Almost is Never Enough | MIKHAIAH

13 || ⚠️‼️

Third-Person P.O.V.

After Z had agreed to stay,
Z had begun calling her with ease, led her through the hallway toward the guest room. Even though she stayed at her penthouse, Z couldn't help but glance around, taking in the subtle details that hinted at Max's personality.

"This is where you'll stay, again." Max said, her voice casual as she pushed open the door to the guest room. Max crossed the room to a closet and pulled out a set of clothes, a comfortable oversize t-shirt and some shorts. "Here, you can change into these."

Z took the clothes with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Ave. I'll just take a quick shower."

Max nodded, her gaze lingering for a moment before she turned to leave. "I'll be in my movie room, if you need anything."

As Z showered, the warm water cascading over her, she found herself thinking about the evening. The thrill of the motorcycle ride, the helicopter surprise, everything felt like a whirlwind. Max had this way of making every moment feel exciting yet safe at the same time. Z smiled to herself as she rinsed her hair, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and ease.

After drying off and slipping into the clothes Max had lent her, Z walked out of the guest room and made her way to the movie room. She paused for a moment at the doorway, watching Max who also just finished taking a shower. She was lying on the couch, her long legs stretched out, her arm resting casually behind her head. The soft glow of the TV flickered across her face, casting shadows that made her look both serene and striking.

Z quietly stepped into the room. "What are you watching?" she asked, her voice light as she walked toward the couch.

Max turned her head slightly, her eyes catching Z's for a brief moment. She looked different somehow, more relaxed, more at ease. "Just some random movie. Not really paying attention, to be honest," Max admitted with a soft chuckle. She shifted slightly to make space on the couch. "You can join me if you want."

Z hesitated for only a second before sitting at the edge of the couch, unsure of where to position herself. Max glanced at her, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she patted the spot next to her.

"I don't bite, you know, unless you like." Max teased, her voice low and warm.

Z blushed slightly but slid closer, her heart beating a little faster. Max's arm rested on the back of the couch, close enough that Z could feel the heat radiating from her. The atmosphere between them was comfortable yet charged with something unspoken, something neither of them was quite ready to confront.

They sat like that for a while, the movie playing softly in the background as they exchanged quiet conversation, their laughter occasionally filling the room. Z felt herself relaxing, the tension from earlier in the night slowly ebbing away. But there was still something lingering in the air between them, something neither of them could ignore.

Z's gaze shifted to Max, her heart skipping a beat as she noticed how close they were sitting now. Max seemed to sense it too, her eyes flicking down for a brief moment before returning to the screen, a small, almost imperceptible smile on her lips.

The night felt like it could stretch on forever, and neither of them seemed to mind

The soft hum of the TV had become background noise as Max and Z continued to sit close, exchanging occasional glances and comments. But as the movie progressed, the tone shifted. Z's eyes widened slightly as the scene on screen took a more intimate turn, one of those scenes that made the air feel heavy with unspoken tension.

Max shifted on the couch, her movements suddenly more noticeable to Z. The scene wasn't explicit, but it was sensual, the kind that made you feel something deep in your chest, even if you weren't prepared for it. Z's gaze flicked toward Max, and she could feel the same subtle shift in her.