The air coming from the air conditioner brushed Serene’s body, sending tiny goosebumps on her arms. She shivered slightly, then snuggled closer to Justin, borrowing some of his body’s heat. He stuck his face in the crook of her neck, sniffing the remaining lavender scent on it. He pulled her close to him. His arm wrapped around her waist, and he trapped her legs in between his. Feeling her frigid arm, he rubbed her to make them warm. His raven hair splayed across his shoulders. Serene picked a lock of it and absentmindedly twirled it around her finger. Just as she had expected, his hair felt soft to touch.“Justin,” she drawled while she traced his back with her finger.“Hm?” he responded while playfully biting her earlobe.

Serene bit her lips as her eyes scanned Justin's face. All she saw was the movement in his jaws as he looked into the direction Bryan and Chester took. Somehow she felt ‌it would be easier if he showed his dissatisfaction rather than have him sit coldly beside her.   Unsure of what’s going on in his mind, Serene swallowed hard and felt icy chills run down her spine and spread through her body. The hand that held his tightened some more, afraid he’d let go. Tears accumulated at the rims of her eyes.   Part of her felt aggrieved by the events. She did not know that the necktie would resurface and of all the time it would; it had to be now when they’re just laying the foundations of their relationship, which at this point felt like a grain of rice could topple it.    “Shen

Unable to work for a week, her action items for implementing their expense software for Rain International piled up. Unlike in the past where she would just drop by when they have a meeting, because of her piled up work, she had asked Justin to give her a desk in the Finance department so she could work closely with Arthur and his staff.  The idea of having her close thrilled Justin. He agreed to her request immediately. Her desk was strategically in between Leo and Rich. The two were chatting while drinking coffee when she came in. She gave them a curt nod and a smile before sliding into her chair. Going through her email as soon as she settled it had been her routine. She had just opened her first email and had barely read the first sentence when she heard the two men on her either side chuckled. 

In a blink of an eye, Friday had come. After work, she and Justin will head straight to the domestic airport to catch their flight to Coast City. If all things flow as scheduled, they will be home before dinnertime. “Mom,” Serene held the phone by her ear to speak to her mother. “I’ve booked a flight back to Coast City later this afternoon.” “That’s great Baby! Dad, and I missed you. Do you have any requests for dinner?” Carol sounded enthusiastic.  “Nothing in particular, Mom. Also…” Serene cleared her throat before continuing, “I’m bringing my boyfriend with me.” Her face was burning red as she picked at the invisible dirt of her free hand. She felt like her mother was glaring at her and she simply had to look away.  “Who did you say you'll bring over, De

Justin rubbed his eyes and accustomed himself to his surroundings. He woke up not to the warmth of the sunlight kissing his skin, or to the chilly space beside him, rather it was the sound of Serene’s shout coming from the balcony. He scrunched his brows. What’s going on with my woman? Did she go crazy? Why is she shouting this early in the morning? He got out of bed, wearing only his pajama bottom.  “Kurosawa!” she shouted, waving her arms in the air. The person whom she called had his yawn caught in his throat. Seeing Serene on the opposite balcony took Dylan by surprise. He knew that the Lewis’s and Ellis’s were neighbors, but he did not know that Mary’s and Serene’s rooms were directly across each other. Serene yelped when she felt a powerful arm hug her waist and sniffed her neck.