Chapter 72 : Hugs and Understandings.

They all crumbled to the floor as they closed the apartment door. Chase groaned dramatically, face to the floor " My mental health can't take much more of this ". Peach laughed nervously as she looked at her hands, " That was scary ".

Dylan scoffed, sitting up in the process " Says the girl that just threw down a professional martial artist without batting an eye ". Kofi nodded in agreement, " He's right. You looked so cool when you did too ".

Peach turned red from the sudden compliments, " You really think so ". They all nodded in agreement and Chase turned to her, " I never knew you were good at close combat ".

Already on her feet, she shrugged as she held out a hand to Kofi " Just cos I don't like to fight, doesn't mean I don't know how ". Kofi laughed as she took the hand, " This is great, we can spar together ".

Chase and Dylan turned to each other then sprung to their feet, carrying the girls in opposite directions. Peach sighed tiredly as she looked up at Chase, " What are you two doing "?

Dylan laughed nervously, " We don't think it... ". Chase suddenly cut in, putting her back on the flour gently, " You two aren't allowed to spar with each other. Understood "?

His tone was so final, the girls found themselves nodding in agreement " Yes ". He nodded satisfactorily and walked into the living room, " Good ". Peach scratched her head thoughtfully as she walked, " I think I'll call my mom again. Her voice calms me down ".

Kofi skipped after her cheerily, " I'm coming too. You're mom's so pretty ". Dylan's ears perked as he followed, " Isn't your mom Calliope "? She nodded and he beamed, " I'm coming too "!

They were about to invite Chase but saw he was on a call, so they left him alone.

Kofi glanced at Chase as he put his hand on the table. She tilted her head to the side as she looked at him, " What's wrong with him Coda "? [ I believe he received a call from an acquaintance, why he's upset I do not know ]

She scratched her head lightly, " Okay. What would be the best way to make him feel better "? [ All surveys show a hug would be the best course of action ]

Kofi nodded as she walked towards him. She suddenly frowned slightly, " What exactly is a hug "? [ It is to wrap your arms around someone in a warm embrace ] She frowned even deeper " What's an embrace "?

Before Coda could give an answer, she was already in front of Chase who had now turned to face her. She raised her arms in front of her and looked stiff, startling Chase " What are you doing "?

She spoke through clenched teeth, " Trying to give you a hug ". He took a step back, looking confused " Why would you do that "? She took a step forward in turn, " You seemed so down and surveys say hugs make you feel better ".

That seemed to surprise him and she finally wrapped her arms around him. Chase tried hard not to laugh since she was so stiff [ Now that I think about it, this is the first time she's consciously tried to hug a person ]

She looked up at him determinedly, " Am I doing it right "? He struggled to keep a straight face as he nodded and hugged her back. She nodded, obviously happy with herself " Do you feel better "? He nodded and she let go, " Yeah. Thank you Kofi ".