Chapter 40: Kiss Me
The street was lined with plenty of these little hole-in-the-wall eateries, their metal exhaust fans slick with years of grease. Burly middle-aged men doubled as both chefs and owners, a few simple wooden tables shoved against the walls. In the kitchen, food sizzled in pans heavy with oil and smoke, sending out waves of rich, savory aromas that clung to everything.
"What do you feel like eating?" Hannah asked, eyeing the menu taped to the wall as she stood beside Julian. "Order anything you want. I'm treating you to a real meal today."
"Fries," Julian replied.
He wasn't trying to be polite—he was just used to being frugal. The few times he'd stopped by before, he'd always gone for the cheapest option, like a basic chicken sandwich or cheeseburger.
"Fries, spicy chicken wings, BBQ ribs, and pork chops and stir-fry veggies," Hannah called out toward the chief in the smoky kitchen.
"Got it, coming right up."
Hearing the reply, she found a seat and sat down. Julian took the spot across from her, his gaze lingering on the menu for a moment longer.
"Don't overthink it. I've got plenty of spending money—these dishes won't break the bank."
"But that's a lot. We'll never finish everything."
"Then take the leftovers home with you. Your place is practically next door. You're not some spoiled rich kid who'd let good food go to waste, right?"
"Of course not. I just… feel bad letting you spend that much on me."
"Silly guy, I already ordered it all. What's there to feel guilty about? You're such a worrywart, Jules."
Hannah hated it when Julian got all hesitant and awkward around her. To her, it meant their bond wasn't close enough yet. She wanted him to drop every guard, to be completely open with her—no reservations.
After all, her main competition was the girl who'd been the undisputed campus beauty of Riverside High for three straight years.
The owner worked with quick, practiced efficiency, and the food arrived in no time. Julian scooped out some rice for both of them, handing Hannah a bowl before sitting down and digging in without another word.
Girls always seemed to have smaller appetites. He noticed Hannah taking delicate, slow bites, barely making a dent. One bowl of rice later and she already looked full.
"Want something to drink?" Hannah glanced at the colorful array of cans and bottles crammed into the corner cabinet. "How about a beer?"
"Coke for me. I can't really handle alcohol… You drink, Hannah?"
"I've never tried it. Figured I might as well… If I end up drunk, will you take care of me?" A playful smile curved her lips, the words laced with teasing.
"Then of course I'd look after you. But I still wouldn't recommend it—it's not worth the headache."
"But on TV, they always say that's when guys get their big chance with drunk girls."
"You know me too well. If it were me, I'd just get you home safe and let you sleep it off somewhere comfortable."
"Oh? So I'm not appealing enough?" Hannah kept smiling, but there was a sharper edge beneath it. In front of Julian, she never cared if her jokes might lead him somewhere else. If he weren't so dense, their progress wouldn't be this painfully slow.
Her heart hammered wildly in her chest. Hannah did her best to keep the line sounding like casual banter, but the true weight behind it was anything but innocent. She dreaded him catching on, yet part of her hoped he wouldn't dismiss it outright.
"How could your little bro ever have improper thoughts about the boss? My loyalty to you is unbreakable."
"Pfft. So basically Margaret's prettier, huh? That's who you like." Hannah's voice carried a trace of resentment, like she was ready to throw caution to the wind. She lowered her head and muttered under her breath, barely audible, "Not like I've got anything up top anyway…"
"Huh? What did you say, Hannah?" Julian hadn't caught the mumbled part, blinking in confusion.
"Nothing. Go ahead and chase after your Margaret, you dummy."
Hannah stood up and walked over to the cabinet, grabbing two drinks. She handed Julian the blue can of Coke and popped open a beer for herself, bringing it to her nose for a cautious sniff.
She looked up and caught Julian staring at her, his expression hesitant, as though he wanted to say something.
"I'm doing it anyway. If I get wasted, the gentlemanly little guy can just rescue me."
"You trust me that much?"
"I don't know about any sneaky intentions, but if you've got even a sliver of courage… forget it. If you do, you can take a little advantage."
With a reckless shrug, Hannah tipped the can back and took a long swig. The alcohol stung her inexperienced throat, an odd warmth spreading through her body.
A burst of bold courage rushed through her veins. Shyly, she asked, "Julian, would you… do anything too far?"
"I wouldn't do anything overboard—or anything at all, really. I could never take advantage of your trust like that. But if it's making you uncomfortable, maybe skip the drinking. There's no need."
"I'm not backing down. This girl isn't about to lose to one measly can of beer."
She took several more bold gulps, draining the can. An unfamiliar wave of dizziness hit her hard, her pale cheeks blooming with a soft, rosy flush that made her look like a delicate flower in full bloom amid a spring garden.
"Shit, it's actually hitting me." She cursed casually, then pulled out her phone and scanned the QR code on the table to settle the bill. Squinting slightly, she looked at Julian. "Sorry for the hassle… my guy."
"Hannah, when you're drunk you're really something else… so bold. Aren't you worried about keeping up appearances at all?"
"Cut the crap. I'm just a little dizzy. Help me find a decent spot to crash for a bit."
"Alright, alright." Julian sighed in resignation. He asked the owner to pack up the remaining food, ignored the man's curious stare, and helped support Hannah as they made their unsteady way out of the diner.
From behind them came the owner's sigh. "Ah, the youth these days…"
Julian could only chuckle wryly to himself. It took some effort, but he managed to guide Hannah all the way back to his apartment. He helped her onto the bed and pulled the covers up over her.
"I don't want the blanket—it's way too hot." Hannah wasn't truly drunk, just a bit hazy. Her eyes were half-closed, her face glowing with an inviting flush.
"It's still burning up in here."
She glanced at him, then shrugged off her jacket without a second thought. Beneath it was a thin cotton shirt that hugged her frame, the delicate lines of her collarbones and the smooth, pale expanse of her neck on full display, like fresh snow.
"You should keep covered or you'll catch a cold."
Julian reached for the blanket again, but she lifted a hand to block him, pouting stubbornly. "No, it's too hot."
"You'll actually get sick. The AC in my room has been broken forever."
It was an old unit his father had installed before passing away, and it had given out years ago. He rarely ran it to save on the electric bill and had never bothered to get it repaired.
"I don't care. Don't fuss over me. You're just my little brother, not my boyfriend."
Hannah squirmed in protest, her resistance playful yet firm. With the jacket gone, the soft curves of her chest stood out more prominently—nothing inferior to what Isabella had. The rosy tint on her cheeks only enhanced the vibrant, youthful beauty of it all.
The liquid courage clouded her thinking, chipping away at her usual restraint. In a sudden move, she reached up with both hands, cupping Julian's face gently as she stared into his eyes. "Unless… you kiss me."