Sandali

A Museum Mishap

[COLET]

The early morning light streamed through the window, painting the room in a soft glow. Today was the museum date - our carefully orchestrated public display of affection. Excitement bubbled in my chest, a welcome contrast to the usual pre-performance jitters.

Maloi, usually an early riser, was still fast asleep, sprawled across the single bed in the cramped hotel room. She looked so peaceful, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders like a dark waterfall. Yesterday's practice session must have taken more out of her than she'd let on.

A playful grin spread across my face. Here was the perfect opportunity for a little payback. Remember all those times Maloi woke me up for impromptu dance challenges or dragged me out for spontaneous late-night ice cream runs? This was my chance to even the score.

I tiptoed closer, careful not to wake her. The dress for the museum visit, a beautiful shade of lavender that accentuated her olive skin, lay draped across a chair. Suddenly, a mischievous idea struck me.

Rummaging through my backpack, I found a pair of fluffy pink socks with cartoon dinosaurs embroidered on them. They looked ridiculously out of place next to the elegant dress. With a silent giggle, I slipped them on Maloi's feet, the contrast making me bite my lip to stifle a laugh.

Just as I was about to retreat, a thought occurred to me. What if she woke up uncomfortable? Maybe I should take a picture for blackmail purposes later, but for now, I should probably make sure she wasn't cold.

Gently, I pulled the duvet off the bed and covered Maloi's bare legs. As I tucked her in, warmth from her body radiated towards me, sending a shiver down my spine. For a moment, I allowed myself to just look at her - at the peaceful rhythm of her breathing, the way her eyelashes fluttered against her cheek.

A pang of something unfamiliar stabbed at me. Was it just the excitement of the day ahead? Or was it something more? Before I could explore the feeling further, Maloi stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"Colet?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

I pulled away quickly, a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Morning, sleepyhead," I said, forcing a casualness I didn't quite feel.

Maloi blinked, focusing on me for a moment. Then, her gaze drifted down to her feet. She stared at the fluffy dinosaur socks for a beat, then burst into laughter, the sound filling the small room with warmth.

"You wouldn't!" she exclaimed, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Guilty as charged," I admitted, unable to contain my own smile.

The playful banter continued as we got ready. The museum visit was no longer just a publicity stunt; it was a chance to spend time with Maloi, to explore this unexpected feeling that had sprung up between us.

As we hailed a cab and headed towards the museum, my heart thrummed with a nervous excitement. Sure, we had the carefully constructed script of a fake relationship to maintain. But somewhere between the stolen glances and playful banter, the lines were blurring. And frankly, I wasn't sure if I wanted to stop them from blurring.

The cab ride to the museum lulled me into a comfortable drowsiness. The rhythmic clackety-clack of the wheels against the tracks, the gentle sway of the car, it all conspired to make my eyelids heavy. Stealing a glance at Maloi, I noticed she seemed just as exhausted. She'd been pushing herself hard all week, her dedication to BINI's comeback unwavering.

My gaze lingered on her for a moment too long, taking in the way the afternoon sun cast a warm glow on her face. Without a conscious thought, I shifted closer, offering her a silent invitation. To my surprise, she didn't hesitate. With a sigh of contentment, Maloi leaned her head against my shoulder, her body relaxing against mine.