“I’ll go see her out. In the meantime, you stay inside, finish your soup, and lock the door, okay?” Aria nodded quietly.

She waited for both of them, watching a drama on her laptop while sipping the soup. Slowly, sleep began to tug at her. She closed the laptop, rinsed the bowl, and wandered into the living room, searching for a book to keep herself awake. But drowsiness got the best of her. Just in case, she left the door slightly open...afraid she might not hear them return if she fell asleep.

A few minutes later, Victoria was back, with Shawn beside her. He knocked lightly, realizing the door was already ajar. As they stepped in, Victoria spotted Aria curled up on the couch, fast asleep.

She sighed softly. “This girl... she should’ve at least told me.”

Victoria leaned closer, trying to wake her up, but Aria didn’t budge.

“Shawn, wake her up for me,” she said.

He hesitated. “Uh... maybe she’s really tired…”

Victoria frowned. “You should’ve called me earlier! We can’t leave her here like this.. she’ll catch a cold. Pick her up and tuck her into bed for me. I owe you a favor.”

Shawn reluctantly nodded. He wasn’t sure how to manage it, but he tried. Carefully, he slid one arm behind Aria’s back, lifting her neck and shoulders, then the other beneath her knees. To his surprise, she felt light... almost too light. Carrying her was easier than he’d expected.

Victoria raised a brow, amused. “Good, good… now head to the bed.”

As Shawn held Aria close, her faint perfume filled the air. His heartbeat quickened; he couldn’t stop his cheeks from turning red.

“Shawn, is she heavy? Why are you so red?” Victoria asked worriedly.

He stammered, “J-just a little bit… hard to carry.”

“Just a lil bit... endure please.” Victoria pleaded.

But between them, only Shawn knew

he didn’t really want this *little bit* to end.