In Nichole’s car, the atmosphere was still light and filled with giggles as they reminisced about their day and the old times. The rain had let up, leaving the London streets glistening under the dim glow of streetlights.
“I still can’t believe Nara has a girlfriend now,” Nichole said, shaking her head with a smile as she turned the wheel.
“I know, right?” Chas chuckled. “Leah seems so sweet, though. And it’s about time Nara found someone who treats her right.”
“And Cole,” Nichole continued, snickering, “he hasn’t changed at all. Still teasing you every chance he gets.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Chas groaned, though her smile betrayed her. “It’s like he’s been saving up all that teasing for years just to unleash it on me today.”
Nichole glanced at her with a knowing smirk. “And you know he’s never going to stop. Especially now that he knows about Nick.”
Chas sighed, resting her head against the seat. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Now they’re all going to think I’m living some kind of rockstar fairytale or something."
As Nichole and Chas continued their drive down memory lane, the topic drifted to Nichole’s annual summer trips to Singapore.
“Do you remember how you used to get all sulky whenever I told you I was leaving for Singapore?” Nichole asked, glancing at Chas with a teasing smile.
Chas laughed, leaning back in her seat. “Of course, I remember! You’d be packing your bags on the last day at school before summer break, and I’d be sitting there watching you like, ‘Don’t tell me you’re going again. Like, Singapore is sooo far away, girl!’”
Nichole rolled her eyes dramatically, a grin tugging at her lips. “And you’d give me the biggest guilt trip! ‘How could you leave me here in boring old London while you go live your best life eating chicken rice and laksa?’”
“Well, you always came back with the best snacks and souvenirs,” Chas retorted, smirking. “So, it wasn’t completely terrible.”
Nichole laughed. “I always made sure to bring you your favorite pandan cake and those Hello Panda biscuits. And I’m pretty sure my parents packed extra stuff for you too, like you were their unofficial third daughter.”
Chas grinned, her voice softening. “They really did treat me like family. I mean, who else would drag me to Chinese New Year dinners like I was one of their own?”
Nichole chuckled. “Well, you do have Chinese roots, so it wasn’t that far off. Plus, my mom adored you. She’d always say, ‘That Chas ah, so pretty, like a movie star. And so polite! Not like you, Nichole.’”
Chas burst out laughing. “Oh my God, yes! Aunty Lyn always roasted you. She even said I was better at math than you!”
Nichole groaned, but she was laughing too. “Don’t remind me. You were always the golden child in her eyes. But you know what? I didn’t even mind. You deserved all the love you got from my family.”
Chas smiled, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Thanks, Nichole. I didn’t grow up with much, but you and your family… you gave me something I didn’t even know I needed.”
Nichole reached over and gave Chas’s hand a squeeze. “You were always family to us, Chas. And honestly? Leaving for Singapore was always hard because I knew how much you hated it. Every time I’d say goodbye, I’d see that pout on your face, and it made me want to stay.”
Chas smirked. “Good. That was the whole point. Emotional blackmail works wonders, doesn’t it?”
Nichole laughed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible. But I always came back, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, you did,” Chas said softly. “And you always brought the sunshine with you.”
...*Flashback Moment: The Singapore Goodbye*...
The summer sun streamed through the classroom windows as students packed up for the break. Nichole was carefully placing her books into her bag when Chas slumped into the chair next to her, an exaggerated pout on her face.
“Don’t tell me you’re going to Singapore again,” Chas groaned, her curly hair bouncing as she shook her head dramatically. “Like, seriously, it’s so far away, girl!”
Nichole glanced at her, amused. “It’s where my family is, Chas. What do you expect me to do, Skype them through the entire summer?”
“Yes!” Chas exclaimed, throwing her hands up. “What happened to summer movie marathons and sneaking into the school pool? Who am I supposed to do all that with now?”
Nichole chuckled, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “You’re so clingy, you know that?”
“Only because you’re abandoning me for a whole month!” Chas shot back, crossing her arms with a huff. “Besides, you always come back with these amazing stories, and I’m just stuck here doing nothing.”
Nichole softened, sitting back down. “You could come with me, you know. Singapore isn’t as far as you think.”
Chas blinked, surprised by the offer. “Really?”
“Of course,” Nichole said with a smile. “One day, when we’re older and can actually afford plane tickets, we’ll go together. I’ll show you everything—where my grandparents live, the best hawker centers, the malls. You’d love it.”
Chas’s pout turned into a grin. “Okay, but only if we get matching outfits like those Instagram travelers. Deal?”
Nichole rolled her eyes but laughed. “Deal. But until then, you’ll survive one summer without me, right?”
Chas sighed dramatically, flopping onto the desk. “Fine, but I’m sending you daily texts to remind you how bored I am.”
“And I’ll reply with pictures of all the delicious food I’m eating,” Nichole teased, standing up.
Chas threw a crumpled piece of paper at her. “You’re the worst.”
“Love you too!” Nichole called as she walked out, waving over her shoulder.
Now, years later, the memory played in Chas’s mind as she sat in Nichole’s car. She glanced at her friend, whose laughter still sounded the same, and felt a pang of nostalgia.
“You know,” Chas said suddenly, “you still owe me that trip to Singapore.”
Nichole smirked. “And you still owe me a summer where you don’t complain about being bored.”
“Touché,” Chas muttered, laughing as the conversation shifted back to the present.
...*Flashback Moment: Chas at Nichole’s House*...
One Saturday afternoon, Chas arrived at Nichole’s house, a smile spreading across her face as the familiar scent of cooking wafted from the kitchen. She knocked on the door, but before she could even pull her hand back, the door swung open to reveal Nichole’s mother, Aunty Lyn.
“Ah, Chas! Come in, come in!” Aunty Lyn exclaimed, her Singlish accent warm and full of affection. She pulled Chas into a hug, patting her on the back. “Wah, look at you! So pretty, ah! Your curly hair so nice! So natural, some people pay so much for this, you know!”
Chas laughed, feeling her cheeks heat up. “Thank you, Aunty Lyn. You always say that.”
“Because it’s true, lah!” Aunty Lyn said, ushering Chas inside. “Eh, Wong! Look who’s here!”
Uncle Wong appeared from the living room, wiping his hands on his pants. His face lit up when he saw Chas. “Ah, our Chas is here! Come, come, sit down! You’ve eaten yet? We’re cooking char siew noodle—your favorite, right?”
Chas’s eyes widened. “Really? Aunty Lyn, Uncle Wong, you didn’t have to—”
“Of course must cook for you!” Aunty Lyn interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “You’re like our own kid, mah. Every time you come, you must eat properly.”
Nichole rolled her eyes playfully as she came down the stairs, but she was smiling. “They spoil you more than they spoil me.”
Chas smirked. “Well, maybe you should be more charming.”
“Cheeky girl,” Nichole muttered, nudging her friend.
As the afternoon wore on, Chas sat at the dining table, happily slurping her char siew noodles while Uncle Wong told funny stories about his childhood in Singapore, mixing Singlish phrases into his tales. Nichole pretended to be annoyed by her parents’ over-attention to Chas, but deep down, she loved how seamlessly her best friend fit into their family.
Later, as Chas helped Aunty Lyn clear the table, she couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you for always making me feel at home, Aunty Lyn.”
Aunty Lyn placed a gentle hand on Chas’s shoulder. “You are home, Chas. Anytime you come here, this is your home, okay?”
Tears pricked the corners of Chas’s eyes, but she blinked them away and nodded. “Okay.”
It was moments like this that made Chas feel like she wasn’t alone, even without her own parents. Nichole’s family had a way of filling the gaps in her heart with love and warmth, and for that, she would always be grateful.
Nichole’s parents had always been kind to Chas, but ever since they learned she had grown up in an orphan house, they seemed to go out of their way to make her feel like part of their family.
One rainy evening, Chas arrived at Nichole’s house after a particularly rough day. Aunty Lyn opened the door, taking one look at Chas’s tired face and ushering her inside without a word.
“Wah, you poor thing,” Aunty Lyn said, helping Chas out of her damp coat. “You look so tired. Never mind, sit down, ah. I’ll make you some hot tea.”
“Thank you, Aunty Lyn,” Chas replied, her voice soft but grateful.
Uncle Wong appeared from the kitchen, holding a tray of freshly fried spring rolls. “Ah, Chas! Good timing! You must eat, lah. You’re too skinny already. Here, take one.” He handed her a plate, his eyes kind and fatherly.
Chas laughed softly. “I’m not skinny, Uncle Wong.”
“Aiyoh, just eat. You growing up in the orphan house, sure nobody cook for you properly,” he said, his tone light but his words filled with genuine care. “Here, in this house, you must eat well!”
Nichole came into the room, rolling her eyes as usual. “Dad, you’re feeding her like she’s starving. She eats fine.”
“Don’t talk so much,” Aunty Lyn interjected, bringing over a cup of tea for Chas. “Chas is like our own daughter. She needs extra love, mah.”
