11

The sunlight poured through the curtains of Nick’s home as Chas stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, carefully adjusting the bow in her hair. Today was a big day—not only was she going to catch up with Marcia, the sister she was closest to at the orphanage, but she’d also be seeing a few of the other siblings she grew up with. It had been a while, and she was both excited and nervous.

She glanced at herself one last time, smoothing the crisp white blazer over her shoulders. The white mini dress underneath complemented the outfit perfectly, and her favorite white Doc Martens gave her the confident edge she needed. The bow in her hair added a touch of sweetness to the look, a playful reminder of the girl she used to be.

Just as she was grabbing her bag, Nick appeared at her door, leaning casually against the frame with his arms crossed. He gave a low whistle. “Wow, look at you. You going to an awards show or something?”

Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her grin. “Funny. No, I’m just meeting Marcia and some of the others today. Thought I’d put in a little effort.”

Nick raised a brow, looking her up and down. “A little effort? You look like a walking Pinterest board.”

She laughed, swatting at him lightly. “Shut up. It’s a special day. Besides, they haven’t seen me in a while—I want to look nice.”

Nick straightened up and nodded, his teasing giving way to something softer. “I get it. They’re important to you.”

Chas smiled at him, her eyes warm. “Yeah, they are. Growing up with them was… chaotic, but they were my family. Still are.”

Nick nodded again, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. “Well, you look great. And if they’re anything like you, I’m sure they’re going to give you a hard time just for showing up looking this good.”

Chas snorted. “Marcia definitely will. She always calls me a try-hard.”

“That’s what sisters are for,” Nick said with a grin.

Chas slung her bag over her shoulder and moved toward the door. “I’ll be back later, okay?”

Nick raised a hand in a mock salute. “Have fun. Don’t let them bully you too much.”

“Ha, I can handle it,” Chas shot back as she headed out, her Doc Martens clicking against the floor.

As she walked exiting nick's house terrace and headed to the nearest bus station in his neighborhood area, she felt a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Seeing Marcia again always brought back memories of their time at the orphanage—some good, some painful, but all part of the bond that had made them sisters in everything but blood.

Today would be a reunion, a chance to reconnect, and maybe even a reminder of how far they’d all come. Chas took a deep breath, adjusted the bow in her hair once more, and started the engine. It was going to be a good day.

As Chas walked out the door, the morning sunlight caught her perfectly, illuminating her outfit like a scene from a movie. Nick leaned casually against the doorframe, watching her head to her car, but his mind wasn’t as relaxed as his posture suggested.

He couldn’t help it—there was something about the way she carried herself today. The way her white blazer sat perfectly on her shoulders, how her favorite Doc Martens added a playful edge to her otherwise feminine look, and that delicate white bow in her hair… She looked effortlessly beautiful, and it stirred something in him he wasn’t entirely sure how to handle.

For a moment, Nick’s gaze lingered, his chest tightening slightly. He had always thought Chas was cute, but lately, moments like these had been hitting him differently. Every time she dressed up like this, radiating confidence and joy, it sparked something warm and electric in his heart.

“Get a grip, mate,” Nick muttered to himself under his breath, shaking his head as if to clear the thought. But even as he stepped back inside and closed the door, the image of her—bright and graceful, with that little bounce in her step—stayed with him.

There was no denying it now. She wasn’t just his housemate. She wasn’t just the spunky girl who made his quiet life louder and livelier. Somewhere along the line, she had started to mean something more. Something that scared him and thrilled him all at once.

Nick let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. “This is trouble,” he murmured with a small, crooked smile. But as he headed back into the living room, the warmth in his chest refused to fade.

-------------------------------------------------------

At Marcia’s apartment, the cozy space was alive with the sound of laughter and chatter. Chas had just arrived, greeted warmly by her closest siblings from the orphanage. Marcia, now 23 and every bit the stylish fashion designer, wrapped her in a tight hug.

“You look amazing, as always,” Marcia said, eyeing Chas’s outfit with a grin. “White-on-white suits you. You’re like a walking Pinterest board.”

Chas chuckled. “Coming from a professional designer, I’ll take that as a huge compliment.”

Cindy and Bobby, the younger ones of their little orphanage family, came bounding toward her. Cindy, now 16, hugged Chas tightly. “I missed you! You’re so busy these days with school and… whatever you’re up to.”

“Yeah, seriously,” Bobby, now 17 and sporting a cool new haircut, teased. “You forgot about us, didn’t you?”

Chas ruffled his hair playfully. “Forgot you? Never. I just have a lot going on. But I’m here now, aren’t I?”

Greg, the eldest at 25 and now working as a doctor, entered the room with a wide smile. “Look at you, Chas. All grown up and rocking the big city life. How’s it going?”

“It’s… complicated,” Chas admitted with a sheepish smile, settling into one of Marcia’s plush couches.

Peter, the 22-year-old business student, chimed in as he handed her a glass of water. “Complicated how? School? Work? Or that housemate you were telling us about?”

Chas’s cheeks warmed slightly. “It’s nothing like that,” she said quickly, avoiding their knowing glances.

Marcia smirked, leaning against the armrest of the couch. “Uh-huh. We’ll get back to that. But first, tell us—how’s life? You’ve been so busy. And why did you quit the café? You loved that job.”

