Chatper 411


    “I thought you were going to cook for me,” Brandon grumbled, pursing his lips, feeling somewhat


    deceived.


    “I’m still a bit scared to be alone after watching that horror movie!” Natalie pouted, clinging to his arm


    like a spoiled child.


    Brandon relented, boiling water for the pasta, cutting the tomatoes, and preparing the sauce. Before he


    realized it, the entire meal was cooked, and he found himself ting the spaghetti. Why was he so


    compliant? Perhaps it was because Natalie had been exceptionally affectionate and adorable today.


    And he found himself enjoying it.


    After finishing their meal, Natalie headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Brandon followed her,


    puzzled by her actions.


    Brandon: “What’re you doing? Just put them in the dishwasher.”


    Natalie continued washing the dishes while exining her reasoning.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Natalie: “You don’t remember, do you? Back then, we didn’t have a dishwasher, so we used to divide


    the work. One person cooked while the other washed the dishes. Since you cooked dinner for us, it’s


    only fair that I wash the dishes.”


    Once she finished cleaning the dishes, Natalie dried them and ced them in the cupboard. When she


    turned around, she noticed Brandon silently staring at her. It was then that Natalie realized she had


    said something wrong.


    Brandon: “Do you miss the old days?”


    Natalie tried tough it off, but her eyes betrayed her true emotions, revealing her sadness.


    Natalie: “You’re right in front of me. Why would I miss the old days?”


    Smiling sadly, Brandon approached her and rested his head on her shoulder.


    Brandon: “I’m sorry. I can tell that you were happier with the old me. I can’t seem to make you as happy


    these days.”


    Natalie listened attentively, appreciating Brandon’s ability to express his feelings openly. Despite the


    seriousness of the situation, she restrained herself fromughing. When did he be this adorable?


    It felt strange yet endearing.


    Brandon yfully pecked her neck and asked, “So, what horror movie were you watching earlier?”


    Natalie’s smile froze, caught off guard by the question.


    Natalie: “Oh, well… It was… um… ‘Mary Shaw.’”


    Brandon suggested they watch it together, pulling her towards the living room. He turned on the TV and


    started ying the movie, casually unbuttoning two shirt buttons. Seeing Natalie still standing, he


    patted the spot next to him.


    Brandon: “You won’t feel scared now that I’m here with you.”


    Blushing with embarrassment, Natalie cursed herself for lying about watching a horror movie.


    Brandon: “What’s wrong?” he asked when she didn’t move.


    Natalie: “Come on. The movie’s starting.”


    Not wanting to raise suspicion, Natalie reluctantly sat beside him. Horror movies always terrified her,


    causing her to break into a cold sweat. She couldn’t recall thest time she willingly watched one.


    Moreover, something strange had happened on herputer earlier, making her more anxious than


    usual.


    As soon as she settled down, Brandon naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Grateful for his


    comforting gesture, Natalie felt slightly less scared as she listened to his heartbeat. She covered her


    mouth, secretly amused by how fast his heart was racing. Was he scared too? Was he just trying to act


    cool?


    Observing her smug expression, Brandon yfully pinched her and asked, “Did you see that? I thought


    I saw someone by the window just now.”


    Natalie nervously nced at the window, her heart pounding.


    Natalie: “What?! No!”


    Brandon urged her to take a closer look, and Natalie, frightened, lightly punched him while pouting.


    Natalie: “Stop joking around, Brandon!”


    Suddenly, Brandon stood up from the sofa and walked briskly towards the window.


    Brandon: “I really saw something!”


    Terrified, Natalie buried her face in a throw pillow and shouted, “Come back! I’m scared!”


    Seeing her trembling like a leaf, Brandon couldn’t help but burst intoughter. What a scaredy-cat! He


    approached her and enveloped the frightened Natalie in his arms.


    Brandon: “Since you’re so scared, why did you want to watch ‘Mary Shaw’ all by yourself?”


    Unable toe up with a response, Natalie resorted to her usual tactic of changing the subject.


    Natalie: “I’ll definitely have nightmarester.”


    Brandon’s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    Brandon: “Then let’s not sleep tonight. We can do something else…”