Chapter 18: Stolen Moments

**

Arriving back home, the embrace of familiarity wrapped around them. The trio shared a hearty breakfast, their laughter echoing in the corners of the room. Lucian's innocent request cut through the air like a ribbon of joy. "Papa, will you and mama take me to school together?" he queried, his enthusiasm undeterred by the fact that it was the weekend.

Mr. Yunus's heart swelled with happiness as he answered, "Yes, of course."

"See, papa? Other parents kiss each other," Lucian added with a mischievous glint.

Hazel's attempts to dismiss the matter were thwarted by Lucian's determined insistence. "Hmph... Lucian, your dad and I are friends, you see. It's not quite the same..."

Her words were cut short as she noticed the disappointment etched on Lucian's face. Mr. Yunus, seizing the opportunity, extended his lips toward Hazel, his eyes warm with invitation. A kiss—a tender connection shared between them—unfolded, and in that moment, Hazel felt the touch of realization brush against her heart.

It wasn't just a kiss—it was a revelation. The gentle pressure of their lips meeting stirred emotions she had yet to fully comprehend. As their lips parted, Hazel's eyes met Mr. Yunus's, and in that unspoken gaze, she recognized the truth: she was falling in love.

The sensation lingered, a melody that resonated within her—a tender realization that she couldn't ignore. The kiss had become a canvas where emotions painted themselves in the most delicate shades.

After breakfast, Mr. Yunus retrieved his drawing materials, inviting curiosity to blossom. "Are you an artist?" Hazel inquired, her eyes tracing the array of pencils and paints.

"I possess a touch of talent," he replied, a modest smile gracing his lips.

An impish grin curved Hazel's mouth. "Then you must describe him to me. I shall draw your vision."

"You've challenged me," Mr. Yunus declared, his tone playfully serious. "Prepare to be impressed."

A playful back-and-forth ensued, punctuated by Hazel's cheeky retorts. "You've lost your smile, Mr. Yunus. I suspect the 'smile affliction' is spreading," she teased.

"Is my smile missed?" he inquired, his voice a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

"Apparently, you've managed to evade my awareness," she replied, a playful glint in her eye. "But worry not—I'm the professional, and you are the amateur."

"Naughty, aren't you? I'll have you know I'm a professional," Mr. Yunus retorted, determination flashing in his eyes.

And then, with a mischievous twist, the tables turned. "Look, there's paint on your face," he said, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Hazel's hand instinctively rose to check her face, only to find herself the target of his playfulness. Before she could react, a streak of paint adorned her cheek, a whimsical symbol of their shared banter.

Their playful exchange cascaded into a chase, each of them armed with paintbrushes and laughter. A vivid canvas of colors painted their laughter, transforming moments into memories—a tableau of shared joy that every couple dreams of.