As the group made their way to a cozy, sunlit café nestled near the campus, the chatter flowed easily, laughter punctuating the air.
Mingyu walked in the middle, towering over the others with an effortless grace, his presence magnetic.
Fourth, brimming with excitement, took the lead, animatedly introducing everyone as they settled around a large table by the window.
Phuwin smirked, watching Fourth with amusement. And this is Phi Sky. Fourth said, gesturing to his senior mentor friend. Phi Naniâhe's our expert in sarcasmâand my peer mentor.
Each introduction was met with Mingyu's warm smile and polite nod, but when Fourth motioned toward Gia, something shifted.
Mingyu's dark eyes softened, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice rich and deep as he asked, And who might this pretty lady be ?
The words, simple yet undeniably charming, sent a ripple through the group.
Gia felt her cheeks heat instantly, a blush rising so fast it was almost dizzying. Her pulse quickened, and her stomach flipped in a way she hadn't experienced before.
She looked down, trying to gather herself, but his gaze remained gentle, attentive, waiting.
Fourth, oblivious to the effect, grinned. Gia's like my ride-or-die, Phi. She's the one who keeps me from doing anything too stupid.
Gia tried to play it cool, offering a small smile as she met Mingyu's eyes.
I'm Gia. She said softly, inwardly cursing how breathless she sounded.
Mingyu's smile widened, warm and genuine.
Gia. He repeated, as though savoring the name. It's a pleasure.
Sky and Nani exchanged amused glances, Sky raising an eyebrow with a teasing grin.
Phuwin, ever the watchful older brother, didn't miss the interaction but chose to stay quiet, observing with a hint of intrigue.
Gia, desperate to break the spell, cleared her throat. So, um... what brings you here from Korea, Phi Mingyu ?
Mingyu leaned back, the sunlight catching the sharp angles of his face as he chuckled.
Business, mostly. But seeing my favorite cousins was high on the list. He shot a wink at Fourth and Phuwin, though his gaze drifted back to Gia for a fleeting moment.
Fourth, unaware of the undercurrent between them, chimed in with a laugh. Well, you've got plenty of time to annoy us now.
As the conversation continued around her, Gia found herself sneaking glances at Mingyu, each time feeling her heart flutter.
There was something about the way he carried himselfâconfident yet approachable, charming but sincereâthat made it impossible to look away.
And from the corner of her eye, she swore she saw him looking too.
As Gia stepped into the house, a soft, contented giggle escaped her lips, her cheeks still flushed from the lingering warmth of the day's events.
Her heart fluttered at the memory of Mingyu's small smiles and the subtle but thrilling glances they'd exchanged.
She was lost in her thoughts, floating on the excitement of a budding connection.
The way he'd offered those secretive, gentle smiles, how their eyes had met across the café, and the deep, soothing timbre of his voice as he spoke to her.
Every moment replayed like a melody she couldn't stop humming.
She didn't notice her brother and fathers presence.
New, seated on the couch with a book in hand, glanced up and immediately noticed the change in his daughter's demeanor.
A fond smile curled at his lips. There was something magical about seeing Gia like thisâcarefree, glowing with a happiness that couldn't be contained.
He didn't need to ask. He already knew. His daughter was growing, experiencing the flutter of new emotions, and it filled him with both pride and a twinge of nostalgia.
Welcome home, sweetheart. New greeted warmly, his voice gentle.
Hi, Papa. Gia responded, her tone light and dreamy as she drifted past him toward her room, unaware of the scrutinizing eyes fixed on her from two very different corners.
Tay stood by the kitchen doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Gia's bubbly figure glide by.
His usual playful smirk was absent, replaced by a thoughtful frown. He didn't say anything, but his gaze followed her closely, every instinct screaming to protect his only daughter.
Gemini, leaning casually against the wall, had a similar expression. His sharp eyes tracked Gia's every movement with silent vigilance.
He didn't miss the way her lips curved into a soft smile or the faint blush that still colored her cheeks.
Something was up, and while she seemed blissfully unaware, he was already mentally cataloging everything that could have caused it.
New noticed the tense silence hanging in the air and chuckled softly, shaking his head.
Really ? He said, raising an eyebrow at Tay and Gemini. You're both staring like she's just brought home a wild animal.
Tay didn't budge, his gaze still fixed on Gia as she disappeared into her room.
I don't like it. He muttered, crossing his arms tighter. She's too... happy.
Gemini nodded in agreement, his voice low and serious. Something happened. Someone happened.
New rolled his eyes, setting his book aside. For heaven's sake, let the girl enjoy herself. She's in university, she's bound to meet people.
His tone was light but firm, an unspoken reminder that Gia was growing up.
But she's still our daughter. Tay shot back, his voice protective. And I'm not about to let some smooth-talking guy make her blush like that without knowing exactly who he is.
Gemini's jaw tightened. We need to keep an eye on her.
New laughed softly, rising from the couch and walking over to place a hand on Tay's shoulder.
She's fine. He said gently. She's happy. And isn't that what we want ?
Tay sighed, though the tension in his shoulders didn't fully ease. I suppose. He conceded, though his protective instincts remained on high alert.
Gemini didn't reply, his eyes still fixed on the hallway where Gia had disappeared. He wasn't ready to let his guard down, not yet.
New patted Tay's shoulder, his smile reassuring. Trust her. She's smarter than you give her credit for.
As Tay and Gemini reluctantly settled back into the room, their overprotective instincts still simmering beneath the surface, New couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
Gia, meanwhile, lay on her bed, oblivious to the silent watchmen outside.
Her heart still fluttered, her mind replaying the memory of Mingyu's soft voice calling her pretty lady, and for now, that was all that mattered.
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Update no.4
This chapter was kind of Gia focused.
Happy reading and have an amazing day cuties ð§¸
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