Meilin stood in the center of the living room, her eyes lighting up as Ningshun entered. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his changed outfit—a tight, white tank top and jeans. 'Okay, think innocent thoughts. Puppies. Sunshine. Kittens playing with yarn. Anything but those... biceps!' Her eyes traced every curve and ridge of his arms, lingering on the sharp lines of his chiseled collarbone.

'After that shower, I should've cooled down. Why am I still feeling so...' Ningshun ran a hand through his damp hair, still panting even after his eyes landed on her. 'I shouldn't make things more awkward.'

Her hands trembled as she played with the hem of her blouse, the heat of their previous encounter still coloring her cheeks. 'He probably thinks I'm... He left quickly... Was I too aggressive? Did I scare him? Oh no, what if he hates—'

"Hey, Meilin."

She quickly raised her head. "Oh, hey!"

"Relax, it's just me." He flashed a grin, like morning light breaking through a darkened room, and stepped closer, tilting his head. 'I just have to think of her as... one of the boys. Yeah, that's right. Like Kaili and the others...'

In his imagination, Meilin's delicate features morphed into Kaili's sharp jawline and chiseled features, like a Picasso painting gone wrong. The absurdity of her softness turning masculine hit him like a pie in the face. He shuddered and let out a startled yelp before recoiling in horror.

'BAD IDEA!' Clearing his throat, Ningshun opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, she slipped past him like a whisper.

"Hey, Kaili!" She rushed over, her movements sharp and urgent, as if every second counted. 'Just focus on others, don't look back. Keep it casual.'

Ningshun stared in disbelief as she made a beeline for Kaili, as if he had become invisible. "Seriously? She's going to play it like that?" Taking a deep breath, he turned and strode away like a king reclaiming his throne. But Meilin's laughter, so full of joy and life, pulled him back. His cool facade cracked as she dove into an animated conversation with Kaili. "Smooth move," he muttered under his breath, a wry smile on his lips as he continued to the table, viewing over twenty different pizzas.

The delicious smell of pepperoni pizza caught Ningshun's attention, a tempting mix of smoky, spicy goodness, melted cheese, and a touch of herbs. He grabbed a few slices, treating them like his new best friends, then returned to the couch.

Hooman followed Ningshun's gaze to Kaili, who engaged in an expressive conversation with Meilin. "Looks like Kaili's making quite an impression."

Ningshun rolled his eyes and leaned back. "Yeah, seems like it." His jaw clenched, grip tightening around the slice of pizza. 'Is she avoiding me?' As he took a bite of his pizza, he smirked and shook his head. "Guess some people just can't resist Kaili's charm," he quipped, his tone light but his eyes darkening. 'What's up with her? Did I do something...? Why the hell am I even bothered by this!'

As Meilin and Kaili reached the counter, her mouth watered as the smells hit her nostrils: tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, basil, savory sausage, mushrooms, and aromatic garlic and herbs. "Wow! There are so many of them. I can't choose!"

Kaili grinned and grabbed a slice for himself. "You've got to try this one, Meilin. It's got this spicy kick that'll blow your mind!" He accompanied her back to the couch across from the others.

Hooman chuckled. "Well, Ningshun insisted on getting them all."

"Thank you... Ningshun..." she uttered, refusing eye contact with the team leader, dodging him like a street vendor.

Ningshun raised an eyebrow. "No problem, Meilin." With a sigh, he closed his eyes. 'Maybe she's still bothered by what happened... No! Nothing happened! Why would she?'

Her steps toward the kitchen drew Ningshun's attention.

Opening his eyes, a smirk played on Ningshun's lips as an idea struck him. Taking a sip of his soda, he placed the mug down with a decisive clink and strode toward the kitchen.

"Hey, Meilin... Mind if I lend a hand?" Ningshun's eyes hooked onto hers, daring her to break free.

She flinched, lifting her head from the sink like a startled deer. "I... uh..." Speechless, she thrust the rubber gloves at him, as if passing off a hot potato.

His jaw dropped. "What the—"

"Sure! Perfect timing! I just heard Hooman calling for help, so I'll go help him now. Thank you so much!" With that, she bolted out of the kitchen, leaving him to wash the dishes alone.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Alone by the sink, Ningshun scoffed and held his forehead. "She's driving me nuts!"

Despite his frustration, his eyes kept drifting towards the kitchen door, half-expecting Meilin to walk back in and join him. But she did not. Instead, her laughter flowed from the living room, grating on his nerves.

~*~

Ningshun slipped into the living room with his head held high, sitting in the spot farthest from Meilin. 'Whatever. Not like I care... If she wants to ignore me, fine. Two can play that game... Besides, I've got more important things to focus on.' He leaned back and perused the livestreams of their competitors on his tablet. Yet, every time she laughed or spoke, his attention sharpened, experiencing the sting of her avoidance. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, just Kaili being Kaili." Han raised an eyebrow. "You seem quiet tonight. Is something on your mind?"

"Nah, just thinking about the upcoming playoff," Ningshun replied, his tone light but his gaze distant. "Got to stay focused, you know?"

Kaili's phone vibrated, and he frowned at the screen. "Looks like I need to head out to the storage room for a bit," he announced, rising to his feet. "Hooman needs my help."

"Alright, catch you later!" Han called out, waving.

"See you, man," Ningshun nodded.

With Kaili gone, the atmosphere in the room shifted, leaving only Han, Meilin, and Ningshun in the living room.

She shifted in her seat, eyes darting around the room. "Oh, I need to do something!" With a sudden jolt, she sprang up, making Han flinch. Striding toward the counter, she struggled to open the pickled jar's lid. She applied more pressure, her fingers turning white, but the jar would not budge.

Ningshun, still lounging on the couch and scrolling through online videos, caught her struggles from the corner of his eye. He gave a deep sigh, and his eyes softened. 'Why should I bother if she's just going to ignore me?' Still, her frustration compelled him to act. 'I'm going to regret this.' With a resigned sigh, he stood up, but she had already returned, holding the jar. 'About time she comes and asks for my help—'

"Han, can you give me a hand? It's stuck."