Part 15

Back in Maloi's Condo...

"Hey," Maloi said softly, her voice tinged with a little hesitation. "Would you want to stay the night? We could have a sleepover."

Colet looked at her, her expression warm but thoughtful. She had no reason to decline, and the idea of staying close to Maloi felt comforting. "I'd love to," she said, her voice steady and kind. "I'm not going anywhere tonight."

Maloi's smile grew wider, the relief and happiness clear on her face. She stood up, stretching. "Great! Let me grab a blanket and pillows."

Colet followed her to the bedroom, where she helped Maloi make space for the two of them. It wasn't long before they settled into the bed, the soft sheets a welcoming contrast to the cool air of the room. The movie started, and the two of them snuggled closer, Maloi resting her head on Colet's shoulder.

As the movie played on, neither of them focused too much on the plot. The warmth of each other's presence was more than enough. Every once in a while, Maloi would laugh at something in the movie, and Colet would chuckle softly, her arm wrapped gently around Maloi, as if to make sure she was always close.

"How are you feeling?" Colet whispered during a quiet moment, her fingers gently brushing through Maloi's hair. "You seem a little more relaxed tonight."

Maloi smiled, feeling content as she let out a soft sigh. "I feel good. Really good. It's nice to just be here, you know?" she said quietly, her eyes closing as she nestled even closer to Colet. "It feels like everything else fades away when we're together."

Colet's heart skipped a beat, and she kissed the top of Maloi's head softly. "I feel the same way."

As the night wore on, they watched the movie, sometimes talking in between scenes or simply enjoying the peacefulness that came from being so close. When the movie ended, they both found themselves drifting off to sleep, the soft glow of the room providing just enough light to cast gentle shadows around them.

Maloi, already half asleep, nestled into Colet's side, feeling safe and cared for. Colet, her arm protectively around Maloi, smiled softly to herself, feeling a quiet happiness she hadn't expected to find. The night was peaceful, simple, but perfect in its own way.

As the movie ended, the soft hum of the credits played in the background, but neither Maloi nor Colet moved to turn it off. Wrapped in each other's warmth, the world outside felt distant, irrelevant.

Maloi shifted slightly, her cheek resting against Colet's shoulder. "This is nice," she murmured sleepily.

Colet glanced down at her, a rare softness in her usually composed expression. "Yeah... it is," she admitted, her fingers absentmindedly tracing gentle patterns on Maloi's arm.

The room was quiet, except for the occasional sound of rain lightly tapping against the window. Maloi let out a sleepy sigh, completely at ease. She didn't want to move, and for once, Colet didn't feel the need to either.

"Stay close," Maloi whispered, barely awake.

"I'm not going anywhere," Colet promised, pulling Maloi just a little closer.

And just like that, they drifted off to sleep, tangled in each other's warmth, wrapped in the unspoken comfort of knowing they were exactly where they wanted to be.

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The morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Maloi stirred slightly, feeling the warmth of something solid and comforting against her. It took her a few seconds to register that she wasn't hugging a pillow—but Colet.

Her head rested against Colet's chest, her arm loosely draped over Colet's waist. Meanwhile, Colet had one arm wrapped securely around Maloi, holding her close, as if even in sleep, she didn't want to let go. Their legs were tangled together, making it impossible to tell where one ended and the other began.

Maloi blinked a few times, her heart skipping when she realized just how close they were. She tilted her head slightly, glancing up at Colet's peaceful sleeping face. Her usual strict and composed expression was replaced with something softer, more vulnerable.

Trying not to move too much, Maloi let out a quiet sigh, feeling a mix of giddiness and nervousness. How did we even end up like this? she wondered, though she wasn't complaining.

Just then, Colet stirred, her grip on Maloi tightening for a second before her eyes slowly opened. It took her a moment to adjust, but when she realized the position they were in, her lips curled into a small, sleepy smirk.

"Morning," Colet murmured, her voice husky from sleep.

Maloi swallowed, feeling her face heat up. "Uh... morning."

