chapter 63: bitter sweet

Chapa POV:

I woke up, rubbing my eyes. It was my birthday today. I was 23 now.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand—Saturday, 9 a.m. Bose was still sleeping beside me, his arm lazily draped over my waist. I sighed, then shook his body until he stirred.

Within seconds, he jolted awake like he thought he was late for work.

I smirked. "I expected breakfast in bed for my birthday, hm? You sleepyhead."

Still groggy, he gave me a lopsided smile. "Happy birthday, Sparky." He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. I reached up and ran my fingers through his hair, messing it up even more.

He groaned, running a hand through it. "Did you say you expected breakfast in bed?"

I pouted and nodded playfully. "Mhm."

He chuckled. "Sorry, I was so tired."

"I'm not serious, dummy. It's okay, I get it—you're busy with work and all," I said. "Let's just go make something together."

I grabbed his arm and dragged him out of bed, but the moment I opened the bedroom door, I froze.

The entire room was decorated. The dining table was completely set—covered with food and drinks. Pancakes, eggs, bread, cake, cookies, all kinds of fruits, waffles, meatballs, and a dozen other things.

My mouth fell open. "What—"

Before I could even process it, I felt warm arms wrap around my waist from behind.

"Happy birthday, my love," Bose murmured in my ear before pressing a few soft kisses there. I squirmed, laughing as it tickled.

I turned to look at him. "How did you—? This is too much. Are you insane?"

He just smiled. "I still had to make it up to you. And you deserve this."

I shook my head, still in disbelief. "When did you even prepare all this? The pancakes aren't cold, are they?"

"I decorated everything last night after you finally fell asleep," he said. "And this morning, I woke up at seven to make breakfast."

"You're crazy."

"Crazy about you," he teased.

I rolled my eyes. "You're so cheesy."

"Hmm, am I?"

"Yes, you are," I said, smiling despite myself. "Let's eat before it gets cold."

We sat down, and Bose immediately started putting food on my plate. I took a bite of the pancakes, humming in approval.

"How is it?" he asked, watching me closely.

"Really good," I admitted. "I didn't know you could cook so well."

He grinned. "I'm learning."

Then, out of nowhere, he leaned in and licked my nose.

I recoiled, laughing. "What the hell was that?"

"You had sugar on your nose."

I narrowed my eyes. "Hmm."

We kept eating, laughing between bites, and by the time we were done, I stood up to go take a shower. But Bose caught my wrist.

"Wait," he said.

I raised a brow. "What?"

"I have a gift for you."

I blinked. "What? I thought this was my gift." I motioned toward the disaster of a table.

He smirked. "How could you think that would be your gift when I'm your billionaire boyfriend?"

I groaned. "Stop. You make me sound like a gold digger."

He chuckled, then handed me a small, wrapped box. "Happy birthday."

I eyed it, then him. "Wow, yeah. So expensive for a billionaire boyfriend."

He laughed as I unwrapped it—then froze.

Inside was a key.

My jaw dropped. "This is too much. What is this? Don't tell me it's—"

"It's a motorcycle," he confirmed with a smile.

I stared at him in shock. "You're crazy."

"Where even is it?"

"In my garage downstairs."

"Stop it." I launched myself at him, hugging him tight.

He chuckled, squeezing me back. "I hope you like it. If you want a different one, we can shop for a new one."

"Oh, I will definitely like it, don't worry."

"Glad you like your gift."

"Like it? I love it. I love it, and I love you, and I love you so much." I covered his face in quick kisses.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Now who's being cheesy?"

"Oh, okay, then I won't kiss you or tell you how much I love you." I turned away dramatically.

"No, no, no, no, no, come back to me." He grabbed me, practically dropping his whole body onto me in an exaggerated hug.

I laughed.

"I hope to be there for all your birthdays," he murmured.

And I smiled.

