Redmption 231


    The incessant ringing of the phone suddenly stopped.


    In an instant, the only sounds remaining were the crackling of the stove and the racing of Brandon’s


    and my heartbeats.


    With the proximity, our breaths intertwined. I could clearly see the flicker of desire in Brandon’s


    eyes.


    I had a strong premonition that something was about to happen.


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, followed by Lara’s voice from downstairs. “Brandon,


    Brandon, the water in my house is running very slowly. Could youe help me figure out what’s


    wrong?”


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    Brandon’s body, which had been pressed closely against mine, pulled back. Seizing the


    opportunity, I quickly escaped and plopped down on the couch.


    After a moment, Brandon emerged from the kitchen and went to open the door. “Mrs. Bishop, I’ll


    come check it for you.”


    “Alright.” Lara nced into the room and naturally noticed me. She politely greeted me, “Maddie,


    I’m just borrowing Brandon for a moment.”


    I thought to myself, “Heh… Such a statement.”


    But I yed along and replied, “Mrs. Bishop, borrow him quickly and return him promptly. If you


    don’t, it’ll be hard to borrow him again.”


    “No problem.” Laraughed, and Brandon followed her out.


    I let out a sigh of relief. Then, I enjoyed some of the watermelon juice and -returned to my room.


    Brandon came to call me about half an hourter.


    Time had been kind, and the awkwardness from earlier had dissipated. I asked casually, “What’s


    going on with the water at Mrs. Bishop’s ce?”


    “The faucet was clogged with mineral deposits. I just reced it with a


    new one.”


    I thought about the uing demolition of the building. “By the way, you know this ce is being


    torn down, right?”


    “Yes.”


    I remembered he had mentioned moving back. “Well, you’re a tenant, so you’ll be leaving


    anyway.“.


    “What about you?” Brandon asked in return. “Where will you move to?”


    “I haven’t decided yet.” I didn’t mention my ns to buy a house.


    Brandon’s gaze deepened, but he didn’t press further.


    The meals he cooked were delicious. I even thought that if Brandon ever disappeared from my life, I


    might not find joy in eating anything else.


    After dinner, Brandon and I headed to the amusement park.


    “Kara isn’t here?” I asked curiously, noticing it was just the two of us.


    Brandon replied, “No need for her.”


    Iughed. “Brandon, it feels a bit like you’re trying to cut ties after getting what you wanted from


    her.”


    Brandon didn’t respond and led me further inside. I looked around at the illuminated lights. “The


    lighting looks good now. We’ll need to check the overall effectter.”


    “Hmm, didn’t you say that the best observation point is on the Ferris wheel? Let’s go there and


    check it out.


    “Brandon, I didn’t expect you to actually meet the deadline,” I said with


    some surprise.


    “If I promise you something, I’ll make sure it’s done,” Brandon said matter- of–factly, but I heard


    something more in his tone.


    This wasn’t the first time he had spoken like this. I knew he was saying it on purpose for me to


    hear.


    I tilted my head and said, “Brandon, I’ve realized you’re quite skilled.”


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