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He thought she'd be shocked or furious but he definitely didn't expect her to be flustered. She stared at the door next to hers. "Eh? You live here?"
Kineta laughed at her blossomed cheeks and widened eyes. "Me and my baby."
"Baby?"
Kineta unlocked his door to reveal a small puppy running towards him excitedly. He kneeled down to gather Brownie in his arms, lifting her up in the air.
Mai looked displeased.
Kineta offered Mai the dog who stuck its tongue out, looking aimlessly. Mai shook her head as she stumbled backward. "I'm not good with animals."
His brows raised. "My dog's a little sassy. If I told you she didn't bite, I would be lying." He let Brownie run back to his apartment and cause her usual havoc.
"Uh... that's nice?" she complimented rather questionably.
"I spoiled her too much since we don't have neighbors. If she causes too much noise for you, just call me."
Mai nodded cautiously, placing a delicate hand onto her forehead as she shut her eyes close. "I can't believe you're my neighbor. Out of all people."
"You say that as if it's such a bad thing."
Mai lifted her head, eyes flitting to him, unamused. "Name one good thing I could get from this, then."
Kineta scratched his neck. "I'm a good cook?"
"I'm certain I'm better.
He raised his brows. "Want to bet on that?"
Mai crossed her arms. "What's in it for me?"
"If you win, I'd leave you alone."
"And what if you win?"
"You let me court you."
Mai furrowed her brows in contemplation. After a while, she finally decided.
"Let me change first." She paused, watching him suspiciously. "How do I know that you won't do anything indecent?"
Kineta sighed. "Mai, I'm an inexperienced virgin. Not to mention, I wouldn't traumatize Brownie that way."
Mai foundered for a response. "You're a virgin?"
"Surprise," he said feebly, displaying his dimple. "How perverted do you think I am, anyway?"
"You don't look like a virgin," she pointed out.
He processed what she said before a string of laughter escaped his lips. "What is a virgin supposed to look like?" he mocked.
Mai's cheeks tinted red, flustered. "I'm coming back in five," she sputtered out before rushing into her room.
Kineta heard soft knocks as he placed on a hoodie. "The door's open."
Mai came in with basketball shorts and an oversized tee, her hair up in a messy bun. "Do I need to bring my things with me?"
Kineta shook his head. "I've already gotten everything settled."
Familiar patters echoed throughout the area, causing Mai to retreat cautiously. Kineta took Brownie before the latter was able to reach Mai. "I'll put her in my room."
Mai nodded, eyes fixed on Brownie. She was slightly trembling and it managed to summon a protective side of him. "She won't bite you. She'd definitely bite me but not you."
She furrowed her brows. "How is that supposed to make sense?"
"She's terrified of strangers. Curious, but scared enough not to make any moves," he assured as he placed Brownie in his room and closed the door. "She reminds me of you."
Mai thinned her lips. "How?"
"Curious but guarded." He rubbed his hands in his sweater to remove Brownie's fur. "Your tails look alike, too."
"What tail?"
"From your bunny costume."
Mai shook her head in disapproval as Kineta chuckled.
She strutted to the kitchen. "Well? Shall we start?"
