Under One Roof

🖤 Chapter 2 ☕✨

Golden sunlight streamed through the apartment windows, replacing last night's storm with an unusually peaceful morning. ☀️🌿

Leena rubbed her eyes as she stepped out of her room, still wrapped in an oversized hoodie. Her hair was a complete mess, and she looked like she had barely slept.

She yawned.

"Coffee..." 😮‍💨☕

That was the only thing on her mind.

Without paying attention, she walked straight into the kitchen and reached for the only mug sitting on the counter.

At the exact same moment, another hand reached for it.

Their fingers brushed.

Leena instantly looked up.

Ayann.

He stood there in a plain black T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up,

quietly making breakfast. His expression was as unreadable as ever, yet for a brief second, neither of them pulled their hand away.

The silence felt strangely loud. 👀

Leena quickly let go of the mug.

"Oh... sorry."

Ayann glanced at the cup before sliding it toward her.

"You can have it."

She blinked.

"I thought it was yours."

"It was."

"And you're giving it to me?"

"You look like you need coffee more than I do."

Leena folded her arms with a playful smirk.

"Is this your way of apologizing for being impossible?"

A faint smile almost appeared on Ayann's lips.

"Don't get used to it."

"There it is," she laughed. "The grumpy roommate is back."

For the first time, the apartment didn't feel so cold. ✨

Leena opened the refrigerator.

It was almost empty.

She turned around dramatically.

"You seriously survive on coffee and instant noodles?"

Ayann shrugged.

"It saves time."

"It also shortens your life."

"I'll take the risk."

She shook her head.

"You really need someone to take care of you."

Ayann raised an eyebrow.

"And who volunteered you for that job?"

Leena's eyes widened.

"I did not say that!"

A soft chuckle escaped him.

She froze.

"Did... Ayann just laugh?" 💭

Before she could tease him about it, she stepped backward without looking.

Her foot landed on a small puddle of water near the sink.

"Oh!"

She lost her balance.

Before she could hit the floor, a strong hand caught her wrist.

Another arm slipped around her waist just long enough to steady her.

Everything went still.

They were standing far closer than either of them had intended.

Leena could hear her own heartbeat.

Ayann's grip was firm but careful, as if he was making sure she wouldn't fall before slowly letting go.

"Careful," he said quietly.

"You don't always have to rush."

Leena looked up.

For the first time, his eyes didn't seem cold.

They looked... concerned.

She quickly looked away, suddenly aware of how close they still were.

"I-I'm okay."

"I know."

Neither of them moved for another heartbeat.

Then the toaster popped loudly.

Both of them stepped back at the same time.

Leena let out an awkward laugh.

"Well... that wasn't embarrassing at all."

"It could've been worse."

"Oh? How?"

"You could've dropped the coffee."

She stared at him for a second before laughing.

"I almost fell, and you're worried about the coffee?"

"It was good coffee."

She rolled her eyes, unable to hide her smile.

"You're unbelievable."

As she walked away with the mug, she couldn't stop smiling.

Maybe...

Just maybe...

Living with Ayann Malhotra wasn't going to be as terrible as she had imagined.

From the kitchen doorway, Ayann watched her disappear down the hallway.

For reasons he didn't understand, the apartment suddenly felt a little less empty.

And for the first time in a very long while...

He didn't mind the silence. 🖤

to be continued...✨😚

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