After dinner, the tension that had lingered between them began to dissolve, replaced by a lighter, more playful atmosphere. As they cleared the table together, their hands brushed occasionally, sending small jolts of electricity through them.
"Want to watch a movie?" Magnar suggested, glancing over at her with a hint of mischief in his eyes.
"Sure, but only if we can agree on something that's not a thriller," Helen replied, rolling her eyes playfully. "I don't want to be scared out of my mind after that kitchen disaster."
"Agreed. No horrors tonight," he chuckled. They settled onto her couch, surrounded by the comforting ambiance of her softly lit living room.
As the movie started, they sat close together, shoulders touching. Helen felt her heart race, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the food or the cozy atmosphere. Magnar was right beside her, his presence filling the space with a sense of safety and familiarity.