Chas sighed, twirling the glass in her hand. “I did. But Nick—my housemate—was worried after what happened there recently. He asked me to quit so I could focus on other things, and honestly, it feels like the right decision. Still, it was hard to leave after five years.”

Marcia placed a hand on Chas’s knee, offering her a comforting smile. “Five years is a long time. But hey, you’ve always been good at moving forward. You’ll find something even better.”

“Yeah,” Greg added. “Besides, it sounds like this Nick guy cares about you. I mean, he convinced you to quit a job you’ve had since you were 16. That’s saying something.”

Bobby, ever the joker, leaned in with a sly grin. “So, is this Nick guy your boyfriend or what?”

“Bobby!” Chas exclaimed, tossing a pillow at him as everyone laughed.

Peter raised an eyebrow. “If he’s not your boyfriend, then why are you blushing?”

Chas groaned, hiding her face. “You guys are impossible!”

Marcia clapped her hands. “Alright, alright. Let’s stop embarrassing her—at least for now. Chas, come help me in the kitchen. I made your favorite pasta, and I need your expert opinion.”

Chas eagerly escaped to the kitchen with Marcia, leaving the boys to their teasing and laughter. As they worked side by side, Marcia nudged Chas gently.

“So, about Nick,” Marcia said casually.

Chas sighed, smiling despite herself. “What about him?”

Marcia smirked. “You’ve got that look. The one where you don’t even realize you’re falling for someone.”

“I’m not falling for anyone,” Chas said quickly, but her voice wavered slightly.

“Sure,” Marcia said, handing her a spoon to taste the sauce. “But just so you know, if he’s half as good as you make him sound, I think he’s worth holding on to.”

Chas didn’t respond, but her thoughts lingered on Nick longer than she’d intended as the evening went on.

As they stirred the pot of pasta sauce in Marcia’s cozy kitchen, Marcia leaned against the counter and asked with a playful smirk, “Alright, so spill it. How did you and this Nick guy end up as housemates? It’s not every day you just move in with a rockstar.”

Chas chuckled nervously, her cheeks turning pink as she focused on the sauce. “It’s… kind of a long story.”

Marcia crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Well, I’ve got time. Start from the beginning.”

Taking a deep breath, Chas began. “It all started at the orphanage charity party last month. He was one of the big donors. We talked for a bit, and I thought that was it. But a few days later, he showed up at the coffee shop where I worked part-time.”

Marcia’s eyes widened. “Wait, you didn’t tell me you saw him twice! What happened?”

Chas smiled, the memory bringing a mix of warmth and embarrassment. “He ordered a black coffee, but we ended up chatting for a while. It was getting late, and he offered to drive me home. At first, I said no—obviously, I didn’t want to impose—but he insisted. He took me to my dorm, and…”

She hesitated, her voice faltering slightly.

“And?” Marcia prompted, leaning closer.

“Well,” Chas said with a small laugh, “he took one look at my dorm room and said it was ‘not fit to live in.’ He didn’t say it in a mean way—more like he was genuinely concerned. I didn’t think much of it, but a few days later, he showed up at the coffee shop again.”

Marcia’s grin grew wider. “Wow, this guy’s persistent.”

Chas nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah, he is. We had another long chat few days after when he visited my cafe again, and out of nowhere, he asked if I’d consider moving in with him. He said his house had more than enough space, and he thought it would be safer and more comfortable for me. At first, I thought he was crazy—who just offers their house like that?”

Marcia raised an eyebrow. “So what changed your mind?”

“Well,” Chas admitted, “I was hesitant, so I asked mom's for advice. She thought it was a good idea, especially since she knew Nick’s reputation and trusted him. Plus, I guess she was worried about me staying in that dorm too.”

Marcia tilted her head, a warm smile playing on her lips. “So, you trusted mom's judgment?”

“Yeah,” Chas said softly. “And I trusted my gut. I figured if Nick was really offering out of kindness, I should at least give it a shot. And honestly, it’s been… nice. He’s respectful, kind, and surprisingly easy to live with—aside from his occasional pranks.”

Marcia chuckled. “Well, I’ll admit, I didn’t see this coming. But from the way you talk about him, it sounds like he genuinely cares about you.”

Chas shrugged, trying to downplay the flurry of emotions she felt. “He’s just being generous. I’m sure anyone in his position would’ve done the same.”

Marcia smirked, her tone teasing. “I don’t know, Chas. I think you’re underselling how much this guy seems to like having you around.”

Chas shook her head, laughing. “Let’s not read too much into it, okay? He’s my housemate, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh,” Marcia said knowingly, but she dropped the subject, focusing on plating the pasta instead.

As they carried the food to the living room, Chas couldn’t help but replay Marcia’s words in her mind. Did Nick care about her more than she realized? She quickly pushed the thought aside, deciding to simply enjoy the rare evening with her orphanage family.

As the plates of pasta were set on the coffee table in Marcia’s cozy living room, the teasing began almost immediately. Greg leaned back on the couch, his arms crossed with a smirk.

“So,” he began, his tone playfully suspicious, “Nick Sinclair, the Nick Sinclair, just randomly decided to let you move into his house? No ulterior motives at all?”