Chas glanced down at her tea, warmth blooming in her chest. “You guys really don’t have to do all this for me.”
“Of course we do,” Aunty Lyn said firmly, sitting down beside her. “You’re a good girl, Chas. So hardworking, so smart. If we can help, even a little bit, we’re happy to do it.”
“Yeah,” Uncle Wong added. “Every time you come here, you must feel at home. If you need anything, you tell us, okay?”
Chas felt her throat tighten with emotion, but she managed a smile. “Thank you. Really. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Aunty Lyn patted her hand. “No need to thank us. You’re family, lah.”
From that day forward, Chas never hesitated to drop by Nichole’s house whenever she needed a bit of extra comfort. It wasn’t just a place to visit—it was a second home, full of warmth, kindness, and the love she had always longed for.
...*Flashback Moment: Reassuring Nichole About Math*...
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and Chas was sitting at the kitchen table in Nichole’s house, flipping through her math textbook while munching on a piece of kaya toast that Aunty Lyn had made. Nichole sat beside her, grumbling at the worksheet in front of her.
“Aiyoh, Nichole,” Aunty Lyn said as she peeked over from the sink. “How can your math be so bad, ah? Chas is scoring better than you! Maybe Chas can be my daughter instead.”
Nichole groaned, slumping over the table. “Mum, stop! I’m already trying.”
Chas chuckled, reaching over to nudge Nichole’s arm. “Hey, don’t worry about it. Math is hard for everyone sometimes.”
“Not for you,” Nichole shot back, pouting. “You’re always getting good grades. My mum is probably already planning to swap us at this rate.”
Aunty Lyn laughed from the kitchen. “No need to swap, lah. But Nichole, you should learn from Chas! She’s such a hardworking girl. Not like you, always procrastinating!”
Chas shook her head, a playful grin on her face. “It’s not about being better, Nichole. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. I can help you with math if you want.”
Nichole perked up a little, though her expression was still skeptical. “You think you can help me understand this mess?”
“Of course,” Chas said confidently. “We’ll go through it together step by step. You’ll get it in no time. Plus, you’re way better at science than me. Maybe you can help me with that later?”
Nichole’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Okay, deal. But don’t judge me if I ask a lot of stupid questions.”
“Never,” Chas promised, giving her a reassuring pat on the back.
From behind the counter, Aunty Lyn beamed at the sight of them. “Wah, so good, Chas. Always helping. Maybe you should move in here and tutor Nichole full-time!”
Nichole rolled her eyes but couldn’t help laughing. “Mum, seriously!”
Chas laughed along, feeling the familiar warmth of the household embrace her. Moments like these made her feel less like an outsider and more like part of a real family—a feeling she would treasure forever.
...*Flashback Moment: Gifts from Singapore and Nichole's Singapore Stories*...
It was a typical weekend at Nichole’s house, and Chas had just arrived, greeted warmly by Aunty Lyn and Uncle Wong.
“Ah, Chas! Come in, come in,” Aunty Lyn called out, her sing-song Singlish accent as cheerful as ever. “Nichole just brought back so many things from Singapore for you!”
Chas raised an eyebrow as she stepped into the cozy home. “For me? I thought you guys went for a family holiday, not a shopping trip for me!”
Nichole appeared from the living room, carrying a colorful tote bag stuffed to the brim. “Hey, don’t complain. You know I always bring something back for you!” she teased.
“Wah, so thoughtful,” Chas replied with a smirk. “What’s in there, though?”
Nichole grinned mischievously as she started pulling out items one by one. “First up, your favorite pandan cake! I got it from Bengawan Solo—don’t finish it all in one sitting.”
Chas’s eyes lit up as she grabbed the neatly packaged cake. “Oh my gosh, you remembered! You’re the best!”
“Of course I remembered,” Nichole said, rolling her eyes playfully. “And here—some bak kwa, because no trip to Singapore is complete without it. Oh, and look!” She held up a tiny Merlion keychain. “Thought you might want this for your dorm keys.”
Chas laughed, taking the keychain. “It’s adorable. Thanks, Nichole.”
Uncle Wong peeked his head out of the kitchen, chuckling. “Aiyah, don’t forget the kaya! Nichole almost finished it on the plane, but we saved you some.”
Aunty Lyn followed closely behind with a jar of kaya. “This one very good, ah. Put on bread or toast—just like home!”
Chas felt a wave of gratitude as she held the jar. “You guys didn’t have to do all this for me. Seriously.”
“Don’t say that lah,” Aunty Lyn said, waving her hand dismissively. “You’re family. Of course we think of you.”
Nichole nudged Chas with her elbow. “Now you owe me a café hangout to catch up on all the Singapore gossip.”
“Deal,” Chas replied with a laugh. “But only if I get to share this pandan cake with you.”
The room filled with laughter, and Chas couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of belonging. These small gestures from Nichole and her family always reminded her that she was never truly alone, even during her hardest days.
Nichole, with her usual enthusiasm, smiled as she started sharing stories from her summers in Singapore. “You know, every year when I go back to Singapore, my family goes all out. It’s always such a mix of tradition and family bonding.”
Chas nodded, curious as always. She never got the chance to experience her own roots; growing up in the orphanage with a predominantly white family meant she never had the chance to immerse herself in any kind of cultural traditions.
“What’s it like over there?” Chas asked.
Nichole’s face lit up. “It’s crazy! You know, Chinese New Year is like the biggest event of the year. My family, especially my grandparents, are really into tradition. My Ah Ma—my grandmother—always has these altars set up with incense and offerings to our ancestors. I used to help her with it when I was younger. It was a whole process—bowing, lighting incense, saying prayers. It always made me feel so connected to everything, even though I’m so far from Singapore the rest of the year.”
Chas listened intently, the fascination clear in her eyes. “Wow, that sounds so different from anything I’ve ever known. I didn’t really get the chance to experience anything like that. You know, growing up in the orphanage… everything was pretty standard. It was a lot of the same for me—nothing as rich with culture or tradition. I never got to celebrate anything like that.”
Nichole’s expression softened, and she nodded in understanding. “I get that. It must have been tough. I can’t even imagine what that would be like, not getting to experience things like food and family customs.”
Chas smiled slightly, though her tone was bittersweet. “Yeah, it’s a different world. I mean, I don’t even really know much about my Spanish or Chinese Filipino heritage. I didn’t grow up with it. I think my mom had some of those traditions, but… I never got to learn them. It’s kind of like they’re a part of me, but also far away, you know?”
Nichole gave her a supportive look. “I can’t imagine not having that connection. But hey, you can still discover all that whenever you want. Your roots are still there, even if you didn’t grow up with them.”
Chas nodded, grateful for Nichole’s understanding. Nichole, sensing Chas’s quiet longing, brightened up. “You know what? When you come to Singapore with me, I’ll make sure you get the full experience. Laksa, kaya toast, durian, you name it. You’ll get to see it all. Maybe you can start learning about your own family’s culture too.”
Chas raised an eyebrow, half joking. “Durian? Isn’t that the one that smells awful?”
Nichole grinned mischievously. “Yep, that’s the one! But you have to try it. It’s actually really good once you get past the smell.”
Chas groaned. “I don’t know about that one. You’re not gonna let me escape, are you?”
Nichole laughed, her eyes shining with excitement. “Nope, you’re stuck with me. It’ll be fun. We’ll have all the weird, cool, and delicious experiences. And I’ll make sure you don’t miss out on anything.”
Chas chuckled softly. “I guess that would be cool. I don’t even know where to start with my own background. Maybe Singapore is a good place to begin.”
Nichole leaned back on the couch, a content smile on her face. “It’s all about starting somewhere. And now you’ve got me to help you along the way.”
In that moment, Chas felt a little more at peace with the parts of herself she had yet to explore, especially knowing that Nichole—her lifelong friend—would be there every step of the way, guiding her through new experiences and memories.
...*Flashback Moment: Chinese New Year at Nichole’s House*...
Chas sat awkwardly in the middle of the Wong family’s living room, the sound of cheerful chatter and laughter filling the air. It was Chinese New Year again, and as usual, Nichole’s parents, Aunty Lyn and Uncle Wong, had insisted she join their family celebrations.
“Chas, you have Chinese blood, ah! You must celebrate also!” Aunty Lyn had declared earlier, practically dragging her into the house after Chas had dropped by to visit Nichole.
“I didn’t even know I was coming!” Chas protested, looking at Nichole, who just laughed and shrugged.
“Don’t fight it,” Nichole said, stifling a giggle. “It’s a tradition now. You’re part of the family for today.”
Chas glanced around, seeing Nichole’s older siblings chatting by the snack table and her younger sister, Annie, showing off her new dress. Chas wasn’t even in proper attire—just her casual jeans and sweater—yet somehow, Aunty Lyn had already tied a bright red scarf around her neck.
“Now you’re ready,” Aunty Lyn said, beaming.
Uncle Wong came over, clapping Chas on the back. “So, Chas, you’re getting ang pao today! But ah, you still single, right? Cannot give out ang pao yet, hahahaha!”
