Chapter 96: You’re So Rude!
Mira’s body froze. She wanted to believe that Zamian was really there, hugging her from behind, but a part of her doubted it. Her mind raced with a mixture of disbelief and fear. She could feel his presence, but what if it was just a cruel figment of her imagination? What if, like a dream, he vanished the moment she reached out to him? Slowly, carefully, she raised her hand, her fingers trembling, and placed it on his large palm. His warmth was undeniable.
She turned her head to look up at him, her breath hitching in her throat. Zamian stood there, looking as real as ever. She blinked once, then twice, her gaze flickering with uncertainty. For a brief moment, she caught a look of confusion in his eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly as it had come. She hesitated, then gently pulled her hand away from his, her voice soft and unsure.
"Bend closer," she whispered, barely able to speak above a murmur.
Zamian obeyed her request, his lips curling into a small, tentative smile. Was she going to kiss him? The thought crossed his mind, and he leaned in, his heart fluttering in anticipation. Just as his face drew near hers, Mira’s hand shot up, and she pinched his cheek—hard.
"R...real," she stammered, her words barely audible as her hands flew to cover her mouth in disbelief.
Zamian froze, taken aback by the gesture. His heart clenched painfully, an unfamiliar ache that almost took his breath away. The fact that she needed to confirm if he was real or not struck him in a way he couldn’t fully comprehend. Damn. He had thought she might kiss him, or at the very least, hug him. But this? This uncertainty, this hesitation—it hurt more than he was prepared for.
Not knowing how to respond, Zamian swallowed hard, his hand instinctively moving to scratch the back of his neck. Was he nervous? He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt this way.
"Happy baby shower," he said awkwardly, trying to keep his voice steady, though it came out more strained than he intended.
Mira’s eyes widened in surprise. That was when she noticed the soft bunny toy he was holding in his other hand, a cute pink bow tied neatly on its head. A gift? Had he brought her a gift? Her lips parted slightly, caught between shock and confusion. How had he known about the baby shower? Had he been thinking of her all this time?