"That's right, bro," he affirmed.
With anticipation in his heart, Shaun fixed his gaze on his brother, whom he made eye contact with. He sighed with relief when Ross finally gave him a positive answer.
"Great…" Ross bobbed his head, sealing the deal between them.
"So, what do you want me to do?" Shaun asks eagerly.
Ross fell silent. After he had thought of something, he patted Shaun on the shoulder and said, "Well, I haven't come up with anything yet. I'll let you know when I think of something."
"But I can purchase the things I need?" asked Shaun.
"Sure. There are no restrictions on purchasing whatever you please," was Ross's assurance.
Upon hearing his statement, happiness swirled in Shaun's chest, and because of that, he missed noticing the meaningful glints in his brother's eyes, which immediately covered the mysterious countenance he was making.
All in his mind is his brother's undying love for him.
'I know my brother would grant any of my requests!' Shaun thought with conceit.
He had thought that Ross had changed, as his behavior made him feel like he harbored ill feelings toward him. He is almost convinced that Ross has been acting strange lately. Now, he believes it was only his imagination.
Ross had never questioned whatever he wanted. He would purchase the latest game set when a new one came out. Because of how thoughtful a big brother he was, their parents were assured that they would watch each other's backs when they were no longer in this world.
After a long while, Yonah emerged from the enclosed room and was surprised to see Ross seated behind his desk and working again. Thus, she closed the door quietly and strode closer to the table with light steps.
Her eyelashes fluttered as she stared at the perfect side profile of the man before her. This man with a solemn countenance that seemed unapproachable had actually shown her a gentle smile a few times in the past; thus, the shyness in her chest waned little by little.
Having that warm feeling lingering in her heart, Yonah coughed softly to get the man's attention; immediately, she pursed her lips into a grateful smile when the man turned his head in her direction, and their eyes met.
Ross can show her the public powder room his employees use on this floor. However, he offered to let her use his private room instead.
The private room is spacious, and she likes the minimal interior. It only comprises a bed, wardrobe, and full bath. But the recliner chair near the floor-ceiling window with the center city panorama caught her most attention.
She has the desire to sit there and draw the beautiful scenery before her.
Actually, it is what took her a while to return. She grabbed the opportunity to photograph such a breathtaking sight. She wants to use the photo as her story on her social media accounts, but assuming that this room is exclusive, she decides not to invade Ross's privacy.
"Thanks, Kuya Ross."
Ross smiled and nodded in response, replying, "Don't mention it. If you want to take a nap, go ahead. Feel free to borrow the room anytime you need it."
"Oh, can I?" Yonah was taken aback. Ross surprised her with a favor beyond her expectations, and his suggestions caused a quiet stir in her heart. She thought, 'He must notice I have been exhausted from staying late for a few nights.'
Indeed, she was making her costume for the cosplay festival she planned to attend.
Yonah subconsciously glanced at her reflection on the mirror door to ensure that her eyebags were concealed perfectly before she looked up and widened her smile.
"I'll remember that... Thank you, Kuya Ross!" she uttered with delight. With that, she thanked him once again. 'Then I can draw the scenery from there without mulling over how to get permission!'
"Don't mention it. We are family, Nana."
Satisfied with the young girl's delight, Ross was too late to realize he had voiced his thoughts. Eventually, his tongue slipped, and now he was in an awkward situation he had caused himself.
He must find a convincing alibi for the nickname he gave Yonah. He knew he had to be cautious; otherwise, his true feelings might be revealed now that he called Yonah by such an intimate address.
She was consuming his thoughts, so that was the cause of it. In fact, he is debating with his inner self about how he would address Yonah, which would differ from everyone else.
'You are becoming obvious, Ross Michael!' He wished he could smack his head to wake up. Perhaps slap his face left and right.
Meanwhile, watching the scene on the sidelines, Shaun was taken aback when his brother called Yonah in such a way.
Yonah's family called her Isabelle, an intimate nickname within the family, while her close friends called her simply Yonah.
But his brother came up with such a nickname. For a moment, Shaun's eyes clouded. After careful thought, a smile flashed in his eyes.
"Hey, Nana, check this out!" He mimicked his brother and called Yonah by that nickname, without realizing how forbidden it was for him to do so.
Yet, his joyful and affectionate cry surprised them because it was unexpected that he would use the nickname Ross gave to Yonah.
With his bold action, irritation crept into Ross's chest upon stealing the nickname he gave to Yonah.
Subconsciously, he glared in Shaun's direction.