Just Business [AndaLookkaew Fanfic] {ENG}

Chapter 8

• • ♥ • •

Lovelyn woke up to the smell of food drifting through the condo. Her neck was stiff from sleeping on the couch, but she stretched her arms out, yawning as she tried to shake it off. She tilted her head side to side, hoping the ache would disappear.

She and Atlas had fallen asleep on the couch last night, tangled up together after binge-watching a series late into the night. They'd spent hours chatting about the show, laughing at the characters' choices, and imagining what they'd do if they were in their shoes. Eventually, sleep crept in, and neither of them had moved. Lovelyn had slept well—better than she had in a while—despite the couch. There was something comforting about being that close to Atlas.

Rubbing her eyes, she followed the smell of food, her steps slow and a little clumsy as she made her way to the kitchen. When she rounded the corner, the sight made her smile.

Atlas was standing at the stove, looking completely at ease in joggers and a white tank top, flipping pancakes like a pro. She was humming softly, completely in her element. Lovelyn couldn't help but grin to herself. She liked what she saw—more than she cared to admit.

She walked up quietly, stopping just behind Atlas before wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her head against Atlas's back.

"Good morning, Atlas," she mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. A soft smile tugged at her lips.

Atlas tensed for a second, clearly caught off guard, but then relaxed. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she smiled. "Good morning," she replied, her voice gentle as she kept her focus on the stove.

Lovelyn held on for a moment longer, letting the warmth of the hug settle over them both. She finally asked, "Did you sleep okay?"

Atlas hesitated, flipping a pancake before answering. "Honestly? That's the best sleep I've had in a long time." She turned her head slightly, her voice softer. "What about you?"

"I slept well," Lovelyn admitted, reluctantly letting go and stepping back, "but my neck hurts a little." She moved to grab plates and glasses from the cabinet.

Atlas glanced over her shoulder, frowning slightly. "I'm sorry. Anything I can do to help?"

Lovelyn shook her head, placing the tableware on the dining table. "It's fine. It'll go away soon. Thanks, though." She smiled over her shoulder, her voice light. "Do you want me to make coffee? You've got enough going on."

"That'd be great," Atlas said with a grin, her attention shifting back to the pancakes. "Thanks, Lyn."

The two women moved in perfect sync once again, working together seamlessly in the kitchen. Atlas set a stacked plate of pancakes on the table just as Lovelyn placed the freshly brewed coffee in front of their seats. They sat down together, the atmosphere easy and warm.

"Thanks for this," Lovelyn said, her voice light and cheerful as she grabbed a pancake and began eating.

Atlas laughed softly, her chest filling with a quiet adoration that was hard to contain. "No need to thank me," she replied, meaning every word. She took a bite of her own pancake, letting herself relax into the peacefulness of the moment.
The morning felt perfect: good food, a great night's sleep, and Lovelyn sitting across from her.

"You're smiling," Lovelyn teased, her eyes glinting with playful curiosity.

Atlas felt her cheeks flush, the warmth creeping up her neck. "Well, yeah," she admitted, trying to fight the shyness in her voice. "I'm just realizing how lucky I am."

Lovelyn's teasing expression softened slightly, but after a moment, her brow furrowed. "Are you scared we're moving too fast?" she asked suddenly, her voice quieter. "Everything with you feels so easy. It almost feels stupid to hold back like this."