Neither of them moved.

Colet raised an eyebrow, amused. "Are we just gonna lay here all day?"

Maloi bit her lip before grinning. "I mean... I don't mind."

Colet let out a quiet chuckle. "Me neither."

And so, neither of them rushed to get up. Instead, they remained in each other's arms a little longer, basking in the quiet, unspoken intimacy of the moment.

Maloi felt her breath hitch as Colet, still half-asleep, nuzzled her face against Maloi's neck. The warmth of Colet's breath sent a shiver down Maloi's spine, and she instinctively tightened her hold around Colet's waist.

Colet let out a contented hum, her voice husky. "You're warm," she mumbled against Maloi's skin, her nose brushing softly against her collarbone.

Maloi swallowed hard, her heart hammering in her chest. "Uh... t-thanks? You too?" she stammered, her voice betraying her flustered state.

Colet chuckled, the deep, sleepy sound vibrating against Maloi's skin. "You're cute when you're nervous."

Maloi let out an embarrassed groan, hiding her face in Colet's shoulder. "I hate you," she muttered, though the smile on her lips said otherwise.

Colet smirked. "No, you don't."

Maloi sighed dramatically but didn't pull away. Instead, she relaxed again, letting herself enjoy the quiet moment.

"Let's stay like this a little longer," Colet whispered, her voice softer now, almost vulnerable.

Maloi bit her lip, her heart swelling. "Okay," she whispered back, closing her eyes as she nestled closer.

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After a while, Colet stretched, her arms still lazily wrapped around Maloi. "As much as I'd love to stay in bed all day, we should probably get up," she murmured.

Maloi groaned dramatically. "Ugh, fine."

They reluctantly pulled away from each other and sat up. Colet ran a hand through her messy hair, while Maloi rubbed her eyes, still adjusting to the morning light.

Maloi swung her legs off the bed first. "You go shower first," she offered, standing up and stretching.

Colet smirked. "You just want an excuse to stay in bed a little longer, don't you?"

Maloi gasped, feigning offense. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing?!" She dramatically flopped back onto the bed, making Colet chuckle as she shook her head and made her way to the bathroom.

While Colet showered, Maloi forced herself to get up and went to the kitchen to prepare something light for breakfast. She was pouring coffee when Colet stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in the sleepwear she borrowed last night.

Colet raised an eyebrow. "You made coffee?"

Maloi handed her a cup with a playful smirk. "What, don't trust my coffee-making skills?"

Colet took a sip, humming in approval. "Not bad."

Maloi grinned. "Told you."

They switched places, with Maloi going to freshen up while Colet sat by the kitchen counter, scrolling through her phone. By the time Maloi came back, Colet had already set up the simple breakfast, placing a plate and coffee for her.

Maloi beamed. "Look at you, all domestic."

Colet rolled her eyes but smirked. "Eat before I change my mind."

They sat down and enjoyed their breakfast together, a comfortable silence settling between them. It felt... natural. Like they'd been doing this for a long time.

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As Colet pulled up in front of the music studio, she put the car in park and turned to Maloi. "You sure you don't need me to get you anything before I go?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

Maloi smiled, touched by Colet's thoughtfulness. "I'm good. Thanks for the ride." She unbuckled her seatbelt but hesitated for a moment before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to Colet's cheek.

Colet froze for a split second, her mind blanking at the unexpected gesture. The warmth of Maloi's lips lingered on her skin, and by the time she registered what had happened, Maloi had already pulled away with a playful smile.

"Have a good day at work, CEO Vergara," Maloi teased, opening the car door.

Colet cleared her throat, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "Y-yeah. You too, rockstar."

Maloi chuckled, giving Colet one last look before stepping out of the car and heading toward the studio.

As soon as the door closed, Colet exhaled sharply, running a hand down her face. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath, feeling her heart race in a way that was completely new to her.

She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Maloi disappear into the building. Then, with a deep breath, she pulled away from the curb and drove off to work—her mind still replaying that kiss.

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