The fire within and fated unity

Arkins leaned forward, trying to process Melly's words. Her nonchalant attitude towards her family's downfall was unsettling, but at the same time, there was a strange sense of satisfaction in her voice.

"It's their scandal, not mine," she said, crossing her legs and resting her elbow on the table. "And by the way, why should I be sad? Their beloved daughter will be returning to them after hearing about her family's disgrace." She smirked. "Gosh, Arkins, you should come see the drama that will unfold. It's going to be a mess."

Arkins watched her closely, unsure how to react. This wasn't the Melly he used to know—there was something different in her eyes now, something sharp and calculating.

She stretched her arms and sighed dramatically. "I have to spend the whole day here because that house is chaotic right now. And, in fact, nobody cares about me anyway."

Arkins frowned. "Who do you think could leak your family's info like that? That person must be close to them to know all these secrets."

Melly tapped her chin as if thinking deeply. "Hmm… whoever this person is, I'm just as curious as you. But one thing's for sure…" She leaned forward, her voice laced with amusement. "This person will ruin my family to the ground. They'll all beg for mercy, but they won't find any."

She said it with such a sweet smile that it sent chills down Arkins' spine.

"Don't you want to find out who this person is?" he asked.

"No," Melly answered without hesitation. Then, before he could say anything, she looked at him in a way that made his breath hitch. Slowly, she reached out and brushed her fingers through his hair, her touch sending sparks down his spine.

"Focus on me, Arkins," she whispered, tilting her head slightly. "Not my damned family."

Her eyes locked onto his, deep and hypnotic, pulling him in. The air around them shifted as she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Arkins tensed, his heart pounding so hard he thought she could hear it.

The world around them faded.

Arkins swallowed hard, his voice husky when he finally spoke. "Can I… touch you?"

Melly's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Hmm…" She didn't say yes, but she didn't say no either.

That was all the permission he needed.

Arkins grabbed her by the waist and, in one swift motion, lifted her onto the couch at the corner of the shop. He hovered over her, his hands firm yet gentle as he traced patterns along her arm, his fingers moving up to brush through her hair.

Melly's breath hitched as he leaned in closer, his gaze dark and intense.

"I can't… without you," he whispered, his voice thick with longing.

Their breaths mingled, the tension so thick it felt like gravity itself was pulling them together. Arkins' fingers trailed down her jawline, his lips hovering just above hers.

She didn't pull away.

And at that moment, nothing else mattered.

Melly stared at Arkins, a playful glint in her eyes. Slowly, she leaned closer, her lips just inches from his ear.

"I know you're craving my lips so bad…" she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. "But not today."

Arkins tensed, his grip on her waist tightening. "And why is that?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement and frustration.

Melly smirked. "Because it could bring another scandal." She pulled back slightly, tilting her head as if picturing it. "Headline: The Foster Daughter of the Family Caught Kissing Her Schoolmate Right After Her Family's Scandal."

She chuckled, and Arkins couldn't help but laugh with her.

"You're impossible," he said, shaking his head.

Melly burst out laughing, her shoulders shaking as she fell back onto the couch. Arkins followed, and soon, they were both rolling on the floor, laughing uncontrollably.

When the laughter finally died down, Arkins propped himself up on his elbow and looked at her with a smirk. "Did you just swap the moment? I was supposed to kiss you, and now we're laughing like idiots?"

Melly grinned. "What can I say? I'm just that good."

Arkins sighed dramatically. "You're just something else, Melly."

She winked. "And don't you forget it."

After their laughter settled, Melly leaned her head against Arkins' shoulder and sighed.

"Thank you for being here for me," she said softly.

Arkins smiled and wrapped an arm around her. "You don't have to thank me, Melly. I'll always be here."

Before she could respond, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen—Nabi.

Melly rolled her eyes before answering. "Hello?"

"Melly, where are you?" Nabi's voice came through the phone, sounding impatient.

"At the comics shop. Why?"

"Because I'm home now, and I can't find you anywhere. Wait there, I'm coming over," Nabi said before cutting the call.