Mika POV:

I shut down my computer, rubbing my eyes. It had been a long day, and my brain felt fried from all the reports and emails. I grabbed my bag and stretched before heading toward the door.

The moment I stepped out of my office, I almost ran straight into someone.

Andrew.

He stood there, holding a bouquet of fresh roses and lilies, a boyish grin on his face.

"For me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He chuckled. "No, actually, these are for the security guard."

I smirked, crossing my arms. "Oh, so that's how you got in?"

He shook his head. "Nope. I told him I was your fiancé."

I blinked. "My what?"

Andrew shrugged. "If I said 'boyfriend,' he wouldn't let me in."

I sighed, shaking my head, but I couldn't hide my smile as I took the bouquet. "You're unbelievable."

He stepped closer, tilting his head slightly. "I missed you."

I felt my face heat up, but I kept my expression neutral. "We saw each other a few days ago."

"That's days too long."

I exhaled, shaking my head again. "Well, I still have to go home and get dressed for Chapa's birthday party."

"Perfect," he said. "I'll wait and go with you."

I didn't argue. Instead, we walked to the parking lot together, and soon, we were driving through the city.

At a red light, Andrew suddenly reached over and took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine.

I glanced at him. "Focus on driving."

"Focus on you," he murmured, giving my hand a squeeze.

I smiled, biting my lip to stop it from growing too wide.

—

At home, I kicked off my heels and checked the time. "We still have an hour before we need to leave."

Andrew leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "That's enough time."

"For what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He stepped toward me, eyes playful yet dark with something else. Then, before I could react, his lips were on mine.

I gasped slightly, but melted into the kiss. His hands slid around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

Slowly, he backed me toward the bedroom.

I didn't even realize I was walking until the back of my knees hit the bed.

Andrew smirked against my lips before suddenly shoving me gently down onto the mattress.

I let out a small laugh, but it was cut off as he climbed over me, kissing me deeply.

His hands ran up my sides, fingers teasing the hem of my blouse as he kissed down my jaw, then my neck. I felt him press against me, his body warm and firm, making my skin tingle.

His hand slipped beneath my shirt, fingertips tracing my stomach.

"Andrew—" I whispered, but he just hummed, his lips trailing lower.

I closed my eyes, getting lost in the feeling.

Then suddenly, I placed my hand on his chest and gently pushed.

He immediately stopped, lifting his head to look at me. His brows furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.

"I don't want to do anything right now," I said softly. "Not in a rush."

For a moment, he just stared at me. Then, he exhaled and nodded. "Okay."

I saw the restraint in his expression, but he pulled away without hesitation, settling beside me instead.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

I shook my head. "Don't apologize."

He hesitated. "I just... I can't stop thinking about Hawaii."

I swallowed, knowing exactly what he meant. The way we had kissed back then, the way we had almost—

"I know," I said, looking down.

He studied me. "Are you still not ready?"

I met his gaze. "I am." I took a breath. "Just not now."

He searched my face, then gave a small nod. "I understand."

His lips brushed mine in a soft, fleeting kiss, and for a second, I wanted to pull him back down.

But instead, he smiled slightly and sat up.

"Go get dressed," he said, his voice warm.

I exhaled, nodded, and got up, feeling his eyes on me the whole way to my closet.

Bose POV:

I adjusted the cuff of my shirt, glancing in the mirror as I finished getting ready. Tonight was Chapa's birthday party, and I wanted everything to be perfect. The penthouse was already set up—dim lighting, music playing softly in the background, and a long table filled with food.

Chapa was out picking up Sage while I handled the final preparations. Mika, Miles, and Blaise were invited, and Mika and I had gently nudged Chapa into inviting Andrew as well. She resisted at first, but eventually, she gave in. Some of her friends from George's were coming too—Fatima and Nate, I think. Her parents weren't attending, but she didn't seem too upset about it.

Soon enough, the doorbell rang, and people started arriving.

