Unspoken

CHAPTER 20 : Mystery candies

THIRD PERSON POV

Y/n and Mikha walked side by side, their shoulders brushing occasionally as they navigated the maze of colorful booths. Each fleeting touch sent a spark skittering through Sophie's chest, a feeling she fought to bury beneath her calm exterior. The vibrant chaos of the market overwhelmed and charmed her senses in equal measure. It was like stepping into a storybook—every corner unveiled new wonders: vivid fabrics, gleaming trinkets, and antiques that seemed to whisper secrets of the past.

Mikha glanced at her, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "For a place this run-down, there are so many people here, huh?" she said lightly, her eyes lingering on Y/n's face.

Y/n chuckled, her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met briefly. "I guess people are drawn to the charm of chaos," she replied with a mischievous grin, shifting her jacket on her shoulder.

Just then, a group of children dashed by, bumping into Y/n and causing her to stumble. Before she could fully regain her footing, Mikha stepped in, her hand gently finding Y/n's waist to steady her.

"I've got you," Mikha said softly, her voice calm but with an undercurrent of warmth.

Y/n blinked, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she looked up at Mikha. Her heart raced. "Thanks. Wouldn't want to face-plant in front of everyone," she teased, her voice lighter than intended, masking the butterflies Mikha's touch had stirred.

Mikha smiled, the gesture genuine and smooth, like a quiet promise. "Not a chance," she said. Her tone made Y/n's breath catch, her pulse quickening.

Flustered, Y/n turned toward a nearby stall brimming with oddities. Glass figurines shimmered under the lantern light, delicate compasses lay neatly arranged, and, at the center, a jar labeled in bold, whimsical letters: Mystery Candy.

Y/n squinted at it suspiciously, crossing her arms. "Tell me that's not as sketchy as it looks."

Mikha leaned in, curiosity alight in her eyes. "What? If anything, it's intriguing!" She turned to the vendor, an elderly man with twinkling eyes. "What's the story behind these?"

The man chuckled, his voice gravelly but kind. "Take a chance! Each candy's a surprise—sweet, sour, or spicy. Life's more fun with a little mystery, don't you think?"

Before Y/n could protest, Mikha plucked two candies from the jar and handed over a few coins. She tore one open and popped it into her mouth with a satisfied grin. "Mmm, not bad!"

Y/n raised a brow. "You're really going to trust a random jar of candy?"

Mikha smirked, holding the second candy out to Y/n like a challenge. "Come on, Y/l/n. Where's your sense of adventure? What's the worst that could happen?"

"I could die, for starters," Y/n retorted, though her heart fluttered at the way Mikha said her name.

"I promise to avenge you," Mikha teased, her grin widening.

Y/n rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a laugh. "Fine," she said dramatically, snatching the candy. "But if this ends badly, I'm haunting you forever."

She unwrapped the candy and hesitated, glancing at Mikha, whose amused gaze sent her heart fluttering again. With a resigned sigh, she popped it into her mouth.

Her eyes widened immediately as an intense heat spread across her tongue. "Oh my—" she gasped, covering her mouth as if it might stop the fiery explosion. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she waved her hands frantically. "Mikha!" she squeaked.

Mikha's laughter erupted like fireworks, shaking her entire body. "Oh no, I think you got the spicy one!"

"You—" Y/n coughed, her glare hardly intimidating through the tears streaming down her cheeks. "—you knew this would happen!"

"I might have suspected," Mikha admitted, her grin unapologetic. She stepped closer, clearly savoring Y/n's dramatic reaction. "But your face was absolutely worth it."

Y/n stomped her foot lightly, pouting more adorably than angrily. "Unbelievable," she muttered, fanning her mouth.

Still laughing, Mikha grabbed a bottle of water from the vendor and handed it to her. "Better?"

Y/n took a long sip, glaring half-heartedly. "Barely. You're lucky I'm too nice to stay mad at you."

Mikha bit her lip, stifling another laugh. She reached out, brushing a stray hair from Y/n's face. "You're cute when you're mad, you know that?"

Y/n's cheeks flushed, her breath catching. "You're impossible," she said, looking away with a shy smile.

"And you're adorable," Mikha replied softly. "Thanks for trusting me... even if I did trick you."

The air between them buzzed with unspoken tension, but Y/n let out a giggle, unable to stay serious. She met Mikha's gaze, her heart fluttering, and for once, she didn't mind.

"Next time," Y/n said with mock severity, "you're eating two mystery candies. No arguments."

"Deal," Mikha replied, brushing her fingers lightly against Y/n's for the briefest moment.

Their laughter lingered in the air as they turned back to the bustling market, a promise of more shared adventures hanging between them.