My Mister

Chapter 42

Mia couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment as she returned to the table, apologizing for Mandy's enthusiastic interruption. However, Sebastian's easy laughter washed away any lingering discomfort, his relaxed demeanor putting her at ease.

"No need to apologize, Mia. It's nice to see you have such lively friends," Sebastian remarked, his tone light and teasing.

Mia chuckled in response, grateful for his understanding. As she resumed her seat and began to eat once more, she couldn't shake off a sense of self-consciousness, suddenly feeling shy about indulging in her meal in front of Sebastian.

Noticing her hesitation, Sebastian reassured her with a warm smile. "Don't mind me, Mia. I'm not hungry," he explained, gesturing towards the untouched plate in front of him.

Relieved by his assurance, Mia nodded gratefully before digging back into her food with renewed gusto. As she savored each bite, her mind drifted to the topic of the volunteers for the literacy program, prompting her to strike up a conversation with Sebastian.

"So, how are the volunteers doing?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued by their progress.

Sebastian's expression brightened at her question, and he leaned forward attentively as he responded. "They're doing great, actually. We've had quite a few applicants, and they're all eager to contribute to the program," he explained, his enthusiasm evident in his voice.

Mia listened intently, a sense of pride swelling within her as she realized the positive impact their collaborative efforts were having on the community.

As they continued their conversation about the literacy program, Sebastian filled Mia in on the developments that had taken place since her departure. He assured her that she hadn't missed much, but emphasized the growing interest and active participation from students, which warmed Mia's heart.

"It's good to hear that the kids are still engaged and asking about me," Mia remarked, a smile playing at her lips.

Finishing her meal, Mia rose from the table, intending to take care of the dishes. However, Sebastian surprised her by joining her at the sink, insisting on lending a hand despite her protests.

"Sebastian, you really don't have to do this," Mia insisted, but Sebastian simply shrugged off her objections, rolling up his sleeves and reaching for a sponge.

"We're in this together, Mia," he replied, flashing her a warm smile that melted away any lingering resistance. And so, side by side, they tackled the dishes, their laughter and easy camaraderie filling the air as they worked in harmony.

As they stood side by side at the sink, scrubbing and rinsing dishes, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Sebastian shared anecdotes from the program's recent activities, recounting amusing moments with the students and highlighting their progress in reading and writing.

Mia listened intently, occasionally interjecting with her own observations and insights. She felt a sense of pride knowing that she had played a part in creating something meaningful for these children, and she couldn't help but admire Sebastian's dedication to the cause.

As they worked, their hands occasionally brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through Mia's veins. She tried to ignore the sensation, focusing instead on the task at hand, but she couldn't deny the growing warmth spreading through her chest whenever their eyes met.

In between washing dishes, they shared snippets of their personal lives, exchanging stories about their families, childhood memories, and aspirations for the future. Mia found herself opening up to Sebastian in a way she hadn't expected, feeling a sense of comfort and ease in his presence.

As they finally finished the last of the dishes, Sebastian glanced at the clock and realized how late it had gotten. "I should probably head out," he said, drying his hands on a dish towel.

Mia's heart sank at the thought of him leaving so soon. Summoning her courage, she looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "Would you like to stay a bit longer?" she asked softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Sebastian's eyes sparkled with surprise and delight. "I'd love to," he replied, a warm smile spreading across his face. And so, with the dishes finally done, they retreated to the cozy confines of Mia's living room, where they continued their conversation long into the night, basking in the comfort of each other's company.

As the clock struck 9 p.m., Sebastian jokingly asked, "What do young people like you like to do at this hour?" Mia chuckled, considering his question. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she turned on the TV.

"It's the perfect time for a TV show binge," she declared, patting the cushion beside her. Sebastian raised an eyebrow, but Mia assured him with a reassuring smile. "Trust me, this show is a lot of fun."

With a shrug and a grin, Sebastian settled onto the couch beside her, and Mia draped a cozy blanket over both of them. They leaned back, sinking into the cushions, as the opening credits of the show began to roll.

For the next few hours, they laughed and gasped at the antics of the characters on screen, occasionally pausing to share commentary or trade jokes. As they watched, Mia found herself stealing glances at Sebastian, admiring the way the soft glow of the TV illuminated his features.

As they watched the show, Mia found herself explaining the intricate web of relationships between the characters, detailing their backstories and the dynamics that drove the plot forward. Sebastian listened with interest, occasionally interjecting with questions or comments that elicited laughter from both of them.

As the night wore on, Sebastian shifted uncomfortably in his fancy suit, and Mia couldn't help but notice his slight fidgeting. Sensing his discomfort, she paused the show and turned to him with a playful smile.

"You know," she began, gesturing to his attire, "you seem a bit uncomfortable in that suit. Why don't you take off whatever's making you uneasy?"

Sebastian glanced down at his outfit, considering her suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement. With a grateful smile, he began to unbutton his jacket and loosen his tie, visibly relaxing as he shed the restrictive clothing. Mia watched with amusement, feeling a sense of warmth at the sight of him becoming more at ease in her presence.

As Mia suggested he shed whatever was making him uncomfortable, Sebastian chuckled playfully. "Well, if you must know," he teased, "pretty much everything is making me uncomfortable right now. Maybe I should just take it all off."

With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he began by unbuttoning his vest, his gaze never leaving Mia's as he made a show of his faux discomfort. Next, he loosened his tie, but as he struggled with the knot, Mia couldn't help but offer assistance.

"Having a bit of trouble there?" she asked with a grin, noticing his struggles.

Sebastian paused, looking up at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Maybe a little," he admitted, his hands leaving the tie as if in invitation for her to step in and help.

Mia laughed and moved closer, deftly undoing the knot and loosening the tie before removing it altogether. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the proximity between them, her fingers grazing his collar as she worked.