“Uncle Wong!” Chas exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. Nichole and her siblings burst out laughing as their dad walked away, still chuckling.
The chaos didn’t stop there. During dinner, Chas found herself sandwiched between Nichole and Annie, both eagerly piling food onto her plate.
“Try this! It’s prosperity fish,” Nichole said, shoving a piece onto Chas’s plate.
“And this!” Annie added, grabbing a slice of turnip cake.
“Guys, I can’t eat this much!” Chas protested, her plate already looking like a buffet.
“You need to eat for good luck!” Nichole teased, making a show of clapping her hands in prayer.
As the night went on, Chas felt less like a guest and more like part of the family. She joined in the laughter, shared stories with Nichole’s older siblings, and even helped light sparklers in the garden.
But the highlight of the evening came when Nichole’s parents decided to hold their annual karaoke session.
“Chas, you sing!” Aunty Lyn declared, holding out the microphone.
“Oh no, no, no,” Chas said, shaking her head.
“Come on! Don’t shy lah!” Aunty Lyn insisted, waving the microphone.
With the whole family egging her on, Chas finally relented and grabbed the mic. She belted out “My Heart Will Go On,” complete with dramatic gestures that had everyone in stitches.
It was that time of the evening during Chinese New Year—when Uncle Wong and Aunty Lyn claimed the microphone to serenade everyone with their favorite Mandarin classics.
Chas sat squished between Nichole and her older brother, Warren, trying not to choke on her laughter. Aunty Lyn was dramatically singing an old Teresa Teng ballad, swaying as if she were performing on a grand stage. Uncle Wong joined in halfway through, singing off-key but with unmatched enthusiasm.
“Are they harmonizing or fighting?” Warren whispered to Chas, covering his mouth to hide his grin.
“I can’t tell!” Chas whispered back, her voice shaking with suppressed laughter.
Nichole leaned in, barely able to contain herself. “Wait until Dad does his big finish. He thinks he’s a rock star when he sings!”
True to form, Uncle Wong ended the song by holding the last note far too long, his voice cracking halfway through. The entire room burst into applause, though most of it was out of sheer amusement.
“Wah, you all laughing at me, ah?” Uncle Wong said, pretending to look offended but clearly pleased with himself. “This is my best performance yet!”
“Sure, Dad,” Nichole said, patting his shoulder. “You’re a natural talent.”
The chaos didn’t stop there. Uncle Wong picked another Mandarin classic and handed the second microphone to Warren.
“Sing with me!” he declared, leaving Warren no room to refuse.
“Why me? Let Chas do it!” Warren protested, trying to pass the mic to Chas.
“Oh no!” Chas exclaimed, backing away. “I’m just here for moral support.”
“You don’t know Mandarin, so you’re safe,” Nichole whispered, giggling.
Warren reluctantly sang along, struggling to keep up with the lyrics flashing on the screen. Chas and Nichole doubled over with laughter as Warrenstumbled through the words, throwing in random English phrases when he didn’t know what to sing.
By the end of the night, everyone was in tears from laughing so hard. Aunty Lyn and Uncle Wong might not have been the best singers, but their performances were the highlight of the evening.
“You should join next time, Chas,” Uncle Wong said as they packed up the karaoke machine.
Chas shook her head, still laughing. “I don’t think I could top that.”
Nichole leaned against Chas, her smile warm. “See? I told you our family karaoke nights are legendary.”
Chas looked around the room, feeling an overwhelming sense of belonging. Despite the teasing, the off-key singing, and the chaos, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
By the end of the night, Chas felt like she truly belonged. Despite growing up in the orphanage, moments like these gave her a glimpse of what family traditions felt like. And though Nichole’s family’s boisterous energy sometimes overwhelmed her, she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As they cleaned up, Nichole elbowed her with a grin. “Told you you’re basically adopted.”
Chas laughed, looking at the Wongs bustling around. “Yeah, I think I am.”
...*Flashback Moment: Nichole's parents asian parenting*...
Chas sat cross-legged on the Wong family’s plush living room carpet, her hands wrapped around a cup of milk tea Auntie Lyn had insisted she drink. She had come over to study with Nichole, but as always, chaos broke loose the moment Auntie Lyn and Uncle Wong decided it was time for a family “discussion.”
Nichole was perched on the couch, visibly bracing herself, while her siblings—Angie, the poised older sister; Warren, the eldest and often roped into setting the “example”; and Annie, the youngest troublemaker—looked equally exasperated. Auntie Lyn stood with her hands on her hips, wielding her trademark death glare, while Uncle Wong sat with a resigned but amused smile, chiming in occasionally to back up his wife.
“You think money grows on trees, ah? I tell you all, ah, this electricity bill so high, you all better switch off the lights when you leave the room!” Auntie Lyn scolded, waving a stack of envelopes in her hand.
“I do switch it off!” Nichole argued, her voice a little too defensive. “It’s probably Warren leaving the lights on when he plays games at night!”
“Eh, what about you ah?” Warren shot back, narrowing his eyes. “You’re always on the phone with your friends, leaving the aircon on full blast!”
Chas, caught in the crossfire, sipped her tea quietly, her eyes darting between the siblings. It was like watching a live sitcom unfold.
“Enough, lah!” Auntie Lyn clapped her hands to quiet everyone. “You think you can just blame each other and I won’t find out? Angie, you’re the eldest daughter. You should be setting a good example!”
Angie sighed dramatically, flipping her long hair. “I do! I always tell them to turn off the lights. They just don’t listen.”
Uncle Wong finally chimed in, shaking his head. “Why can’t you all just be more responsible like Chas? Look at her—so polite, so hardworking. Not like you lot.”
Chas nearly choked on her tea. “Oh no, Uncle Wong, I’m not—”
“Ah, don’t be shy, girl,” Uncle Wong interrupted, nodding approvingly at her. “You’re so good. Always studying, always helping Nichole.”
Meanwhile, Nichole rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, “Of course, they love you. You don’t live here.”
Auntie Lyn wasn’t done yet. She rounded on Annie, who had been quietly munching on a snack. “And you, ah! Eating snacks again before dinner? How many times must I tell you, no snacks before meals? You think your stomach is a rubbish bin?”
“I’m hungry!” Annie protested, clutching her chips protectively.
Chas bit her lip to stifle a laugh, but Angie caught her eye and whispered, “Welcome to the Wong family circus.”
By the time the lecture ended, everyone looked a little worn out, except for Auntie Lyn, who seemed to have an endless reserve of energy when it came to parenting.
As the siblings dispersed, Nichole flopped down next to Chas and sighed dramatically. “You see what I deal with every day?”
Chas grinned. “Honestly? I think I just witnessed an Oscar-worthy performance.”
“Very funny,” Nichole said, throwing a pillow at her.
Chas ducked, laughing. “Hey, at least they didn’t yell at me.”
“Oh, please,” Warren said as he walked by. “They love you. You’re like the golden child they never had.”
“Well,” Chas said with a wink, “I guess I’m just a better Wong than the actual Wongs.”
The siblings groaned in unison, but the laughter that followed made it clear—this chaotic, loving family had unofficially adopted Chas, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Another time where Chas witnessed Nichole's parents asian parenting was when Chas was seated cross-legged on the Wong family’s living room floor, nibbling on a piece of pineapple tart while watching the chaos unfold. Auntie Lyn was in full-on Asian Mom mode, brandishing her trusty weapon: a well-worn house slipper.
“You think I joking, ah? Keep talking back to me, see what happens!” Auntie Lyn barked, waving the slipper menacingly at Nichole, who was trying to inch her way behind the couch for cover.
“Mum, I’m just saying, it wasn’t me who left the dishes in the sink!” Nichole protested, her hands held up in surrender.
“Don’t ‘wasn’t me’ lah! Everyone here always got excuse. Nobody guilty, but the house still messy!” Auntie Lyn turned her wrath toward Annie, who was attempting to quietly slink away with a bag of chips. “Eh! Where you think you’re going? Snacks again? You think I don’t see you, ah?”
“I wasn’t—” Annie started, but Auntie Lyn cut her off, pointing the slipper at her like a sword. “You don’t move! Finish your homework first, then I let you snack!”
Chas, trying not to choke on her tart from laughing, leaned over to Nichole and whispered, “This is better than Netflix.”
Nichole shot her a glare, but her lips twitched in amusement. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
Just then, Angie tried to play peacekeeper. “Mum, calm down lah. We’ll clean up—”
“Don’t tell me to calm down!” Auntie Lyn snapped, pivoting toward Angie with the slipper still raised. “You think I don’t know who took my Tupperware to school and never brought it back? You think those Tupperwares grow legs and disappear by themselves?”
Uncle Wong peeked out from behind his newspaper, his expression half amused, half resigned. “Ah, let her be lah. This is how she keeps everyone in line.”
Warren, the eldest sibling, muttered under his breath, “This house slipper is probably older than me.”
