“I thought you were going to cook for me,” Brandon grumbled, pursing his lips, feeling somewhat deceived.
“I thought you were going to cook for me,” Brandon grumbled, pursing his lips, feeling somewhat deceived.
“I’m still a bit scared to be alone after watching that horror movie!” Natalie pouted, clinging to his arm like a spoiled child.
Brandon relented, boiling water for the pasta, cutting the tomatoes, and preparing the sauce. Before he realized it, the entire meal was cooked, and he found himself plating the spaghetti. Why was he so compliant? Perhaps it was because Natalie had been exceptionally affectionate and adorable today. And he found himself enjoying it.
After finishing their meal, Natalie headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Brandon followed her, puzzled by her actions.
Brandon: “What’re you doing? Just put them in the dishwasher.”
Natalie continued washing the dishes while explaining her reasoning.
Natalie: “You don’t remember, do you? Back then, we didn’t have a dishwasher, so we used to divide the work. One person cooked while the other washed the dishes. Since you cooked dinner for us, it’s only fair that I wash the dishes.”
Once she finished cleaning the dishes, Natalie dried them and placed them in the cupboard. When she turned around, she noticed Brandon silently staring at her. It was then that Natalie realized she had said something wrong.
Brandon: “Do you miss the old days?”
Natalie tried to laugh it off, but her eyes betrayed her true emotions, revealing her sadness.
Natalie: “You’re right in front of me. Why would I miss the old days?”
Smiling sadly, Brandon approached her and rested his head on her shoulder.
Brandon: “I’m sorry. I can tell that you were happier with the old me. I can’t seem to make you as happy these days.”
Natalie listened attentively, appreciating Brandon’s ability to express his feelings openly. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she restrained herself from laughing. When did he become this adorable? It felt strange yet endearing.
Brandon playfully pecked her neck and asked, “So, what horror movie were you watching earlier?”
Natalie’s smile froze, caught off guard by the question.
Natalie: “Oh, well… It was… um… ‘Mary Shaw.’”
Brandon suggested they watch it together, pulling her towards the living room. He turned on the TV and started playing the movie, casually unbuttoning two shirt buttons. Seeing Natalie still standing, he patted the spot next to him.
Brandon: “You won’t feel scared now that I’m here with you.”
Blushing with embarrassment, Natalie cursed herself for lying about watching a horror movie.
Brandon: “What’s wrong?” he asked when she didn’t move.
Natalie: “Come on. The movie’s starting.”
Not wanting to raise suspicion, Natalie reluctantly sat beside him. Horror movies always terrified her, causing her to break into a cold sweat. She couldn’t recall the last time she willingly watched one. Moreover, something strange had happened on her computer earlier, making her more anxious than usual.
As soon as she settled down, Brandon naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Grateful for his comforting gesture, Natalie felt slightly less scared as she listened to his heartbeat. She covered her mouth, secretly amused by how fast his heart was racing. Was he scared too? Was he just trying to act cool?
Observing her smug expression, Brandon playfully pinched her and asked, “Did you see that? I thought I saw someone by the window just now.”
Natalie nervously glanced at the window, her heart pounding.
Natalie: “What?! No!”
Brandon urged her to take a closer look, and Natalie, frightened, lightly punched him while pouting.
Natalie: “Stop joking around, Brandon!”
Suddenly, Brandon stood up from the sofa and walked briskly towards the window.
Brandon: “I really saw something!”
Terrified, Natalie buried her face in a throw pillow and shouted, “Come back! I’m scared!”
Seeing her trembling like a leaf, Brandon couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Noveloz.com What a scaredy-cat! He approached her and enveloped the frightened Natalie in his arms.
Brandon: “Since you’re so scared, why did you want to watch ‘Mary Shaw’ all by yourself?”
Unable to come up with a response, Natalie resorted to her usual tactic of changing the subject.
Natalie: “I’ll definitely have nightmares later.”
Brandon’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Brandon: “Then let’s not sleep tonight. We can do something else…”