𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓S

🏍COST OF A JOYRIDE-CHAPTER-9

What do you all think about creating a separate Instagram account for my Wattpad updates? The last time I tried, I created an account, but no one supported me, so I ended up abandoning it. It really hurt me, and I felt so lonely. Please, I'm begging you, tell me your thoughts. Your support means everything to me, and I don't know if I can handle another letdown.

The Sunday sun spilled lazy golden light over Adrian's balcony, bathing everything in a honeyed glow. Fresh off a punishing workout and a long jog, Adrian stepped out of the shower, a towel hanging low on his hips. With wet hair and abs still glistening, he pulled on a plain T-shirt and comfy shorts, the type that clung just right.

He strolled out to his balcony, stretching his arms with a yawn that turned into a smirk when his eyes drifted—instinctively—towards the apartment across. Meera's balcony door was open. But no Meera. Just Ginger.

Perched like royalty on the railing, the cat stared him down with its usual green-eyed judgment.

Adrian scoffed.
"¿No tiene este gato otra cosa que hacer que fulminarme con la mirada?"
(Doesn't this cat have anything better to do than glare at me?)
"One day I'm gonna snatch this furry demon and send him to boot camp with my boys."

Ginger responded with a long hiss and a tail flick so sassy, Adrian raised an eyebrow.
"Vale, vale, vete de aquí, gato tonto."
(Alright, alright, shoo, stupid cat.)
"¡Gingerrrr, nene!" he added sarcastically, grinning.

The cat meowed in protest, full-on attitude. Adrian crossed his arms and tilted his head.
"You better chill, king of the balcony. Keep showing off, and I'll introduce you to my German Shepherd back in Spain. Let's see if you still have the guts to act tough, gato."

Before Ginger could stage a proper meow-rebellion, a sweet, airy voice called out.

"Gingerrrr babyyy..."

Adrian turned, and there she was—Meera. She stepped onto her balcony like she'd walked out of a dream. Dressed in a simple white top that hugged her softly and a long floral skirt that danced with the breeze, she looked effortlessly ethereal. Her hair fell in loose waves down her back, and that tiny bindi on her forehead somehow hit harder than any designer accessory.

Adrian froze for a second. Something about her always hit different. It wasn't just attraction—it was... something else.

"Good morning, fresa," he drawled, with a cocky smirk.

Meera jumped a little, eyes widening as she looked across the balcony to find Adrian leaning lazily against the railing, arms folded and smirking like he ruled the view.

"Oh hey, Adrian!" she laughed nervously, shifting Ginger in her arms. "I didn't see you there."

"Tu gato's got an attitude problem," he said, nodding toward Ginger. "Glaring at me like I stole his treat."

Meera laughed softly, that adorable chuckle she did when she didn't want to admit she found him funny.
"He's just protective, that's all."

Adrian narrowed his eyes at Ginger.
"Well, he better start learning to share. I'm planning on stealing all of your attention soon," he said with a wink.

Meera's cheeks flushed instantly. Before she could say something back, a voice rang from inside.

"Meera ma! Come in for breakfast, the dosas are getting cold!"

Meera glanced back at her house, flustered and flapping, and then looked back at Adrian with a bashful smile. "Uh—I gotta go. My mom... breakfast... yeah." She disappeared inside, hugging Ginger like a lifeline.

Adrian grinned to himself, turning back into his apartment, still amused. He loved how easily she flustered—like every word from him twisted her nerves up in the cutest way. And honestly? He didn't even try hard.