Unfortunately for him, Auntie Lyn heard. “Eh, you think you funny, ah? Come here! Say it again, see what I do!” She waved the slipper at Warren, who immediately bolted up the stairs.
“See? Everyone run when I take out the slipper!” Auntie Lyn declared triumphantly, placing her hands on her hips.
Chas burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “Auntie Lyn, you’re like a superhero with that slipper!”
Auntie Lyn turned to Chas, her stern expression melting into a warm smile. “Ah, Chas, at least you have manners. Why can’t my kids be more like you?”
Nichole groaned loudly. “Mum, stop adopting Chas! She’s already too comfortable here.”
“I’d be fine if she replaces you,” Auntie Lyn said with a sly smile, making everyone laugh—except Nichole, who grabbed a pillow and whacked Chas with it.
Despite the chaos, the love and warmth in the Wong household were unmistakable. And even though she was often caught in the crossfire, Chas couldn’t help but feel like part of the family.
...*Flashback Moment: Chas's Heartfelt Moment with Nicole and Aunty Lyn's hilarious Asian Parenting commentary on breakups*...
It was a gloomy afternoon in their final year of high school. Nichole sat quietly at her desk, her head resting against her hand as she stared out the window. The lively chatter of their classmates seemed distant, like background noise she couldn’t quite tune into. She hadn’t touched her lunch that day, her appetite gone after the emotional whirlwind of her breakup with Andre.
Chas returned to the classroom after her lunch break, holding a small snack in her hand. She noticed Nichole’s slouched posture and the way her eyes looked slightly red and puffy, as if she’d been crying. Chas’s brow furrowed with concern as she walked over and sat down beside her.
“Hey,” Chas said softly, her voice tinged with worry. “You okay?”
Nichole shook her head slightly, trying to dismiss it. “I’m fine,” she mumbled, though her voice cracked.
Chas wasn’t buying it. She placed a hand on Nichole’s arm. “Nic, come on. I can tell something’s up.”
Nichole hesitated, but the lump in her throat grew heavier. “It’s Andre,” she finally admitted, her voice trembling. “We broke up last night. I don’t know… I just feel so—”
She couldn’t finish her sentence before her eyes welled up again. She quickly turned her face away, embarrassed by the tears threatening to fall.
Chas’s heart ached for her friend. Without saying a word, she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a Snickers bar she’d grabbed from the vending machine earlier. She gently placed it on Nichole’s desk.
“Here,” Chas said with a small smile. “You’re not yourself when you’re hungry.”
Nichole glanced at the candy bar, and despite herself, a tiny laugh escaped her lips. She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater and picked it up.
“You’re ridiculous, you know that?” Nichole said, her voice shaky but laced with gratitude.
“Yeah, but it made you laugh,” Chas replied, leaning closer. “And that’s all that matters. Now eat it. You can cry later, but you can’t do it on an empty stomach.”
Nichole unwrapped the Snickers and took a bite, letting the sweetness distract her from the heaviness in her chest. Chas stayed beside her, chatting about the silliest things—how Cole had spilled his drink all over himself earlier or how Charlyn had almost tripped on the stairs.
By the end of the day, Nichole still felt the sting of heartbreak, but it didn’t feel as unbearable. Chas’s little gesture had reminded her that she wasn’t alone, and sometimes, that was enough to get through even the toughest days.
Few days later, Chas stepped into the Wong household with a comforting smile, carrying a small tub of ice cream and a bag of chips. She immediately spotted Nichole sulking on the couch, wrapped up in a blanket like a human burrito.
“Hey, I brought reinforcements,” Chas said cheerfully, holding up the snacks.
Nichole peeked out from under her blanket, her eyes red from crying. “It’s no use, Chas. Nothing can fix this. Andre’s the worst.”
Chas plopped down next to her and offered her the ice cream. “Well, he’s officially history. Ice cream is forever. Here, eat up.”
As Nichole reluctantly took the tub and a spoon, Auntie Lyn emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. She glanced at her daughter and sighed dramatically.
“Aiyoh, what is this now? Crying over a boy again? How many times must I tell you, don’t waste your tears on these useless boys!” Auntie Lyn exclaimed, walking over to them.
“Mum, can you not?” Nichole groaned, burying her face back into the blanket.
Ignoring her, Auntie Lyn turned to Chas with a mischievous grin. “You know, Chas, she always picks these boys who look good but have no brain. Like I say before, better find one who can cook and clean. Not just wear fancy clothes and walk around like a model.”
Chas burst out laughing, almost spilling the chips she had opened. “Auntie Lyn, you’re savage!”
“It’s true!” Auntie Lyn continued, her hands on her hips. “Last time, she brought him here, Andre ah…what kind of name is that? He doesn’t even greet me properly. Just ‘hello’ and straight to her room. Wah, my blood pressure went up that day!”
“Mum!” Nichole groaned louder, her face turning red from both embarrassment and frustration.
Chas wiped a tear of laughter from her eye. “Auntie Lyn, you’re making it worse!”
“No, no, she needs to hear this,” Auntie Lyn said, pointing a finger at Nichole. “You must find someone who will respect you—and your mother. If they cannot respect me, they are not good enough for you!”
“Fine, fine, I get it!” Nichole finally snapped, grabbing a pillow and throwing it in her mother’s direction. Auntie Lyn dodged it effortlessly, her expression smug.
“Good. Now eat your ice cream and move on, lah. Chas, you eat also. She doesn’t need the whole tub.”
Chas giggled and scooped out a spoonful of ice cream for herself. “Thanks, Auntie Lyn. I don’t know what’s better—this ice cream or your commentary.”
Nichole glared at Chas but couldn’t help a small smile. Despite the teasing, there was comfort in having her best friend and her overbearing yet loving mother there for her. Even in her worst moments, Nichole knew she wasn’t alone—and that was enough to make her heart a little lighter.
...*Flashback Moment End*...
As Nichole drove through the quiet streets, the car was filled with the sound of soft music from the radio and occasional bursts of laughter from the two friends. The evening had been a whirlwind of nostalgia, and the memories still lingered like warm embers in their hearts.
“Do you remember the time I crashed at your place after that huge argument with my mom?” Nichole asked, glancing at Chas with a smile.
Chas chuckled, leaning back in her seat. “Of course, I do! You called me all dramatic, saying, ‘I need to escape this house, Chas!’ And the next thing I know, you’re at the door with your overnight bag.”
Nichole laughed, shaking her head. “It wasn’t that dramatic! But, seriously, your foster parents were so sweet to me that night. Carol made me tea, and Robert just listened without judgment. It was like… I don’t know, a safe haven.”
Chas smiled warmly. “They loved having you around. Cindy especially. Remember how she kept saying you looked like Princess Mulan?”
Nichole groaned, laughing. “Oh, don’t remind me. She was too adorable, though. And honestly, it kind of made me feel better that night.”
“Good,” Chas said softly. “That’s all I wanted.”
Nichole glanced at her, her expression thoughtful. “You know, Chas, you always had this way of making people feel better. Even back then, when you didn’t have much yourself, you were always so generous. Like that time you gave me a Snickers when I couldn’t even bring myself to eat lunch after my breakup.”
Chas shrugged, her cheeks tinged with pink. “You were my best friend. It was just a candy bar.”
“It wasn’t just a candy bar,” Nichole said, her voice warm. “It was you showing me that you cared. And I’ll never forget that.”
They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the car humming softly as they turned onto a quieter road.
...*Flashback Moment: Nicole's Night at the Orphan House*...
It was late evening when Nichole arrived at the orphan house, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She clutched her overnight bag tightly, trying to keep her emotions in check. Chas opened the door, already in her pajama shorts and oversized hoodie, and immediately pulled her into a hug.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Chas whispered, rubbing Nichole’s back. “Come inside.”
Nichole stepped into the cozy living room, where Carol and Robert, Chas’s foster parents, were sitting on the couch with cups of tea. They both gave Nichole warm, understanding smiles.
“Hi, sweetie,” Carol greeted gently, patting the seat next to her. “Chas told us you’d be coming over.”
“I hope it’s okay,” Nichole said in a small voice, sitting down.
“Of course it is,” Robert assured her, his voice calm and fatherly. “This house is always open to you.”
Nichole’s shoulders relaxed slightly, but tears started welling up in her eyes again. Chas sat cross-legged on the floor in front of her, giving her an encouraging nod.
“What happened?” Carol asked softly.
Nichole took a shaky breath. “It’s just my mom. We had this huge fight about… well, everything. She’s always comparing me to my siblings, saying I’m not focused enough, that my grades aren’t good enough… and I just—I lost it. I said some things I shouldn’t have, and she yelled at me, and now I feel awful.”
Carol reached out and squeezed Nichole’s hand. “Honey, parents can be tough sometimes. Especially in Asian households, they have high expectations. But that doesn’t mean they don’t love you.”
“I know,” Nichole sniffled. “It’s just… it feels like I can never measure up.”
Robert leaned forward, his hands clasped. “You don’t have to measure up to anyone, Nichole. You’re your own person, and that’s enough.”
