Melanie pondered deeply, walking alongside Asher without a break in their stride.
Suddenly, Asher halted, turning to observe the girl lost in thought. Unprepared for his stop, Melanie collided softly into his chest with a surprised "Oof!"
Swiftly, Asher's free arm encircled her waist, preventing her from tumbling. Their eyes met, and Melanie flushed with embarrassment. This scene was the stuff of dramas, yet they weren't acting.
"Thanks..." Melanie murmured her gratitude, grateful for the mask hiding her blush.
"Be careful," Asher replied in his low, crisp voice, pleasing to the ear.
Melanie looked up instinctively. Even with a mask, Asher exuded an allure that captivated many girls, his half-hidden face adding an air of mystery. One couldn't help but wonder about the handsome features beneath the covering.
Asher released her and resumed walking, only to glance back and find Melanie still standing there. His lips quirked upward, and retracing his steps, he took her hand, stating earnestly, "We're almost home. I'll lead you; you can close your eyes if you like."
Melanie nodded, a smile escaping her lips. Her gaze fell upon their intertwined hands, finding the sensation strangely sweet, like honey, or as if they were surrounded by floating pink bubbles. She cherished every bit of it.
Several girls trailing behind witnessed their hand-holding departure.
The girls were like, "..." Clearly, they were hoping for just one more glance at the cute guy, but instead, they somehow ended up witnessing another public displays of affection?
Inside the apartment, Melanie volunteered for kitchen duty, prompting a silent chuckle from Asher. He leaned against the doorframe, casually ordering takeout.
Within minutes, sounds of clattering emerged from the kitchen.
Asher mused whether the kitchen would survive or if he'd need to replace it with a sturdier one.
Melanie realized cooking was a skill. What seemed easy in videos became:
Eyes: I Got It.
Hands: I Already Forgot it.
In her despair, she tidied the kitchen and exited slowly, her head bowed, radiating embarrassment.
She had intended to bring warmth to Asher's kitchen, but her lack of experience, perhaps due to never having cooked in the Snow family, had led to chaos.
This wasn't what she had envisioned.
As Melanie hesitated over her apology, Asher announced, "I've ordered takeover; it should arrive soon."
Melanie looked up at him, startled.
"How did you know I wouldn't manage?" she queried, puzzled.
Asher was candid, "You weren't even adept at buying groceries."
He knew from the moment he saw her shopping that cooking wasn't her forte. Reflecting, he could have guessed—Leonard and Vivienne's beloved daughter, the Snow family's treasure, wouldn't be allowed near a stove.
Yet, he indulged her, wanting to see her happy.
Melanie settled silently on the sofa. "Alright, let's wait for the takeover then..." Resolved, she vowed to master cooking in the future and avoid such embarrassment next time.
