Chase.

Startled, Hailey turned her attention toward the source of the unexpected noise, and her jaw dropped in astonishment as her eyes landed on a figure nestled within the folds of the blanket.

Hailey's disbelief resonated through the room as she exclaimed, "What the..!" Leaping off the couch, she was met with an unexpected sight—the person on the couch pulling off the blanket covering their body was none other than Javin, sporting a shocked expression.

With an apprehensive smile forming on his face, Javin stammered, "Hailey, what the heck? When did you arrive?" He stood up, nervously backing away from the incensed Hailey.

Arms folded, eyebrow raised, Hailey took charge of the situation. "This is my apartment... I should be asking the questions here, you little brat!" Her tone was sharp, resembling a tiger ready to pounce. Uncharacteristically enraged, Hailey was clearly not in her usual state of mind.

"No, wait!" Javin protested, hastily stepping back to maintain distance. "Don't get so mad!" he shouted, raising his hands defensively. Hailey picked up a couch pillow and hurled it at him.

Swiftly evading the pillow, Javin skillfully maneuvered behind the couch, only to be met with Hailey's menacing declaration, "You had better start running!"

A surge of panic crossed Javin's eyes as he realized the impending chase. With a muttered, "Oh no!" he dashed towards the kitchen, Hailey chased after him.

For the next five minutes, the apartment turned into an impromptu racecourse as Hailey pursued Javin with determination. Finally, she managed to catch him, forcing him to kneel on the floor in surrender.

Javin, with his head hung low and a slightly red cheek, pouted as Hailey, now seated on the couch with crossed legs, brandished a wooden spatula in her hand. Her stern gaze bore into him as he faced the consequences of his unauthorized entry.

"I'm sorry!" Javin cried out, regret evident in his voice. "I shouldn't have entered without informing you."

Angrily slamming the wooden spatula on the coffee table, Hailey demanded answers. "Why did you leave your home? And how in the hell did you get into this apartment?"

Javin flinched slightly, struggling to find the right words. "I... um... Well, you see..." he began, his thoughts appearing tangled. Pausing, he sighed deeply, fingers scratching the nape of his neck.

Hailey observed him, her gaze softening as she asked, "You had an argument with your father again, didn't you?"

Javin hesitated before nodding slowly. The weight of their unspoken conversation lingered, and Hailey sensed the complex emotions stirring within him—guilt and embarrassment painted across his features. She understood the difficulty of facing infuriated parents.

Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, Hailey spoke reassuringly, "I just remembered I gave you my passcode. You can get up."

" How unfortunate, You only come to see me whenever you have problems." A warm smile accompanied her words, prompting Javin's shoulders to drop in relief. He released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

He looked into her eyes, before getting on his feet and said, "You know my parents won't let me come here on a norm."

Hailey delicately placed the spatula on the coffee table, a quizzical expression crossing her face. "I wonder what they have against me," she mused, her laughter bubbling up lightly as she observed Javin settling down beside her.

"They think you're a bad influence, but to be honest, I don't think so. My parents just don't get you," Javin explained.

Hailey shot him a sly smile, teasingly murmuring, "But you do, and that's why you're my favorite family member," playfully nudging his shoulder.

Javin reciprocated with a bright smile and a nod. "After grandma, that is," Hailey added, a teasing glint in her eye, followed by a soft laugh.

"I should have seen that one coming. No one can take grandma's place in your heart," Javin replied with a knowing grin. The exchange of glances between them led to another bout of laughter.

Their laughter was abruptly interrupted by the loud rumbling of Javin's stomach, prompting both of them to burst into laughter once more.

As their laughter gradually subsided, Hailey reached into her pocket , retrieving her phone. "Seems you are hungry; you didn't eat before you left, right?" she asked, fingers dancing over her phone's screen as she typed.

Javin nodded in agreement, placing his hands on his stomach. "No, I didn't," he admitted. Hailey, displaying her caring nature, asked, "Do you want me to make something for you?"

"Yes, please!" Javin responded eagerly. Hailey, with a nod, gracefully stood up and made her way to the kitchen. Donning an apron, she skillfully embarked on culinary endeavors. The enticing aroma of sweet and sour chicken sizzling in the wok wafted through the air, blending with the rich scents of beef and broccoli simmering on the stove.

Hailey meticulously folded delicate shrimp dumplings, turning each one into a miniature work of art. The symphony of vegetables crackling in the pan added to the delightful cacophony of flavors being crafted in the kitchen. Hailey expertly prepared a side of vegetable fried rice, each ingredient harmonizing to create a palate-pleasing experience.

After some time, Hailey finished cooking, turning off the burner with a satisfied smile. She began to serve both their dishes, placing them on the kitchen island where vibrant colors and alluring scents mingled enticingly. Javin, eagerly waiting, received a plate from Hailey.

As they sat across from each other, the anticipation hung in the air as they allowed their dishes to cool a bit.

"Hailey, you're the best cook... even better than my mom," Javin exclaimed with wide-open eyes, savoring each bite. "This tastes delicious!" Genuine delight radiated from him.

"I'm glad you enjoy it," Hailey replied, smiling warmly as she began to savor her own meal, the kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of the dishes she made.

A peaceful silence enveloped the two, but Hailey decided to break it. "So, how is school going?" she inquired, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, studying Javin's reaction.

He looked away slightly, contemplating her question before responding, "Fine. It's all fine."

After a moment's pause, he turned the question back on Hailey. "What about you? How is work?"

Nodding, Hailey took another spoonful of her food. "It's alright. Annoying, but it's alright," she shared with a small smile, savoring the flavors.

Javin paused in his eating, deep in thought as if trying to recall something. Hailey, curious, prodded him. "Javin?" That's when it clicked in his mind. He snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "Yes, I remember now—something happened at grandma's place."

Perking up, Hailey raised her eyebrows. "What happened?"

"I wasn't listening at some point because I didn't care..." Javin continued, "Anyways, I think Eliza is getting married."

Hailey paused, furrowing her brows as she processed the information. In her thoughts, she reflected, 'So the entire family gathered at grandma's place, and I wasn't informed. This screams Gao Rouyun, that old witch,' clucking her tongue slightly and pursing her lips.