12. Stolen Glances

  Afternoon – Villa Living Room

  The camera was already rolling. The villa's living room buzzed with energy, filled with the teasing laughter and shouts of the Oblivion members.

  The floor was layered with plush carpets, pillows scattered in delightful disarray. A large screen television stood in the center, flashing the vivid graphics of a battle royale game—the focus of today's YouTube content.

  Zio stood at the center like a game show host, gripping a tablet with a spinning wheel app. "Alright! Today's content—Duo Battle Royale! Two-on-two, one person gets to commentate and stir the pot."

  Leo raised his hand fast. "Me! I wanna roast you all without having to suffer Zio's cursed mystery juice when you lose."

  "Oi, that's not fair!" Axel laughed. "We all have to taste the pain."

  Rei, already in position with a controller, sat at the edge of the couch, expression unreadable. "Cut the drama. Let's start."

  Zio spun the digital wheel. The names flashed in fast rotation before the result popped up.

  Team 1: Axel & Rei

  Team 2: Zio & Hanu

  Leo as the commentator.

  "Hell yes! My partner is the quiet but deadly Hanu," Zio cheered, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Let's destroy them!"

  Hanu smirked. "Just don't throw the controller like last time, Zio."

  Leo settled into the commentator's chair, headset on, grinning like a devil about to set fire to everything.

  But amid all the noise, Hanu… was still stealing glances.

  Across the room, leaning casually near the open window, stood Robin. He wore a dark hoodie, sleeves rolled up, revealing toned forearms that could distract anyone if they weren't careful. A discreet earpiece clung to his ear, and beside him stood another bodyguard, scanning the perimeter with professional vigilance.

  To anyone else, Robin blended into the background. Calm. Cool. Detached. But to Hanu—he was far too intense to ignore.

  While the game loaded, Hanu kept sneaking quick glances. And each time their eyes met, Robin would lift a single brow, smirk slow and deliberate, like he knew exactly what she was doing.

  Hanu's breath caught in her throat. She quickly scratched her head to cover the blush blooming on her cheeks.

  "HANU! Stay with me here!" Zio teased, half-laughing. "We haven't even started and you're already lost in your feelings!"

  Leo groaned theatrically. "Woooow! Someone's flustered! That's what happens when a bodyguard looks at you like he's ready to ruin your day—in the best way."

  Hanu let out a hiss and nudged Zio's shoulder. "Oh my God, shut up..."

  Meanwhile, Robin chuckled softly under his breath, his arms folded across his chest. His gaze never left her. Then he leaned toward the other bodyguard and murmured, "If I disappear for a minute, think anyone'll notice?"

  "What for?" his partner asked, raising a brow.

  "To make sure Hanu doesn't lose focus."

  "With your eyes?"

  Robin smiled, just a hint of mischief on his lips. "Exactly."

  Then he looked at her again—this time longer. Deeper.

  And Hanu, now very aware of his gaze, lowered her head and adjusted her headset as if tuning out the world. But her bottom lip caught between her teeth, her cheeks impossibly warm.

  Leo was still ranting into the mic. "Game's starting—but I swear, Hanu's heart already took a hit. Direct hit. No shields left."

  Zio joined in with a laugh. "Watch out! She's about to lose concentration before the countdown even finishes!"

  Axel, already geared up with Rei, shot Hanu a teasing smile. "Han, if you lose, you have to sing a love song for Robin. Live. On camera."

  "YES!" Leo and Zio screamed in unison.

  Hanu bolted upright in panic. "Absolutely NOT! That was not in the rules!"

  Across the room, Robin simply smirked and mouthed two words:

  I'll wait.

  Hanu covered her face with both hands, her cheeks turning crimson. Her heartbeat was anything but steady.

  The match finally began. The shouts, explosions, and chaos of battle filled the room—but through it all, between each kill and dodge, Hanu's eyes still flicked to the side. Still searching for Robin.

  And Robin never stopped looking back.

  In the middle of the madness, with cameras rolling and laughter echoing… two people were quietly burning.

  Two hearts stealing glances.

  Because behind all the noise, all the content, all the playful dares—something had started to bloom. Quietly. Irresistibly.

---

  Evening – After Filming

  The room was empty now. The members had scattered to their own spaces. Hanu remained on the sofa, hugging a half-empty bottle of water, still feeling the residual heat of all the teasing from earlier.

  Robin approached from behind, slow and calm. "Tired?"

  "A bit," Hanu replied quietly.

  Robin ruffled her hair with a quick sweep of his hand, then perched on the backrest of the sofa. "Still thinking about earlier?"

  "Not really… Just wondering why they're always so loud."

  "Because you're adorable when you're flustered," Robin murmured close to her ear.

  Hanu shot him a glare. "Don't start."

  Robin checked his watch. "It's just after four."

  "So?"

  "Wanna go to the beach?"

  Hanu blinked. "The back beach?"

  "No. The public one."

  "Walking? That's pretty far."

  "That's why we'll take a motorbike."

  "Motorbike?" she frowned.

  Robin gave a slight smile. "I already asked Mr. Harto—the villa caretaker. He said we can borrow his. He lives just down the road. Come on."

  Hanu still looked hesitant. "Do we have helmets?"

  "Of course. I'm not letting you end up in the headlines like: 'Idol blown off by sea wind.'"

  Hanu burst out laughing. "Alright… but don't drive like a maniac."

  Robin stood, extending his hand toward her. "Let's go. The sunset's waiting for you."