Mika and Andrew were the first ones there, followed by Miles and then Blaise. Sage arrived with Chapa not long after, and Fatima and Nate came in last, bringing a bottle of wine as a gift.

We all sat down for dinner, the atmosphere relaxed and lively.

—

"Okay, but who do you think would survive longer in a zombie apocalypse?" Sage asked, grinning as he stabbed a piece of steak with his fork.

"Me," Chapa said without hesitation.

"Absolutely not," Mika said, shaking her head. "You'd attack first and get bitten in five minutes."

Chapa gasped. "I would not! I have instincts."

"She does have instincts," I agreed. "They're just... chaotic."

"I feel like Bose would be the actual survivor," Miles said, glancing at me. "You wouldn't attack, so you'd stay hidden."

I smirked. "Glad someone finally noticed my potential."

"Well, if it ever happens," Andrew said, sipping his drink, "I'd just bribe the zombies."

"With what?" Chapa asked.

"My charm."

Everyone groaned.

—

Later in the night, the conversation shifted to childhood memories.

"So, what was everyone's dumbest childhood injury?" Fatima asked, leaning forward with interest.

"I once tried to jump off my roof with an umbrella," I admitted. "Thought it would work like a parachute."

"Wait—how old were you?" Mika asked.

"Seven."

"Oh, that's not too bad."

"I did it again when I was thirteen."

Chapa stared at me. "And you think I'm the chaotic one?"

As the night went on, I leaned back in my chair, sipping my drink and watching Chapa laugh at something Mika said. She looked happy, which meant tonight was a success.

Then my phone buzzed.

I pulled it out, frowning at the screen. No Caller ID.

I stood up, placing my glass down. "I'll be right back," I murmured to Chapa.

She gave me a questioning look, but I just kissed the top of her head before stepping out into the hallway.

I swiped to answer. "Hello?"

There was a brief pause. Then a voice spoke in Italian.

"Bose, vieni da noi, abbiamo qualcosa da dirti."

I stiffened. The voice was unfamiliar, but the words were clear.

Come to us, we have something to tell you. They said.

My grip on the phone tightened. "Chi è?" I started, but before I could finish, the line went dead.

I stared at my screen for a moment before taking a slow breath, pushing any tension off my face. Then, I slipped my phone back into my pocket and walked back to the party.

Chapa caught my arm. "Who was that?"

I forced a small smirk. "Just a scam call."

She eyed me for a second but didn't press further.

I sat back down, picking up my drink again, but my mind was already elsewhere.

Miles POV:

I was on my way to the bathroom, barely thinking, when the door suddenly swung open, and someone bumped straight into me.

Blaise.

She let out a small noise of surprise, stumbling slightly before looking up at me. Her eyes widened for half a second, then narrowed just as fast.

I caught her by the arm before she could step away. "You alright?"

She didn't answer immediately. Her face was flushed, and her lips were parted like she was about to say something, but then she just exhaled and brushed me off.

"Fine."

I let go, watching as she pushed her hair behind her ear and straightened up. She looked past me, she was about to walk away, but I caught her by her wrist.

Then she spoke.

"...Did you tell them yet?"

I blinked. "Tell who what?"

She rolled her eyes, like I was being deliberately stupid. "Your family. About Maddie."

My jaw tightened slightly.

Not this again.

I didn't answer right away, and Blaise let out a breath, crossing her arms.

"You still haven't?" she asked, voice sharp.

"I will," I said.

She scoffed. "No, you say you will. But you won't."

I ran a hand through my hair, glancing away. "They'll figure it out."

"You should tell them yourself," she insisted, stepping closer. "If they hear it from someone else, it's just gonna be worse. Just do it, Miles." she said as she was about to walk away.

I sighed and stopped her again. Then a small smirk tugged at my lips. "You're drunk."

She tilted her head slightly, challenging. "Then don't stop me from leaving."

That made me pause. "What?"

She licked her lips, eyes flickering to mine. "If you stop me, I'll get the wrong ideas."

