unraveling feelings

Unraveling Feelings....

A soft purring sound pulls me from my slumber. Blinking my eyes open, I feel warmth near me... My kitten. A small smile plays on my lips as I reach out for her,, but my hands land on the empty bed instead....

My brows furrow in confusion.

Where is she??

Sitting up, I rub my eyes,, my mind still clouded with sleep... As I glance around the room, realization strikes me—my kitten isn't here, and I suddenly recall last night....

My cheeks heat up instantly...

Adrian... : )

The way he had looked at me,. The way he had whispered words that lingered in my heart even now.... The memory alone is enough to make me blush uncontrollably....

I shake my head.. No,, I need to act normal... I can't let him see how easily he affects me. Taking a deep breath,, I gather my composure. I'll just retrieve my kitten and pretend everything is fine.,,

After a quick shower,, I slip into a pink and white frock,, the soft fabric hugging my figure,, accentuating my delicate frame. To add a touch of elegance,, I slide into a pair of black heels. My heart pounds slightly at the thought of facing Adrian again,, but I push the feeling aside..

As I descend the grand staircase,, the dining area comes into view,, and my gaze falls upon Luka... He catches sight of me and smiles...

"Good morning, Rimi,," he greets warmly.

Before I can reply,, Lily appears beside me, linking her arm through mine... "You came alone today?" she teases,, her tone playful.

I roll my eyes. "I don't know. He can come by himself,," I reply nonchalantly.,

Lily smirks knowingly,, and then suddenly, she tilts her head. "Rimi, where's your kitten? Oh, wait—don't tell me,. She's with Adrian,, isn't she?"

I stiffen,, feeling the warmth creeping up my face again... Lily gasps and giggles. "Are you blushing? Oh my God!! Every time I mention Adrian,, you turn red!"

I immediately shake my head. "No!!! We're just friends,, you know."

Lily crosses her arms,, amusement dancing in her eyes.. "Then why are you screaming?"

I freeze as I notice several guests staring at us,, murmuring amongst themselves. Lowering my voice,, I glance away,, but Lily isn't done yet...

"Look over there,," she whispers, nudging me.

I follow her gaze and nearly stop breathing...

Adrian...

Dressed in a crisp,, black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up,, his lean yet muscular frame is accentuated effortlessly. He exudes a confidence that makes my heart race... But what catches my attention the most is the small kitten curled in his arms...

My kitten...

A rare,, gentle smile graces his lips as he strokes her fur, and for a moment,, I feel a pang in my heart.,,,

I remember last night again,, and my cheeks betray me once more...

"You're blushing again," Lily sings, poking my side.,,

"I was just looking at my kitten," I lie,, quickly trying to regain my composure.

"Yeah, sure," Lily chuckles,. "Your kitten,, Not Adrian,, huh?"

Before I can respond, Adrian strides toward us,, stopping just inches from me... His piercing gaze locks onto mine,, making my breath hitch.

"Here," he says softly,, handing me the kitten.

I reach out, but the moment our fingers brush,, a jolt of electricity courses through me. I quickly pull back,, looking away. Lily,, of course, notices everything...

Clearing her throat dramatically,, she grins. "Alright, listen up,, lovebirds!

Today, we're all going to the most famous florist to book flowers for my wedding... That means Mike, Luka, Adrian, and of course, you and me, Rimi."

I frown slightly. "What about the rehearsal?"

"All six members will rehearse today,, but you and Adrian will rehearse tomorrow,," she replies, emphasizing the last word with a mischievous grin..

I sigh. "Is it really necessary to go to the florist?"

Lily gives me a pointed look... "Yes, because I want everything to be perfect,, and my bridesmaids need to be there!"

I groan internally...

Adrian—, however, raises an eyebrow. "Why is Luka coming with us?"

My heart stops...

The memory of Adrian's words from last night flashes through my mind: But first,, you promise me you won't allow him to come too close to you...

I blush furiously.

Lily, noticing the sudden change in my expression,, answers Adrian. "Because Luka is my elder brother,, and he's helping me with the arrangements... That's why."

Adrian's gaze flickers toward me,, and I quickly pretend to focus on my kitten...

Lily smirks but leaves us alone,. I take the opportunity to move to the dining table and settle down,, placing my kitten on my lap.

Adrian follows. ,,,

He sits beside me,, his presence overwhelming.

"I'm not forcing you to answer me,," he says suddenly. "Whenever you feel comfortable,, you can tell me your answer."

I glance at him. "Adrian,, we are not talking about this here."

He exhales but doesn't push further.. Just then,, Luka takes a seat on my other side.

I don't miss the way Adrian's jaw clenches...

Luka,, oblivious, turns to me..."Rimi, did you decide on a name for her?"

I shake my head. "Not yet."

"But you said you were going to ask Adrian about it."

"I did," I reply... "But he was asleep, so I just went back to my room."

Luka nods in understanding...

Breakfast continues,, but suddenly,, my kitten jumps onto Adrian's lap...

"Oh?" Adrian smirks,, picking her up effortlessly. "You like your dad more than your mom,, huh?"

I nearly choke on my food.

Luka and Adrian both reach for a glass of water to offer me,, but I ignore them and grab the nearest one myself...

Luka gently pats my shoulder to comfort me... But before I can react, Adrian swiftly removes Luka's hand and places his own on my back instead...

I freeze...

The tension is palpable...

Slowly,, I remove Adrian's hand and take my kitten back. When I glance at Lily,, she's definitely going to interrogate me about this later...

After finishing breakfast,, I head to the garden for some fresh air. Adrian follows...

"Why does he always find excuses to talk to you?" His voice is filled with restrained jealousy...

I sigh, facing him. "Adrian,, what are you doing here?"

He scoffs. "What?? It's our kitten."

I narrow my eyes. "Seriously??"

Before he can reply,, Luka approaches us.

Adrian tenses immediately.. "Why is he always around?"

"Adrian,, you two are being ridiculous,," I say, exasperated.

Lily and Mike call us over,, signaling that it's time to leave...

As we gather near the cars,, Adrian suddenly grabs my hand...

"Rimi is going with me,," he announces.

Before I can respond,, my kitten jumps onto Adrian again. He chuckles...

"See? She likes me more..." He leans in slightly, whispering,, "She likes dad more than mom."

I blush furiously...

Lily laughs,. "We should leave the lovebirds alone."

"Lily!" I protest, but she simply winks..

As the others walk ahead,, Adrian doesn't release my hand.

"You heard them," he murmurs.. "Now everyone knows I love you...

But you… you still think I was drunk when I confessed."

I swallow hard. "Adrian,, please…"

He pulls me closer. "Let's go back to Korea together and tell our families that we love each other..."

My heart skips a beat...

"Adrian… shut up. Let's just go to the florist."

He chuckles but finally releases me... "Fine. But one day,, Rimi,, I will hear you say you love me too."

As we head toward the car,, Luka watches us.

"Rimi,, come with me,, " Luka offers.

Before I can answer,, Adrian smirks... "Nope. She's going with me."

Luka's gaze meets mine... "Rimi, what do you want?"

I hesitate—then turn to Luka with a soft smile.,,

"Luka,, you go ahead. I'm going with Adrian."

And with that, I step into Adrian's car,, my heart pounding.

To be continue....