“I won’t disappoint you,” he says, reaching for the coffee machine.
I cross my arms, watching him fumble with the machine for a few seconds before I finally grin. “You know, you can give up, and I promise I won’t laugh. Your ego will stay intact—safe and sound.”
“Give up? Not a chance. My ego thrives on a challenge.”
That makes me laugh a bit. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re hard to impress.” He leans in just slightly. “Good thing I’m not the type to give up easily.”
I shake my head, letting out a soft breath. “You really don’t have to do this, Jai.”
His smile softens, the teasing fading into something gentler. “I know. But I want to.”
I nod, pointing at the machine. “Alright then, master of all—get to work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He grins, saluting me before he begins fumbling with the machine again, clearly having no clue of what he’s doing.
I keep my eyes on Jai, but my mind drifts to Aditya. How am I supposed to forget him and move on? It’s not just the memories—it’s the way he made me feel. I hate that a part of me still clings to the idea of us, even though I know I should let go. But how do you forget someone who’s etched into your very soul?
I’m so lost in my thoughts, my fingers idly tracing circles on the counter, when Jai’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
“It’s done.”
I blink in surprise, turning to the coffee machine. “Wow, I’m impressed.”
“Told you I’m a master of all,” Jai smirks before holding up his hands. “I need to clean up.”
I nod and move to the washbasin, turning on the tap as he steps beside me to wash his hands. I grab a towel and hold it out for him. Jai takes it and his fingers brushes against mine as he wipes his hands. But just as I turn to head back to the counter, my foot suddenly slips, and a startled yelp escapes my lips as I lose my balance, the world tilting beneath me. Before I can register what’s happening, Jai instinctively reaches out to steady me. But his grip falters, and instead of saving me, he loses his balance too. And just like that, we both go tumbling down.
I gasp as I crash into him, his arms instinctively wrapping around me as we hit the floor, leaving me sprawled on top of him, my hands firmly braced against his chest.
For a moment, neither of us moves. My eyes are wide with surprise, while his hold a soft smile. I can feel the heat rushing to my face.
“I…. I’m so sorry,” I stammer.
“Well, this is unexpected,” he teases.
I groan. “This is humiliating.”
He chuckles. “Oh, come on. If you wanted to fall for me, you could’ve just said so.”
I let out an exasperated laugh, shaking my head. “You’re unbelievable.”
His grin softens into something gentler. “But I didn’t let you get hurt, did I?”
Something about the way he says it makes me feel awkward. I’m about to push myself up when a sharp voice cuts through, freezing me in place.
“What the hell is going on here?”
My breath catches, but the next moment I push myself up, scrambling to my feet. My heart pounds as I turn to see Aditya standing at the entrance, his jaw clenched, his eyes dark with barely contained anger.
His glare isn’t directed at me, though. It’s fixed on Jai, who is now standing beside me, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt, looking completely unbothered.
Aditya steps closer, his fists clenching at his sides. “Mind telling me what exactly is happening here?”
I open my mouth, but before I can explain, Jai speaks. “Relax, man. She slipped, and I tried to help her.”
Aditya’s eyes flick between us. “Who the hell are you? And what the fuck are you doing at this hour when the café is closed for customers.” His voice is sharp, laced with something dangerously close to jealousy.