My eyes widened. "What kind of ideas?"

She swallowed. "Ideas I don't wanna get."

I studied her for a second, then leaned in just slightly, lowering my voice.

"You wouldn't get those ideas if you didn't wanna do them."

Her breath hitched—just barely, but I caught it.

Then she turned away again. "I'm going home."

"No, you're drunk," I repeated, reaching for her wrist. "Let me take you."

She shook her head. "No."

I grabbed her arm before she could go any further—firm, steady.

She stilled.

Her gaze flickered to my hand on her arm, then slowly up to my face.

For a second, neither of us moved.

Then, suddenly, she surged forward and kissed me.

It was quick—barely a second—but my stomach flipped all the same.

She pulled back with a smirk.

"Don't do stupid things," I said, voice quieter than I intended.

She raised an eyebrow. "You said I should do my ideas."

I huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking my head. "Let's get you home, Blaise."

—

The drive was silent.

Blaise leaned her head against the window, eyes half-closed, but I knew she wasn't asleep. Her fingers drummed lightly against her knee, like her thoughts were too loud to settle.

I glanced at her briefly.

"You okay?"

She let out a small laugh, not opening her eyes. "You ask me that too much."

"Because you never give me a straight answer."

That made her smile, but she didn't reply.

When we got to her place, I parked and got out first, walking around to open her door. She stepped out, still steady despite how much she'd had to drink.

At her door, she fumbled for her keys for a second before unlocking it. But instead of going inside, she lingered, looking at me.

"...Thanks," she said softly.

I nodded. "Get some sleep, Blaise."

She hesitated, then smirked slightly. "Don't miss me too much."

Then, before I could respond, she shut the door in my face.

I exhaled, staring at it for a second before running a hand through my hair.

I was so screwed.

Bose POV:

I watched Miles leave, Blaise slightly stumbling in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. A little drunk, but not as much as Nate, who had just left with Fatima. That guy could barely walk straight.

Mika had drunk a little too, but Andrew hadn't touched a drop so he could drive her home. Everyone was gone now, except Sage. She was stretched out on the couch, lazily twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers.

It was about 11 p.m. Chapa hadn't wanted the party to go too late, and the apartment was finally quieting down.

Sage suddenly sat up, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Hey, can I drink a little?"

Chapa, sitting cross-legged on the armchair, didn't hesitate. "No."

Sage pouted dramatically. "That's unfair."

"You're still underage," Chapa said simply, not even looking up as she adjusted one of the pillows beside her.

Sage scoffed. "I wouldn't be surprised if you drank at my age."

Chapa didn't answer, just pressed her lips together.

I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't drink when I was 16."

Sage immediately rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because you're Bose."

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She waved a hand dismissively. "Never mind."

I let it slide and stood up, stretching. "I'm going to the supermarket to get breakfast for tomorrow and some snacks."

Sage perked up instantly. "Chapa, go with him."

I shot her a confused look, but before I could say anything, Chapa shook her head.

"No," she said firmly.

I turned to her. "Why not?"

Chapa leaned back against the couch. "Because if we're gone, Sage will drink the alcohol."

Sage groaned loudly. "Oh my god."

"See?" Chapa shot back, giving her a knowing look.

Sage crossed her arms. "Fine. Then let me at least go with Bose."

Chapa sighed. "Fine."

—

As Sage and I walked down the street toward the supermarket, the night air was cool, a light breeze ruffling my shirt. The streets were mostly empty, except for the occasional car passing by.

I glanced at her. "Did you have fun tonight?"

She nodded, her arms swinging slightly at her sides. "Yeah, I did."

I smiled a little. "You can sleep with Chapa in our bed tonight."

Sage turned to me with a skeptical look. "Where are you sleeping then?"

"The couch," I said simply.

She made a face. "Is that even comfortable?"

I shrugged. "It's fine."