Chas rolled her eyes, already bracing herself for the inevitable ribbing. “Yes, Greg, that’s exactly what happened. He’s just being kind, becsuse of my campus dorm condition. You don’t need to make it sound weird.”

Peter snorted, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “Kind? Or maybe he’s just a little too excited to have someone as cute as you around. Be honest, Chas, how many times has he tried to serenade you with his guitar?”

“None!” Chas exclaimed, cheeks flushing. “He doesn’t even play around me, actually. He keeps that part of his life pretty private.”

Greg, who was practically vibrating with excitement now, waved Peter off. “Hold up, hold up! Forget all that. Are you telling me you’re living with Nick Sinclair? The same Nick Sinclair who released the Human Racing—album that defined my entire middle school experience?”

Chas groaned, sinking into the armchair. “Yes, Greg, I know. You’ve mentioned a hundred times that he was your favorite rockstar back then.”

“I had his posters on my wall!” Greg exclaimed, grinning ear to ear. “I went to his concert when I was 14! And now you’re just casually living with him like it’s no big deal? Chas, this is insane!”

Marcia, carrying in drinks from the kitchen, rolled her eyes at her brothers. “You’re acting like he’s a superhero or something. He’s just a guy.”

“Just a guy?” Greg gasped dramatically. “Marcia, this is blasphemy. Nick Sinclair is a legend!” He turned to Chas, his expression suddenly serious. “Have you told him? Does he know he used to be my idol?”

Chas laughed, shaking her head. “No, and I’m not planning to. The last thing I need is for him to know my brother was a fanboy.”

“I wasn’t a fanboy,” Greg argued, though his sheepish grin betrayed him. “I was a loyal supporter of great music.”

Peter nudged Greg with his elbow. “Admit it, man. You probably practiced your middle school karaoke to his songs.”

“Definitely did,” Marcia added with a smirk, sitting beside Cindy and Bobby, who were both trying not to laugh.

“Okay, fine!” Greg threw his hands up in mock defeat. “I had the deluxe album and the limited-edition merch box. Happy?”

Chas shook her head, laughing so hard her sides hurt. “You’re all ridiculous. I knew coming here would turn into a circus.”

Greg pointed at her. “Don’t think you’re off the hook. You’re living with a legend, Chas. This is a big deal.”

“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but he’s just Nick to me,” she replied, still smiling.

Marcia nudged her shoulder, her tone warm. “Sounds like you’ve gotten pretty close to him.”

Chas hesitated, feeling the weight of their curious stares. “He’s been… really good to me. That’s all.”

“Really good, huh?” Peter teased, earning a playful smack from Cindy.

“Alright, enough!” Chas said, raising her hands. “Can we just eat without turning my life into a tabloid headline?”

The room erupted into laughter, and for the rest of the meal, the teasing settled into lighthearted banter. Despite the chaos, Chas felt a familiar warmth in her chest—being surrounded by her orphanage siblings always felt like coming home.

As the laughter died down, Peter leaned back in his chair, arms crossed with a mischievous glint in his eye. He glanced at Chas, then smirked.

“You know,” he began, his tone dripping with mock innocence, “this whole ‘living with Nick Sinclair’ thing is very interesting. Especially for someone who used to swoon over Guanlin from Wanna One. I guess you’ve upgraded from K-pop idols to rockstars now, huh?”

Chas groaned, throwing her head back in frustration. “Oh my God, Peter, can you not bring up Guanlin again? That was ages ago!”

“Ages ago?” Peter gasped dramatically, leaning forward. “You had his posters all over your walls, Chas. I still remember you making us watch that live performance video a million times. What was it? ‘Energetic’?”

Cindy, barely holding back a laugh, chimed in, “She even made me learn the choreography! And she got mad when I didn’t get it right.”

“Traitor!” Chas shot Cindy a playful glare before turning back to Peter. “First of all, I was a teenager. Second, why are we talking about this? This has nothing to do with Nick!”

Peter shrugged nonchalantly, his smirk never fading. “I’m just saying, you’ve got a type, Chas. It’s always the charming, talented, famous types. First Guanlin, and now Nick Sinclair. What’s next? A movie star?”

Marcia, who had been quietly sipping her drink, raised an eyebrow and teased, “I mean, Peter’s not wrong. You do have a thing for men in the spotlight.”

Chas buried her face in her hands. “Oh, for crying out loud! Can we please stop acting like I have some kind of weird pattern?”

Greg, ever the instigator, leaned forward with a sly grin. “So, what’s he like, Chas? Is he messy? Does he walk around the house singing his songs?”

“Or shirtless?” Peter added, waggling his eyebrows.

The entire room burst into laughter as Chas turned an impressive shade of red. “I hate all of you,” she muttered, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

Greg patted her on the shoulder, still chuckling. “Don’t worry, Chas. We’re just teasing. But, you know, if he ever wants to give away concert tickets, I’m your guy.”

Peter wasn’t done yet, though. “Or, better yet, if he writes a song inspired by you, let us know. We can help with the lyrics. Something like, ‘Chas, my chaotic housemate who hides her Wanna One merch in the closet.’”

Chas grabbed a cushion from the couch and hurled it at Peter, who ducked just in time. “You’re the worst!” she shouted, laughing despite herself.

