Denial glanced at the clock and spoke in his usual calm voice.
"It's already 3:30 a.m., Shelly. Go to sleep now."
Shelly, leaning back on the couch, shook her head stubbornly. "No, I won't."
Without another word, Denial suddenly scooped her up into his arms. Shelly let out a startled gasp, her hands gripping his shoulders. He carried her straight to the bedroom and set her gently on the bed.
As he tried to straighten up, Shelly wrapped her arms tightly around him, refusing to let go.
"I'm not letting you leave," she declared.
Denial's expression grew serious. "Sleep now, Shelly. We'll talk in the morning."
But Shelly didn't listen. Instead, she suddenly leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a deep, unexpected kiss. Denial stiffened in shock, his first instinct to pull away—but Shelly refused to release him.
When they finally parted for breath, she looked into his eyes.
"Listen, Denial… I don't really understand relationships or love, but I do know this— I love being with you. You're such a good person, and as a friend… you're the best thing in my life. I want to keep this bond forever. As for love… maybe I don't know what that is yet. But I do know I like you. A lot. From the very first day I saw you."
Denial's gaze softened. "Alright, but… what if, hypothetically, your father decided to arrange our marriage? Would you marry me?"
Without hesitation, Shelly nodded. "Yes. I would. But my idea of marriage is more about friendship than romance. Friendship is the most beautiful relationship there is."
Denial let out a small sigh. "You think too much. Just go to sleep. And… from now on, maybe wear slightly thicker clothes at night."
Shelly blinked in confusion, then looked down—and realized the thin shirt she was wearing left little to the imagination. She hadn't worn a bra or shorts underneath, and the soft light of the room revealed far more than she realized. Her cheeks flushed.
"Ohhh… so this is why you were acting so weird earlier?"
She tilted her head, teasing. "Do you… want something?"
Denial frowned. "Want something? What are you talking about?"
"You know… what you asked for earlier. Do you want to sleep with me?"
"No," Denial said flatly. "Just… go to sleep. I'll be in the next room."
Shelly smirked. "Well, I've never done it before… but I've heard from Kiki that it feels really good."
Denial raised a brow. "And what exactly has Kiki been telling you?"
"Never mind that," Shelly said quickly, patting the bed. "Just come sleep next to me."
After some persistent coaxing, Denial finally gave in and lay down beside her.
"This is the first time I'm sleeping next to you," she said softly.
"Yes… the first time," Denial replied in a low voice.
Shelly turned to face him. "You said before that you've been with two people before… how did it feel?"
The question made Denial's chest tighten. Memories of his past lovers flashed through his mind, bittersweet and heavy. Shelly noticed the shadow in his eyes and, without thinking, shifted closer. She rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
Denial stared at her in surprise.
"So… how do people… you know… actually do it?" she asked innocently.
Denial's lips curved in a faint, almost teasing smile. "Do you really want to see how it's done?"
Shelly's eyes lit up instantly. "Yes! Show me."
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Continue....