Inside the supermarket, we walked through the aisles, grabbing some bread, eggs, and other essentials. Sage, of course, tried sneaking a pack of candy into the basket, giving me a hopeful look. I sighed but let it slide.

Once we left, we found a bench nearby and sat down for a moment. Sage rustled through the grocery bag and suddenly pulled something out.

"For you," she said with a grin.

I looked at the object in her hand. A beer can.

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't drink."

"Oh well, then it's a waste." She shrugged, tapping the top of the can. "I should drink it."

I shook my head. "No. Chapa told you not to."

She smirked. "She won't find out if I just take one sip."

I sighed. "You'll reek of alcohol. And neither of us drink, so it'll be obvious."

Sage turned to me with full-on puppy eyes, her lips slightly quivering. "Pleaaaase."

I exhaled and looked away.

"...Fine. One sip."

She grinned in victory, popped the can open, and took a sip.

A second later, she spit it out, making a disgusted noise. "Ew, gross!" She wiped her mouth furiously with her sleeve, looking absolutely betrayed by her own decision.

I laughed, leaning back against the bench.

She glared at me. "It's a waste to throw it away."

"You're what? A millionaire," she scoffed, tossing the can lightly in her hand.

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I like wasting things."

She rolled her eyes. "You let me drink it."

"I didn't let you drink it, you basically begged and I couldn't resist." I corrected, narrowing my eyes slightly.

She smirked. "Watch out, or else you'll make your future kid addicted to alcohol."

I gave her a flat look. "I don't have to worry about that."

She tilted her head and laughed. "Why not?"

"Because Chapa wouldn't want children."

"Oh, damn." She blinked, suddenly looking a little guilty. "Sorry."

I waved it off, but she kept looking at me, studying my face. "I didn't think you'd be staying with Chapa forever, which is why I thought you'd be having kids one day with someone else."

I laughed in shock. "What? You thought we'd break up?"

She hesitated. "I mean... being with Chapa isn't easy, she can be tough."

"You shouldn't talk about your sister that way, besides... I like that side of her." I simply said.

"It is who she is though." She replied and shrugged.

I leaned forward slightly, resting my arms on my knees. "Would you want kids, though?" Sage asked after a moment.

"It's Chapa's decision," I said simply.

"But what about you? Just you?"

I hesitated before answering. "...I wouldn't mind to have kids."

Sage sat back with a thoughtful hum. "Then you should talk to Chapa about it before you grow into a grandpa."

I let out a small laugh. "I'm not that old yet."

"Wait for it," she teased, nudging my arm. "You'll be as old as Captain Man soon."

I froze dramatically. "Oh no."

She laughed. "We should head back," I said, checking the time. "Or Chapa will start looking for us."

Sage sighed but got up. I eyed the half-full beer can still sitting on the bench. "Throw that away," I told her.

She made a face. "I don't wanna touch it. I spit all over the can."

"Just use your powers," she said, grinning.

I looked around. The street was empty. Quickly, I used my abilities to lift the can into a trash bin nearby.

Sage clapped. "I wish I had powers," she muttered as we started walking back.

"What kind would you want?" I asked, humoring her.

"Hmm..." Sage tapped her chin in thought. "I think I'd want the power to convince people."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's an... interesting choice."

She nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I could convince anyone to do the right thing, solve problems in the world..." Then she smirked and elbowed me lightly. "And I could convince Chapa to have kids with you."

I let out a surprised laugh. "That'd be against her will."

I smiled at her. "Why do you want us to have kids so badly?"

She grinned. "Because I need a job ASAP, and if I can babysit your kid, I'll earn a lot since you're a millionaire."

I chuckled. "Billionaire, actually," I whispered.

She stopped walking and gawked at me. "Just give me money at this point. Then I'll repay you by babysitting later."

I smiled. "Fine. Whenever you come by, I'll give you something."

She laughed in triumph, but as we reached the penthouse, she suddenly grabbed my arm, stopping me before I could go inside.

