The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Fay stirred awake, a radiant smile already dancing on her lips. With a heart full of anticipation, she reached for her phone and typed a quick "Good morning" to Kei. She didn't wait for a reply before springing out of bed, stretching her arms toward the ceiling with a satisfied hum.

Strolling into the bathroom, she set her phone down and paused before the vanity. She leaned in, admiring her reflection with a playful spark in her eyes. "Well, well, well," she whispered, her voice dripping with mock-vanity. "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the prettiest of them all?" A confident grin broke across her face. "It's me, of course!" She let out a melodious, dramatic laugh that echoed against the tiles.

Across town, Kei was losing a battle with her blankets. Even in the disheveled state of sleep hair tossed back in a messy, effortless mane and eyes half-closed she possessed a striking, magnetic grace. She was a rare blend of handsome and beautiful, a sight that could stop breath even with the haze of sleep still clinging to her. She shifted, intending to rise, but the softness of the mattress was a siren song. Within seconds, she was defeated, drifting back into a deep slumber.

When Kei finally jolted awake again, the clock read 8:00 AM. Her eyes widened in sheer terror.

"I'm dead," she hissed, scrambling through the sheets for her phone. When she finally grabbed it, her screen was flooded with notifications all from Fay. Heart hammering, she typed back frantically: I'm so sorry! I completely overslept, followed by a flurry of peace signs and smiling emojis.

Fay had been sulking, but the moment her phone buzzed, her frustration evaporated. She beamed like a girl hopelessly in love.

Don't say sorry, Fay replied. Instead of an apology, I have a request.

What request? Kei asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Tell you later. Just jump in the shower and get ready, I'm already on my way to your house.

Kei's heart did a somersault. What?!

Yeah, dummy, Fay teased. I'm almost there. We have to finish that poster, remember? Should we do it at your place or mine?

Let's go to yours, Kei replied, still panicked. My house is too noisy; we'd never be able to focus.

Okay, see you soon!

By the time a sleek white car pulled up to the curb, Kei was waiting outside, her nerves buzzing. The back window rolled down to reveal Fay's beaming face.

"Hey there, dummy. Hop in," Fay said, her voice warm and inviting.

As soon as Kei slid into the seat, Fay didn't hesitate, she reached out and laced her fingers through Kei's. Neither of them spoke, but the air in the car was thick with a sweet, shy tension. They sat there, hands entwined, both wearing expressions of quiet, love struck embarrassment as the world blurred past the windows.

"There's no class today," Fay noted, breaking the comfortable silence. "The teacher said we just need to send a photo of the finished poster to the group chat. We'll submit the physical copy on Monday."

"Okay," Kei murmured, her focus split between Fay's words and the warmth of Fay's palm against hers.

When they pulled up to Fay's residence, Kei's jaw nearly dropped. The house was opulent, a sprawling masterpiece of architecture that made Kei's pulse quicken with intimidation. She followed Fay inside, her eyes wide as she took in the high ceilings and elegant décor.

"Why are you just standing there?" Fay laughed gently. "Sit down, make yourself at home."

"Thank you," Kei whispered, perched stiffly on the edge of the plush couch.

"Why are you thanking me? You're so formal!" Fay teased. She disappeared into her room and returned moments later with a collection of art supplies. "We don't need to go out; I have everything we need right here."

Kei reached into her pocket, pulling out some crumpled bills. "Here, for my share of the materials."

Fay waved her off immediately. "No need."

"But I should"

"No buts!" Fay interrupted, pouting with a playful flash of anger in her eyes. Kei looked into Fay's gaze, seeing the stubborn affection there, and simply nodded with a small, defeated smile.

"Have you eaten yet?" Fay asked, heading toward the kitchen.

"Yeah, I grabbed something," Kei lied, trying to be polite.

Fay didn't buy it for a second. She grabbed a package of noodles from the fridge with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well," she said, leaning over the counter, "you're going to be eating again."

Kei watched her, confused but undeniably charmed. A few minutes later, the savory aroma of cooking filled the room. Fay plated the noodles and gestured to the dining chair. "Come sit."

Kei obeyed, but as she sat down, Fay didn't move to the opposite chair. Instead, she stepped close and sat directly onto Kei's lap.

The world seemed to stop. Kei's heart hammered against her ribs, the sound so loud she was sure Fay could hear it. Their faces were inches apart, the air between them electric. Fay twirled a portion of noodles onto a fork and lifted it slowly toward Kei's lips.

"Say ahhh," Fay whispered. Her gaze dropped to Kei's lips, heavy with a sudden, searing intensity. Kei found herself caught in the spell, her own eyes fixed on Fay's lips, the poster forgotten as the room narrowed down to the heat between them.