As the car pulled into the underground parking garage of Aira's apartment building, Tawan's mind was already running through a list of security protocols. It was her first official day as Aira's personal bodyguard, and she had quickly realized that this assignment would be unlike any other. The heightened threat level, the media attention, and the unique situation of protecting a high-profile idol like Aira meant she would have to remain alert around the clock.
As they stepped out of the car and into the private elevator, Tawan quietly observed the environment. The building was secure, but she couldn't shake the feeling that being hereâthis close to Airaâwas going to be complicated in ways she hadn't anticipated.
Aira, noticing Tawan's silence, glanced at her curiously. "You're awfully quiet. What's on your mind?"
Tawan met her gaze briefly before looking away, her expression as unreadable as ever. "I'm just thinking about security. Since I'm your personal bodyguard now, I need to be with you 24/7, including here."
Aira blinked, processing the implications of that. "Wait... does that mean you'll be staying with me?"
Tawan nodded. "If I'm going to do my job properly, I need to be nearby at all times. It's safer that way."
The elevator door slid open, and they stepped into the hallway leading to Aira's penthouse. Aira's lips curved into a teasing smile as they approached the door. "So, you're saying we're going to be roommates now?"
Tawan's gaze didn't falter. "Something like that."
Aira chuckled softly as she unlocked the door and they entered the spacious apartment. The mood was light, but there was an underlying tension, as both of them were aware of how drastically their relationship had shifted within just one day.
Tawan walked through the apartment, taking stock of every entry point and security vulnerability. Meanwhile, Aira flopped onto the couch, watching her with a curious expression.
Tawan finished her sweep of the apartment and turned to face Aira. "Your life is in danger. This isn't something we can take lightly."
Aira raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "You know, for someone who's going to be living with me, you need to loosen up a bit. We're in my apartment now. This place has top-notch security, you know."
Tawan paused, a faint flicker of hesitation in her eyes. "We can't be too careful."
Aira patted the seat next to her on the couch, her voice playful. "Come on, Tawan. You've done the sweep, everything's secure. Why don't you sit and relax for a minute? We're not in a war zone."
Tawan hesitated for a moment, then, perhaps sensing that the immediate danger was behind them, walked over and sat down, though her posture remained stiff.
Aira laughed softly, leaning back into the couch. "This is going to be fun, isn't it? An idol and her bodyguard, sharing an apartment. How do you think this is going to work?"
Tawan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Aira's playful tone deepened. "Well, for starters... you said you need to be with me 24/7, right? So... does that mean I'll never be out of your sight? Even in the bathroom?" Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
Tawan blinked, momentarily thrown off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. "I'll give you privacy, obviously."
Aira giggled, leaning a little closer. "You sure? What if I'm brushing my teeth or... something else? You might miss something important."
Tawan's jaw clenched, but her lips twitched like she was trying not to smile. "I'll manage."
Aira tilted her head, her voice still teasing. "And what about the sleeping situation? Are you going to stand by my bed like some kind of bodyguard statue, or do I get to actually sleep without someone hovering over me?"
Tawan's expression softened just a little. "I'll be in the guest room. Close enough if something happens, but far enough to give you space."
Aira grinned, clearly enjoying the game. "Oh, come on, where's the fun in that? What if I get scared in the middle of the night and need you to check on me?"
Tawan finally allowed herself a small smile, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Aira."
Aira winked. "I'm just saying, this whole '24/7 bodyguard' thing has potential for some... interesting situations."
Tawan's face returned to its usual calm expression, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "If you think this is going to be fun, you're in for a surprise. My job is to protect you, no matter how boring it gets."
Aira's eyes softened a bit as she shifted the tone, sensing that Tawan was still trying to keep things professional. "I know. I just don't want you to treat this like I'm a prisoner in my own home. We're going to be around each other all the time, so... maybe we can make it a little more... normal?"
Tawan glanced at her, thoughtful. "You're right. But you also need to understand that things won't ever be completely normal again. We have to be prepared."
Aira nodded, her teasing smile fading slightly. "Yeah, I get that. But maybe we can figure out how to balance it. You know, being Aira the idol and Aira the person who just wants to live her life without being constantly scared."
Tawan leaned back slightly, relaxing for the first time since they arrived. "We'll find a way."
Aira smiled at that, feeling a sense of relief that Tawan was finally loosening up a little. "Good. Because, trust me, I'm not great at following orders all the time."
Tawan smirked. "I've noticed."
Aira laughed, feeling lighter than she had all day. "This might actually work out."
Later that night, Tawan sat on the living room couch, a laptop open on her lap. The room was dimly lit, and the soft hum of the city outside was the only sound. Tawan was reading through Aira's schedule and updates on her father's dealings, trying to gather as much information as possible. She didn't take her job lightly, even if the immediate danger wasn't pressing.
