5 days prior to the incident...

Claire's POV;

Claire has completed her morning yoga and was now relaxing with her sweatend hot cocoa. She woke up earlier than usual today. Her delicate form comfortably sitting on her silky sofa and making wishes that would nowhere in a billion years be a reality. However that helps shake off few racking nerves.

But would that be enough to prevent her from wondering in her head?

The heat in her palm began to sting, signaling her to place her cup back on the saucer but the rich creamy brown liquid tempted her to take few sips before doing so.

Back in her work room earlier this morning, no matter how hard she concentrated on staining the white papers it still didn't relieve her from the heavy feeling weighing on her mind for the past few days and it seems to have gotten worst. She fears that it would continue to get heaveir and thicker as nightfall comes.

I wish that evening never comes.

I wish this peaceful morning freeze into space and I wish...

Isn't that against the universe? Can you even hear yourself? The world won't just sieze because of your problems.

Get over yourself and suck it up!

Claire let her head drop on her sofa in a free fall that could impact aches in her head.

She must've done that to silence the voices in her head.

Now of all the time her pasion should've been of help and save her from these negative emotions but unfortunately she couldn't brush her nerves away nor was she able to immerse in her world of fantasy and stroke something beautiful enough to make her day better.

The sound of the door drew her eyes to the passage at the far corner of her living room. A lean young old looking man who appears beyond exhaustion limps his way into the living room.

His eyes were partially open, with his silver hair sticking out in weird direction. If he had sensed a second person in the room then he did a good job pretending that no one was around.

His silence treatment didn't offend Claire at all. In fact she could now feel air easily passing through her windpipe. Like breathing wasn't as difficult as it was a moment ago. It was a feeling of relieve. Here she was thinking she was alone in this house.

She sat up and sip her hot drink while watching the poor creature limping his way to her kitchen. His clothes were in terrible shape, in complete contrast to how he looked last night. That realization wasn't a shocker for Claire.

And here I was expecting his arrival later in the week.

A scowl formed inbetween Claire's brows as she took in his state. ''Did you spend the night in the slumps? Seriously Boris how many times this week?''

As long as he keeps this up I won't stop being th nagging lady.

She wasn't going to ask why he was in this state. The last time she showed her concern by asking, the answer he gave her was enough to bleach her poor innocent mind.

Boris turned and stared at her for a few moments. His expression didn't show any visible signs of annoyance.

In a low and husky voice... ''Stop calling it that.''

His sleepy demeanor showed he was still half-asleep and was not in any state to argue with her.

Despite the distance between them he could still see her expressions. He could tell from the look on her face that she was trying to engage him on purpose.

What a troublemaker!

To soothe his scratchy throat was his main concern at the moment.

He traced his fingers through his hair as he walked to the kitchen. He didn't want to argue with her this early. He only wanted to take the protein drink he stored in the fridge and nourish his stomach before going back to bed and besides by the look in her eyes he doubt he would be able to match up her energy.

Claire yelled from the living room... ''You definitely look like you spent the night in one'' He ignored her noisy behaviour. He opened the fridge to take his drink, completely ignoring her.

But then his eyebrows raised as he did quick calculations in is head and discovered lots of his missing drink.

''She sure pushes her luck a lot.''

He couldn't be bothered to pick a fight over something as little as that but since she was asking... no begging for it then he will give in.

After all it's no good manner ignoring a lady in need

After playing in his head what could possibly go wrong if he stoop to her level.

Boris scratched the back of his neck as he grabbed the last joghurt.

''I hope it doesn't backfire.'' He murmured while walking out of the kitchen.

''I'll be in my room.''

That was an unnecessary statement since it was obvious he was heading to his room but he felt the need to say something to the eyes stalking him.

''Hold on a second. What's there in your hand?'' Claire raised her voice, but her tone implied that she wanted to know why it was in his hand.

Boris put on a smile for the first time this morning. The only flaw was that it didn't reach his eyes.

He mimicked a child's voice ''Aunt, this is a protein drink and this is a joghurt..." he examined the label.

"...a kiwi joghurt.''

It would've being a funny scene for Claire seeing Boris of all people acting cute but the ,,Aunt'' was enought to sour her mood.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Have I aged overnight ? It's unlikely, right?

''I've told you time and again not to call me that.''

She slammed her cocoa on the glass table, spilling the hot drink all over the surface and scalding her hands. She hissed due to the sharp pain but that didn't stop her from charging towards Boris grabbing her dear joghurt into her safety arms. She cursed the pain on her wrist and was convinced that Boris was to be blamed.

All the more reasons he shouldn't have my Kiwi joghurt.

Boris has already predicted her action. So he retrieved the joghurt from her arms as quickly as it was taken from him and he noticed how she flinched and knew she must've hurt herself.

Securing the joghurt in a tight grip he tried to keep her at bay with his hand making a stop sign. '' How come it's okay to take mine but I can't have yours? I've told you... As long as you take anything from me you should be ready to pay it back!'' He lectured her.

'' And how did the drinks I restocked disappeare? more than half are already gone overnight?''

Claire pursed her lips like a duck. She was noway going admit that she drank them all in a state of stress. He doesn't have to know that.

I have to throw the attention off me or he would see through me.