“You love me, sis,” Peter shot back, sticking out his tongue.

As the room settled into another round of giggles, Chas shook her head, a mix of exasperation and affection. No matter how much Peter teased her, she wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. They were her family, and even in their chaos, they made her feel like she belonged.

But as they laugh along to chas's story died down, Cindy’s sharp eyes landed on Chas’s wrist as she reached for the mashed potatoes. Her expression quickly turned concerned.

“Chas,” Cindy said, setting down her fork. “What happened to your wrist?”

The room went quiet for a moment as everyone turned to look at Chas. She hesitated, pulling her hand back slightly, but it was too late to brush it off.

“It’s nothing,” Chas tried to say lightly. “Just a small bruise.”

Cindy wasn’t buying it. “That doesn’t look small,” she said firmly. “Did someone do that to you?”

With a sigh, Chas relented. “It’s from yesterday. My senior at the cafe, Clara, grabbed me when we got into an argument.”

Marcia’s jaw dropped. “She what?!”

“Wait, hold on,” Greg interjected, leaning forward. “What kind of argument leads to someone grabbing you hard enough to leave a bruise?”

Chas shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. “It wasn’t that big of a deal. She was just mad because I had an order mixed up on a busy day. I guess I annoyed her enough for her to lose her temper.”

Peter’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not ‘nothing,’ Chas. You don’t just let someone treat you like that.”

“I didn’t,” Chas said quickly. “I told her off, and Nick found out later. He wasn’t happy about it either. That’s why he… well, that’s why he wants me to stop working at the cafe. He doesn’t want me dealing with stuff like that anymore.”

Bobby raised an eyebrow. “Wait, so Nick told you to quit? Just like that?”

“Yeah,” Chas admitted. “He said he’d take care of me, so I don’t need to keep working there.”

The room fell silent for half a second before Greg let out a dramatic whistle. “Wow, Nick Sinclair swooping in to save the day,” he teased. “He’s really playing the knight in shining armor, huh?”

Peter smirked, leaning back in his chair. “More like a knight with a platinum guitar and a mansion.”

Bobby, catching on to the teasing mood, grinned. “So, what does ‘take care of you’ mean exactly? Is he, like, paying for your groceries? Your rent? Or is this a full-blown sugar daddy situation?”

“Not you too!” Chas groaned, burying her face in her hands as the table erupted in laughter.

“I mean,” Greg said, grinning mischievously, “it’s kinda romantic, isn’t it? Rockstar sees a damsel in distress and decides to rescue her. Next thing we know, they’re living in a fairy tale.”

“Fairy tale?” Peter snorted. “Sounds more like a rom-com to me. ‘From Cafe Worker to Rockstar’s Muse: The Chastin Honeydew Story.’”

“Stop it!” Chas exclaimed, her voice muffled as she kept her face hidden. “He’s not my knight, and it’s not like that!”

“Sure, it’s not,” Peter said with an exaggerated wink. “But let me guess, when he found out about the bruise, he went full protective mode? Maybe even looked like he was ready to fight Clara himself?”

Chas peeked out from behind her hands, her cheeks burning. “He was… upset, okay? But that doesn’t mean—”

“Aha!” Bobby interrupted, pointing at her. “See? He totally likes you. Only a guy with a crush would care that much.”

“Stop ganging up on me!” Chas whined, though she couldn’t help laughing along with them.

Marcia, trying to ease the teasing, patted Chas’s shoulder. “Okay, okay, let’s give her a break. Besides, if Nick’s really looking out for her, that’s not a bad thing. It’s sweet.”

Peter snickered. “Sweet, huh? I bet he’s already planning the wedding.”

Greg leaned in, pretending to be serious. “Just make sure he invites us to the mansion for the reception. I want to see if he’s got a private concert stage.”

Chas grabbed a bread roll and threw it at Greg, who caught it with a laugh. “You’re impossible!” she said, her smile breaking through.

Despite the teasing, Chas couldn’t deny how much lighter she felt. Even if her siblings wouldn’t let her hear the end of it, their jokes reminded her she wasn’t alone—and that maybe, just maybe, they weren’t entirely wrong about Nick.

As the laughter finally settled and everyone finished their meals, Marcia leaned back in her chair with a content sigh. “Alright, enough about Chas and her rockstar roommate. Let’s talk about us for a change. Who’s starting?”

“I’ll go,” Greg volunteered, sitting up straighter. “Big news—I’ve officially passed my first six months working at the hospital. They haven’t fired me yet, so I’m calling that a win.”

“Yet?” Peter teased. “What are you doing, prescribing band-aids for broken legs?”

Greg rolled his eyes but smiled. “Very funny. No, but it’s been intense. I’m juggling ER rotations and some clinical work. Honestly, some days I feel like I haven’t slept since med school, but I love it. Plus, I’ve been shadowing the cardiology team. It’s fascinating. I’m hoping to specialize in that area.”

“That’s amazing, Greg,” Chas said, her voice genuinely proud. “I can’t even imagine how you do it.”

“Easy,” Peter cut in, smirking. “He doesn’t have a life outside the hospital. Right, Doc?”

Greg threw a bread roll at Peter, who dodged it with a laugh.

