Lila mumbled something under her breath, but even she wasn''t sure what it was.

    Her mind was a tangled mess, her thoughts sluggish and hazy, like she was trying to wade through thick fog.

    She squeezed the empty cup in her hands, as if grounding herself, before glancing up at Ethan.

    His expression was unreadable, but his eyes — those piercing, unwavering eyes — held an unspoken demand.

    She swallowed hard.

    Lila knew she had to say something. Fast.

    "We... we finished exams," she started, her voice raspy and weak.

    She cleared her throat and tried again. "That''s part of why I wasn''t upset that you were so busy. I mean, I was a little frustrated, but I understood."

    Ethan''s face didn''t change, and that made her more nervous.

    She forced herself to continue. "Cynthia — my roommate — and I thought drinking would be a good way to celebrate. You know, since I wasn''t going on any dates or anything, and I didn''t want to be a bother to you."

    His expression softened, just slightly.

    Lila exhaled shakily, relieved that he wasn''t completely mad.

    "So, Cynthia bought a few bottles, and we drank," she admitted. "At first, I thought I''d be fine. I only had one sip. But then my head started feeling hot, and Cynthia said I should drink more. That it would help get my mind off everything and that we could just enjoy the night."

    She winced, rubbing her temple as a dull ache throbbed against her skull.

    "So, I did," she said. "And well... that led to this."

    Silence.

    The weight of Ethan''s stare pressed on her, making her shift uncomfortably.

    She risked a glance up at him, bracing herself for disappointment, but to her surprise...

    The sharp edge in his gaze had faded.

    The tension in his shoulders loosened, and the furrow between his brows smoothed out.

    Then, before she could process what was happening, Ethan leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.

    Lila froze.

    Her breath hitched.

    His lips were warm against her skin, his presence solid and grounding, and for a moment, she just sat there, heart pounding in her chest.

    "I was worried," Ethan murmured, his voice quiet but firm. "But I''m glad it was only that."

    He pulled back, and the warmth of his kiss lingered, spreading through her chest like a slow-burning fire.

    Lila''s body moved before her brain could catch up.

    She leaned in, tilting her head up to capture his lips in a kiss.

    But before she could —

    Ethan''s hand came up, gently but firmly blocking her lips.

    "So, what''s the plan for tomorrow?" he asked, his tone casual.

    Lila took a moment to think.

    "I was going to sleep in all night," she admitted. "But someone decided to wake me up with water and painkillers."

    Ethan smirked. "You''re welcome."

    She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Since I''m awake now... I don''t know. I kind of just want to stay in."

    Ethan hummed thoughtfully. "No wild parties? No more drinking?"

    She glared. "Do you want me to punch you?"

    His smirk widened. "Not particularly, no."

    Lila sighed, shaking her head. "I swear, you''re impossible."

    "Mm." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But you love me for it."

    Lila nearly choked on her food.

    She stared at him, flustered, and Ethan just sat there, perfectly relaxed, watching her with an infuriatingly calm expression.

    He was messing with her. Again.

    Lila narrowed her eyes.

    Slowly, deliberately, she took another bite of food.

    Then, just as slowly, she chewed and swallowed.

    Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for her reaction.

    Lila set her fork down, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and met his gaze.

    "Ask me again when I don''t reek of alcohol."

    Ethan laughed.

    Lila smirked in satisfaction, grabbing another bite of food.

    Maybe she really had lucked out with this one.

    Lila tilted her head slightly, staring at Ethan with a soft but teasing look in her eyes.

    "Now do I reek of alcohol?" she asked, her voice barely above a murmur.

    Ethan exhaled through his nose, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

    He took a moment, leaning in just slightly as if testing the air around her, before finally shaking his head.

    "Nope."

    That was all she needed to hear.

    Before he could react, Lila closed the gap between them and stole his lips in an instant.

    The kiss was warm, soft, and filled with an unspoken relief.

    A silent "thank you" for taking care of her. For worrying about her. For being there.