From the kitchen, Eliza spoke without turning.
"Ling."
Ling flinched. "Yes, Mom."
Rhea's eyebrows shot up. She sensed you.
Eliza took a sip of coffee. "You're late."
Ling nodded stiffly.
Rhea leaned closer, whispering so softly only Ling could hear,
"Liar."
Ling elbowed her gently without looking.
Eliza turned halfway, eyes scanning the doorway. "You're usually already at breakfast by now. Specially when I was there to wake you up."
Ling swallowed. "I was… coming."
Rhea, hidden inches away, tilted her head, deliberately brushing her shoulder against Ling's back.
Ling inhaled sharply.
Eliza narrowed her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Ling said too fast.
Rhea mouthed, future spouse panic?
Ling pressed her palm back blindly, shoving Rhea further into the shadows. Rhea grabbed Ling's wrist instead, holding it there.
Eliza watched Ling carefully for a long second. Then she turned back to the counter.
"Sit. I'll have them bring food."
Ling forced a smile. "No need. I'll get it."
Eliza hummed. "You're unusually helpful today."
Behind her, Rhea leaned in and whispered, barely air,
"She's terrifying."
Ling whispered back through her teeth,
"Shut up."
Eliza suddenly spoke again, voice sharp.
"Ling."
Ling straightened. "Yes?"
Eliza turned fully now, gaze sweeping once more. It lingered—just a fraction too long—on the pantry area.
Ling's heart slammed.
Rhea didn't move. Didn't blink. Didn't breathe.
Eliza finally said, "Don't make a mess."
Ling nodded. "I won't."
Eliza walked out of the kitchen.
The second she was gone, Ling sagged forward, one hand on the counter.
Rhea stepped out from behind the pantry, eyes sparkling.
"That," Rhea whispered, "was fun."
Ling turned on her instantly. "You are insane."
Rhea grinned. "You hid me."
Ling dragged a hand down her face. "I hid you from my mother in my own kitchen. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?"
Rhea leaned closer. "You didn't send me away."
Ling froze.
Rhea softened, just a little. "Breakfast?"
Ling stared at her for a long moment, then sighed.
"…Sit. Before I lose my mind."
Rhea pulled out a chair like she belonged there.
And somehow—terrifyingly—she did.
Then she laughed—soft at first, then unable to stop herself.
Ling reacted instantly.
She stepped in and pressed her palm over Rhea's mouth, eyes sharp but amused, whispering in an exaggerated warning,
"Hehehe—don't laugh."
Rhea's laugh muffled under her hand, shoulders shaking. Her eyes crinkled, completely unapologetic.
Ling leaned closer, lowering her voice even more. "Do you want my mother to teleport back in here?"
Rhea nodded slightly under Ling's hand just to annoy her.
Ling narrowed her eyes. "You're doing this on purpose."
Rhea pulled Ling's wrist down gently but didn't let go of it. "You hid me behind groceries," she whispered. "How am I supposed to take this seriously?"
Ling groaned quietly. "I panicked."
"You panicked," Rhea repeated, delighted. "Ling Kwong. Panicked."
Ling glanced toward the hallway, then back at Rhea. "Keep your voice down."
Rhea leaned closer instead. "What if I don't?"
Ling's hand hovered near Rhea's mouth again, threatening. "I will literally carry you out of here."
Rhea smiled wickedly. "With your injured hand?"
Ling scoffed. "Don't test me."
Rhea finally behaved—sort of—covering her own mouth this time, shoulders still shaking with silent laughter.
Ling watched her for a second, then shook her head, a reluctant smile breaking through.
"You're impossible," she muttered.
Rhea dropped her hand. "You love it."
Ling didn't deny it. She turned toward the counter, grabbing plates, muttering, "Eat before you get us killed."
Rhea's eyes following Ling.
Ling felt it. She always did.
Without turning, she said, "Stop staring."
Rhea smiled sweetly. "No."
Ling paused, then glanced back at her. "If my mother asks why I'm smiling like an idiot, I'm blaming you."
Rhea's voice softened just a touch. "Worth it."
Ling exhaled, shaking her head—but her smile stayed.
She picked up a strawberry from the bowl, washed it quickly, then held it out in front of Rhea's face like a challenge.
"Open," she ordered quietly.
Rhea raised a brow but leaned forward anyway, taking the strawberry between her lips instead of her fingers. She didn't bite. She just held it there, eyes glittering.
Ling froze. "…You're doing this on purpose."
Rhea's voice was muffled. "What?"
Ling leaned in, slow, deliberate, eyes locked on Rhea's mouth. Just as she was about to take the strawberry—
Rhea slipped it fully into her mouth and laughed.
Ling straightened instantly. "You—"
Rhea chewed, smug. "Too slow."
Ling clicked her tongue, grabbed another strawberry. "Again."
She held it out.
Rhea repeated it, lips closing around the fruit, gaze steady, provocative without trying.
Ling leaned in again, closer this time, hand braced on the counter—
Rhea pulled the same trick, popping it into her mouth and laughing louder.
"Second time," Rhea said. "You're predictable."
Ling narrowed her eyes. "You're enjoying this too much."
She took a third strawberry, stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"Last chance."
Rhea tilted her head, accepted it between her lips again—this time not laughing, not moving, just watching Ling approach.
Ling leaned in slowly, almost winning—
"Good morning."
Ling jolted back like she'd been electrocuted.
Dadi stood at the kitchen entrance, hands clasped behind her back, eyes sharp, amused, and very awake.
Rhea swallowed quickly, eyes wide.
Ling cleared her throat. "Morning, Dadi."
Dadi looked from Ling to Rhea. Then to the strawberry bowl. Then back to their faces.
"…Interesting breakfast," she said mildly.
Rhea straightened, trying to look innocent. "Good morning, Dadi."
Dadi hummed. "I see coordination. Trust. Timing issues."
Ling groaned under her breath. "Please don't analyze."
Dadi walked in fully, picked up a strawberry herself. "Third attempt usually works," she said casually. "Unless someone enjoys winning too much."
Rhea coughed, half-laughing.
Ling shot Dadi a glare. "You were supposed to be asleep."
"I was," Dadi replied. "Then I sensed nonsense."
She looked at Rhea again, softer now. "Hungry?"
Rhea nodded. "Very."
Dadi smiled. "Sit. I'll distract Eliza if needed."
Ling's eyes widened. "You will?"
Dadi leaned in slightly, voice low. "I want to see how long before you lose your composure again."
Ling muttered, "Traitor."
Rhea smiled, victorious, and finally sat properly.
As Ling turned back to the counter, Dadi added calmly,
"Next time, finish the strawberry before flirting."
Ling nearly dropped the bowl.
Rhea laughed openly now, completely unashamed.