Marcia stepped in to steer the conversation. “Well, since we’re talking careers, I’ll go next. I’ve been working with this boutique downtown—it’s small, but the designs are beautiful. And get this,” she added, her voice rising in excitement, “my boss loved one of my ideas for a new line of summer dresses! If it goes well, it might actually make it to production!”

“Marcia, that’s incredible!” Chas said, clapping her hands together. “I’m so proud of you! I want to see the designs!”

“You will,” Marcia promised. “And when they’re out, you’ll be my first model.”

“Good, because I already know you owe me free clothes,” Chas teased, making Marcia laugh.

Bobby spoke up next, leaning on the table. “Nothing as exciting as being a doctor or a designer for me, but school’s okay. I joined the soccer team this year.”

“Again?” Peter interjected, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t you quit last year because you said the coach was too strict?”

Bobby shrugged. “Yeah, but this year’s coach is way cooler, and honestly, it’s been fun. Plus, it’s good practice for my ultimate goal: becoming a pro gamer.”

“Wait, you’re still on about that?” Cindy said, shaking her head. “I thought you were just joking before.”

“I’m serious!” Bobby protested. “There’s real money in it. You can laugh now, but when I’m winning tournaments, don’t ask me for any of the prize money.”

“Oh, we will,” Greg said with a smirk. “You’ll owe us for all the free dinners we’ve fed you.”

Everyone laughed as Bobby grumbled under his breath.

Cindy chimed in next, twirling a strand of her hair. “Well, since we’re all sharing… high school’s fine. Nothing dramatic. I made the debate team this year, which is cool, but it’s a lot of work. Oh, and I joined the drama club, too. We’re doing Les Misérables next semester!”

Chas’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing! Are you auditioning for a big role?”

Cindy shrugged modestly. “Maybe. I’m thinking Éponine or Fantine, but I don’t want to get my hopes up. There are a lot of talented kids in the club.”

“You’ll nail it,” Marcia said with confidence. “You’ve always had a great voice. I’ll come to every performance if you get the part.”

“Me too,” Chas added.

Peter cleared his throat, feigning seriousness. “As for me, life’s been terribly difficult,” he began dramatically, making everyone groan. “Final year of college, business classes piling up, professors breathing down my neck… it’s tough being me.”

“Oh, please,” Marcia said, rolling her eyes. “You’ve been coasting through since your first semester.”

“Hey,” Peter shot back, pointing a fork at her, “coasting takes skill, okay? But seriously, I’ve been interning at Dad’s friend’s company, learning the ropes. It’s not bad. They’re even talking about offering me a position after I graduate.”

“That’s great, Peter,” Chas said warmly.

“Yeah, yeah, but let’s not forget the most important thing,” Peter added with a sly grin. “No matter how busy I get, I still find time to tease you, dear sister.”

Chas groaned. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet you love me,” Peter said smugly, earning another round of laughter.

As the laughter settled a bit, Chas leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand with a mischievous glint in her eye. “You know, Peter,” she started, her tone sweet yet calculated, “for someone who’s so busy ‘coasting’ through life, you sure spend a lot of time swiping through dating apps.”

Peter froze mid-sip of his drink, nearly choking. “I—what? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, you don’t?” Chas grinned wider, turning to Greg for backup. “Greg, didn’t Peter tell us about some girl he was texting last week? What was her name? Michelle? No, wait… Jeanette?”

Greg smirked, immediately catching on to Chas’s game. “Oh, you mean Olivia?”

“Olivia!” Chas exclaimed dramatically, clapping her hands. “That’s the one! Didn’t you say she ghosted you after one date?”

The whole table erupted into laughter as Peter sputtered, his face turning a shade of pink. “That’s not true! She didn’t ghost me—we just… mutually decided not to text anymore.”

“Uh-huh,” Marcia said, barely containing her laughter. “Sure, Peter. Sounds totally mutual.”

Bobby jumped in, grinning from ear to ear. “What about that other girl? What was her name… Evelyn? The one who unmatched you before the date even happened?”

“Okay, wow,” Peter said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. “First of all, Bobby, don’t act like you even know what a date is. Second, this is exactly why I never tell you people anything!”

Chas giggled, thoroughly enjoying herself. “Come on, Peter, don’t be such a sore loser. Maybe next time, just tell them you’re coasting through relationships too. It’s a good skill, right?”

The room exploded into laughter again, and Peter slumped back in his chair, groaning dramatically. “You’re all the worst.”

Greg patted Peter’s shoulder, still chuckling. “Don’t worry, little brother. One day, you’ll find someone who appreciates your… unique charm.”

“Yeah,” Chas added, winking. “Maybe someone who’s as bad at commitment as you are.”

Peter narrowed his eyes at her but couldn’t help cracking a smile. “You know what, Chas? When your rockstar housemate starts writing breakup songs about you, don’t come crying to me.”

Chas gasped in mock offense, throwing a piece of bread at him. “Rude!”

Their playful banter carried on through the evening, filling the room with warmth and laughter. For Chas, teasing Peter back felt like sweet revenge for all the years he’d spent poking fun at her. And as much as Peter pretended to be annoyed, he secretly loved every second of their sibling dynamic.

