep of my life.”

I looked at him.

Then at the couch.

Then slowly—

a smile escaped me.

Miles noticed.

“What?”

I looked away quickly.

“…Nothing.”

But secretly—

something warm settled in my chest.

Because somehow—

the idea of Miles sleeping badly just so I could sleep comfortably…

felt way more dangerous than sleeping in his room ever did.

“Let’s have breakfast,” Miles said casually as he walked out of the room.

And then—

It hit me.

Today.

TODAY WAS THE DAY ZEHAO WAS SUPPOSED TO COME BACK.

My entire body went cold.

I stopped walking immediately and turned to him so fast it almost hurt.

“Miles— I need to go back to my apartment.”

He paused and looked over his shoulder.

His eyebrows pulled together slightly.

“But you didn’t even eat breakfast.”

“I can’t.”

His expression shifted.

“Why—”

Before he could finish, I cut him off quickly.

“Zehao doesn’t know I went to a party.”

My voice came out faster than usual.

“He has no idea I ended up… here.”

I swallowed.

“He probably thinks I was home the whole time.”

The thought made guilt twist painfully in my chest.

My little brother came back from his trip and—

I wasn’t there.

My breathing became uneven.

I looked up.

The wall clock.

10:03 AM.

My eyes widened.

His bus arrived at 8.

Two hours.

Two hours.

“Where’s my purse?” I blurted out immediately, turning around and looking everywhere at once.

Bed.

Chair.

Table.

Nothing.

I moved quickly but before I could take another

step—

A warm hand wrapped gently around my wrist.

I stopped.

Miles looked at me quietly.

His voice was calm.

“Relax.”

My eyes lifted to his.

“It’s in my car.”

Then after a second—

“I’ll drive you.”

Something in my chest loosened slightly.

Not fully.

But enough.

I nodded.

“…Okay.”

We walked downstairs together.

The mansion felt unusually quiet in the morning.

But apparently—

Not quiet enough.

Because the moment we came downstairs—

One of the maids froze.

Then another.

Then another.

They all looked between me…

And Miles.

Walking out of the same room.

Together.

Their expressions looked like someone had announced the end of the world.

Miles didn’t notice.

Or maybe he did and simply didn’t care.

Because he kept walking normally.

Meanwhile I wanted to disappear.

Outside, his car was already waiting.

We got inside.

Miles started the engine.

Only then did I notice—

My purse.

Placed neatly near my shoes.

For some reason…

That tiny detail made me pause.

I quickly grabbed it and opened the zipper.

Phone.

Phone.

Phone—

The second I pulled it out—

My stomach dropped.

Notifications.

Missed calls.

Messages.

Mostly from Zehao.

My fingers froze over the screen.

Meanwhile—

The car quietly picked up speed.

And suddenly…

I wasn’t ready to open them anymore.

I was too distracted by my phone.

Too busy staring at the missed calls and messages.

I didn’t even realize—

I hadn’t put my seatbelt on.

Then suddenly—

A hand moved into my view.

I froze.

Miles leaned slightly toward me without saying anything.

His arm came across my side as he reached for the seatbelt beside me.

For a second—

My breathing stopped.

Everything felt weirdly slow.

The morning sunlight slipped through the car windows, falling softly across his face.

His sleeves were pushed up slightly, exposing his wrist and veins while his fingers searched for the belt.

He looked completely normal.

Completely calm.

Like this meant nothing.

Meanwhile—

My brain forgot how to function.

The faint scent of his cologne drifted closer.

Warm.

Clean.

Dangerous.

I sat completely still.

Not because I had to.

But because suddenly moving felt impossible.

Click.

The seatbelt locked into place.

Miles pulled his hand back naturally and kept his eyes on the road.

“It’s dangerous like that, Katie.”

His voice was casual.

Simple.

Like buckling my seatbelt was the most normal thing in the world.

But something about it didn’t feel normal.

Not to me.

I looked at him quietly.

His hand returned to the steering wheel.

His expression stayed lazy and unreadable.

Like he had no idea what he just did to me.

And for some reason—

That made it worse.

My fingers tightened around my phone.

My heartbeat felt strangely loud.

Too loud.

I turned away quickly and looked outside the window.

What was this?

Why did tiny things suddenly feel bigger than they should?

Why did being taken care of by him feel… different?

