Chapter 22: Necessary Rules
Mika’s gaze drifted to the window, the city’s lights twinkling in the deepening dusk, the sky a rich indigo that signaled how late it had grown. The tests were done, the doctor had fled, and the room was theirs, quiet save for Charlotte’s soft humming as she played with his hand, rubbing his fingers against her cheek with a contented sigh.
"Well, since everything’s finished here, I think it’s time I head home." He glanced at her, her warmth a comforting anchor, and cleared his throat, his voice casual but firm. "It’s already late, Charlotte, and I’m beat. I just want to get back and crash."
Charlotte’s humming stopped, her fingers pausing as she tilted her head, her chin resting on his hand like it was a pillow.
"Home? Why are you so eager to ditch me, Mika?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief, her voice teasing but insistent. "This room’s reserved for us all night, you know. We could just stay here, keep each other company."
She leaned closer, her smile widening as she propped her chin on his hand, her gaze locking onto his.
"Unless...you’ve got some big plans waiting for you? What’s so important that you can’t hang out with me a little longer? Got a hot date or something?"
Mika’s lips twitched into a small smile, his tone light but carrying a hint of mock offense.
"A date? Come on, Charlotte, you know better than to ask that. I do have plans, though, big ones, actually. I’m pretty excited about them." He leaned back slightly, his smirk growing as he watched her curiosity pique.
"Big plans?" Charlotte’s eyes lit up, her grip on his hand tightening as she leaned forward, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Ooh, tell me! Are you staying up late to watch some epic movie marathon? Or maybe you’re cooking a huge feast? Can I come? I want to join!"
Her smile was bright, her imagination clearly running wild with visions of fun, normal activities, movies, food, maybe a late, night adventure something she could share with him.
"Movies?" But to her surprise, Mika gave her a look, his brow arching as if she’d just said something absurd, his voice taking on a righteous, almost indignant tone. "You think I’d get excited over some random movies? No way, Charlotte."
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He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a nerdy enthusiasm that seemed to catch her off guard.