Olivia could fall asleep this way, she belatedly realizes. Cuddled up in her bed in the dark, however, not alone for once, Asher's voice being a presence that nudges away the loneliness."Can I push a little?" Asher asks."You can," Olivia says, and she blinks to chase away the drowsiness when her lids turn heavier."What is it that you like?" Asher asks softly.It takes a few seconds for Olivia to recall, but when she does, she curls her arms below her head, one underneath the pillow and the other atop the cushion, tucking the bottom of her face in her elbow. "Just us.""Is that so?" The way Asher speaks is so gentle and careful Olivia can only emit a small 'Mhm' in response, fearing that anything aloud may break their frail haven. "Can you say it full for me?"Not a sliver of reluctance exists in Olivia when she speaks, even less at the last part of Asher's request that probes at this want Olivia wants to have fulfilled. "I like just us."Asher hums, teasing, but before Olivia can f

OF: That would have worked if we hadn't talkedAsh: YesAsh: I'm wondering several things, and one of them is how they ended up with the conclusion that this would work?Ash: How did they know that we were talking and getting along well?Ash: It sounds like they had an idea of how our relationship isOF: What if my phone is bugged?OF: Or my apartment?Olivia starts to panic and looks around her to see anything suspenseful. Ash: I had everything checked when you found your front door opened a few weeks agoOF: What if it happened in between?OF: Sh*t, what if they can see thisSL: I have been keeping an eye on everything OliviaSL: There are cameras in your building, and I can confirm you no one entered your flat and your phone is also safeOF: Then how the f*ckOF: There is also the fact that they somehow caught certain information I told to Mia onlyOF: Like pastries or Valentine's Day dateOF: I mean, not dateOF: Not date dateOF: Platonic-friendly Mob boss dateOF: LikeOF: Anyw

Olivia: I'm sorry Ash: I'm not castigating you for it Ash: I'm telling you Ash: There is a difference here Ash: You pushed too much Ash: What do you say? Olivia: What? Ash: Reread what I just said Olivia: ... Ash: It's something I have replied to you in occasions like those Ash: I even did a few minutes ago Olivia: OH Olivia: Oh, I got it Olivia: I got it :) Ash: Yes? Olivia: Mhm, say it again Ash: You pushed too much Olivia: I'll keep it in mind Ash: Exactly Ash: It's not about berating you for not knowing my boundaries but telling you instead where they stand and when you cross them, understood? Olivia: Yes, understood Ash: Good Ash: Try not to be upset when it happens because I wouldn't be reprimanding you Ash: Just being honest Ash: And if you upset me, I'll let you know about you have to tell me as well because I can't read your mind Olivia: Okay Olivia: I will Olivia: Thank you, Asher Ash: I don't know why you saying or typing my name entirely wrecks m

In the group chat...Ash: Focusing one last timeAsh: EveryoneSL: Yes BossAsh: They knew about the pastries as well as the Valentine's dateOF: Date?Ash: I mean, not a date dateOF: Oh yeah, that's what I said earlierOF: A friendly dateAsh: A friendly dateAsh: YesMC: This feels like a preschool conversation of "Do you like 'like me?'"OF: Mia, shut upOlivia hits Mia with a pushy in her hand for typing that in the chat. Mia avoids the hits nothing but laughs loudly at Olivia's flushed cheeks.Ash: As I said, they knewAsh: They keep hearing what Olivia says somehow. It seemsOF: How would they even hear me?OF: The walls aren't thinSL: It can't be a bug in your phoneAsh: What about you, MC?MC: What?Ash: You were involved in every single conversation the neighbors heardMia goes rigid beside Olivia's side. There is a sudden change in the atmosphere. She looks worriedly at Olivia. There is hurt and anger in her eyes before types in the chat.MC: Are you accusing me of somethi

The next day...Olivia: Greetings, Master, and good morningAsh: Don't call me thatOlivia: Liking it too much?Ash: I hate itAsh: Don't be obnoxious first thing in the morningOlivia: Here, let me make it all betterOlivia: [Picture Attached]Olivia: Slept well?Ash: Yes, I did, you?Olivia: I did too, until I woke up, and my morning was ruinedAsh: Why?Ash: Did something happen?Olivia: Yes :(Ash: What?Olivia: I didn't get a photo of youAsh: Why are you the way you areOlivia: May I have one, Mob boss AshAsh: You are so damn annoyingOlivia: Thank youAsh: I didn't wash up yetOlivia: I don't careAsh: [Picture attached]Ash: Leave me alone nowOlivia: ...Olivia: Mob boss Ashybear you are quiteAsh: Quite?Olivia: Delectable to the eyeOlivia: Thank you for the feastAsh: You sure know how to compliment someoneOlivia: IndeedAsh: How is the pain in your rib?Olivia: Always a bit sore after waking upAsh: Don't forget to eat something if you take a painkillerAsh: You have st