I pressed my lips together.

No.

Absolutely not.

This wasn’t love.

It couldn’t be.

It was probably just—

confusion.

Or exhaustion.

Or lack of sleep.

Right?

…Then why did my chest feel warm?

I looked at my reflection in the window and quietly frowned.

I didn’t know what this feeling was yet.

But for the first time—

I think I wanted to understand it.

Not long after, we arrived at my apartment.

The second the car stopped, I quickly opened the door and stepped out.

Without waiting.

Without thinking.

I hurried inside the building and rushed upstairs, my heartbeat getting faster with every step.

Please be okay.

Please don’t be upset.

I reached the door, unlocked it quickly, and stepped inside—

Then stopped.

Zehao was asleep.

Curled up quietly on the couch.

One arm hanging slightly off the side while morning sunlight spilled softly across his face.

My chest loosened instantly.

A quiet breath escaped me.

Thank God.

Then I noticed—

Miles had followed me upstairs.

He stepped inside behind me and looked toward the couch.

His voice came out lower than usual.

“…He’s asleep.”

I nodded faintly and started walking over.

“I’ll wake him up—”

Before I reached the couch—

Warm fingers wrapped gently around my wrist.

I stopped.

Miles quietly closed the apartment door behind us.

Then he stepped closer and lightly guided me back.

Not trapping.

Not forcing.

Just enough to stop me.

His voice dropped softer.

“Don’t.”

I blinked.

“What?”

His eyes moved toward Zehao again.

“He looks tired.”

I looked over too.

And suddenly—

I noticed it.

The way Zehao was sleeping deeper than usual.

His little face looked exhausted.

Miles looked back at me.

“You said he just got back.”

I stayed quiet.

Then softly—

“He probably missed you.”

My chest tightened.

For a second, neither of us spoke.

Then I looked at Miles.

“You should go.”

His eyes moved back to me.

Instead of leaving—

he smiled.

Small.

Lazy.

Dangerously comfortable.

“Not really.”

I frowned.

He shoved his hands into his pockets.

“We can at least have breakfast.”

I stared.

“…Breakfast?”

His smile widened slightly.

“In your house.”

Then after a second—

His eyes drifted toward the kitchen.

“The breakfast you make feels like it’d taste better.”

For a moment—

my heart forgot how to beat normally.

I looked away immediately.

Why did he say normal things in a way that made them feel dangerous?

Before I could answer—

he was already walking backward toward the door.

I blinked.

“…Where are you going?”

He opened the door casually.

“Downstairs.”

I frowned more.

He looked at me once and said—

“I’m buying groceries.”

Then pointed lazily.

“You’ll cook.”

My eyes widened.

“What—”

He cut me off immediately.

“It’s final.”

Then after a second—

he smiled without looking back.

“No more arguments, cashier.”

And just like that—

he left.

I stood there in complete disbelief.

Watching the closed door.

Watching the space he left behind.

Seriously…

Who acts like that?

Who decides things for other people and somehow makes it feel normal?

I looked toward the sleeping Zehao.

Then back at the door.

And before I realized—

I smiled.

Small.

Quiet.

Dangerous.

Because for some reason—

having him here…

didn’t feel annoying anymore.

It felt warm.

Not long after—

Miles came back.

I looked up when I heard the apartment door open quietly.

By then, I had already covered Zehao with a

blanket and turned the TV volume lower.

I didn’t want to wake him.

Miles entered carrying grocery bags in both hands.

The door closed behind him with a soft sound as he nudged it shut with his foot.

He walked straight into the kitchen and placed everything on the counter before turning to me.

Then—

with the smallest smile—

“Cook for me.”

I stared at him.

Excuse me?

Who even says things like that?

But somehow…

I didn’t argue.

I quietly walked over, grabbed my apron, and tied it around my waist.

Then I started making breakfast.

Pancakes.

Eggs.

Coffee.

Simple.

Warm.

The kitchen slowly filled with the smell of butter and coffee while sunlight slipped through the windows.

And without realizing—

I started enjoying it.

Meanwhile—

Miles stayed strangely quiet.

Too quiet.

I thought he was on his phone.

I thought he wasn’t paying attention.

I didn’t notice—

he was watching.

Watching me move around the kitchen.

Watching me fix my apron.

Watching me focus while cooking.