Nichole nodded, wiping her tears with her sleeve. “Thanks, Uncle Robert.”
Chas chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. “Remember what I always say: moms love to argue, but they love even more when you make up. Tomorrow, I bet she’ll be missing you and wondering why you haven’t come home yet.”
Nichole managed a small smile. “You think so?”
“Definitely,” Chas said. “But for now, you’re staying here, and we’re going to have a good time. I still have that tub of ice cream in the freezer, and we can watch whatever cheesy movie you want.”
“That sounds perfect,” Nichole said, a hint of laughter in her voice.
Carol and Robert exchanged a glance, their faces warm with pride for the bond the girls shared.
Later that night, as Chas and Nichole sat on the couch in their pajamas, sharing a blanket and a tub of ice cream, Nichole felt a little lighter. For the first time that day, she laughed at one of Chas’s silly jokes.
“I’m really lucky to have you,” Nichole said, her voice soft.
“And I’m lucky to have you,” Chas replied, nudging her playfully.
In that moment, the orphan house didn’t feel like just a place—it felt like home." In this scene make an earlier moment where nichole is calling chas crying and asking her if she could come to her orphan house to escape her asian parents for a while.
After their ice cream and movie marathon, Chas led Nichole upstairs to her room. The small, cozy space was shared with her 12-year-old foster sister, Cindy, whose side of the room was decorated with posters of animated princesses and fairy lights.
“Cindy’s probably already asleep,” Chas whispered as she opened the door.
But to their surprise, Cindy was still awake, sitting cross-legged on her bed with a book in her lap. She looked up as they entered, her eyes lighting up when she saw Nichole.
“Hi, Nichole!” Cindy said in her sweet, cheerful voice. “Are you staying over?”
Nichole nodded, setting her bag down by Chas’s bed. “Yeah, just for the night.”
Cindy beamed. “Yay! I’ve always thought you were so cool. You’re like… really pretty, like Princess Mulan!”
Nichole blinked, caught off guard by the compliment, then laughed softly. “Wow, thanks, Cindy. That’s probably the nicest thing anyone’s said to me all day.”
Chas chuckled, flopping onto her bed and patting the spot beside her for Nichole to join. “See? Even Cindy knows you’re amazing.”
Cindy tilted her head, her curly ponytail bouncing. “But it’s true! Your hair is so shiny, and your face is so smooth. If you wore a fancy dress, you’d totally look like a Disney princess.”
Nichole’s cheeks flushed pink. “You’re too sweet, Cindy.”
“Okay, okay,” Chas said with a grin. “Let her breathe, Cindy. You can fan-girl tomorrow.”
Cindy giggled, slipping under her blanket. “Fine. But I’m just saying, if I had a big sister, I’d want her to be like Nichole.”
Chas rolled her eyes playfully but smiled. “Alright, bedtime for you, missy. We’ll be quiet, I promise.”
Cindy stuck out her tongue, but she obediently turned off her bedside lamp and snuggled under the covers.
As the room settled into darkness, Nichole lay beside Chas on her bed, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains.
“She’s adorable,” Nichole whispered.
“Yeah, she’s the best,” Chas whispered back. “Though sometimes she’s a little too honest.”
Nichole chuckled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn’t felt all day. The fight with her mom still lingered in the back of her mind, but being here, surrounded by love and kindness, made her feel less alone.
“You know,” Nichole murmured, “you’re really lucky, Chas. Even though you grew up in the orphan house, you’ve got such a great family.”
Chas turned to look at her, her voice soft. “You’re part of it too, you know. Whenever you’re here, you’re family.”
Nichole smiled, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “Thanks, Chas.”
“Anytime,” Chas replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
That night, as the two of them drifted off to sleep, the bond between them grew even stronger—a friendship that would carry them through the years, no matter where life took them.
...*Flashback Moment End*...
“Do you remember those Mandarin lessons my mom used to give you?” Nichole asked, glancing at Chas with a grin.
Chas looked up, her lips already curling into a smile. “Oh my God, how could I forget? ‘Mā, má, mǎ, mà.’ I sounded like a malfunctioning robot every single time!”
Nichole let out a loud laugh, gripping the steering wheel tightly as her shoulders shook. “You didn’t just sound like a robot—you said, ‘horse scolds mother!’ My mom had to leave the room to compose herself!”
Chas groaned, laughing so hard she covered her face with her hands. “Don’t remind me! I wanted to disappear that day. But your mom didn’t even bat an eye. She just kept going, bless her heart.”
Nichole shook her head, wiping a tear from her eye. “She loved teaching you. I mean, it was hilarious, but she said you were one of her best ‘students.’”
“Oh, stop it!” Chas said, swatting Nichole’s arm playfully. “She probably pitied me because I was so hopeless. But you know,” she added thoughtfully, “I actually started practicing Mandarin in my free time.”
Nichole raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Wait, seriously? Since when?”
“Since last year,” Chas admitted, a little sheepishly. “I downloaded this app and started learning basic phrases. It’s kind of fun, and, you know… it reminds me of your mom and dad. I loved how excited they got when I got something right, even if it was something small.”
“Aw, Chas,” Nichole said, her tone softening. “That’s so sweet. I bet they’d be thrilled to know that.”
“Well, don’t tell them yet,” Chas said quickly. “I’m still terrible, but I’m trying! I’ve got some phrases down, like how to order food or say basic greetings.” She smirked. “And yes, I still remember kuàizi means chopsticks, so I’m not a total lost cause.”
Nichole laughed. “I’m actually really proud of you! Honestly, though, my mom is going to freak out when she hears this. And you know what that means?”
Chas gave her a wary look. “What?”
“She’s absolutely going to make you sing a karaoke song in Mandarin next time you visit.”
“Oh no,” Chas groaned dramatically, throwing her head back against the seat. “Why did I tell you this? I’ll have to start practicing. I can’t let Aunty Lyn down!”
Nichole smirked, nudging her. “Relax, you’ll be fine. Just don’t accidentally say something about a horse yelling at someone’s mom again.”
Their laughter filled the car as Nichole pulled onto Nick’s street. The streetlights blurred into warm glows around them, and for a moment, they were back in time—two carefree girls laughing about silly lessons, fond memories, and the simple joy of being understood.
...*Flashback Moment: The Mandarin Lessons*...
Chas sat cross-legged on the floor of Nichole’s living room, a notebook in her lap and a pen poised in her hand. Across from her, Aunty Lyn stood with her arms crossed, a playful but determined look on her face.
“Okay, Chas, repeat after me,” Aunty Lyn said with her distinct Singlish lilt. “‘Nǐ hǎo ma?’ It means, ‘How are you?’”
“Nǐ… hǎo… ma?” Chas attempted, her accent slightly off.
Nichole and her younger sister, Angie, stifled their laughter behind their hands. “You sound like a robot!” Nichole teased, earning a light shove from Chas.
“Don’t disturb her!” Aunty Lyn scolded, though a smile tugged at her lips. “Chas is doing fine!”
Chas grinned nervously. “This is harder than it looks.”
“You’ll get it!” Uncle Wong chimed in from the couch, where he was peeling an orange. “Chinese is all about tone. If you get the tone wrong, you might end up saying something else entirely!”
“Like what?” Chas asked, curious.
“Try saying ‘mā, má, mǎ, mà,’” Nichole said, demonstrating each tone.
Chas tried to copy her but ended up mangling the tones entirely. The room erupted in laughter.
“You just said, ‘horse scolds mother,’” Nichole teased, clutching her stomach.
Chas turned red and burst into laughter. “I give up!”
“No giving up!” Aunty Lyn said, waving her finger. “Here, try something easier. Say, ‘Wǒ ài chī chǎo miàn.’”
“Wǒ… ài… chī… chǎo miàn?” Chas repeated slowly.
“That’s it! Very good!” Aunty Lyn beamed.
“What does it mean?” Chas asked, her confidence growing.
Nichole smirked. “It means, ‘I love eating fried noodles.’”
“Oh, well, that’s true,” Chas said with a laugh, earning another round of chuckles from everyone.
As the weeks went on, Chas found herself more and more intrigued by the language. She started picking up phrases here and there, surprising even herself.
One evening, after dinner, Angie pointed to the chopsticks on the table and asked, “What’s this in Mandarin?”
“Kuàizi!” Chas answered confidently.
Everyone froze, then burst into applause.
“Wah, Chas, so clever already!” Uncle Wong exclaimed.
“I think she’s ready for karaoke songs in Mandarin now,” Nichole joked.
Chas rolled her eyes but smiled. Learning Mandarin had started as a playful activity with Nichole’s family, but it had become something much more meaningful—a connection to a part of her heritage she had never fully explored.
...*Flashback Moment End*...
-------------------------------------------------------
As Nichole pulled her car into the driveway of Nick Sinclair’s sprawling house, she couldn’t help but let out a low whistle. “This place is insane,” she muttered under her breath, glancing at Chas, who was already gathering her things.
