As the movie played softly in the background, Yuni's eyelids grew heavier. Before she realized it, her head had gently dropped onto Elis's shoulder.
Elis froze for a moment—then her gaze softened. She looked down at Yuni's peaceful, sleeping face, the glow of the screen tracing the curves of her cheeks. That single glance felt like a lifetime.
Quietly, Elis turned off the TV. With careful hands, she lifted Yuni in her arms and laid her down on the bed. For a few seconds, she stood there—watching her chest rise and fall—and something warm, almost dangerous, stirred in her chest.
Then, taking a seat beside her bed, Elis opened a book but didn't read a single word. Her eyes kept drifting back to Yuni's face, as if afraid she'd disappear if she blinked.
Time passed. The clock ticked softly to 8 p.m. Yuni stirred, blinking sleepily. For a few seconds she couldn't remember where she was. When she finally recognized Elis sitting nearby, she looked even more confused.
"You're awake," Elis said, smiling. "Your mom called several times. I answered and told her you were with me."
Yuni rubbed her eyes. "What time is it now?"
"Eight," Elis replied, glancing at his watch. "You must be hungry. I already ordered food—it should be here in five minutes."
Yuni yawned, still half asleep. "It's okay… I should just go home. It's getting late."
Elis hesitated. "But… I already ordered dinner."
Yuni looked at her, and the way Elis's voice softened made her heart skip. "Fine," she said finally, a small smile tugging her lips.
"Go freshen up," Elis said quietly.
She nodded, then disappeared into the washroom.
Later, they ate together, quiet laughter slipping in between bites. When it was time to leave, Elis booked a cab for her. The car stopped in front of Yuni's house, and as she stepped out, Elis waved gently. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," she whispered, before heading toward the door.
But the moment she entered, her mom was standing right there—arms crossed, eyes sharp. Yuni froze. Her heart thudded in her chest. Without saying a word, she darted into her bedroom, slammed the door, and pressed a trembling hand against her heart.
"Oh my god… I thought I was done for!" she gasped, breathless. "If Mom had asked one more question…"
Then, her mind went back to Elis—how she'd woken up in her room, how she'd ended up sleeping on her shoulder.
"Wait," she whispered to herself, her cheeks flushing bright pink. "Did he… carry me there? And—no way—did he kiss me while I was asleep?!"
She buried her face in her pillow, half mortified, half thrilled. "Chi! What am I even thinking? Elis is such a gentleman…"
Still, she couldn't help it—thinking of her made her blush even harder. She jumped on her bed like an excited kid, giggling to herself.
"He's so handsome… and I—" she paused, smiling dreamily. "I can't stop thinking about him…"
The night air was quiet outside, but inside Yuni's room, her heart fluttered like it had just discovered something new—and a little terrifying.
To be Continued...