-------------------------------------------------------

As Chas, Cindy, and Bobby walked back toward the orphanage, the evening air was cool, a gentle breeze brushing through their hair. The lights of the city flickered softly in the distance as they approached the familiar building. The moment felt calm and reflective for Chas. Though she’d spent many nights here, tonight, there was a distinct sense of nostalgia in the air. She looked around, taking in the same worn bricks, the same old trees outside, but something about the place felt different now.

As they reached the entrance, Chas lingered at the doorstep for a moment, looking up at the window where she used to look out of as a child, waiting for Carol to come home. The memories of her younger days, the ones that shaped who she was today, all flooded back in waves. With a heavy heart that fulls with memories she step inside for a moment to have a tea time and chit chat with her foster mother carol.

Carol, who had just finished tidying up inside, stepped out onto the porch when she saw Chas standing there. A warm smile spread across her face. “Hey, sweetheart,” she greeted softly, her voice as comforting as ever, with a warm hug. “How was dinner with your siblings?”

Chas smiled back, hug her foster mother tight. “It was great. They’ve all been doing well, and it’s always nice to catch up. You know, sometimes I forget how much I miss them.” She paused for a moment, looking down at her hands before continuing. “It’s funny… things feel a bit different now. After all these years, everything’s changed, but somehow… it’s still the same.”

Carol smiled, "c'mon let's have some tea and chit chat for a while" while she hold chas's hand and leading her to the kitchen, a favorite spot of her back in the day.

Chas and carol enjoying the sweet warm tea that just have been served by carol and continuing their life updates chit chat.

Carol raised an eyebrow, her eyes softening with understanding. “You’ve grown a lot, Chas. I can see it. And so has your life, hasn’t it? How are things going with Nick? I don’t think I’ve had a chance to hear much from you lately about all that.”

Chas chuckled nervously holding on her mug, feeling a bit unsure of how to talk about it. “Yeah, um… things are going well. I mean, I never really imagined living with someone like him, especially not a rockstar, but… I think it’s been good for me. I know it sounds crazy, but it feels like he’s really looking out for me, you know? He wants to take care of me in ways I never expected.”

She looked down, her fingers tracing the mug as she gathered her thoughts. “I guess I just never thought that I’d have someone like him care that much. Sometimes, it feels a bit overwhelming, like I’m not sure if I deserve it. But, at the same time, it feels… right. Like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

Carol listened quietly, nodding. “You’re a smart girl, Chas. You’ve always been capable of making your own decisions, but sometimes it’s okay to let someone take care of you too. Just make sure you’re always true to yourself in the process.” She gave Chas a reassuring smile. “It sounds like you’re finding a good balance with Nick. But don’t forget, I’m always here if you need someone to talk to.”

Chas felt a weight lift off her shoulders at Carol’s words. Her foster mother had always been her anchor, a steady presence who made her feel grounded no matter where life took her. “Thanks, Mom. I just… it’s a lot to process, you know? And sometimes I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing. But I guess that’s life—just figuring it out as you go.”

Carol laughed softly, wrapping an arm around Chas. “That’s life, alright. But you’ll figure it out. You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders. Just remember, no matter what happens, you’ve got people who love you and support you.” She gave Chas a gentle squeeze, then stepped back. “Now go on and get some rest. I’m sure Nick will be missing you by now.”

Chas smiled, feeling comforted by Carol’s presence. “Yeah, I should probably get going. Thanks for listening, as always. I’ll stop by again soon.” She finished her cup of tea and stood up just about to leave, but then glanced over her shoulder with a playful grin. “And, don’t worry, I’ll keep in mind that I’m allowed to let someone take care of me.”

Carol waved her off, chuckling. “Just don’t forget where you come from, and make sure you don’t let anyone take advantage of that heart of yours.”

As Chas prepared to leave, she lingered in the living room, taking one last look at the familiar space that had been her home for so many years. The sound of laughter from the kitchen reminded her of all the memories she had shared with her foster siblings and Carol. She could feel the bittersweet pull of nostalgia mixed with the warmth of knowing this place would always be a part of her.

Bobby and Cindy, who had been sitting on the couch flipping through old photo albums, noticed her standing by the door. They quickly got up and rushed over to her.

“Leaving already?” Bobby asked, his playful grin softening into a more serious expression.

“Yeah, I should get going,” Chas said, her voice gentle but tinged with hesitation.

Cindy frowned slightly, her arms folding across her chest in mock protest. “It feels like you just got here. Can’t you stay a little longer?”

Chas smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “You know I would if I could. But Nick’s probably wondering where I am by now.”

Bobby stepped forward, pulling Chas into a tight hug. “You better come back soon, you hear me?” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

“Of course I will,” Chas said, hugging him back.

When Cindy joined in, wrapping her arms around both of them, Chas felt a lump form in her throat. She held them close, fighting the sting of tears threatening to spill.

“You two better take care of each other, okay?” Chas said softly, her voice wavering slightly. “And you can call me anytime, alright? I’m just a phone call away. And when we all have some free time, we can hang out like this again.”

“Promise?” Cindy asked, looking up at her with wide, hopeful eyes.

Chas nodded firmly. “Promise.”

As they released her, Cindy gave her a final squeeze. “We’ll miss you, Chas. It’s not the same without you around.”