I frowned. "What, you want more alcohol or something?" I teased.

"No," she said, rolling her eyes. Then she looked up at me with an earnest expression. "I just wanted to say... you'll be a great dad. Just talk to Chapa about it."

For a moment, I just stood there, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. Then, as her words sank in, I felt something shift inside me—a flicker of hope.

Andrew POV:

I gently laid Mika down on the bed. "Easy, easy," I murmured as she sank into the mattress. She groaned, rubbing her forehead.

"My head hurts a lot," she muttered.

I brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "You should get some sleep," I told her softly.

She blinked up at me sleepily as I stood up, about to leave. "Where are you going?"

"I have to finish some work for the art exhibition," I said.

She didn't argue, just nodded weakly and turned on her side. Within moments, she was out.

—

Two hours later, I finally decided to go to bed. My eyes burned from staring at my laptop screen, and my shoulders ached from hunching over my sketches. I took a quick shower, letting the warm water ease the tension in my muscles, then threw on a sweater and sweatpants. December was creeping in, and the nights were getting colder.

As I ran a towel through my damp hair, I heard a rustling sound. I turned and saw Mika shifting under the blankets, her eyes fluttering open.

"Sorry," I whispered. "Didn't mean to wake you."

She let out a small sigh. "What time is it?"

"Quarter to one," I said.

She stretched slightly, blinking at me. "Are you cold?"

"A little bit," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck.

She didn't look drunk anymore, the haziness in her eyes replaced by something else—something mischievous. Before I could react, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me onto the bed.

"Whoa—" I barely had time to balance myself before she climbed over me, her hands pressed against my chest.

She leaned in, peppering kisses along my jaw and down my neck. Her touch sent a wave of warmth through me, making my breath hitch.

"Are you getting warmer?" she giggled against my skin.

I smiled. "Definitely."

"Good," she murmured.

Then she kissed my neck again—slowly, teasingly. A shiver ran down my spine. The way she did it felt almost dangerous, like she had too much power over me. It felt good but still. I clenched my jaw, inhaling sharply.

This wasn't right. She shouldn't be the one to waste her energy. She deserved my attention first.

Gently, I cupped her face in one hand and turned her head, capturing her lips in a deep, sideways kiss. I rolled over, hovering above her, and kissed her again—trailing my lips down the same path she had taken on me.

"Take your sweater off," she whispered suddenly.

I pulled back slightly, searching her face. "Are you sure?"

She nodded.

Without hesitation, I grabbed the hem and pulled it off in one swift motion, tossing it somewhere across the room.

She ran her fingers over my chest, then leaned in and inhaled.

I laughed, amused. "What are you doing?"

She grinned up at me. "You smell good."

I chuckled. "I just showered."

She bit her lip, then whispered, "Sorry."

"For what?" I asked, still smiling.

Her eyes glinted playfully. "That you'll have to shower again soon."

My breath hitched. My whole body tensed at her words.

"You want...?" My voice faltered. I could barely finish my sentence.

She nodded. "Yes, please."

The innocence in her voice made my heart melt—and at the same time, sent a rush of heat through me.

I swallowed hard. "Have you ever done this before?"

The second the question left my lips, I regretted it.

She shook her head.

I froze. How? How was I this lucky to be her first? A woman like this?

My chest tightened. I ran my fingers along her cheek, brushing my thumb over her skin. "I'll be gentle with you," I murmured. "Just stop me whenever you don't want to continue."

She nodded again.

Her fingers gripped the hem of her shirt, about to pull it off, but I caught her wrists.

"Let me," I whispered.

Slowly, carefully, I helped her out of it, my fingers brushing against her warm skin.

I leaned down, my lips ghosting over hers. "I'll be so good to you," I promised.

Even now, I could barely believe this was real.

When she was completely undressed, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

She was unreal.

Like an angel.

And I had fallen for her completely.