Only for You

23: Green Light

Fatima walks into Zac's bedroom from the bathroom, her hair piled in a messy bun and his oversized black shirt draped over her. She looks effortlessly beautiful, and Zac can't help but glance up from where he's propped against the headboard, lazily flipping through TV channels.

Her bare feet pad softly against the floor as she makes her way to the bed. Without a word, she pulls back the covers and slides in beside him, immediately snuggling up against his side. It feels natural—too natural—and it catches both of them off guard for a brief second.

Zac looks down at her, amused, as she grabs his arm and drapes it around her, pulling him closer.

"Hold me," she groans, her voice muffled against his chest.

He chuckles, shaking his head as he tightens his grip around her. "You're clinging," he teases, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a smirk.

She pauses, her brow furrowing as his words sink in. He's right, and it's a new discovery for her. She's never been like this with anyone—never cared enough, trusted enough, or liked anyone enough to let this side of her out.

"So... Maldives tomorrow?" Zac asks after a beat, his voice low and hopeful.

"I can't," she says with a small sigh, tilting her head up to look at him. "I have something important at the studio, and then I have dinner with my mom and your dad..."

"Shit! I almost forgot about that," Zac groans, rubbing the back of his neck.

Fatima narrows her eyes at him, a smirk playing on her lips. "He called you too?"

"Yeah... something about family time," Zac replies, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Fatima nods thoughtfully. "I guess that probably makes sense now, since they're dating and stuff."

"Yeah, weird as hell, though," Zac mutters, shaking his head.

"Friday, perhaps?" he asks, looking down at her eagerly, hope lighting up his eyes.

Fatima giggles at his enthusiasm and leans up, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Perfect," she murmurs, her smile soft and genuine.

Zac smirks, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he leans down, stealing another kiss—this one slower, deeper, as if to seal the promise.

"All mine," Zac smirks, his tone dripping with possessiveness.

Fatima shakes her head, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she throws her leg over his, shifting closer. "I still expect you to properly ask me to be your girlfriend," she says, her voice stern but laced with affection.

"Yes, ma'am," Zac replies with a mock salute, his smirk widening.

She can't help but laugh softly, leaning into him. "I like this," she admits after a moment, her voice quieter now.

"What?" he asks, picking up the remote again, glancing at her curiously.

"This. Us," she says, her eyes drifting over his face. "It feels different... in a good way."

Zac's lips curve into a softer smile, one that reaches his eyes. "I like this too," he says simply, his voice warm.

Fatima beams at his words, settling comfortably against him. She tilts her head back, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as Zac flips through the channels, eventually settling on a basketball game.

Her eyes narrow slightly as she studies the blank space above the bed. "You should put a mirror up there," she says, pointing at the ceiling.

Zac glances at her, his brows raising before his lips curl into a smirk. "You're a freaky girl."