𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬 | 𝐍𝐢-𝐊𝐢

EPISODE 2

As we pulled up in front of my house, I felt the familiar flutter of excitement in my chest. Ni-Ki slowed the motorcycle to a stop, and I gently removed the helmet, feeling the cool evening air rush against my face. As I swung my leg over to get off, I felt his hand softly grasp my arm.

"Careful," he said, his voice laced with a sweetness that sent shivers down my spine.

"Thanks for the ride," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady, though my heart was anything but.

"You're most welcome, princess," Ni-Ki said with a playful grin that made my stomach flip.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh, feeling my cheeks warm as I smiled. "Don't be late for your practice."

"I won't," he nodded, his eyes sparkling with that signature smile that never failed to make me feel like the only girl in the world.

"Ok, then. Bye," I said, forcing myself to turn away, though my heart tugged to stay just a little longer.

"Bye," Ni-Ki echoed, his voice lingering in the air as I walked toward my door.

Just before reaching it, I couldn't resist the urge to glance back. I turned around and waved, and sure enough, there he was, still watching me with that same warm smile. He waved back, and it felt like a little burst of sunshine had exploded in my chest.

I turned to the door, unlocking it with a small sigh, a mix of reluctance and contentment. But as I stepped inside, something told me to look out again. And there he was—still there, still waiting. My heart skipped a beat.

"Yah. Leave already," I called out, trying to sound annoyed, but failing miserably as a giggle escaped my lips.

He chuckled softly, that sound that always made my heart flutter. "Bye, princess," he said, dragging out the words in a way that made my knees weak.

"Don't call me that," I huffed, though the smile on my face betrayed my words.

"Just admit it, you like it," he teased, his grin widening as he saw me roll my eyes.

"Whatever. Bye," I retorted, trying to keep the playful banter going, but inside, I was a mess of feelings.

"Bye ~" he sang, finally starting to ride away.

I watched him leave, my heart doing flips as I closed the door behind me. As soon as I was alone, I couldn't help it—I started smiling like a fool, the kind of smile that makes your cheeks hurt and your heart race.

"Oh my god, he drives me crazy!!" I exclaimed to the empty house, my voice full of giddy excitement. I twirled around, hugging myself, feeling like I was floating on air.

This is my life—completely chaotic, completely unpredictable. But moments like this? They're the best part of it all.

After a month or something.

There I was, wandering the aisles of the grocery store, trying to decide between the many options of instant noodles, when I noticed a lady struggling with her bags at the checkout. Her frail arms juggled the bags, and I could see the strain on her face. Without a second thought, I dashed over to her, my heart instinctively telling me to help.

"Good evening, aunty! Let me help you with those bags," I offered with a warm smile, reaching out to take the burden off her hands.

Her eyes softened as she looked up at me, gratitude washing over her features. "Oh, thank you so much, sweetie."

"It's no problem at all," I replied, lifting the bags with ease. "Are you waiting for someone?"

A tender smile curled on her lips. "Oh, yes. My son is coming. I sent him to buy something."