Gia POV

"Hey..." I open my eyes and find Way kneeling next to me. He smiles as he gently strokes my hair.

"Where am I?"

"In your room, of course," I try to sit up, but my head feels like it's being stomped on from the inside. Despite the discomfort, I grunt a bit, urging myself to wake up. Way quickly grabs my forearm and helps me up.

"Do you want some water?" I nod.

Goodness, I feel completely drained!

A few seconds later, Way returns with a glass of water. He holds it near my lips.

"It's okay, I can manage," I say, slowly taking the glass and sipping the water. Way watches me attentively.

"I don't want you to choke on water," he says, his face flushing when he realizes that I caught on to his concern.

I place the glass back on the side table and look around the room. I can't seem to recall what happened to me last night, although I could ask Way. But right now, my energy is completely depleted.

"Where's Sorn and Mara?"

"Well, they had to attend the show, since you couldn't. The doctor said you need plenty of rest. You were fatigued and on the verge of dehydration," Way explains. He pulls the curtains open, allowing fresh morning air to fill the room. Then he tidies up a bit.

I watch him as he goes about his tasks. He looks natural, probably because he's been living alone for quite some time. As I observe him, my heart unexpectedly flutters a bit. A smile unconsciously spreads across my face.

Way exudes a sense of maturity that surpasses his age, unlike the guys I've known who are the same age. He always gives his full attention and is incredibly professional in his work, even more so than some seasoned professionals. I've always been attracted to men who are passionate about their jobs, perhaps because I've always seen that in Sorn.

But with Way, there's something different about him.

"What would you like for lunch? You need to eat properly so you can take your medication on time," he says while tucking in the blankets. I, still captivated by him, well... I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from his silhouette, completely ignoring his question.

"Hey, are you listening? Hmm?" Suddenly, his face is just inches away from mine, and I jump a little in surprise. He chuckles softly, brushing a stray hair strand from my forehead.

"Chicken salad will do," I finally respond, still unable to divert my gaze from his presence. He takes a step back and walks out of the room.

I place my hand over my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. I feel heat spreading throughout my head, especially my cheeks. What kind of feeling is this?

Could it be that I'm starting to fall for him?

***

While savoring my chicken salad, I continue to watch Way. This time, he's busy cleaning the kitchen. Maybe I should close my mouth, as I might be drooling at this point.

Observing him washing dishes, rolling up his sleeves, and his hands with visible veins—no further explanation needed. He looks so tempting and seriously boyfriend material. I can't help but smile like a fool, completely captivated by the delightful scene in front of me. He looks so different that I even forget I shouldn't be feeling like this!

Gosh!

I playfully slap my face.

Suddenly, the phone on the table rings. I glance at the caller ID. Way quickly snatches the phone, giving me a glance as he does. I catch a glimpse of the caller's name: "DISTURBANCE."

"Hmm..." he takes the call away from me. It must be something private, so I decide to leave him alone. I make my way to the living room, sinking into the oversized sofa while browsing Netflix for some good entertainment. I settle on a TV series to watch.

"Feeling better?" he emerges and takes a seat beside me. He places his hand on my shoulder. I try to squirm and break free, but it's only in my mind. The truth is, my body simply allows him to do as he pleases.

"Yeah, I think so. But what happened that night?" I finally gather the courage to ask. He sighs softly before responding.

"You passed out in front of the club. Then you woke up briefly and ended up vomiting everywhere,"

Ew, that's gross!

"Did I?"

"Yes, well... my shirt got soaked..."

"Oh no... I'm so sorry-"

"It's fine. I just sent the shirt to the laundry. The most important thing is that you're feeling better," he reassures me. Poor guy! He must have gone through a lot of trouble.

"Did you drink a lot that night?" Way asks.

"No, as far as I can remember, I didn't even touch any alcohol. Maybe it was the buffet," I explained.

"You seriously made a mess, you know? Don't ever do this again... okay?" I nod like a chastised child. He smiles and ruffles my disheveled hair.

"I think I need a haircut," I huff as I push the stray hairs from my forehead. Way takes a moment to look at me, then he furrows his brow slightly.

"Yeah, I guess so," he agrees.

"Do you know any good salons around here?" I ask. He grins and gazes at me.

"I can help you. I'm good at hairdressing," he offers.

"You do?" I look at him skeptically.

"Trust me, you won't regret it!" he emphasizes the word "trust."

I am about to eat my own words now!

***

Sitting on a chair in the bathroom, I patiently wait as Way delicately trims my hair, adjusting it here and there. Thank goodness we have a spacious bathroom, giving us plenty of room to work.

I can't help but be amazed by Way's skill in hair styling. It seems like there's still so much more to learn about him. There's definitely more than meets the eye.

He catches my gaze through the mirror, and I quickly look away, trying to hide any signs of awkwardness. Or perhaps it's me who's feeling awkward! I hear him chuckle softly.

He spins the chair around, making me face him. Now he's working on my bangs.

"From this point on, don't look at yourself. Just wait for the finishing touch," Way instructs. I blink once in response. He smiles and continues his work. I stay still, allowing him the necessary access.

After a few washes and blow-drying, with some final touches, I think we're done. He positions me in front of the mirror with my eyes tightly shut.

"Open your eyes," he says. Slowly, I lift my lids and gaze at my reflection in the mirror.

"Oh wow!" I exclaim, as my eyes widen, taking in my brand new layered razor bob. I run my fingers through my hair, feeling the freshness and vibrancy of the new style, a stark contrast to my long beach curls before.

"See, no regrets!" Way places his chin on my shoulder. I smile widely at him and nod. I have to admit, he is incredibly talented! I never imagined myself in this hairstyle, but he has executed it flawlessly, like a true professional.

"Thanks, Way..."

"Anything... for you," he whispers softly in my ear. My heart flutters, as if I'm soaring through the sky. Now I'm the one feeling nervous!

Am I falling for him? For real, Gia?

As I gaze at him with a slightly upset expression, he slowly slides his hand around my waist, pulling me into a tight embrace. He closes his eyes and rests his head on my shoulder, as if yearning for me deeply. I find myself rooted to the spot, unable to move an inch.

"I meant it. Sincerely," he whispers softly.

My eyes waver, torn between the strong bond of love I feel in this moment and the reasons why this shouldn't be happening. We both know the complications and challenges we would face. I want to love him, but I question whether I can truly allow myself to.

I choose to let him have his way, not wanting to be unkind. I've already caused him pain by rejecting his proposal, and I can't bear to hurt him again.

"Way..."

"Give me a chance, G..." he pleads, his eyes filled with longing. I find it difficult to meet his gaze, so I cast my eyes downward. Yet, he continues to hold me tightly, and we remain in silence, the weight of our unspoken words hanging in the air.

"Hello! We're here-"

Suddenly, voices interrupt our private moment. We try to quickly separate from each other, but it's too late. Three pairs of eyes are now fixed upon us.

"I'm home..."

Another person enters the room.

Now things have become incredibly awkward.

"Way?! Who is this bitch?!"