"I still think it tastes... strange," Lucas said, his long lashes casting shadows over the laughter barely hidden in his eyes. He took another bite of toast, deliberately avoiding the bowl of soup in front of him.
Chloe Grace frowned, her disappointment as plain as day. "Strange? Really? I worked so hard on that." Her voice faltered as she looked at the miso soup she had so carefully prepared. The vegetables had been handpicked from the freshest stall at the market, and she had painstakingly ground the garlic into a smooth paste, ensuring it wouldn't overpower the broth.
Lucas noticed the shift in her expression and couldn't resist a teasing grin. "Why the long face, Chloe? It's just soup."
"Just soup?" she retorted, her lips pulling into a pout. "I poured my heart into this. Do you know how many recipes I scoured to make it perfect?"
Lucas chuckled, unable to hold back his amusement. "You're such a drama queen. Alright, alright. Let me prove something." He grabbed his spoon and, in an over-the-top gesture, gulped down the soup like a child forced to eat his vegetables.
Chloe blinked at him in disbelief. "What are you doing?"
"Enjoying your love-filled breakfast," he said with mock sincerity, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"But... but you said it tasted weird?" Her bewilderment was almost comical. "So... you actually like it?"
Lucas leaned back in his chair, looking far too smug. "It's not bad. I just enjoy seeing your reaction when I say otherwise."
Chloe huffed, crossing her arms. "You're impossible."
"Impossible, but charming," he quipped. "Now sit down and eat something. You've been fussing over me all morning, and you've barely touched your own plate."
---
The morning dragged on, and Chloe's exhaustion became more apparent with every passing minute. She moved around the kitchen, cleaning up the remnants of breakfast and preparing to leave for the day.
"You look like you didn't sleep at all," Lucas remarked, watching her with a raised brow. "Are you feeling okay?"
Chloe forced a smile. "Just a bit tired. I have a lot to do today. I'll be out most of the day—still need to pick up things from my old apartment. And I've got a friend's birthday dinner tonight."
"Sounds busy. Maybe you should skip the party and rest."
"Skip the party?" Chloe shot him a disbelieving look. "Do you even know me?"
Lucas shrugged. "I'm just saying, you look like you're running on fumes. Don't push yourself too hard."
Chloe waved off his concern, though her head felt heavier with each step she took. She hated admitting weakness—especially in front of him.
As she turned to leave, her vision blurred, and she had to grip the edge of the counter for support.
"Chloe," Lucas's voice was sharp now, his teasing demeanor gone. "You're pale as a ghost. Sit down before you fall over."
"I'm fine," she murmured, though her trembling hands betrayed her words.
"Fine, my ass. If you don't sit, I'm carrying you to bed," he warned, his tone firm.
Despite herself, a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Carry me? Is that a promise?"
Lucas rolled his eyes but stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder to steady her. "You're insufferable."
"And yet, here you are," she whispered, her voice soft as her knees buckled slightly.
With a sigh, Lucas swept her off her feet, carrying her with ease toward the couch. "If you don't take care of yourself, how are you supposed to argue with me properly? You're no fun like this."
Chloe rested her head against his chest, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. "Lucas..."
"Hmm?"
"Thanks."
---
Later that day, Lucas sat in his office, staring blankly at a report on his desk. His mind kept drifting back to Chloe—her flushed cheeks, the way she had tried to brush off her discomfort, and that faint smile that lingered even when she was clearly unwell.
"Director," Annie interrupted, her voice crisp and businesslike. "The Japanese brand *Mori Reign* reached out again. They're eager to collaborate with our designers for their next fashion show."
Lucas nodded absently, his gaze fixed on the bustling city below. The cold wind rattled the windows, and he thought about how warm Chloe had felt when he carried her.
"Director?" Annie prompted again, unsure if he had heard her.
"Schedule a meeting," Lucas said finally, his tone distant.
"Understood," Annie replied, though her sharp eyes lingered on him for a moment longer.
As she left, Lucas leaned back in his chair, his thoughts once again consumed by the strange warmth that Chloe brought into his otherwise predictable life.