Chas smiled, shaking her head. “Yeah, it’s a bit much sometimes. But I guess it’s home now.”
Nichole parked the car and stepped out, helping Chas with her bag. They shared one last hug under the soft glow of the porch light.
“Don’t be a stranger, okay?” Nichole said, squeezing Chas tightly.
“I won’t. We’ll plan something soon,” Chas promised, pulling back with a warm smile. “Thanks for the ride, Nic. Drive safe!”
Nichole nodded, waving as she got back into the car. But just as she was about to reverse, the front door creaked open, and Nick stepped out onto the porch, hands casually shoved into the pockets of his dark jeans. His hair was tousled in that effortless rockstar way, and his gaze landed on Chas with a familiar warmth.
Nichole froze in her car, her jaw dropping slightly. “No freaking way,” she whispered, watching the scene unfold.
Nick gave Chas a small smile. “You’re back. Was starting to think you’d decided to ditch me for good.”
Chas rolled her eyes, walking up the steps to meet him. “Not a chance. I just got caught up catching up with Nic and the others.”
Nichole, still in her car, was gaping. She quickly covered her mouth to suppress a laugh. “She wasn’t lying,” Nichole muttered to herself, still watching in disbelief. “She really is living with Nick Sinclair.”
Nick noticed Nichole watching from the car and gave her a polite nod. Nichole nearly squealed, but she waved back awkwardly before pretending to focus on adjusting her rearview mirror.
Chas turned back to Nichole, gesturing for her to leave. “Go, Nic! Text me when you get home!”
Nichole smirked, giving Chas a thumbs up. As she pulled out of the driveway, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Of all the people to end up as a rockstar’s housemate… trust it to be Chas.”
Meanwhile, Chas turned back to Nick, crossing her arms. “You just had to come out and make an appearance, huh?”
Nick chuckled. “Hey, I didn’t want to ruin your mystery. But if I scared her off, that’s on you.”
Chas shook her head, laughing as they headed inside. Behind her, Nichole drove off into the night, still giggling at the surreal reality of her best friend’s life.
As Chas stepped into the house, she dropped her bag near the entryway, taking off her boots with a tired sigh. The faint sound of soft rock played in the background, and Nick was leaning casually against the kitchen counter, holding a mug of tea.
He raised an eyebrow as he took in her slightly flushed cheeks and the small smile playing on her lips. “So, how was the big high school reunion?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity.
Chas held up a small paper bag from Covent Garden Café, waving it at him. “Before I answer that, I brought you something.”
Nick straightened, a curious look flashing in his eyes. “What’s this? A peace offering?”
She grinned and handed him the bag. “Pastries. Your favorite chocolate almond croissant. I knew you’d complain if I came home empty-handed.”
Nick peeked into the bag, his expression softening as he pulled out the neatly wrapped croissant. “I was just thinking I could use a snack to go with this tea. You’re reading my mind, Chas.”
She shrugged, flopping onto the couch and stretching out her legs. “Call it intuition. Or maybe I just know you too well at this point.”
Nick chuckled, taking a bite of the croissant. “You’re not wrong. So, tell me—how was the reunion?”
Chas rested her head on the armrest, smiling. “It wasn’t a reunion-reunion, just a small catch-up with my closest friends,” she corrected. “But it was so good to see them again. We laughed so much. I don’t think I’ve smiled that much in ages.”
Nick smirked, setting his mug down and crossing his arms. “What did you guys even talk about? Or is that some sacred girl-code secret?”
Chas let out a laugh. “Not really. We reminisced about all the chaos we caused in high school. You know, sneaking around, skipping PE, getting dragged to the counselor’s office…”
Nick raised a curious brow, taking another bite of the croissant. “You? The supposed good girl? Dragged to the counselor’s office?”
She threw a cushion at him, grinning. “Don’t act so surprised! I wasn’t always a perfect angel.”
Nick caught the cushion with ease, chuckling. “Fair enough. What else?”
Chas hesitated, twirling a curl around her finger. “We also talked about how much things have changed… and how some things haven’t. Like, Nic is still obsessed with snacks, Charlyn is still her fashionable self, and Nara—well, let’s just say she had a surprise for us.”
Nick tilted his head, chewing thoughtfully. “A surprise?”
Chas smiled. “She came out. She has a girlfriend now.”
“Good for her,” Nick said sincerely. “Must’ve been a big moment to share with you all.”
“It was,” Chas agreed. “It made me realize how much we’ve all grown up, you know? But at the same time, being with them again felt like no time had passed.”
Nick leaned against the back of the couch, his expression softening. “Sounds like you had a great time.”
Chas nodded, her smile widening. “I did. It was exactly what I needed.”
Nick picked up his tea, still holding the croissant, and took a sip, his gaze thoughtful. “And what about you? Did you tell them about your glamorous life as a rockstar’s housemate?”
Chas groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Ugh, yes, and they wouldn’t stop teasing me about it. Especially Cole.”
Nick chuckled. “Well, I’m glad I could provide some entertainment for your friends. Just let me know if I need to sign any autographs next time.”
She rolled her eyes, throwing another cushion at him. “Oh, please. Don’t let it go to your head.”
He smirked, dodging the cushion. “Too late.”
Chas leaned back on the couch, a playful grin spreading across her face as she glanced at Nick. “Oh, you’ll love this one,” she started, folding her arms.
Nick raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Do tell.”
“So,” Chas began, “back in high school, there was this guy, Cole. He was one of my best friends, but he had this annoying habit of teasing me constantly. Like, he’d grab my books while I was reading or pull on my hair just to mess with me.”
Nick smirked. “Sounds like someone had a crush.”
Chas rolled her eyes. “No, not like that. He was just… annoying. But anyway, every time he did something to piss me off, I’d end up chasing him through the school corridors like a maniac, yelling at him.”
Nick chuckled. “I can picture it already.”
“Oh, it gets better,” Chas continued, leaning forward. “There was this group of popular boys who always hung out in the corner of the hallway—like they owned the place. Every time Cole and I came barreling down the corridor, they’d be caught off guard. One time, I was screaming so loud at Cole that they burst out laughing and started mimicking my scream. They even gave me a nickname—‘Screaming Queen.’”
Nick laughed, shaking his head. “Screaming Queen? I’m gonna remember that.”
“Don’t you dare,” Chas warned, pointing a finger at him but failing to suppress her own laughter.
“And then what? Did you ever catch him?” Nick asked.
“Not always,” Chas admitted with a grin. “But one time, it got so bad that we ran straight into Miss Green, the biology teacher. She dragged both of us to the counseling room, and the counselor, Miss Harrison, was like, ‘What’s going on here?’”
Nick leaned forward, clearly invested. “And what did you say?”
Chas burst out laughing. “We both started blaming each other at the same time—‘It’s his fault!’ ‘No, it’s her fault!’ Miss Harrison just stared at us, probably thinking we were hopeless.”
Nick shook his head, laughing along with her. “You were such trouble, weren’t you?”
Chas shrugged, still grinning. “A little. But honestly, it was all harmless fun. I think even Miss Harrison found it hard to stay mad at us. We didn’t even get a warning letter or anything.”
Nick leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “You know, I’m starting to see a pattern here. First, you cause chaos in high school, and now you’re causing chaos in my life.”
“Oh, please,” Chas retorted, tossing a cushion at him. “You’re lucky to have me around.”
Nick caught the cushion effortlessly, laughing. “I don’t doubt that for a second, Screaming Queen.”
Chas groaned but couldn’t help laughing along with him. “I’m never telling you a high school story again.”
“We’ll see about that,” Nick teased, raising his mug in mock salute.
As Chas finished recounting her high school antics with a smile on her face, Nick tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. “So, who was the girl that dropped you off earlier?” he asked. “She looked like she could give me a run for my money in terms of style.”
Chas grinned. “Oh, that’s Nichole, Nichole Wong. One of my closest friends from high school.”
Nick leaned back, crossing his arms. “Nichole Wong, huh? She seemed cool. You’ve got to introduce us properly next time.”
Chas chuckled. “She’d probably faint if I did.”
Nick laughed. “So what’s her story? She seems like someone who could keep you on your toes.”
“Definitely,” Chas said, sitting up straighter. “Her parents are immigrants from Singapore, and they’re the sweetest people ever. They basically adopted me every time I went over to her house. Her mom, Aunty Lyn, used to tease Nichole about her math grades but would always compliment me, which was so awkward.”
Nick raised an eyebrow. “Why awkward?”
“Because I was just some random kid from the orphan house, you know? But Aunty Lyn and Uncle Wong treated me like their own. They’d even make me my favorite dish—char siew noodles—and drag me to their family’s Chinese New Year parties. And Nichole’s siblings? Absolute chaos, just like her. I felt like part of the Wong family sometimes.”
Nick smiled, a hint of admiration in his expression. “Sounds like they were good to you.”
“They were,” Chas said softly. “Nichole’s the kind of friend who’s always been there, even during her own drama. Like this one time, she had a massive argument with her mom, and she called me in tears, asking if she could stay the night at the orphan house. Of course, I said yes, and my foster parents even sat with her, listening to her vent.”
