chapter 2 - with him

Zahn was on top of her, both of them frozen on the spot.

Amy’s heart pounded, but she smirked, trying to ease the awkwardness. Might as well tease him while we’re at it.

"Well, well… if you wanted to get on top of me, Zahn, you could’ve just asked."

In an instant, his dazed expression snapped to irritation.

With a grunt, he pushed himself off her, grabbing the vacuum. "Shut up."

Amy just laughed, watching him furiously clean as if that would erase what just happened.

But even as her laughter faded, her gaze lingered on him.

Her heart was still racing.

__________________________

Amy yawned, slumping against her desk as yet another lecture dragged on.

Studying just wasn’t her thing. She didn’t have the patience to sit and stare at books like Zahn did, burying himself in pages like they were his only lifeline.

Speaking of Zahn… she barely saw him on campus.

They were in different majors—Amy in Communications, Zahn in Business Studies. The only time they had a class together was twice a week for an elective, and even then, they barely interacted. It was almost like they were strangers at college.

No one knew they were together. Not a single soul.

If anyone did find out, they’d probably lose their minds.

Amy and Zahn? The chaotic menace and the brooding loner? Sun and moon dating? Yeah, not happening.

Not that it really mattered. Were they even dating?

The thought made Amy pause.

She had no idea what they were.

Her heart had been acting weird ever since last night. The moment Zahn was on top of her, when he pinned her down (accidentally), her heartbeat had gone haywire. And it didn’t stop there. Every time she thought about it, a strange feeling crept up her chest, making her restless.

That was insane. Completely ridiculous.

I’m overthinking.

Before she could spiral any further, her phone buzzed with a notification.

Ruby: Sorry, Amy! I can’t come for the spa session. Take someone else!

Amy blinked.

Seriously? She cancels at the last minute?

They had already booked and paid for the session, so letting it go to waste wasn’t an option.

Who should I take instead? Mia? Or Someone else?

Her eyes lit up.

Zahn.

A slow, mischievous grin spread across her lips.

This was going to be fun.

_______________

The second Amy arrived at Zahn’s place, she marched straight in and snatched the book from his hands.

"What the hell..." Zahn scowled, reaching for it, but Amy quickly stepped back.

"We’re going somewhere."

That grin on her face was pure evil.

Zahn narrowed his eyes. "What?"

She didn’t answer. Instead, she spent the next ten minutes pestering, nagging, and annoying him until he finally, albeit reluctantly gave in.

And now, they were standing outside a salon.

Zahn stared at the sign, then at Amy. Then back at the sign.

"…What?"

Amy grinned. "Come on, it’ll be fun."

Zahn took a slow breath. " You dragged me out of my house… for this?"

" Yep."

His eye twitched.

Before he could turn back, Amy grabbed his wrist and yanked him inside.

"Geez, Zahn, don’t be such a wimp!"

As soon as they stepped inside, a salon employee greeted them with a bright, professional smile, one that was probably second nature to her by now.

"Welcome! Do you have a booking?"

Amy beamed, holding up her phone. " Yep! Here it is."

The employee took a quick glance at the booking details before scanning the two of them.

"Are you two a couple?" she asked, her voice sweet. "We have a special offer for couples—extra massage time, complimentary services, and a few other benefits."

Before Zahn could even process the question, Amy jumped in.

"Yes! We’re up for it!"

Zahn turned to her so fast he nearly got whiplash.

What is she even doing?

The employee’s smile widened. "That’s great! You two look really good together."

Amy grinned proudly, while Zahn struggled not to roll his eyes.

She really just wanted the free offer, didn’t she?

Before he could protest, Amy had already dragged him to one of the seats.

Zahn sat stiffly, completely out of place.

He had never, never set foot in a salon, spa, parlor, or whatever this was supposed to be. And now, thanks to her, he was stuck here.

The place smelled overwhelmingly of floral shampoos and fancy hair products. Around him, ladies lounged comfortably as salon workers pampered them; facials, hair treatments, massages, the works.

Zahn had a bad feeling about this.

And sure enough, his misery began when one of the salon workers started washing his hair.

The moment her fingers ran through his scalp, rubbing in shampoo and conditioner, Zahn flinched. His head was tilted back over a sink, his neck straining, water running through his hair, it was the most uncomfortable thing ever.

