IT IS JUST US...

Elara’s initial shock quickly transformed into disbelief as she noticed Alex's familiar smirk soften into something more tender. Before she could utter a word, he pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her.

"I’ve missed you, Elara," Alex murmured, his voice low and warm. "You didn’t think I’d stay away forever, did you?"

She blinked, her emotions swirling inside her. "Alex… What are you doing here? You can’t just—"

He interrupted her by brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I can’t just show up uninvited? Maybe not. But you look like you’ve been carrying the weight of the world, and I figured you could use some company."

Before she could protest further, Alex gently took her hand and led her out of the apartment. "Come on. Let me take you somewhere that doesn’t feel so heavy," he said, his tone balancing teasing and sincerity.

A short while later, they arrived at Elara's apartment. The cozy warmth of the space was a stark contrast to the tension she had felt all day. Alex guided her to the couch, sitting beside her as he poured her a glass of wine.

"You’ve been quiet," he remarked, observing her with a careful gaze. "What’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours?"

Elara looked at him, her defenses gradually lowering as she let out a soft sigh. "I didn’t expect you to show up, Alex. And I definitely didn’t expect you to still know how to make me forget my worries, even for a moment."

He chuckled and leaned closer. "Well, that’s what I’m here for. Tonight, no business, no stress—just us."

Elara leaned in close to Alex, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Aha, only us... then I should make it unforgettable, right?"

Alex tilted his head, his grin widening. "Oh? By doing what, my girl?"

Without missing a beat, Elara brought her face even closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "By killing you."

Alex froze, his eyes wide. “Wait, what?” Before he could react, Elara grabbed a cushion from the couch and shoved it onto his face, pressing it with dramatic flair.

“Elara! What are you doing?” Alex’s muffled voice came through the cushion as he flailed his arms.

Unable to keep a straight face, Elara burst into laughter and tossed the cushion aside. “That’s what you get for pulling pranks on me!”

Alex sat up, gasping for air, his hair disheveled. “Pranks? What prank? What did I even do?”

Elara crossed her arms, a mock-serious expression on her face. “The one you pulled in the parking lot. You scared the life out of me, sneaking up like that.”

Alex smacked his own forehead. “For heaven’s sake, Elara, that wasn’t a prank! It was a surprise. A romantic surprise!”

Elara raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Oh, really? Then consider this my return gift.”

Alex stared at her, dramatically clutching his heart. “Who calls this a return gift? My girlfriend just tried to suffocate me with a pillow! And you call yourself romantic?”

Elara’s eyebrow arched higher, her tone playful. “What was that? Did you just say something about me?”

“No, no!” Alex waved his hands defensively, leaning back. “I just said this isn’t the return gift I had in mind. I’d like something else, please.”

Elara smirked, leaning closer again. “Oh? And what exactly do you want, Mr. Complainer?”

Alex leaned back, pretending to think, his grin mischievous. “Hmm, maybe a kiss? You know, something normal couples do. No pillows involved this time, okay?”

Elara rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Fine. One kiss. But no more surprises, Alex.”

“Deal!” Alex said, pulling her closer.

But it didn't stop there. Alex pulled Elara onto him, their bodies pressed tightly together as he cupped her face. His lips met hers in a passionate, lingering kiss that deepened with every moment. His hands explored her back, pulling her closer. Her fingers tangled in his hair, and their breathless intimacy filled the room with warmth.