Chapter 9: More Than Just Friends

Still wrapped in Henry's arms, a loud growl escaped from Rose's stomach, cutting through the quiet moment and sending both of them into a fit of laughter.

"Looks like someone's hungry," Henry teased, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he slowly let go. "Let me fix you something to eat while you freshen up."

Rose nodded with a soft smile and made her way to the bathroom. Just as she turned the water on, she paused—she didn't have any clothes at his place.

Peeking out of the bathroom, she caught him just outside the room. "Do you mind if I wear one of your shirts after bathing? I didn't bring any clothes… unlike you, who's basically moved into my house," she added with a playful eye-roll.

Henry chuckled. "Sure. I'm sure it'll fit you—and you'll look sexy in it."

Rose rolled her eyes, her cheeks warming with color as she laughed and slipped back inside. She showered, then pulled on one of Henry's oversized white shirts. The sleeves were too long, so she rolled them up, and the hem barely reached her mid-thigh. It felt comfortable… sort of.

When she stepped out, Henry was already back in the room, holding a tray. On it: scrambled eggs, toast, and a cup of hot chocolate. He placed it gently on the table beside the bed, turning just in time to see her.

She stood there, a little shy, adjusting the hem of the shirt. His eyes lingered, and she noticed.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, half-laughing, half-hiding.

He walked up to her, kissed her forehead softly, then whispered against her ear, "Because you look too sexy… and I want to do things I probably shouldn't say right now."

His hands found her waist, pulling her close for a soft, lingering kiss.

"Come eat before I lose my mind," he murmured.

The rest of the day passed like a dream. They played video games on the couch, laughed at silly things, and in between, there were random kisses, lingering touches—an unspoken closeness that hadn't been there before.

They were more than just friends now, and they both knew it.

That night, Henry made dinner, and they ended the day tangled in each other's arms—peaceful, content, and closer than ever before.