So her eyes squint at him in an accusatory manner. ''Is that so? That's my fridge, you know. It looked out of place so I dumped some in the trash. "

''You're ridiculous.''

She rolled her eyes. ''Tell me something new! If you don't like it the door is open.''

Boris eyes narrowed a bit and scanned her face that was now forcing a cheeky smile.

This phrase of hers never gets old. Is she trying to push me away or she wants something.

''Don't start this drama with me. This petty behavior is not appropriate for your pretty face. If something is bothering you tell me don't lash it out on me. ''

That flipped the switch in her head. Claire looked like a red steaming kettle, ready to scald his sharp tongue. Boris knew if he continued to step on her tail, she would likely ruin his day for him.

''You can't deny I'm worth my keep. Besides a certain blond monkey told me I was always welcome to crash here as long as I want. However, if she changes her mind, I will leave.''

Claire's lashes fluttered. Did I hear wrong?

He ignored her stunned expression, got comfortable on her fluffy purple sofa and uncapped his drink. His attention was drawn to her hands gripping her slender hips. With all the unneceaesry rukus they were making, he hadn't got the moment to look at her closely. Her lacy nightwear bearly hid her shape. One could outline every curve without much dificulties...

No! You heard right! That Brat insulted you!

Claire got angrier with every passing second. Even Boris that was floating in his naughtiness could feel the murdrous intent sipping from her body.

'' ...Monkey?'' She finally voiced the word out. Boris maintained his silence and drank his protein. He didn't think Claire wanted him to repeat himself. He knew at this point that he should shut his mouth and focus more on feeding his stomach.

''I have no idea where you got that absurd idea from but I'm no way going ...''With every angry shake of her head, her light golden blonde hair bounce. It's curly length caressing her face, her shoulders, her arms and her back.

Of course Boris wasn't stupid enough to give off the vibe that he was ignoring her, he made sure to maintain eye contact with the angry bird and let her know she had his undivided attention.

He watched her blowing off her steam as her hair bounced over the light-purple fabric hugging her body.

He swallowed his drink in one long gulp, his throat relaxes to minimize reflexes in order not to choke. The liquid flowed smoothly in a swift motion, some dripping down his lips. He wiped them off and leaned back on the sofa, feeling relaxed by the refreshing effect.

His eyes were closed... Maybe to clear his mind.

Claire who was about to throw a fist at being compared to a monkey ended up red from embarrassment at what she witnessed.

Her head screamed and screamed repeatedly ''You.little.pervert! '' Her finger pointing at him like an elder sister scolding her younger ones.

Boris frowned at her accusation, he opened his eyes, scanned her expression and rolled his eyes.

He opened the yogurt that clearly belonged to the angry bird towering over him. ''I'm not the one with a dirty mind here.'' Few drops of joghurt dripped on his finger and he quickly licked it off.

''...and how long do you intend to stand there?'' He asked. ''Don't you have something more productive and less bothering to do today?'' He asked her.

Did he just called me a busy-body?

Claire wasn't going to let that slide. ''If you hadn't being a nuisance, I would've already gotten lots of things done by now. I have so many pieces to polish off. I... Uhh have so many client to discusse issues through with today. I had so many things to take care"

Her five fingers winging at his face as she listed her imaginary checklist. "And not to mention I... Uhh have a coffee meeting with my bestie today. I also have...''

''A coffee meeting?" Boris cut her off. "How did I not know about that? You can't make plans with people and not tell them. No way in hell am I exhausting myself for a damn coffee.''

Claire squintted her eyes, her brows scowling in the process, her nose wrinkled.

''Uh.. What now? Cause I'm not following.'' Her bright eyes focused on him still processing his statement. Confusion was clearly written over her face.

Boris gentle swipe the silvery hair obstructing his eyes to the side of his face, revealing his delicate features.

''You said Bestie... I assumed you were referring to... me. ''

A curt mocking laugh came out of Claire's mouth. '' You can't be anymore wrong.''

''You can deny it all you want but that doesn't change the fact that I'm the only one who can tolorate your quirks.''

''I mean If not me who else could it be?''

He's really taking this serious than expected!

''Leni of course, you silly head.'' Claire gave him her goofy smile and made to poke his ruely hair but he slapped her finger off before it could touch his hair and that earned him an angry glare from Claire.

But who was she kidding? They weren't any trace of anger in her eyes. If anything she felt lighter than any drug could make her.

He brushed the hairs that has fallen on his face backward with his fingers and sat up with his neck stretching up so Claire could see his face

''Leni? Don't make me laugh. She's not even a competition. If you seriously want to argue this topic with me then choose someone you see more than 3 times in a year."

Claire folded her hands. ''That's not true. We see more than that!''

''Doesn't make much difference. Face it, Claire. I'm.your.best friend'' Boris leaned back on the sofa

The exchange was taking a toll on him. Not to talk of his sticky fingers from the yoghurt he has being holding all these while.

He took the yoghurt to irk her but now he has to actuslly drink it for real.

He have no desire to eat it but he was certain Claire would explode if he waste it.

''Do you mind passing me that spoon? '' He pointed to the tiny spoon on a saucer beside Claire's hot drink. It was obvious that she only used it to stirr her drink but him using it didn't sit well with her.

''Pervert! That's indirect kiss.''

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