Chas took a deep breath, blinking back tears as she smiled at them. “I’ll miss you guys too. But I’m always here if you need me. Don’t forget that.”

Bobby playfully ruffled her hair, lightening the mood. “Go on, before we all start crying. You’re making it too sentimental.”

Chas laughed softly, grateful for his attempt to cheer her up. With a final wave and a lingering look at the cozy room, she stepped outside where the cool evening air greeted her once again.

As she walked down the steps of the porch, Carol called out from the doorway, “Take care of yourself, sweetheart. And don’t forget to visit soon!”

“I will, Mom. Thank you for everything,” Chas replied, giving her a small wave before turning back toward the street.

The sound of Cindy and Bobby calling out their goodbyes followed her as she walked away, their voices full of love and reassurance. Chas couldn’t help but glance back one last time, her heart full but heavy, and waved to them one last time before heading off into the night.

It wasn’t until she reached the street that she allowed herself to exhale deeply. She felt the warmth of their love lingering in her chest, giving her the strength she needed to keep moving forward. When she walk further and further from the orphan house building, tears couldn't stop streaming down her face. For all the changes in her life, Chas knew that no matter where she went, this place and these people would always be her home.

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As Chas stepped into the warmth of Nick’s house, the door closing softly behind her, she felt the weight of the night slowly begin to ease. But before she could even take a breath, Nick, who had been in the living room, looked up from what he was doing and immediately noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. His eyes softened, his usual protective nature kicking in as he saw the faint traces of sadness in her eyes.

“Chas?” Nick’s voice was gentle but filled with concern as he set down what he was holding and made his way toward her. “Hey, what’s wrong? You look… sad.”

Chas froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat at the warmth and concern in his voice. She hadn’t realized just how much the nostalgia, the weight of everything she’d been feeling, had settled on her until now. She hadn’t expected to feel so vulnerable, especially not around him, but Nick’s presence, the way he always seemed to notice even the smallest change in her, made her feel seen in a way she wasn’t used to.

“I’m fine,” Chas replied, a little too quickly, but the shaky tone in her voice gave her away. She looked down at the floor, trying to gather herself, but the tears she’d wiped away earlier threatened to return.

Nick, ever the protective gentleman, stepped closer and lifted her chin with a soft touch, his thumb brushing away any lingering traces of tears she hadn’t caught. “Hey, no need to hide it from me. You don’t have to be fine all the time, Chas. What’s going on?”

Chas looked up at him then, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions. She opened her mouth, but the words seemed stuck. She had been holding everything in, trying to manage it all by herself, but Nick’s steady gaze and his quiet insistence made her realize just how much she had been keeping inside.

“I don’t know, Nick…” she began, her voice trembling just a little. “It’s just… everything. The past, the present, and everything in between. Sometimes it just hits me, and I can’t shake it off. I don’t even know why I’m feeling like this.”

Nick listened intently, not interrupting, his presence comforting, a silent assurance that she wasn’t alone in this. He gently cupped her face, guiding her to meet his eyes again, his gaze soft but unwavering.

“You don’t have to carry everything by yourself,” he said quietly, his words sincere. “Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together. And you don’t have to explain everything right away. Just… let me be here for you, Chas.”

Her heart fluttered at his words, the sincerity in his voice stirring something deep within her. She took a shaky breath, still overwhelmed, but with his presence grounding her, she felt a flicker of relief.

“I just needed a moment to myself, I guess. Processing everything how everything changes so fast. Like seeing all of my siblings earlier already move on with their life, we just met but i already missed them a lot,” Chas whispered, the tears finally falling once again, though this time it felt like a release, like she was finally allowed to feel all that she had been holding back.

Nick didn’t hesitate. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. It wasn’t the kind of embrace that tried to fix everything, but one that simply held her, offering comfort, safety, and understanding. Chas let herself sink into him, the weight of the world feeling a little less heavy as she rested her head on his shoulder.

“You’re not alone,” he whispered softly, his voice steady. “You’re never alone with me, it's normal to feel that way chas. You can invite them anytime here.”

Chas looked up at him meeting his gaze "you mean it?."

Nick gave her a soft sincere grin on his face, "Of course, they're part of your family, they mean a lot to you."

Chas tighten their hug and thanking him "Thankyou, Nick."

Nick's other hand patter her head softly "Anytime, kid."

After her mellow moment of expressing her sadness, Chas plopped down on the couch, she let out a small, tired sigh. She casually shrugged off her white blazer and tossed it onto the armrest, revealing the white short tank dress she’d been wearing underneath. The dress was simple but undeniably flattering, hugging her figure in all the right places without being overdone. It was the kind of outfit that effortlessly highlighted her youthful charm and femininity, and it took Nick completely by surprise.

Nick had been focusing on the TV, but when she moved, his gaze instinctively flickered toward her. His breath hitched for just a moment before he quickly looked back at the screen, pretending not to notice. Don’t be weird. She’s just getting comfortable, he reminded himself, but the way the dress complemented her—combined with her casual demeanor—tested his self-control far more than he’d expected.

Chas, oblivious to the effect she was having, stretched her arms above her head with a small yawn, the motion making the hem of her dress shift ever so slightly. “Ah, finally. That blazer was suffocating me,” she said, letting her head fall back against the couch with a satisfied grin.