Watching me smile slightly whenever the

pancakes turned out right.

Like seeing me here—

felt natural.

Like I belonged in mornings like this.

I placed the last pancake onto the plate.

Then reached up toward the cabinet.

Chocolate syrup.

Too high.

I stretched.

Nothing.

I stood on my toes.

Still nothing.

Then suddenly—

my feet left the floor.

I gasped quietly.

Two hands held my waist.

Warm.

Firm.

Easy.

Like I weighed absolutely nothing.

My eyes widened.

Miles.

He lifted me effortlessly.

His voice came casually from behind me—

“Grab it now, shortie.”

I forgot how to breathe.

My fingers quickly grabbed the syrup.

“…Got it.”

But he didn’t put me down immediately.

For one second—

I stayed there.

Held.

His hands still around my waist.

And suddenly—

my heartbeat became embarrassingly loud.

Then gently—

he lowered me back down.

The moment my feet touched the floor—

I turned around.

Big mistake.

Because now—

I was trapped.

Miles stood close.

Too close.

The cabinet behind me.

Him in front of me.

His eyes met mine.

And for once—

he wasn’t teasing.

Wasn’t smirking.

Wasn’t saying anything.

He just looked at me.

Like he forgot what he was going to say.

And somehow—

that felt worse.

My chest felt strange.

Warm.

Heavy.

Dangerous.

Then—

he blinked.

Stepped back.

Picked up the plates.

And said casually—

“I’ll put these on the table.”

Like nothing happened.

Meanwhile—

my cheeks felt like they were on fire.

I turned around immediately and focused very seriously on adding chocolate syrup.

Definitely not because I needed to hide.

Definitely not because my heart was acting ridiculous.

After removing my apron, I carried the pancakes to the table.

Miles was already sitting there.

I placed everything down and sat opposite him.

Then—

he took a bite.

Paused.

Looked at me.

Then smiled.

A real one.

Not arrogant.

Not lazy.

Not teasing.

Just warm.

“Wow.”

He took another bite.

“You’re actually a chef.”

I stared.

Because—

I had never seen him like this.

So relaxed.

So comfortable.

So… happy.

And somehow—

that made me more nervous than all his teasing ever did.

Breakfast continued quietly after that.

Nothing special.

Just pancakes.

Coffee.

Morning sunlight.

And a boy who somehow made ordinary things feel impossible to forget.

After breakfast, I stood near the door while Miles put his shoes on.

He opened the door and stepped outside.

Then turned around.

That annoying confidence was back on his face.

“I’ll definitely come back.”

I rolled my eyes immediately.

“Don’t get too comfortable.”

He looked at me for a second before scoffing quietly.

“Comfortable?”

His lips curved slightly.

“With you?”

He shook his head dramatically.

“Good joke.”

And with that—

he walked away.

I stood there for another few seconds after the door closed.

Just staring.

Then suddenly—

my eyes moved around.

Silence.

Breakfast plates.

Used cups.

Kitchen mess.

Reality returned.

I groaned dramatically.

Right.

Life.

I walked into the kitchen and started cleaning quietly.

I washed dishes carefully, trying not to make too much noise and wake Zehao.

The apartment felt peaceful.

Warm.

Strangely warm.

Like someone had left sunlight behind.

After finishing the dishes, I mopped the floor, changed my clothes, and tied my hair again.

Then—

last mission.

Putting away groceries.

I walked over and started taking things out of the bags.

And immediately paused.

There was…

a lot.

Too much.

Vegetables.

Milk.

Eggs.

Bread.

Snacks.

Extra coffee.

Extra fruit.

Extra things.

I blinked.

“…Why did he buy so much?”

Slowly, I started putting everything in place.

But while doing it—

questions started appearing in my head.

He didn’t ask if there were groceries at home.

He didn’t check if we needed anything.

He just—

said he wanted breakfast.

Bought groceries.

And somehow bought enough for days.

My hands slowed.

I stared at the things in front of me.

That’s weird.

Then a thought appeared quietly—

Was he helping?

I frowned immediately.

Help?

I never asked for help.

I kept putting things away.

Then suddenly—

my own thoughts answered back.

…He never said he was helping.

I stopped moving.

That’s right.

He never said—

“I’m helping you.”

Never made it obvious.

Never made me feel small.

Never looked at my apartment and pitied me.

He simply…

showed up.