Melly sighed dramatically and put her phone down. "Hmm, this girl… who does she think she is? My master?"

Arkins chuckled at her reaction. "Aren't you happy to see your sister back home? And coming to see you?"

Melly scoffed. "Sister? Tsk… And why should I be?"

Arkins smirked. "By the way, I'm curious to see how she looks."

Melly's eyes narrowed. "And what will you gain from her looks?" she asked, her tone dripping with jealousy.

Arkins laughed. "Relax, I just want to see her."

Melly folded her arms, pouting slightly. "Hmm… whatever."

A few moments later, the door to the shop opened, and Nabi walked in. She spotted Melly and immediately pulled her into a tight hug.

"Melly! It's been so long. Why did you leave home? You know how much I missed you?"

Melly forced a smile. "Missed me? Hah, sure."

As Nabi pulled away, her eyes landed on Arkins. She looked him up and down before flashing a flirtatious smile. "And who's this?"

Melly quickly stepped between them. "This is Arkins," she said stiffly. "My… friend."

Arkins extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Nabi."

Nabi took his hand but held onto it a little too long, tilting her head with a sultry smile. "Likewise… Arkins. I can't wait to meet you again."

Melly's jaw clenched. She knew that look too well, and she did not like it. Her irritation grew as she saw Nabi biting her lip slightly while looking at Arkins.

Arkins, oblivious, just nodded. "Sure… I guess?"

Melly grabbed his wrist and turned to Nabi. "Well, you've met him. Now, let's go home, shall we?"

Nabi chuckled. "Alright, alright. No need to be so hasty, sis."

Melly rolled her eyes, dragging Arkins along as they left the shop. Inside, her blood was boiling.

Seriously? Lusting over Arkins the moment she sees him?

She tightened her grip on Arkins' hand without realizing it.

Arkins leaned in and whispered, "Jealous?"

Melly glared at him. "Shut up."

As they walked home, Arkins couldn't stop teasing Melly about Nabi's obvious interest in him.

"Did you see how she looked at me?" he said, grinning. "Your sister definitely finds me charming."

Melly scoffed. "Please, don't flatter yourself. She just likes flirting with new people."

Arkins leaned closer. "Oh? You sound… jealous."

Melly shot him a glare. "Shut up."

He chuckled, enjoying how easily he could get under her skin. Meanwhile, Nabi walked beside them, completely oblivious to the unspoken tension between them.

Out of nowhere, Nabi turned to Arkins and asked, "So… do you have a girlfriend?"

Arkins smirked, glancing at Melly before answering. "Nope."

"Really? Then, what's your type?" Nabi asked curiously.

Arkins pretended to think for a moment before answering, "Well… I like girls who are strong-willed, a little stubborn, always challenging me but also soft when they want to be. Someone who's independent but secretly loves being taken care of. And of course… someone who can make my heart race with just a look."

Melly, who had been silently listening, turned her head to look at him. She knew exactly who he was describing. A small smile played on her lips before she quickly turned away, hiding her reaction.

Nabi, on the other hand, completely missed the obvious hints. "Wow, sounds like an interesting girl," she said. "I bet you haven't met her yet."

Arkins chuckled. "Oh, you'd be surprised."

Melly resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

As they reached their house, Nabi suddenly said, "You know, I really like your vibe, Arkins. I think we should meet more often."

Melly tensed up, already sensing where this was going.

"You should totally come over sometime! Actually, our parents decided to stay on one of their private islands to settle their scandal, so the house is basically ours for now. Why don't you join us for a movie night?"

Before Melly could even protest, Arkins smiled and said, "Sounds like fun. I'd love to."

Melly snapped her head toward him, eyes wide with disbelief. Did he just agree?!

She narrowed her eyes at him, staring daggers. This traitor!

Arkins smirked at her reaction, enjoying how mad she looked.

Nabi, still clueless, clapped her hands excitedly. "Great! I'll set it up for tomorrow, then."

Melly sighed in frustration. She had a bad feeling about this.