Nick cleared his throat, keeping his eyes firmly on the television. “Yeah, you looked…uh, professional,” he managed, his voice steady, though internally he was scrambling to keep his thoughts in check.

Chas smirked at his response, sensing a bit of awkwardness in his tone. “Professional? That’s a first,” she teased, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. “Come on, you can admit it—I clean up pretty well.”

Nick chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, you do,” he admitted, keeping his tone casual. “You’re like a walking ad for…I don’t know, some fashion brand I can’t pronounce.”

Chas laughed, her laughter light and carefree as she playfully nudged him with her elbow. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Mr. Rockstar.”

Nick grinned, relaxing a bit at her teasing. “You should.” He leaned back, trying to shift his focus entirely back to the TV, but it wasn’t easy. The tank dress, the soft glow of her skin, and the effortless way she carried herself—all of it was making him hyper-aware of how close they were.

He took a deep breath, silently reminding himself to keep respecting the boundaries between them. Yes, she was beautiful, and yes, she had a way of making his heart race without even trying, but she was also his young housemate—someone he’d promised himself to protect and not overstep with.

“Don’t get too comfy. If you hog the couch, I’m kicking you off,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood and distract himself.

Chas rolled her eyes with a grin. “Sure, Nick. Like you’d actually do that.” She leaned a little closer, her head tilting toward his shoulder playfully. “You’d miss me too much.”

Nick let out a laugh, shaking his head. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“That’s why you keep me around,” she shot back with a cheeky smile.

As the evening wore on, Nick found himself stealing quick glances at her, the image of her in that dress etched in his mind. He knew he needed to tread carefully, to respect her as the person she was—a young, vibrant woman trying to find her way. But as much as he tried to focus on being the responsible one, there was no denying the little sparks she ignited in him, testing his limits in ways he never expected.

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Later that night, after cleaning herself up, Chas joined Nick in the kitchen for dinner. Her hair was slightly damp from her shower, the soft curls framing her face giving her a fresh, natural glow. She wore a pink baby doll pajama set, the delicate lace trim and soft fabric giving her an effortlessly feminine look. The outfit was sweet, understated, and undeniably pretty.

Nick was already setting the table when she walked in, but the sight of her made him pause for a split second. He quickly busied himself with arranging the plates, hoping to hide the subtle change in his expression. Pull it together, Sinclair. She’s just getting ready for bed, he thought, but something about how comfortable and pretty she looked made his heart skip a beat.

“You didn’t have to wait for me, you know,” Chas said as she sat down, her voice light and teasing.

Nick gave her a small grin as he handed her a fork. “Well, I didn’t want you to think I’m a complete savage who eats without his housemate.”

Chas laughed softly, the sound warm and familiar. “Oh, please. I’ve seen the way you devour those late-night snacks when you think no one’s watching.”

“Hey, those are survival snacks,” he defended with a smirk. “Big difference.”

They fell into their usual rhythm, chatting about their day as they ate. Chas stilll told him more about her siblings and how much she missed them, and Nick listened intently, occasionally cracking a joke to lighten the mood. Despite the teasing, he couldn’t help but notice how radiant she looked tonight, her pink pajamas somehow amplifying her girlish charm.

After dinner, they moved to the couch, where Nick turned on a random movie to wind down. Chas plopped onto the cushions with a content sigh, curling her legs under her.

“Can I lay my head on your shoulder?” she asked suddenly, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

Nick hesitated for a split second, not because he didn’t want to, but because the request sent a jolt of warmth through him. “Uh, sure,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

Chas scooted closer, resting her head on his shoulder. Her damp hair carried a faint floral scent, and the warmth of her presence made Nick’s chest tighten. He kept his eyes on the TV, but his thoughts were far from the movie playing in front of him.

“You’re comfy,” Chas murmured, her voice sleepy and content.

Nick chuckled. “Glad I could be your human pillow.”

She smiled, her eyes half-closed. “I’d say you’re better than any pillow.”

Nick shook his head with a soft laugh, but inside, he couldn’t deny how much her words—her presence—affected him. As she relaxed against him, her pink pajamas and peaceful expression making her look even more delicate, he felt a small, unspoken tug in his heart.

Chas yawned softly, shifting slightly to get more comfortable. “Nick,” she said quietly.

“Yeah?” he replied, his voice equally quiet.

“Thanks for letting me stay here,” she murmured. “I feel safe with you.”

Her words hit him harder than he expected. He glanced down at her, her eyes now closed as if she were drifting off. A soft smile touched his lips.

“Anytime, kid,” he whispered, though deep down, he knew she wasn’t just a housemate to him anymore.

Watching her like this—so comfortable and at ease—it was becoming harder to ignore the little sparks she lit in his heart every day.

You’re awfully dressed up for bedtime,” he teased, trying to sound casual.

Chas glanced up, confused. “This is literally a nightgown.”

“Yeah, but it looks more like something from a fashion magazine than something for sleeping,” Nick muttered, looking back at the tv.

Chas laughed, rolling her eyes. “You’re impossible, Nick.”

But as she went back to watch the tv, Nick couldn’t help but think that she looked like a dream come to life.

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