Chapter 24: A Night Together (Almost)

Midnight Visit

Gen opened the door and smirked. "Missed me already?"

Lee rolled her eyes. "Just let me in."

Gen stepped aside, letting her in. Lee looked around, hands in her pockets.

"Why did you come?" Gen leaned against the door.

Lee hesitated. "I… just wanted to see you."

Gen grinned. "Aww, so sweet."

Lee sighed. "Forget it. I'm leaving."

Before she could turn, Gen grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

Lee looked at her, confused.

Then, Gen pulled her close and kissed her.

Lee froze, eyes wide.

Gen didn't let go. It was soft but deep.

When Gen pulled away, she smirked. "Now that's a real first kiss."

Lee blinked. "You—You just—"

Gen chuckled. "You liked it, huh?"

Lee snapped out of it. "You didn't even ask!"

Gen raised an eyebrow. "You didn't push me away."

Lee crossed her arms. "I was in shock!"

Gen smirked. "So… wanna do it again now that you're not?"

Lee's face turned red. "NO!"

Gen laughed. "Alright, alright. Stay the night."

Lee shook her head. "No way."

"Why not?" Gen pouted.

Lee narrowed her eyes. "Because I don't trust you."

Gen smirked. "Oh? You think I'll do something?"

Lee crossed her arms. "I KNOW you will."

Gen sighed. "Fine. You sleep in my bed, I'll sleep on the couch."

Lee raised an eyebrow. "You'd actually do that?"

Gen grinned. "Of course! I'm a good girl."

Lee hesitated, then sighed. "Alright. But if you try anything—"

Gen put a hand over her heart. "I swear!"

Lee went to the bedroom. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, babe," Gen called out.

"Don't call me that!"

Gen laughed. "Too late!"

Morning Surprise

Lee woke up and stretched. Something felt strange.

She looked around.

She was in Gen's bed. Alone.

Frowning, she walked out.

Gen was on the couch, sleeping weirdly, mouth open, snoring.

Lee sighed. "At least she kept her word."

Then she smelled something good.

She walked into the kitchen.

Gen was wearing an apron, flipping pancakes.

Lee crossed her arms. "You? Cooking?"

Gen turned and grinned. "Morning, princess."

Lee raised an eyebrow. "What's the catch?"

Gen gasped. "Wow. No trust at all. I make you breakfast, and this is what I get?"

Lee sat down. "Just give me the food."

Gen placed a plate in front of her. "Eat. Then tell me I'm the best."

Lee ate a bite.

Gen watched. "Well?"

Lee picked up a napkin, wrote something, and slid it to Gen.

Gen read it.

"It's good. Don't be proud."

Gen gasped. "LEE actually wrote something NICE?! This is HISTORY!"

Lee sighed. "You're impossible."

Gen smirked. "And yet, you're here."

Lee shook her head, hiding a small smile.

At Gen's Restaurant

Lee came to Gen's restaurant after work.

Gen saw her and grinned. "Look who's here! Miss 'I don't trust you' at my place?"

Lee sighed. "I just—"

A voice interrupted.

"You two look close."

They turned.

Wang Yan stood there, arms crossed.

Gen's smile faded. "Oh, great."

Lee sighed. "Mom, please—"

Wang ignored her. "I need to talk to you, Gen."

Gen crossed her arms. "What now?"

Wang smirked. "You want to be with my daughter? Then prove it."

Gen rolled her eyes. "Again with this?"

Lee groaned. "Mom—"

Wang raised a hand. "You will marry within one week."

Gen frowned. "Wait, what?"

Lee's jaw dropped. "Mom, are you serious?!"

Wang's voice was firm. "Marry within one week. And if things don't go well in one year…"

She looked at Lee.

"You will separate."

Gen stared. "You're joking, right?"

Wang smirked. "I never joke."

Lee panicked. "Mom, this is crazy! You can't just—"

Wang didn't budge. "One year. If I see no progress, I will make sure Lee leaves you."

Gen grinned. "Progress? You mean making Lee fall madly in love with me?"

Lee glared. "I WILL NEVER."

Wang ignored them. "One week. Wedding. No excuses."

Gen sighed. "Fine. Whatever."

Lee's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"

Wang nodded. "Good. Settled." She left.

Lee turned to Gen, horrified. "Why did you just agree?!"

Gen smirked. "Relax, babe. We've got a year."

Lee rubbed her temples. "I hate you."

Gen grinned. "Nah, you love me."

Lee groaned. "I DO NOT."

Gen chuckled. "We'll see."