Meanwhile, Amy sat beside him, completely unbothered, enjoying her own session like she had done this a thousand times.

Does she think I’m a girl or something? Is that why she brought me here?!

By the time his hair was finally done, Zahn barely recognized it.

It was... soft. Way too soft.

He ran his fingers through it, frowning. It felt like clouds...light, smooth, weirdly perfect.

Amy, of course, looked thrilled. "Whoa, Zahn! Your hair is so fluffy now!"

He scowled. " Shut up."

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning.

Next was the facial.

Zahn stiffened as a salon worker started applying various creams and treatments to his face, rubbing and massaging with expert hands. It was odd. Unsettling. He didn’t even like human touch, yet here he was, subjected to it against his will.

As his face was slathered in products, he shot Amy a side glance.

She was loving this. Completely relaxed, eyes closed, not a single care in the world. Amy was having the time of her life.

As a spa lady worked on her facial, she kept chatting away, giggling at random things.

Zahn, on the other hand, sat there like a hostage. It's all her fault..

Then Amy turned to him with a grin. "Zahn, you like it?"

He immediately looked away, acting as if he hadn’t heard her.

The spa lady attending to him paused nervously. "Sir, am I doing something wrong?"

Zahn sighed, forcing the most unconvincing smile. "Not really."

Finally, finally, after what felt like ages, it was all over.

The entire process had taken nearly three to four hours, far longer than he had the patience for.

As soon as they were done, Amy leaned closer, poking his cheek before cupping his face.

"Oh my god, Zahn! Your skin is sooo smooth!" She grinned mischievously. "Don’t you like it?"

He scowled, rolling his eyes, before walking off to sit a little distance away.

A spa lady approached Amy, lowering her voice as she whispered, "Your boyfriend is so good-looking. You two make such a lovely couple."

Amy smiled. " Thank you..."

She didn’t know why, but hearing your boyfriend made her feel... satisfied.

She had this weird feeling like she wanted to stick with Zahn forever.

Wait Forever... forever...?

Why was she even thinking about that?

Shaking off the thought, she focused on the next service in their "couple package"—a body massage.

Of course, Zahn had been mortified at the idea.

But when it actually happened... he had to admit internally, of course, that it was nice.

It was really nice.

As the tension in his body melted away, he nearly forgot about the embarrassment.

At one point, he was so relaxed that he almost fell asleep..

And just like that, the torturous-yet-surprisingly-pleasant spa session was finally over.

They were seated in the lounge area now, sipping free tea and nibbling on snacks.

Amy, content, bit into a cookie before glancing at Zahn.

He was quiet.

Suspiciously quiet.

Grinning, she suddenly reached out and messed up his hair, laughing as she ruffled the soft strands.

"HEY!!" He flinched, immediately grabbing her wrist. "What the hell?!"

Amy pulled her hand back, giggling. "Oh Your hair is so soft, Zahn."

He shot her an unimpressed look.

" Don’t ever drag me into something like this again."

With that, he grabbed his tea, chugged it down, and stood up.

"Wait!"  Amy called after him, hurrying to catch up. "You really didn’t like it?"

"No."

"But you almost dozed off during the massage," she teased, smirking.

"......."

Zahn didn’t bother answering. Instead, he quickened his pace, clearly done with the conversation.

When they reached the crosswalk, he stopped, waiting for the traffic light to turn.

And then, without a word, he clasped her hand in his and led her across the street.

Amy’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.

He didn’t even think about it. He just did it.

She glanced down at their intertwined fingers, feeling an odd warmth in her chest.

How caring...

"Zahn, you held my hand," she teased, tilting her head with a grin. "That’s surprising."

He immediately let go,

"Tch Just a mistake."  His tone was completely indifferent, as if it had meant nothing.

Amy burst out laughing.

He’s seems like a tsundere.

But honestly...

Being with him like this felt so warm.

And she didn’t want that warmth to disappear.

______________________

A week later

Ruby had finally returned from her cousin’s wedding overseas.

"Yo, Amy!" she called, waving as she approached. "Sorry, I was busy and couldn’t talk to you. Did you go to that spa?"

Amy kept a straight face. " Yeah. Went with my mom."

Ruby squinted at her. " Seriously?"

