Three hearts, one home (Dayasco)

Dinner parties

The next morning, the house was a flurry of activity. Molly was in the bathroom, getting ready for school, while Tyler rummaged through the kitchen, looking for something to eat. The smell of burnt toast filled the air as Daya stumbled out of his room half dressed, to investigate the smell.

"Hey, you're alive," Tyler said, not looking up from his search. "Molly's almost ready, she's just brushing her teeth."

Daya rubbed the sleep from his eyes, the events of the night before still heavy on his mind. "Barely," he murmured, the smell of burnt toast making his stomach turn. "What's the deal with breakfast?"

Tyler held up a charred piece of toast, his expression one of mock despair. "It's a culinary masterpiece," he said, tossing it into the sink. "But I fed Molly she had cereal,"

Daya couldn't help but chuckle, the tension from the night before slowly lifting. "Thanks for that," he said, his eyes scanning the kitchen for something edible.

"No problem," Tyler said, grabbing a banana from the fruit bowl. "But seriously, man, can you grab me some new boxers when you're out today? I've been needing them for a while."

Daya nodded, his eyes scanning Tyler's lanky frame. "You're catching up to me height wise, huh?" he said, trying to keep his voice casual. "What size do you wear now?"

"Uh, I think I need a medium," Tyler mumbled, his cheeks reddening.

Daya nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "That a kids medium yeah?" he said, trying to suppress a grin.

"Don't start," Tyler warned, though the corners of his mouth twitched upwards. "I've probably got a bigger one than you do," he laughed as he pretended to knee Daya in the crotch.

Daya rolled his eyes, his own smile unbidden. "I highly doubt it." he said, his voice playful. "But yeah, I'll grab some on my way back from work."

The banter between the brothers felt almost normal, a welcome change after the tension of the previous night. Molly emerged from the bathroom, her eyes still puffy from yesterday but a forced smile on her lips. "Ready?" Daya asked her, trying to keep the concern out of his voice.

Molly nodded, her book bag slung over her shoulder. "Yeah, I'm ready," she said, though the quiver in her voice suggested otherwise.

"You guys have a good day at school," Daya said, his eyes flicking between Molly and Tyler. "I love you both I'll be back in time to make your dinner okay?"

Molly nodded, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Love you too," she said, her voice small.

With a final pat on Tyler's shoulder, Daya turned and made his way out of the house after them, the cool morning air a stark contrast to the warmth inside. He climbed into his car and drove to the bookshop, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Molly and Tyler.

When he arrived, the bell above the door jingled cheerfully as he stepped inside. Bosco looked up from the counter, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. "Hey," she said, her smile radiant.

"Morning," Daya said, his own smile in response. He couldn't help but feel his heart flutter at the sight of her. "How's it going?"

"Great now that you're here," Bosco said, her eyes sparkling. "We've got a new shipment of books to unpack. You ready to get your hands dirty?"

Daya couldn't help but return her smile. "Always," he said, rolling up his sleeves. The scent of fresh paper and ink filled the air as they began to unpack the cardboard boxes, their conversation flowing easily between them.

As the morning passed, the flirty banter grew more potent, the air thick with unspoken desires. Every time Bosco found something amusing, she'd place her hand on his chest, her laughter a delightful sound that echoed through the bookstore. Daya felt a thrill each time her hand made contact, the gentle pressure sending a warm sensation through his body. He'd never been one to crave physical affection, but something about her touch made him feel alive.