The Price of a hug

Aira stood frozen, staring at his retreating figure as his words sank in.

"Next time you cry over me, just admit it, alright?"

And then, just as casually, just as arrogantly—

"Anyway, next time, I'll charge for a hug."

Her breath hitched. Unbelievable.

Her frustration flared instantly, replacing the lingering confusion in her chest. She turned on her heel, marching toward the kitchen, muttering under her breath.

"This man… completely insufferable… thinks he's some kind of king…"

The house staff, busy with evening chores, exchanged wary glances as she stormed past them, clearly fuming.

She spent the next hour aggressively kneading dough for roti, pounding it with far more force than necessary. The cook, who had been watching in silent horror, finally spoke up.

"Uh… madam, do you need help?"

Aira exhaled sharply. "No." What I need is to wipe that smug look off his face.

By the time Muneeb came downstairs for dinner, she had calmed—at least on the surface. He was back to his usual composed self, casually scrolling through his phone as he sat at the dining table.

Aira placed the food in front of him with a little more force than necessary.

He raised a brow but said nothing. Instead, he took a bite of the food and immediately stopped.

Aira smirked. Got you, you arrogant—

His lips quirked. "Hmm… it's good."

Her smirk vanished.

Muneeb chuckled, setting down his spoon. "What? You were hoping I'd choke on it?"

Aira huffed, sitting down across from him. "I don't care if you choke."

He grinned. "You're still upset about the hug, aren't you?"

Aira's grip on her spoon tightened. "I'm upset about your attitude."

Muneeb leaned back, tapping his fingers against the table. "It was a good hug, though. Maybe I should start a business. Muneeb's Premium Hugs—"

Aira threw a napkin at him.

He laughed, dodging it effortlessly. "I'll give you a discount next time."

"There won't be a next time!" she snapped.

Muneeb smirked. "We'll see."

Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them.

Aira quickly looked away, focusing on her food. But she could still feel his gaze on her, amused and challenging.

And deep down, annoyingly, frustratingly—

She knew he wasn't entirely wrong.