Amy nodded.

"Well, whatever. We should go again, I promise I won’t disappear this time."

" Sorry, nope."  Amy grinned. " Today’s an important day."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. " What important day?"

Amy smirked. "Not telling you."

Ruby shot her an annoyed look. " ...You’re so weird."

Amy just laughed.

Because, yeah today was an important day.

And she had something very important to do.

Amy stood outside Zahn’s apartment, a plastic bag in one hand and a bunch of snacks in the other. Humming to herself, she rang the doorbell.

A few seconds later, the door swung open. Zahn’s eyes flickered to the items in her hands before he raised an eyebrow.

"What’s this?"

Amy grinned. "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Zahn!"

He blinked. " …What?"

His birthday? He hadn’t mentioned it to anyone.

"How did you even know…?" he asked, frowning.

" I looked at your documents," she admitted shamelessly, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Zahn narrowed his eyes. Of course she did.

Before he could say anything, she pushed past him like she owned the place, stepping inside and making herself at home.

Zahn sighed. He should be used to this by now.

His gaze followed as she set a small cake and a variety of snacks on the table. "Come on, let’s celebrate! I’ll make a video," she announced, pulling out her phone and of all things, party hats.

Zahn gave her a blank stare. "Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously," she said, shoving one onto his head before adjusting her own.

This was so stupid.

And yet, somehow, a few minutes later, he found himself blowing out candles and cutting cake while she sang an off-tune version of the birthday song.

As they ate, Zahn found himself… easing into the moment.

He never did this. Never celebrated. Birthdays never meant anything for him, just another ordinary day. But Amy... she made it feel so different.

His house didn’t feel so empty anymore.

"…Thanks,"  he muttered under his breath.

Amy beamed. "You’re welcome!" Then, without warning, she picked up a fork and fed him a slice of cake.

Zahn stiffened. "What—?"

Amy only smirked. "You don’t like sweets, right? I’ll eat the rest."

He scowled, flustered, but didn’t argue.

"Wanna go out today?" she asked casually, stuffing her mouth with cake.

Zahn scoffed. "There’s a test tomorrow."

Amy groaned. " Ugh, tests aren’t that important."

He shot her a pointed look. " Amy, I don’t get to cheat like you."

Amy choked on her laughter.

Zahn frowned. "What’s even funny?"

"Fine, fine. You study. While you do that, I'll watch some dramas," Amy said, pulling out a few cans of beer. She set up her laptop, put in her earbuds, thankfully, not disturbing him this time, and settled in.

Zahn, on the other hand, pulled out his books, forcing himself to focus. But no matter how hard he tried, his gaze kept flickering toward her.

Why did she bother celebrating my birthday?

What was her intention? What did she really want?

For some reason, it warmed his heart. No one had ever celebrated his birthday before. Ever. He didn’t understand her actions at all. They were twisting something inside him, unsettling yet strangely comforting.

Shaking his head, he quickly looked back at his book.

_______________

Three hours later…

Amy had binge-watched three long episodes, her heart twisting at the emotional scenes—though she was more affected by the kissing scenes.

She had also chugged down five cans of beer.

Her cheeks were flushed red, her mind a little hazy, but she wasn’t completely drunk.

Yawning, she took out her earbuds and glanced to the side—only to freeze.

A slow grin spread across her face.

"Oh? Did he fall asleep?"

Zahn had slumped over, the book slipping from his hand, his head tilted at an awkward angle. His steady breaths filled the quiet room.

Amy bit her lip, amused. Did the good food make him sleepy?

Curious, she leaned in closer, poking his cheek with her finger.

So grumpy when he’s awake, but actually kinda cute like this.

Then… her grin slowly faded.

Her eyes traced his peaceful face, his long lashes, his straight nose, the way his lips were pressed together.

Her brows knitted slightly.

Why… does my heart feel so weird?

Why did she feel so warm just looking at him?

Why was he so important?

Her chest tightened, her heartbeat quickening. Did I drink too much beer or something…?

Without realizing it, she swallowed.

Her mind drifted back to the last time their faces were this close.

Her fingers tightened slightly.

She couldn't help herself, inching closer...

Closer.

Just a little more...

Her lips trembled for a moment.., then before she knew it, she gently pressed her lips against his cheek.