Bought groceries.

Asked for breakfast.

And left the extra things behind like they belonged here.

Like it was normal.

Like taking care of people wasn’t something you announced.

My chest felt strangely quiet.

Then—

I reached for the last bag.

Cereal.

I smiled faintly.

Then froze.

Three boxes.

Strawberry.

Vanilla.

Chocolate.

I stared.

Why three?

Then I realized.

Miles doesn’t know what Zehao likes.

So—

he bought all three.

Just in case.

My fingers tightened slightly around the boxes.

And suddenly—

something inside me softened in a way I couldn’t explain.

Because this wasn’t expensive.

It wasn’t dramatic.

It wasn’t flowers.

Or gifts.

Or grand words.

It was—

someone thinking of my little brother.

Someone who noticed there was a child in this house.

Someone who bought three flavors…

just so Zehao could choose.

I looked down quietly.

Then smiled.

Small.

Soft.

And for the first time—

I wondered if maybe…

kindness doesn’t always sound like kindness.

Sometimes—

it hides behind annoying boys who ask for pancakes and pretend they only came for breakfast.

After putting all the groceries away, I walked back into my room.

Clean.

Quiet.

Everything finally looked peaceful again.

For a second, I stood there looking around.

My room wasn’t expensive.

It wasn’t pretty in a luxurious way.

But it was mine.

Built slowly with overtime shifts, skipped meals, and long days.

And somehow—

that made it feel warm.

I walked toward the mirror and slowly combed my hair before tying it into a neat ponytail.

Then I changed into a black shirt and blue jeans.

Simple.

Comfortable.

Ready for work.

I grabbed my purse, checked my phone, made sure I had enough cash, then walked outside my room and closed the door gently.

The apartment stayed quiet.

Zehao was still asleep.

I smiled softly and walked into the kitchen.

My eyes landed on the chocolate cereal box.

I picked it up and placed it neatly on the counter.

Then grabbed a sticky note.

Carefully, I wrote—

Get milk from the fridge ♡

Heat it in a bowl for 1 minute ♡

Add cereal ♡

Enjoy your meal.

I’ll be back from work at 12:00.

Take care until then.

— Sister

I placed the note beside the cereal and looked at it quietly.

Then smiled.

Because Zehao was growing up.

But I still wanted him to feel taken care of.

After one last look around the apartment—

I left.

—

The café bell rang softly the moment I walked inside.

And immediately—

I regretted entering.

“KATIE.”

I froze.

Julie appeared out of nowhere.

Actually no—

attacked me.

She grabbed both my shoulders dramatically.

“ARE YOU OKAY?!”

“KATIE WHERE DID YOU GO?”

“WHY DID YOU DISAPPEAR?”

“YOU WEREN’T AT THE PARTY.”

“YOU WEREN’T HOME.”

“YOU DIDN’T REPLY.”

“DID YOU GET KIDNAPPED?!”

I blinked.

“…Girl.”

She grabbed my arms harder.

“ANSWER ME.”

I pushed her face away dramatically.

“You are terrifying me.”

“I AM FINE.”

Julie stared.

Then narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

Meanwhile the other workers nearby quietly watched like this was daily entertainment.

One of them whispered—

“They started already.”

Another nodded.

I pointed at Julie.

“Just ignore her.”

They smiled knowingly.

I walked into the employee area and placed my purse down.

Grabbed my apron.

Put my cap on.

And naturally—

Julie followed me.

Of course she did.

I could literally feel her behind me.

Watching.

Waiting.

Breathing.

I sighed.

Turned around.

She immediately stood straight.

“…What?”

I crossed my arms.

“What WHAT?”

She blinked.

“…Are you okay?”

I stared.

Then slowly stepped toward her.

She stepped back.

I stepped forward again.

She stepped back again.

“YOU.”

Tap.

Pointed finger against her shoulder.

“Left.”

Tap.

“Me.”

Tap.

“At.”

Tap.

“A.”

Tap.

“Party.”

Tap.

“With.”

Tap.

“Some random guy.”

Julie looked horrified.

I moved closer.

My expression completely calm.

Which somehow scared her more.

“You knew…”

Tap.

“…it was my first time drinking.”

Tap.

“And you disappeared.”

Then finally—

I gave her one dramatic tiny rough tap on the shoulder.

