Jasmine's laughter echoed through the phone, a playful melody that seemed to dance between the words. "So Irwin was the one who saved you years ago?" she exclaimed, her excitement practically leaping through the receiver. I could almost picture the mischievous grin on her face as she teased me relentlessly about my perpetual single status. "So, I'm going to become an aunt soon?" she added, the amusement evident in her voice.

I rolled my eyes, attempting to conceal the sudden blush that crept up my cheeks. "Oh, shut up," I retorted, my embarrassment betrayed by the slight stammer in my voice. Her laughter only intensified, ringing in my ears like a friendly taunt. As the conversation continued, the poor network connection decided to play its part in our comedic exchange. The phone call was abruptly cut off, leaving behind a trail of unfinished sentences and laughter hanging in the air. I sighed, wondering if technology had a sense of comedic timing, or if it was just fate conspiring to interrupt our banter.

"Why are your ears red, Abby?" Irwin's voice, unexpected and close, sent a shiver down my spine. I jumped in fear, the sudden intrusion catching me off guard. "Oh man, you scared me," I exclaimed, placing a shaky hand on my racing heart.

"Don't be, I will never hurt you," Irwin reassured, his voice a soothing balm to my startled nerves. As he approached, a gentle kiss on my forehead followed, leaving a lingering warmth that spread to my cheeks, now flushed with embarrassment. The unexpected tenderness only intensified the fluttering in my chest.

"Abelia, you're blushing," Irwin pointed out, amusement evident in his laughter. My feeble attempt at denial only seemed to entertain him more. "I'm not," I insisted, though the rosy hue on my cheeks betrayed me. In a mix of embarrassment and playfulness, I decided to escape the situation, darting out of the room in search of Aunt Babei. As I hurried down the hallway, the echo of Irwin's laughter lingered in the air. The playful teasing and the unexpected tenderness created a swirl of emotions, leaving me with a mixture of embarrassment, amusement, and a hint of something else-an undeniable warmth that lingered from that gentle forehead kiss.

Aunt Babei's concerned gaze met mine as she inquired, "What happened, darling? Why are you red?" I tried to play it cool, conjuring up a quick excuse. "Oh, nothing, I'm just feeling hot," I fibbed, my hand instinctively moving to wave in front of my face as if to create a makeshift breeze.

Her keen eyes studied me for a moment, and I could almost sense her skepticism. However, before she could press further, Aunt Babei's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Why don't you and Irwin go and wander across Cabo Verde? There's a charming familial coffee shop nearby. I'm sure Irwin will like it. Go quickly," she suggested, a twinkle in her eye.

It became apparent that Aunt Babei had more than just a passing interest in my potential romantic escapades. Her matchmaking instincts were at play, subtly pushing Irwin and me together. Despite her attempt to mask it as a casual suggestion, there was an undeniable twinkle in her eye that hinted at a bit of mischief. As I processed her words, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. It seemed Aunt Babei had no intention of being subtle about her matchmaking efforts. The prospect of exploring Cabo Verde with Irwin, especially to a quaint coffee shop, sparked a sense of excitement within me. Perhaps, amid the laughter, teasing, and shared moments, I was in for a few unexpected surprises during my stay.

Irwin and I strolled towards the coffee shop, a cozy haven nestled across the seaside. The inviting aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, tempting my senses and reigniting my appetite. The picturesque setting, combined with the delightful scent, created a moment that felt like it belonged in a storybook.

"Irwin, let's sit there," I suggested eagerly, I grabbed his arm before he could respond. The warmth of his presence was comforting, and I found myself appreciating the simple joy of sharing this moment with him.

His hair, illuminated by the gentle sunlight, seemed to have an ethereal glow. A whimsical thought crossed my mind-tying his hair into a playful pigtail. I couldn't help but giggle at the amusing image playing in my mind. "What's funny?" Irwin inquired, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.

"Oh, nothing, nothing," I dismissed with a mischievous giggle, deciding to keep my playful fantasy to myself.

''Are you ready to order, sir?" the waiter inquired, directing his attention to Irwin. Irwin, with a confident demeanor, replied, "Yes, I would like a Tropical Cabo Verde on the rocks and the truffle pies."

The waiter then turned his gaze toward me, and that innocent question suddenly took a surprising turn. "And what about your wife? Are you ready to order, ma'am?" he asked, emphasizing the word 'wife.' My face instantly turned a dark shade of red, caught off guard by the unexpected term. Irwin, however, seized the opportunity to playfully assert his presence. He smirked and smoothly reached under the table, grabbing my hand and gently stroking it with his fingers.