As she focused on the screen, the soft padding of footsteps caught her attention. Tawan glanced up to see Aira emerging from her bedroom, wearing comfortable sleepwear and with her hair slightly tousled.
Aira smiled at Tawan, walking over and sitting beside her on the couch. "Still working, I see."
Tawan looked back at her screen. "There's a lot to catch up on. I need to stay ahead of any potential threats."
Aira leaned back, crossing her arms, a playful gleam in her eyes. "You're so serious all the time. You know, I've been thinking..."
Tawan glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "About what?"
Aira leaned in a little closer, her voice taking on a teasing tone. "About how after everything that happened the other day, I'm... well, kind of afraid to sleep alone."
Tawan's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure of where the conversation was heading. "You're in a secure building. There's nothing to worry about. And how about yesterday? You used to live alone here, right?"
Aira smiled mischievously. "Oh, I know that. But it's not about the security. It's just... Since you are already here, I'd feel a lot better if you were... you know... beside me."
Tawan blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. She stared at Aira for a moment, clearly uncertain. "You... want me to sleep in the same room as you?"
Aira shrugged, still teasing but now with a hint of sincerity in her voice. "Yeah. I mean, what if something happens? Wouldn't it be easier for you to protect me if you're right there?"
Tawan exhaled softly, trying to stay composed. "If it were any other bodyguard, would you still ask the same thing?"
Aira grinned, leaning back and tilting her head. "Hm, Maybe... but I don't have any other bodyguard. I have you."
Tawan hesitated, clearly torn between her professional instincts and Aira's request. "This isn't exactly part of the job description."
Aira giggled. "I'm sure it is somewhere. Come on, Tawan. It's just for tonight."
Tawan sighed, clearly giving up on resisting. "Alright. Just for tonight."
Aira's grin widened, but as they both headed toward the bedroom, the teasing atmosphere shifted slightly. Once inside, Aira slipped under the covers, and Tawan stood awkwardly by the door, clearly unsure of how to proceed.
"Relax, Tawan," Aira said softly, patting the empty side of the bed. "You're making this weird."
Tawan slowly approached and lay down on the edge of the bed, stiff as a board. Aira chuckled to herself, but once she was under the covers, she realized the situation wasn't as easy as she thought it would be. The reality of having someone else, especially someone like Tawan, sharing her bed was... strange.
Aira lay there for a moment, sneaking a glance at Tawan's back. Her heart raced, and she felt a nervous energy in the air. She had never experienced this beforeâhaving someone close like this, sharing such an intimate space. She was always the "little girl" under her father's protective eye, and now... now she was sharing her bed with someone else.
Aira bit her lip, unsure of how to act. She had teased Tawan into this, but now that it was happening, she felt more vulnerable than she expected. She curled up slightly, her cheeks flushing, wondering what Tawan was thinking.
Tawan, for her part, remained silent, her eyes focused on the ceiling as she kept her body rigid, clearly trying to keep things professional. But even she couldn't deny that the situation was unusual, and the proximity between them was... complicated.
Aira rolled over, facing Tawan's still figure. "You're so stiff," she teased, nudging her slightly. "Are you really going to act like a bodyguard even while you're in bed?"
Tawan stayed still for a moment before sighing. "I'm just trying to stay professional."
Aira smirked, her voice light with teasing. "Professional? You do remember I was the one who asked you to stay here, right? You could relax a little."
Tawan's expression remained calm, but her silence spoke volumes. Aira leaned a little closer, her tone more thoughtful now. "I mean, we just met yesterday, and now I'm already dragging you into my bedroom. That's not weird to you?"
Tawan glanced at her briefly, clearly uncertain. "It's unusual, yes. But my job is to protect you."
Aira raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Yeah, I get that. But you have to admit, this is all happening kind of fast. One day, we don't know each other, and now I'm practically making you stay with me 24/7."
Tawan shifted slightly, her eyes avoiding Aira's teasing gaze. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
Aira chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Always so serious. Come on, you can admit it's a little weird, can't you?"
Tawan hesitated, a faint flush creeping into her cheeks. "Maybe... a little."
Aira's smile widened at the sight of Tawan's unease. "See? Not so hard to admit." She paused, her tone softening. "But thanks. I do feel better with you here."
Tawan exhaled slowly, clearly wrestling with the situation. After a beat, she spoke, her voice firm but gentle. "You should get some rest. It's late, and you have schedule tomorrow."
Aira raised an eyebrow, catching Tawan's subtle shift. "You're right... you're just trying to avoid this conversation," she teased, her voice light.
Tawan shifted slightly, her gaze steady. "Maybe. But I'm still right."
Aira laughed, pulling the blanket closer. "Fine, you win this time. Goodnight, Tawan."
"Goodnight, Aira," Tawan replied, the tension easing just slightly, though the flush on her cheeks was still noticeable as she settled back.
As Aira turned over, a soft smile spread on her lips. The weight of the day faded, knowing Tawan was right there.