Melanie watched as Asher steadily approached her, instinctively taking a step back. Just as she retreated two steps, Asher's hand reached out.
His gaze was fixed on her eyes, "What are you nervous about?"
Melanie stammered, "...N-nothing! I'm not nervous!"
Asher grinned, his large hand sweeping past her to shut the door behind him. "I was just closing the door. Did you think I was going to kiss you?"
Melanie lowered her head, a flush creeping up her cheeks, acknowledging that she had indeed thought so.
Her heart pounded erratically. She realized that whenever she was around Asher, rationality eluded her, especially when he unintentionally—or perhaps intentionally—charmed her.
Sometimes, she suspected Asher was deliberately flirting, but upon deeper reflection, it seemed unlikely given his typical cool and aloof demeanor. He is untouchable like the moon.
Melanie's query had been casual, without any significant reason to seek him out. She was about to excuse herself when a firm grip landed on her waist.
A whisper grazed her ear, "I didn't plan to kiss you earlier, but now I have a new intention."
Melanie's eyes widened in shock as Asher closed in. Her thoughts drifted away, her mind exploding with fireworks of realization. In her haze, a fleeting speculation escaped her grasp—maybe he was far more skilled at flirtation than she'd imagined...
Later that night, as Melanie sneaked back to her room, she noticed a message from Vivienne. Understanding dawned on her. That
would work in this way too.
The next day, Leonard acted as if nothing had transpired, oblivious to everything. Asher left for work, and Melanie tagged along, expressing interest in seeing his workplace. Asher didn't object.
With their departure, only Leonard, Vivienne, and Aria remained.
Vivienne shot Leonard a sidelong glance, "Is your ailment acting up again?"
Leonard nodded, confirming, "Yes...stomachache."
"Aria, fetch him a glass of warm water! I'll go upstairs for the medicine," Vivienne instructed anxiously.
Aria agreed and, seeing Leonard's discomfort, hurried to get the water.
Two minutes later, Vivienne descended, worry etched on her face. "We've run out of medicine at home. I'll fetch some right away. Bear with it for a bit, I'll be back quickly."
"Shouldn't we go to the hospital?" Aria queried.
Vivienne shook her head. "No need, it's an old problem. Medicine will do. Going to the hospital would waste more time. There's a pharmacy nearby; I'll be back in about ten minutes." She glanced at her watch as she spoke.
Aria's eyes flickered. Ten minutes was ample time.
Lowering her gaze to Leonard, she asked, "Uncle, should I call Melanie back?"
Leonard waved her off, "It's not a big deal. I get this every month; medicine fixes it. You're probably just startled because you haven't seen me like this before."
"You should take better care of yourself. Let me help you to the bedroom to rest," Aria suggested.
"Alright, a little rest. Your aunt will be back soon."
Leonard, leaning on Aria, made his way upstairs and feebly collapsed onto the bed.
Seizing the opportunity, Aria fabricated an excuse. "I'll get you another glass of water!"
Exiting the room, her eyes sparkled with anticipation. She couldn't afford to squander this opportunity; who knew when another would present itself?
