Ennemies with benefits

Unexpected comfort

Winter break had settled in, bringing a serene calm to Kacy's home. Wrapped in blankets, Kacy was curled up on the couch, feeling irritable and restless thanks to her period. The world outside was blanketed in snow, a stark contrast to the internal storm she was weathering.

Just as she was about to sink further into her grumpiness, a knock on the door broke the silence. With a sigh, she shuffled over and yanked the door open, half-expecting it to be one of the neighborhood kids or a delivery. To her surprise, João stood there, grinning with a bag of groceries in hand.

"What the hell are you doing here, João?" Kacy snapped, her mood barely concealed.

João raised an eyebrow, not used to Kacy's sharpness but rolling with it. "Just thought I'd visit my old rival. Didn't know you'd be in such a charming mood."

Kacy mumbled a string of curses under her breath but stepped aside, letting João in. Without missing a beat, João walked straight into the kitchen as if he were a regular guest. He started rummaging through the cupboards, pulling out pots and pans.

"Are you planning to rob me or just make yourself at home?" Kacy asked, her irritation fading into mild disbelief.

"Making dinner," João said casually, as if this was the most normal thing in the world. "You look like you need a break from your cooking duties."

Kacy watched as João efficiently moved around the kitchen. "You know, this is weirdly domestic for someone who used to be my arch-nemesis."

João glanced over his shoulder with a smirk. "Well, maybe I've evolved. Or maybe I just really like carbonara."

Kacy chuckled despite herself. "Don't get too comfortable. I might decide to kick you out before dessert."

Dinner was ready sooner than Kacy had anticipated. They sat down at the dining table, and João served them both generously. As they began eating, the conversation started to flow more naturally.

"So, did you ever figure out what you want to do with your life?" João asked, breaking the silence.

"Honestly, I'm still figuring that out," Kacy admitted. "But this job is a start. What about you? How's football treating you?"

João shrugged, a thoughtful look on his face. "It's a rollercoaster, but I'm getting there. It's nice to have a break from all the craziness."

Kacy nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. It's nice to have a little peace and quiet every once in a while."

After they finished eating, João suggested they move to the balcony. Kacy hesitated but followed him outside. The cold air hit her, but she welcomed the change of scenery. They sat down, and João pulled out a small heater, adding a touch of warmth to the chilly night.

Kacy lit up a cigarette, the smoke curling in the crisp air. João's face darkened, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he sat silently, observing Kacy with a mixture of exasperation and resignation.

"You know, you're lucky I'm in a good mood," Kacy said, her voice muffled by the cigarette smoke. "Otherwise, I'd have given you a lecture about your smoking habits."

João raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes today special?"

Kacy exhaled slowly, smiling despite her irritation. "Maybe I'm just in a weirdly generous mood. Or maybe I'm too tired to argue."

"Don't get used to it," João said, leaning back and relaxing a bit. "I might just have to come over more often."

Kacy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, as if I'm going to let you turn my home into your personal hangout."

When the cigarette was finished, João pulled out his phone and handed it to her. "Here, take my number. You might need it."

Kacy stared at the phone, then up at João with a mix of annoyance and confusion. "Seriously João ? Why the fuck would I need your number ?"

"Just in case you change your mind about being nice," João said with a chuckle.

Kacy took the phone reluctantly, grumbling as she typed in her number. "Fine, whatever. Don't expect me to call you."

João just smiled and shrugged. "We'll see."

As João left, Kacy was left on the balcony, staring at his number saved in her phone. The unexpected visit, the dinner, the conversation—it was all oddly comforting. Despite her mood, she felt a sense of warmth she hadn't expected.