"She will have the grapefruit bubble tea and the mini berry tart," Irwin answered on my behalf, his tone carrying a subtle hint of mischief. The use of the term 'wife' seemed to amuse him, evident in the playful gesture beneath the table.

Fully aware of the situation, I looked up, only to be surprised by Azlert's mischievous grin. "I should have known," I remarked, unable to hide a smile as I playfully took the menu card and lightly spanked Irwin's arm.

As Azlert headed toward the kitchen, he couldn't resist a teasing comment. "Sister-in-law, welcome home," he said with a laugh that echoed with a blend of warmth and amusement.

"So, you have a business here and did not tell me. What else are you hiding?" I asked Irwin, taking a sip of my refreshing grapefruit bubble tea. The atmosphere was light, with a hint of curiosity in my tone.

"It's not mine; it's one of Azlert's businesses," Irwin responded casually, revealing the connection between him and Azlert. The revelation piqued my interest, and I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises were in store.

Azlert joined our table, seamlessly becoming part of the conversation. Despite not knowing him well, we seemed to get along effortlessly, sharing jokes and banter like old friends. "See, I told you she would prefer bubble tea over coffee," Azlert remarked, a playful comment that earned him a swift kick under the table from Irwin.

"Ouch, what was that for?" Azlert protested, feigning innocence. "Shut up," Irwin replied, a hint of embarrassment coloring his expression. The playful banter between the two hinted at a deeper connection, one that held a shared history and a comfortable camaraderie.

Irwin, now with a mischievous glint in his eye, turned to Azlert. "You have too much free time now? Should I tell Mom?" he playfully threatened, a reference to a shared history that seemed to amuse them both.

"Do you guys realize I am still here? Hello?" I chimed in, clearly clueless about the insider jokes they were exchanging.

"I have heard a lot from Irwin about you," Azlert said, and I caught a fleeting, menacing look that Irwin shot in his direction, thinking I hadn't noticed. Azlert continued, "Irwin and Gregory."

The mention of Irwin made my heart skip a beat, realizing that Irwin had shared stories about me with his brothers. It added a layer of intimacy to our connection that I hadn't anticipated.

"Today is a special day; it's the 5th anniversary of the coffee shop. All couples will receive a premium teddy bear and a couple souvenir photo. You guys interested?" Azlert added in, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"I don't think-" Irwin began before I quickly intervened, "Of course, we would love to do so!" I said, my excitement bubbling over. Irwin looked at me, his expression clueless, innocence shining in his eyes.

"But we are not a couple?" Irwin questioned, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Just play along," I said with a wink, determined to embrace the spontaneous moment. The prospect of receiving a premium teddy bear and a couple souvenir photo added an unexpected and delightful memory.

I gave a copy of the photo to Irwin, happily hugging my teddy as we headed out, later to be joined by Azlert. Tomorrow, Gregory, Romeo, and Calantha would visit Aunt Babei.

"How will I explain to Gregory that we are sharing a room together?" I asked, a hint of concern in my voice.

"He knows already," Irwin responded casually, his tone suggesting that it was no big deal.

"What? You told my brother that I am sleeping with you?" I exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and embarrassment coloring my expression.

''Well, we're not really sharing the same bed, you made me sleep on the floor, remember?" Irwin laughed, attempting to lighten the mood. I couldn't help but chuckle at the reminder.

"Still, it's not appropriate; he's my brother," I replied, my tone hushed with a hint of discomfort.

"Relax, he won't say anything," Irwin assured, playfully knocking my forehead with his finger. "Dirty little mind," he whispered, taking a sip of my bubble tea.

"Hey, that's mine!" I protested, attempting to grab my cup back. Irwin, being significantly taller and more agile, easily kept it out of my reach. In my effort to reclaim my beverage, I inadvertently grabbed onto his shoulder for support, causing him to bend forward unexpectedly.

Our lips collided in an unexpected kiss, a moment of sweet surprise that lingered in the air. Time seemed to momentarily stand still, the bubble tea momentarily forgotten as the world around us faded into the background. The accidental kiss left us both momentarily stunned, eyes meeting in a mixture of surprise and realization.

"You should have told me you like my lips that much," Irwin teased, a playful glint in his eye.

"Oh, shut up," I replied, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and amusement as I covered my ears with my hands, attempting to block out his teasing words.

"Your cheeks look so adorable when they're flushed," he continued, his fingers gently pulling at my cheeks, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

In that moment, I felt a flutter in my chest, a realization settling in. Irwin's teasing, the playful banter, and the unexpected kiss had stirred something within me. As his words lingered in the air, I couldn't help but acknowledge the warmth that had crept into my heart. It was then that I allowed myself to entertain the thought-I think I am in love with him.