Nick nodded. “She sounds solid. No wonder you two are still close.”
Chas nodded, her smile widening. “She is. And get this—every time she went back to Singapore for summer break, she’d bring me back little souvenirs or snacks. She’d tell me all about her family traditions, her trips, everything. It was my window into a world I never really got to experience, growing up the way I did.”
Nick’s expression softened. “She sounds like someone worth keeping around.”
“She is,” Chas agreed. “I’m lucky to have her. And now that you’ve brought it up, maybe I’ll invite her over sometime so you can finally meet her.”
Nick smirked. “Good. I need to know who this Nichole Wong is and why she’s letting you keep all the embarrassing high school stories to yourself.”
Chas threw a cushion at him. “Don’t even think about it.”
Nick leaned against the armrest of the couch, still chuckling at Chas’s stories. “You know, hearing about your high school days makes me think about mine. Though, I was probably a lot more boring.”
Chas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Boring? You? I don’t believe it. Spill.”
He smirked. “Well, I wasn’t chasing anyone around the corridors like you and your friend Cole. But I was obsessed with two things—starting a band and playing football. I was convinced I’d either become a rockstar or make it as a pro footballer.”
Chas tilted her head, amused. “You? Football? I can’t picture it.”
Nick grinned. “What, you don’t think I could hold my own on the field? I was actually pretty decent back then. Played midfield for the school team. It was one of the few things that kept me sane during those years.”
“So what happened? Why didn’t you pursue it?”
He shrugged, a wistful look crossing his face. “I loved it, but music had my heart. Around sixteen, I started sneaking into the music room during lunch breaks to practice guitar. I’d spend hours writing songs, dreaming about being on stage. My mates thought I was nuts for choosing music over football, but I didn’t care.”
Chas smiled softly. “So you were that guy—the dreamer.”
“Pretty much,” Nick admitted. “My parents weren’t thrilled about it, though. They wanted me to focus on academics, but all I cared about was my band. We weren’t even that good, but we thought we were going to be the next Oasis or Radiohead.”
Chas giggled. “Let me guess, you had a cringy band name too.”
Nick rubbed the back of his neck, laughing. “You got me. We called ourselves ‘The Half Pint Hogg.’ Thought it sounded edgy at the time.”
Chas burst out laughing. “Oh my god, that’s so bad!”
“Hey, don’t laugh too hard,” Nick said, feigning offense. “We had at least two solid gigs at the local pub before we disbanded.”
Chas wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing. “So what happened to The Half Pint Hogg?”
“We all went our separate ways after graduation,” Nick said with a shrug. “But those early days? Playing crappy covers in garages and pubs? They were some of the best times of my life. It’s funny—looking back, I thought being in a band would solve everything, but it turned out the hard part was still ahead.”
Chas leaned closer. “It worked out, though. I mean, you did become a rockstar in the end.”
“Yeah,” Nick said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But if I’d told sixteen-year-old me that the road to get here would be this bumpy, I’m not sure he would’ve believed it.”
Chas studied him for a moment, sensing the mix of nostalgia and gratitude in his voice. “Well, for what it’s worth, I think sixteen-year-old Nick would be pretty proud of you.”
Nick glanced at her, his smile softening. “Thanks, Chas. That means a lot.”
“And for the record,” Chas teased, “if The Half Pint Hogg ever make a reunion tour, I’m definitely coming to the first show.”
Nick laughed, shaking his head. “Only if you promise not to bring Nichole and her phone to record my embarrassing teenage stories.”
Chas grinned. “No promises.”
Nick leaned back, amused, as Chas continued, her voice animated. “So, here’s the thing. Back in high school, me, Nichole, Charlyn, Nara, and a few other friends were obsessed with dancing. Like, obsessed. If there was a new comeback from Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, or any of the big pop divas, we were on it.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Let me guess—you had full-on choreography and everything?”
Chas laughed, nodding. “Oh, absolutely. We weren’t messing around. Sometimes we’d even try to do K-pop covers. Nichole was super into BLACKPINK, and Nara was a die-hard Red Velvet fan. And don’t even get me started on how intense Charlyn got when NCT dropped new music. We’d meet up after school or during lunch breaks just to practice.”
Nick tilted his head. “So, were you all, like, amazing dancers or…?”
Chas cringed dramatically. “Amazing? Um, no. But we had so much fun, and that’s what mattered. We’d make up these ridiculous routines and take turns pretending to be the ‘lead’ in our pretend music videos.”
“Let me guess,” Nick said, leaning forward with a teasing grin. “You always picked yourself as the lead?”
Chas burst out laughing. “Okay, first of all, rude. Second of all, no. Well, maybe sometimes! But we all had our moments. Honestly, half the time we were just goofing around. Like, there was this one time we were trying to cover Fifth Harmony’s ‘Worth It,’ and Nichole tripped while trying to do the sexy walk. She face-planted, and we laughed so hard we couldn’t even finish the routine.”
Nick chuckled, clearly entertained. “I would pay good money to see videos of that.”
“There’s probably evidence somewhere,” Chas admitted, shaking her head. “But you’ll never find it.”
Nick raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. But let me ask you this—did you ever perform in front of anyone?”
“Oh, we did,” Chas said, her cheeks flushing slightly. “We did this one talent show at school. We covered ‘Black Magic’ by Little Mix. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be, but I still get secondhand embarrassment thinking about it. Nara completely blanked on the choreography halfway through, and I tripped over my own feet.”
Nick couldn’t stop laughing now. “Okay, you’ve officially made my day with this story. You, doing Little Mix covers, tripping over your feet? I need this visual burned into my brain.”
Chas rolled her eyes, playfully shoving his arm. “Laugh it up, rockstar. I’d like to see you try to nail girl group choreography.”
Nick smirked. “Challenge accepted. But only if you’re willing to show me the moves first.”
“Oh, you’re on,” Chas said, grinning. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you—it’s harder than it looks!”
“Well,” Nick replied, leaning back with a teasing smile, “if it means seeing you trip over your feet again, I’m all in.”
Chas groaned, laughing despite herself. “I’m never living that down, am I?”
“Not a chance,” Nick said, winking.
Chas leaned against the kitchen counter, a grin spreading across her face as she recounted the memory. “You know, it wasn’t just school talent shows. Back when I was in 11th grade, we actually performed at a K-pop event. It was a whole thing. We did a BLACKPINK dance cover.”
Nick’s eyebrows shot up, intrigued. “Wait, you performed at an actual event? Like, in front of strangers?”
“Yep!” Chas said, laughing. “It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Nichole, Nara, Charlyn, and I decided to do ‘As if it's your Last.’ We practiced for weeks. My legs were sore from all the jumping and squatting. And don’t even get me started on the outfits—we went all out trying to recreate their stage looks.”
Nick chuckled, trying to picture it. “Let me guess, you were Jennie?”
Chas laughed, pointing a finger at him. “How did you know?”
“Just a hunch,” he said, smirking. “You’ve got that ‘center of attention’ vibe down perfectly.”
She rolled her eyes but grinned. “Anyway, the event was packed. We were so nervous, but once the music started, it was like we forgot everything else. The crowd was actually super supportive—cheering, clapping, singing along. It felt… amazing.”
“Sounds like a real rockstar moment,” Nick said, giving her a playful nudge. “Maybe I should recruit you for my next tour.”
Chas burst out laughing. “Oh, please. I’d trip on stage and ruin your whole image. Besides, I think my K-pop cover days are behind me.”
Nick tilted his head, feigning disappointment. “That’s a shame. I was really looking forward to seeing you in action.”
“Trust me, I have videos buried somewhere, but they’re never seeing the light of day,” she said firmly.
Nick leaned back against the counter, grinning. “You know, I can’t even imagine performing choreography. Playing guitar? Easy. Dancing? No way.”
“Well, it’s harder than it looks,” Chas admitted. “But it was so worth it. That event gave me a lot of confidence. Plus, we got free snacks after the performance, so it was basically a win-win.”
Nick laughed. “Free snacks? That’s what sealed the deal for you?”
“Absolutely,” Chas said, grinning. “Who needs fame when you can get free food?”
“Well,” Nick said, crossing his arms with a teasing smile, “you’re still a performer at heart, Chas. Dancing, psychology, or just being yourself—you know how to own the stage.”
Chas blinked, a little caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone, before breaking into a warm smile. “Thanks, Nick. That means a lot.”
Nick shrugged casually, but his grin lingered. “What can I say? I know talent when I see it.”
-------------------------------------------------------
Later that evening, after their long chat about high school memories and dinner, the house was filled with a cozy calmness. Nick sat on the living room couch, his acoustic guitar resting on his lap. He absentmindedly strummed a soft tune, his fingers effortlessly gliding over the strings.
Chas, who had been lounging on the carpet nearby, rolled onto her stomach and propped her chin on her hands, watching him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“You know, for a rockstar, you look kinda boring right now,” she teased, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.