“TRAITOR.”

Julie gasped.

Immediately grabbed my face with both hands.

“KATIE I AM SORRY.”

Her eyes widened dramatically.

“I WAS DRUNK.”

“I WAS OUT OF MY MIND.”

“FORGIVE ME.”

I pushed her hands away dramatically.

“Your apology wouldn’t have saved me.”

Then I muttered quietly—

“Thankfully Miles came.”

Silence.

Julie froze.

Her eyes widened.

Then—

her voice exploded.

“MILES?!”

Half the employees looked over.

Julie pointed.

“YOU WERE WITH MILES?!”

My soul left my body.

Immediately—

I covered her mouth.

“SHHHHHHH.”

Her eyes became even bigger.

Another employee slowly turned around.

I smiled awkwardly.

“Nothing happened.”

Julie aggressively nodded under my hand.

I leaned closer.

“I will tell you everything later.”

Her eyes sparkled.

“But AFTER work.”

She blinked.

Then nodded obediently.

Like a lost kitten.

I slowly removed my hand.

She stared.

Then whispered—

“…You have tea.”

I sighed.

This was going to be a very long shift.

During the entire shift, Julie somehow found a way to remind me every five minutes.

“Don’t forget.” “You owe me tea.” “I want details.” “Full story.” “No skipping scenes.”

By the end of my shift, I was convinced she cared more about gossip than survival.

The second my café shift ended, I stepped outside and started walking down the street—

Only for Julie to suddenly appear beside me like she had been waiting in the shadows this whole time.

She pointed at me dramatically.

“DON’T YOU DARE LEAVE WITHOUT SPILLING THE TEA.”

I stopped walking and slowly turned to look at her.

“…Julie.”

She stared.

I stared.

People walking past probably thought we were about to fight.

I sighed.

“I still have two more jobs.”

Julie blinked.

Then blinked again.

Then grabbed my shoulder dramatically like she’d just received tragic news.

“TWO?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“…Fine.”

I started walking again.

She followed.

I stopped.

She stopped.

I turned.

She smiled.

I already knew that smile.

Danger.

“I’ll tell you tonight on call.”

Julie looked offended.

“On call?!”

I nodded.

She gasped dramatically and grabbed both my shoulders.

“Excuse me?! Tea this spicy deserves face-to-face reactions.”

I blinked.

Then she continued confidently—

“I’ll go to your work.”

“…What?”

“I’ll help.”

“…Julie.”

“And then I’ll go home with you.”

“…Julie.”

“And then I’ll sleep at your apartment.”

I stared.

She pointed at me.

“And THEN—you tell me EVERYTHING in person.”

I looked at her for five whole seconds.

Then sighed.

“…Ugh. Fine.”

Her eyes lit up instantly.

She jumped.

Actually jumped.

“WOOOOOO!!”

People turned.

Julie ignored them.

She started skipping down the street dramatically while singing—

“Tea tea tea~ spicy tea~ forbidden rich boy tea~”

I froze in place watching her.

What…

Why am I friends with this person?

After a few seconds she suddenly stopped, turned around dramatically, and pointed at me.

“KATIE.”

I blinked.

“COME ON.”

She waved both hands.

“WE DON’T HAVE ALL DAY.”

I looked at her for a second.

Then quietly smiled to myself.

Another long day.

Another stupid person.

…And somehow—

I didn’t hate that.

So I adjusted my bag, shook my head, and followed after her while she continued singing about tea like she had just won the lottery.

— Author’s POV —

That’s enough of spice and tea today ☕🌶️

Today’s episode contained:

✔ one emotionally attached brother

✔ one overworking sister

✔ one suspiciously rich guy who definitely did NOT help (he helped)

✔ one Julie whose entire existence is built on collecting tea

✔ and approximately 87 moments of people refusing to admit their feelings

Katie survived.

Miles survived.

Julie unfortunately gained more curiosity.

Also… someone explain why Miles buys groceries like he’s stocking for winter.

And can we talk about Zehao for a second?

“I hope I have you in every universe.”

…yeah.

That line hurt me too.

BUT ANYWAYS.

No overthinking.

No making theories.

No attacking me in comments.

Save your energy because Episode 6 is coming.

And trust me—

someone’s heart is getting attacked next.

See you in EP 6 🤍

(Bring tea. Julie will ask.)

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