11. RUN!

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The air hung heavy with the scent of gasoline and exhaust fumes as Josh emerged from his sleek, black SUV. He surveyed the parking area, his gaze sweeping over the rows of vehicles, but his eyes were searching for a specific figure.

"Asan na yun? Caitlin?" he called, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Caitlyn, who had just walked in from the street, a sly grin playing on her lips, responded, "Andito ako, Josh. You know, I'm not in a motorcycle anymore, so I can't exactly bark at you from a distance."

Josh's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He hadn't even noticed her standing there, her motorcycle nowhere in sight. "San ka nag park?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Caitlyn shrugged, her smile widening. "Oh, you know, just outside. It's a bit of a walk, but I like the fresh air."

"May isa pa akong parking para sa bisita. Sana dito kana nag park" he said

"Ayos na yon andon na eh" she shrugged. lying. She parked in her parking area where her other motorcycle is.

Josh nodded, understanding. "Bahala ka. Ano? Tara!"

They walked towards the elevator. Caitlyn pressed the button for the 12th floor, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Okay lang ba sayong uminom ng tanghali?" Josh asked, breaking the silence. He is still amused about her grabbing a bottle of liquor for lunch.

Caitlyn forced a smile. "Masarap yon kapares ng ramen. Saka gamot sa hang over na din," she said, feeling a strange sense of unease sharing this.

The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival on the 12th floor. Caitlyn's heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't believe they lived on the same floor.

Josh chuckled. "Hangover? You're kidding, right? Ako din eh!"

He gestured towards the hallway. "This way Ms Trouble maker. Try not to break the walls." he teased.

Caitlyn couldn't help but laugh. It was hard to stay serious around Josh. He had this infectious energy, this way of making even the most mundane things seem exciting.

They stopped at a room 2 doors before hers, and Josh's eyes lit up. "Well, here we are. My humble abode."

Caitlyn managed a weak smile, her mind racing. She doesn't have to overshare anyway. Just finish the interview and walk home. Easy.

Right?

---

Josh's unit surprisingly looks tidy enough

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Josh's unit surprisingly looks tidy enough. His living room and kitchen is smaller than hers which means he had it customized for a bigger bedroom. The sofa and kitchen looked untouched. Like there's not a living soul lives in here.

"Tuloy, tuloy." He beamed opening the door for her to enter first then he went straight to the kitchen to drop the groceries.

She followed him rummaging on the other one looking for the ramen. "Pwede ko bang gamitin tong kusina mo? Parang di pa nagagamit eh." She asked

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