MAL STARED AT NOAH'S FACE, which had an adorable expression as he told her a story from his past. They were standing in front of Noah's house, which was not too far from the restaurant, and not too far from her house either. It was a big two-story family home, pretty much like hers, however its steep roof was painted a different colour- a darker shade of red. Mal scanned the beautiful design once again before following her boyfriend inside, still hand in hand with Jacobi.

"Okay, Jacobi, go to your room or... You know, you can stay here with us." Noah spoke in a joking manner, making Mal nudge his rib in slight dismay.

"Noah, stop... He can stay with us if he wants to. Right, Jacobi?"

Jacobi took long, sad glances at them before he shrugged, turning away from them. "Thanks, but I think I'll grab a snack and go to my room. Have fun!"

The couple watched him as he went to the kitchen, coming out a few moments later with a small bag of Doritos. Noah turned to Mal, who was eyeing the younger child in pure confusion, still not understanding why he was so upset.

"Are you sure he's okay, Noah? He seems... Off."

Noah was about to say something rude, but then he took a look at Mal's expression. She had her eyebrows furrowed with a distant stare at the staircase, where the boy was standing just a few moments before.

"Mal... He's alright. Maybe he just wants some time alone, okay? I promise."

She thought for a moment before finally nodding, giving him a small smile.

"How about this? Let's make fries, shall we?" he offered, making her automatically nod happily, like a kid who was offered candy. The couple then followed each other to the kitchen, where Mal took her seat on a stool near the island.

"So where are your parents?"

"Oh, my mum is out of town and dad is in the woods." Mal gave him a questioning look, making him do the same. "Now that I think of it, he spends a lot of time in the woods. Bird watching, probably."

She nodded, watching him as he let out a bag of frozen fries from the four-door fridge and spill some of it in the pan, which already had some oil in it.

"And Jemima?"

"She's spending the day with her friends. She's going through that thing when the person thinks spending time at home is too boring."

"Oh, yeah, I get that."

Soon enough, Noah was done with the fries. He set the two plates on the island gently, then sat down next to his girlfriend. She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tightly.

"Thank you, Noah. These look amazing."

He smiled while hugging her back for a few moments, before they both let go. Mal stared at the plate and began taking a fry, listening to Noah as he chatted excitedly about his life.

"You're so cute when you talk about something you love." she spoke loudly, still staring at him. He stopped talking and gave her a wide smile, gently reaching for her hand.

"Thank you..."

He whispered before drifting off to a thought. He took a grip on her hand again gently, then turned to her, a small, sad smile on his face.

"I'm really happy you're here."

"Me too, Noah, me too."

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