The Constant Beat - LingOrm (Completed)

Chapter 6

When she arrived home, she collapsed onto her couch, exhausted. But after a few minutes of lying there, she groaned and sat up, remembering that she needed to take the garbage out. Unwillingly, she gathered the trash and headed downstairs to the building's elevator.

As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, her eyes landed on a familiar figure----Keia. Seline blinked in surprise, and before she could say anything, Keia rushed over with her usual cheerful smile.

"P'Seline! Let me help you." Keia said, grabbing the garbage bag from Seline's hands before she could protest.

At the same time, Keia handed her yet another bouquet and a takeout box containing her favorite steak. Seline's heart sank. This again.

Keia, struggling with the weight of the garbage bag, glanced at her with that sweet smile. "I hope you like it," she said, her voice soft, filled with genuine care.

"N'Keia, please---" Seline began, but Keia cut her off.

"No. Let me be. Just let me do this for you." Keia said, her tone gentle but firm. She smiled, then walked towards the garbage bins, tossing the bag inside without hesitation.

Seline sighed, watching Keia's determined yet slightly awkward movements. When Keia returned, she faced her with that same hopeful expression that tugged at Seline's heart in ways she didn't want to acknowledge.

"P'Seline.. can we start again? I know we've only been together for eight months, but I know you still love me." Keia said quietly, her eyes searching Seline's face for any sign of hope.

Seline let out another sigh, but this time, there was a softness to it. "N'Keia... You know what? You should just go home and get some proper sleep. Are you still staying up all night playing games?" She asked, a hint of concern slipping into her voice.

"I'm sleeping early now, promise. I only woke up early because I wanted to see you," Keia chuckled, watching as Seline rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"You need proper sleep, N'Keia. And stop going on those crazy diets. You're already in great shape." Seline said, surprising even herself with the sudden compliment. She immediately realized how it must have sounded.

Keia's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I know I've got a great body-- You used to leave so many hickeys on me, remember?" she teased with a playful grin.

Seline flushed, looking away quickly. "I should go. Thanks for the help, and for...this." she said, motioning to the flowers and food.

But before she could walk away.

Keia darted forward, placing a quick kiss on Seline's cheek.

The gesture was so swift and unexpected that by the time Seline registered it, Keia was already running off, laughing.

"Crazy kid." Seline muttered, shaking her head with a faint smile as she turned and walked back into her building.

As she rode the elevator up to her apartment, Seline felt a strange warmth lingering. Despite everything--the frustration, the annoyance, the break-up--- Keia still had a way of making her smile even when she didn't want to.