Several days later…
"Chloe, wake up! Didn't you say you needed to go to school today?" Blaine Jackson called from the kitchen, carrying a plate of freshly toasted bread and a warm glass of milk. His voice echoed through the apartment as he walked toward the living room.
Receiving no response, he frowned, set the plate on the coffee table, and headed toward the bedroom.
What greeted him was a sight that never failed to stir his heart. Chloe Grace lay curled up beneath the silky duvet, her lithe figure wrapped snugly in its folds. Her natural face, free of any makeup, was turned toward him, peaceful in slumber. Even with her eyes closed, her beauty radiated a quiet allure, awakening a flood of intimate memories in his mind.
"Chloe?" Blaine leaned closer, gently patting her cheek. "Time to get up, sleepyhead! Didn't you promise to make me breakfast every day? Look at you now, sleeping like a log and ignoring your own words."
"Mmm…" Chloe stirred, her sleepy eyes fluttering open. She blinked a few times before recognizing the handsome face looming over her. With a soft, sleepy groan, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"Chloe, what are you doing?" Blaine raised an eyebrow, trying to pry her arms off, but her grip was firm.
"Blaine… I'm still so sleepy," she murmured, her voice tinged with drowsiness. She had only fallen asleep at dawn and couldn't fathom waking up so soon. All she wanted was to stay cocooned in her warm bed.
"You're skipping school then? Fine, sleep all you want. Let go of me, though. I need to head downstairs to work."
"Stay with me," she mumbled, half-asleep, tightening her grip and tugging him closer.
"Chloe, stop messing around. I have a lot of work today," Blaine said firmly. After a pause, he added, "Didn't you say you needed to pick up your final thesis today?"
The mention of her thesis snapped Chloe out of her daze. Her eyes shot open, and she quickly released him, sitting up abruptly—only to remember she wasn't wearing anything under the covers. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she yanked the duvet back over herself.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed, mortified. "I forgot…"
Blaine couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Chloe, I didn't realize you were getting more modest with time." His tone was teasing, his lips curling into a mischievous smile.
She glared at him, her cheeks still burning. "Is that a compliment or an insult?" Pointing to the clothes on the bedside table, she pouted. "Blaine, could you hand me my clothes?"
"They're right there. You can grab them yourself," he replied, feigning innocence, though his eyes gleamed with playful intent.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" she accused, narrowing her eyes.
"Who, me? Never." Blaine shook his head with exaggerated earnestness. "I just thought grabbing them yourself might help wake you up faster."
Chloe puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him. "You're so mean," she muttered. But then, her expression shifted, a sly grin spreading across her face. "You think I'm too scared to get them myself, don't you?"
Blaine raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Did I say that?"
"Hmph!" Chloe suddenly threw the duvet around herself like a cape and launched herself at him. "Take that, Blaine! Let's see how you get to work now!"
She clung to him like a koala, her lips brushing teasingly against his ear before trailing down to the corner of his mouth. Her playful gestures made his body tense up, his usually composed demeanor cracking ever so slightly.
"Chloe, if you keep this up, you're going to be late picking up your thesis," he warned, though his voice was strained, and his body betrayed his words.
"I'll go later," she replied, her tone light and teasing. "It's not like my thesis is going anywhere. Besides…" She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a soft whisper. "You're blushing, Blaine." Her fingers reached up to gently pinch his reddened ears.
Blaine's gaze darkened, his voice low and gravelly. "Are you sure you don't mind being late?"
"Positive," she answered with a mischievous smile. "I love you, Blaine."
Her whispered confession sent a spark through him. Letting out a low growl, he scooped her up and laid her back on the bed, his hands pulling the duvet away despite her protests.
"Blaine! It's cold!" Chloe squealed, trying to grab the duvet, but he tossed it aside. "You're going to make me catch a cold!"
"Don't worry. You won't feel cold for long," Blaine murmured, his voice a mix of amusement and heat. His intense gaze swept over her, making her heart race.
For a moment, Chloe forgot to breathe, mesmerized by the sight of him. Blaine Jackson, both inside and out, was utterly captivating.
"What are you thinking about, Chloe?" he asked, his warm breath brushing against her cheek as he leaned closer. His lips hovered over hers, teasing and gentle, igniting a spark that quickly became a blaze.
"It tickles!" Chloe giggled, turning her head away, but her movements only fueled the fire in Blaine's eyes. His lips claimed hers in a passionate, possessive kiss, leaving no room for escape.
---
Downstairs, near the large glass windows of the shop…
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?" Blaine asked, holding Chloe's hand as they stood by the door.
"No, really. I overheard Annie and the other designers talking earlier; it sounds like today's going to be super busy for you. I'll just grab a cab," Chloe replied with a warm smile, appreciating his concern.
Blaine frowned slightly but didn't argue. "Even so, it won't take that long. Come on, I'll drive you."
"No way! A round trip to my school takes an hour, and you've got so much work to do."
"Why are you so stubborn?" Blaine sighed, his tone affectionate despite his words.
"I—"
"Director, the company president is requesting a video call," Annie's voice interrupted from behind.
Blaine hesitated, then nodded. Turning back to Chloe, he squeezed her hand. "Be careful, okay? Call me when you've arrived."
"Got it. It's not my first day in Japan," Chloe teased, giving him a playful pout. Her heart swelled with warmth at his thoughtful insistence.
Reluctantly, Blaine let her go, watching her as she walked toward the street to hail a cab. Chloe glanced back once, catching his gaze, before smiling and turning away.
She couldn't help but feel lucky to have someone like him—someone who cared so deeply, even in the little things.