As the car glided smoothly through the city streets, the soft hum of the engine was the only sound breaking the tranquil atmosphere inside. The gentle glow of streetlights illuminated the interior, casting a warm and intimate ambiance. The rhythmic purr of the tyres against the asphalt formed a soothing background melody, enhancing the sense of peaceful solitude. I stole a glance at Romeo, his profile bathed in the soft glow of the dashboard lights. His eyes were fixed on the passing scenery, and a faint smile played on his lips. I marveled at the way his features were accentuated by the subtle interplay of light and shadow, creating a captivating portrait of quiet contemplation.

The cityscape outside the car window transformed into a blur of lights, a mesmerising dance of colours that mirrored the kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within me. The street sounds, muffled by the confines of the car, allowed the silence to linger comfortably, inviting introspection. Our eyes met fleetingly, and a shared understanding passed between us, unspoken but palpable. It was as if we had entered a sanctuary of unspoken connection, where words were unnecessary and the silence spoke volumes.

A contented smile played on my lips as I revelled in the shared moments of tranquilly. Lost in my thoughts, I found my gaze returning to Romeo, studying the details that made him uniquely captivating. The way his hair fell in gentle waves, the subtle creases at the corners of his eyes when he smiled-it was in these small intricacies that the fondness within me blossomed.

The car navigated through the familiar route, but every passing moment felt like a chapter in a story, unfolding in the quietude of the night. The air was charged with a subtle electricity, an unspoken acknowledgment of something new and special between us. As the vehicle neared its destination, I couldn't help but savour the lingering warmth in my chest. The comfortable silence had not only bridged the physical distance but had woven an invisible thread, connecting our hearts in a way that words could only aspire to express.

As we reached home, I turned to him, my eyes sparkling with gratitude and affection. "Thank you for the ride"

Romeo smiled back at me, his eyes softening. "I'm glad I could help and I meant what I said about the treat tomorrow."

I blushed at his words, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "okay,"

We bid each other goodnight, and I entered inside with a smile that couldn't be wiped away. I found Greg in the living room, waiting for me with a playful grin on his face.

"Spill it, Abby. What's going on between you and Romeo?" Greg teased, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Rolling her eyes at my brother's antics but couldn't hide my smile. "Oh, hush, Greg. We're just friends."

Greg laughed heartily, giving me a playful nudge. "Sure, just friends. I can see the sparks flying already. Don't you think he was too obvious back at the party? The reporters were whispering amongst themselves when they saw him with two glasses of Mojito" he teased.

I playfully swatted him away, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment and happiness. "Stop it, Greg. We're going to see Mrs. Arista tomorrow, I received a call 2hrs ago, she's in trouble Romeo wanted to come with me."

Greg's expression softened, his teasing demeanor replaced by genuine warmth. Feeling a deep sense of contentment settling within me. I knew there was something special about Romeo. As i headed to my room, I couldn't help but think about the way he had looked at me, the way he gave me his coat without second thoughts, is Gregory right? Does he care about me? All those thoughts bubbling their way inside my mind, making it difficult to stop smiling.

Tonight is going be one of my most favourite memory. The way we gaze at each other while locking eyes. The way he rubs his neck when he feels shy, the way his nose becomes red when he hides his laughter. Am I falling for him? Drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach, eagerly anticipating what the future held for me and Romeo. I buried my face with my soft pillow, thinking about our future makes my heart ponder heavily.

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the laptop screen casting shadows across my face. I sat engrossed in the Chinese drama, my emotions entangled with the characters on the screen. The male lead's desperate situation, trapped under the rubble, echoed through the room, and the urgency of the female lead's search heightened the tension. As tears threatened to fall, I felt a lump form in my throat. The emotional soundtrack played like a haunting melody, perfectly syncing with the heart-wrenching scenes unfolding before me.

I was immersed in the narrative, living each moment alongside the characters. Suddenly, the ringtone of my phone shattered the intense atmosphere. Startled, I fumbled for the device, momentarily disoriented as I answered the video call. Calantha's face appeared on the screen, her eyes widening as she took in my tear-streaked face.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched in her voice.

I quickly glanced at the paused drama on the laptop, realising how vulnerable I must look. Irwin, in the background, peered over with curiosity, trying to decipher the emotional turmoil playing out on my face. Brushing away an invisible tear, I managed a weak smile.

"Yeah, it's just a Chinese drama," I explained, my voice cracking slightly. Calantha's brow furrowed in worry, her empathy evident. As she continued to express concern, Irwin, unable to resist, leaned into the frame, peering at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement. I could not see his face that well though.

I brushed aside my emotional display with a dismissive gesture, but Calantha couldn't resist a teasing remark.

"Wow, since when does this stone heart of yours have emotions?" she quipped, a playful smirk on her face.

A self-conscious laugh escaped my lips; the sound was unintentionally awkward.

"Shut up, stupid," I retorted, fully aware of the unflattering nature of my laughter.

Irwin chuckled in the background, appreciating the unexpected vulnerability that surfaced during our virtual interaction. The video call continued, the conversation shifting away from the emotional scene playing out on my laptop. The confession hung in the air, my words breaking the usual conversational flow.

"I think I am in love with Chinese dramas," I admitted, surprised by the sudden confession that slipped past my lips. Calantha's face lit up with curiosity on the video call, her eyes narrowing playfully.

"Is it with the dramas or the good-looking men?" she teased, a mischievous grin dancing on her lips.

Caught off guard, I chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring my cheeks. "Both," I confessed with a sheepish grin.

The characters and gripping storylines had managed to captivate me, but there was no denying the appeal of the handsome actors gracing the screen. Calantha raised an eyebrow, her teasing tone taking centre stage.

"Stop thirsting over those helpless men; they are married already," she said with a mockingly stern expression.

I feigned a dramatic gasp, clutching my heart as if wounded. "Ouch, my poor heart," I exclaimed, playing along with the banter.

The laughter that followed echoed through the room, a shared moment of camaraderie between friends separated by screens. As the conversation continued, we delved into discussions about favourite dramas, memorable characters, and the addictive allure of captivating narratives. The confession lingered in the background, a testament to the unexpected joys and humour found in sharing the love for foreign dramas with friends who understood the unique blend of emotions they could evoke.

Calantha's teasing laughter echoed through the video call as she observed my expression. "Just look at your face; you seem so in love. How I wish you could look at a real man like that," she remarked, her tone filled with playful amusement.

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Oh, shut up. My man will teleport himself in front of my doorsteps," I countered, joining in the laughter. The banter flowed effortlessly, and the camaraderie between us was evident in the shared jokes and lighthearted teasing.

The screen displayed the two of us, separated by distance but connected through the virtual world. Calantha's eyes twinkled with mischief as she continued to poke fun at my supposed infatuation with Chinese drama characters. In response, I couldn't help but play along, exaggerating a dreamy expression. Our laughter filled the digital space, creating a sense of warmth and familiarity despite the physical distance. The conversation shifted seamlessly between humorous banter and genuine discussions about the impact of storytelling and the connections we formed with fictional worlds.

As we continued to share anecdotes and jokes, the confession about my newfound love for Chinese dramas became a source of shared amusement, reinforcing the bonds of friendship that transcended the screen. The virtual world may have limitations, but in that moment, it felt as if we were in the same room, enjoying each other's company and laughter.