Drake couldn't help but stare in disbelief when he saw Selena up and about, moving around the house with an energy that seemed far too fast for someone who had just gone through what she had. She was cleaning — wiping down surfaces and tidying up like it was just another day.
He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and then said, his voice filled with concern, "What are you doing? You need rest, not chores." Without waiting for her reply, he gently took the broom from her hands, his touch soft but firm.
Selena looked up at him, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. "I'm just trying to return the favor. You've done so much for me already, and I have nothing else to give."
Drake softened, his brow furrowing slightly as he glanced at the determined glint in her eyes. "You don't need to do this," he murmured. He stepped closer and gently cupped her arm, guiding her toward the couch. "Just sit down. Rest. I'll make us something to eat."
She hesitated for a moment, looking at him as if she wanted to argue but then gave in with a small sigh, letting him lead her to the couch. "Alright, but only if you promise not to overdo it with the cooking," she teased lightly, settling into the cushions.
Drake chuckled softly as he tucked the broom away. "Deal. But you're getting something home-cooked, no matter what."
Drake moved to the fridge, pulling out a few vegetables and some meat, his mind half on the task at hand, but still somewhat distracted by the way Selena sat on the couch. As he started chopping the vegetables, his gaze flickered back to Selena. She had picked up a magazine from the table, she slightly frowned as she flipped through its pages. There was something about the way she concentrated, completely absorbed in what she was reading, that made him pause for a moment.
He couldn't help but smile to himself. It was a rare thing to see her so at ease, and for a split second, he felt like an outsider, just quietly observing. But he quickly shook himself out of it, turning back to the counter to finish preparing the meal. Still, there was something about the way she looked in that moment that made him feel… content, even if it was just a small thing.
A few minutes later, Drake finished cooking and called out to Selena. "Breakfast is ready. Come on over to the table."
Selena rose from the couch, her movements slow but graceful as she made her way to the dining area.
Drake took his seat, the quiet clinking of plates and utensils filling the space. For the first time in a long while, he felt a warmth spread through him as he ate breakfast. It wasn't the food that warmed him, but the simple presence of someone else at the table. He was used to eating alone. But now, the dining area felt alive, the air somehow lighter, more welcoming.
Selena's smile, bright and genuine, made everything feel... right. For a moment, it almost felt like this could be his everyday life — the two of them, sharing meals, enjoying each other's company. He caught himself thinking about it, the idea of a life filled with warmth and laughter.
But just as quickly as the thought had come, he shook it off. His heart clenched at the reality. Selena will be leaving soon. She had her own life to return to, and he knew better there's no guarantee they would see each other again.
After they finished breakfast, Selena looked up from her plate and asked, "Is it okay if I roam around the town? It's my first time here, and I'd love to explore a bit."
Drake didn't hesitate for a second. "Of course, I'll go with you," he replied with a warm smile.
They set off together, wandering through the heart of the city. Drake showed her some of the local spots that tourists always loved — the old bookstore with its musty scent, the lively square full of colorful stalls, the café by the river where locals gathered, the flower market bursting with color, and the historic church with its tall stone walls. He even took her to the hilltop park, where the panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside was breathtaking, the kind of view you couldn't help but take a deep breath and appreciate.
Drake couldn't help but enjoy watching Selena's excitement as she roamed around, taking in the sights with a sparkle in her eye. They stopped at a stall brimming with sweets, and Selena's eyes immediately lit up.
"Can we have this?" Selena asked, pointing to the mini blueberry cheesecake and strawberry ice cream.
"Of course, you can get whatever you want," Drake replied with a smile. He turned to the vendor and called out, "Excuse me, could we have two orders of these, please?"
"Your order's on the way," the vendor said, flashing them a friendly grin.
As they sat down to enjoy their snacks, Drake couldn't hold back a laugh when he saw Selena lick the cheesecake straight from the mini plate, instead of using the fork. Her playful, carefree approach made him chuckle.
"Guess you couldn't wait," he teased, shaking his head with a smile.
Drake gently wiped the cake from the right side of Selena's lips, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The fun of the day made them forget about being tired. Drake's heart raced, wishing the day would never end. But when they returned to his apartment, reality hit. He realized he'd soon be back to his lonely life once Selena went home.
He wanted to ask her to stay a little longer, to hold onto this moment a little more. But the words never came. He knew someone was waiting for her, and he couldn't ask her to stay — it wouldn't be right.