Nick looked up, smirking. “Boring, huh? This ‘boring’ rockstar sells out arenas, remember?”
Chas grinned, undeterred. “Sure, sure. But here, you’re just Nick Sinclair, the guy noodling on his guitar in his living room. Kinda unimpressive.”
Nick raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “Alright, big talker. Let’s see you do better.”
Chas’s grin widened as she pushed herself up and walked over to him. “Teach me, Mr. Rockstar. Or are you scared I’ll outshine you?”
Nick laughed, patting the empty space next to him. “Alright, come here, smart mouth. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
She plopped down beside him, her excitement barely contained. Nick handed her the guitar, guiding her hands to hold it properly.
“Okay, first things first—this is how you hold the neck. Don’t strangle it, just let your fingers rest here. And these are the frets,” he explained, his tone patient but teasing.
Chas nodded, biting her lip in concentration as she tried to follow his instructions. “Got it. And what do I do with this hand?” she asked, gesturing toward the strings.
Nick reached over, his hand brushing hers as he adjusted her fingers on the fretboard. “Press here. Not too hard, but firm enough to make a sound. Now, strum.”
She gave it a try, the guitar emitting a slightly off-key sound that made Nick wince.
Chas burst out laughing. “Wow. That was… beautiful, right?”
Nick smirked. “Stunning. Truly. Let’s try that again. This time, don’t press so hard.”
They spent the next half hour with Nick patiently guiding her through the basics. Chas fumbled with the chords, her fingers slipping and strings buzzing awkwardly, but her determination—and endless teasing—kept the mood light.
At one point, Nick shook his head, chuckling. “You’re hopeless, you know that?”
Chas stuck out her tongue. “Hopelessly talented, you mean. I’m basically a natural.”
Nick rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “Sure, let’s go with that.”
Eventually, Chas managed to strum a simple, recognizable tune, and her eyes lit up with pride.
“Did you hear that? I did it!” she exclaimed, her excitement contagious.
Nick grinned, leaning back. “Not bad, rookie. Maybe in a few years, you’ll be ready to open for me.”
Chas playfully nudged him with her elbow. “Or maybe I’ll start my own band and steal your fans.”
Nick laughed, shaking his head. “You’d better not. I’ve got enough competition already.”
They sat there for a while longer, the atmosphere warm and filled with laughter. It was one of those moments where everything felt easy and right—just the two of them, sharing a simple joy in the quiet of the night.
As Chas fumbled with the guitar strings, another sour note rang out, making her wince. “Okay, seriously, are my fingers broken, or is this guitar cursed?”
Nick laughed, shaking his head as he leaned closer to adjust her grip on the neck. “Neither. You’re just impatient. Learning guitar takes time, Chas.”
She huffed, her lower lip jutting out in a playful pout. “I don’t get how you make it look so easy. You’re doing wizardry or something.”
Nick rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the amused smirk on his face. “It’s called practice. You could try it sometime.”
Chas stuck her tongue out at him, which only made him laugh harder. “Careful. You’re starting to sound like a grumpy teacher.”
“Oh, is that right?” he teased, his fingers adjusting hers on the fretboard again. “Well, if I’m the teacher, that makes you my worst student.”
“Rude!” she exclaimed, swatting his arm lightly.
They both dissolved into laughter, the kind that made their stomachs ache. But as Nick pulled back, his hand brushed against hers on the strings. For a split second, they both froze, the unexpected stillness feeling heavier than it should have.
Chas cleared her throat, breaking the tension with a quick grin. “So, teacher, what’s next? Or should I just quit now and stick to air guitar?”
Nick smirked, leaning back and resting his arms on the back of the couch. “You’re not quitting. Not on my watch.”
She rolled her eyes but smiled. “Fine. Show me again. But if my fingers fall off, I’m blaming you.”
Nick leaned forward, guiding her hands once more. Their faces were closer now, but this time, the atmosphere wasn’t heavy—it was warm, easy, like two friends sharing an unspoken rhythm.
As the night wore on, Chas’s playing barely improved, but the laughter between them grew. By the end of the lesson, Nick had abandoned the guitar entirely, watching with amusement as Chas dramatically strummed nonsense chords.
“You’re hopeless,” he said with mock exasperation, shaking his head.
Chas grinned, setting the guitar down and leaning back with a satisfied sigh. “Hopelessly fun, you mean.”
Nick chuckled, standing to stretch. “Sure, let’s go with that.”
As the playful banter continued, neither of them realized how much they were beginning to enjoy the simple comfort of each other’s company. Not love—not yet—but something warm and steady was building, unnoticed and unspoken, between the lines of their teasing words.
After a few more hours of laughter, Nick stretched out, clearly enjoying the evening. “Alright,” he said, getting up and heading over to the bookshelf. “Let’s switch things up. How about a game of chess?”
Chas looked at him, her eyebrows raised. “Chess? You can’t be serious.”
Nick grinned. “Hey, it’s a classic. I promise it’s fun once you get the hang of it.”
Chas groaned dramatically. “Chess? Ugh, that’s like… ancient history. Aren’t there better ways to spend my time, like—idk—TikTok?”
Nick laughed, setting the chessboard up between them. “Nope. Tonight, you’re learning chess. It’s my turn to teach you something.”
Chas rolled her eyes but moved over to the board anyway. “Fine, but if I fall asleep, it’s on you.”
Nick set up the pieces, his fingers moving deftly as he explained the basic rules. “So, the goal is to checkmate the king, which basically means trapping him in a corner where he can’t move.”
Chas tried to follow along, nodding like she understood. But after just a few minutes, she slouched in her seat, staring at the board like it was an algebra test. “Okay, this is officially the most boring thing I’ve ever done.”
Nick laughed, his tone teasing. “It’s only boring if you make it boring.”
“I mean, where’s the action? The excitement? Why can’t I just, like, hit the other pieces or something?” she whined, dramatically moving her queen into an awkward spot on the board.
Nick smirked. “You’re supposed to strategize, not just hit things.”
“I don’t have time for this slow-paced, strategic thing,” she muttered, pushing a pawn forward like it was some sort of race. “Can we just have a showdown with lightsabers instead?”
Nick chuckled, watching her rearrange the board in her own chaotic way. “You Gen Z kids just don’t get it. There’s something calming about chess. You’ve gotta think ahead, plan your moves, and anticipate the other player’s next step.”
“Yeah, well, right now, I’m just thinking about how much I could’ve scrolled through TikTok by now,” she said with a sigh.
“Trust me, you’re learning something important.” Nick moved his knight and looked up at her with a playful grin. “It’s all about patience.”
Chas picked up her rook and pretended to study it, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. “Patience, huh? Like, how I have to be patient while you move around your little pieces… yeah, I’ll work on that. But only because you promised it’d be fun.”
Nick leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching her with a knowing smile. “You’ll get the hang of it. Maybe not tonight, but one day, you’ll appreciate it.”
Chas narrowed her eyes, but despite herself, she smiled. “We’ll see. I still think my way of making moves is way cooler.” She moved her pieces around haphazardly like she was building a tiny fortress.
Nick shook his head with a laugh. “Alright, you’re definitely going to lose this one. But hey, at least you’re trying.”
Chas threw her hands up in defeat, laughing. “I think I lost five moves ago.”
Nick stood up and walked over to her side of the table, leaning down to give her a playful nudge. “It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about having fun.”
Chas smiled at him, realizing that, even though she wasn’t winning at chess, she was definitely enjoying this more than she had expected. “Well, I’m still not sure about chess. But you… you’re a pretty good teacher, Nick.”
Nick winked at her. “What can I say? I have many talents.”
The night ended with them both laughing, the chess game forgotten as they sat back, side by side, enjoying each other’s company. Another simple, unexpected moment—but one that was just enough to bring them closer without either of them realizing how much they were already beginning to care.
As the evening came to a close, the two of them sat in comfortable silence, the chessboard forgotten between them. Nick found himself glancing at Chas every now and then, his heart warmed by her carefree, slightly childish demeanor. It was something he hadn’t expected to find so endearing—how she could so easily switch between being serious and playful. Her energy was infectious, and even in moments of frustration with the game, she still managed to make him smile. He couldn’t help but admire the way she brought lightness to every situation, making even something as mundane as a chess game feel… special.
Chas, on the other hand, couldn’t help but notice Nick’s calm, steady nature. It was like he had this natural patience that she admired—something she didn’t realize she craved. The way he explained things to her, taking the time to make sure she understood, or how he’d stay cool-headed even when she was making the game her own chaotic mess. There was something so mature and composed about him, and it made her feel safe, even in her own little world of unpredictability.
She glanced at him, catching his soft smile as he looked down at the board. There was a sense of quiet strength about him that she hadn’t quite noticed before, and it made her heart flutter just a bit. She quickly looked away, pretending to be focused on the pieces, but inside she was secretly cherishing the moment.
Nick, still observing her from the corner of his eye, felt something stir inside him. Maybe it was how different they were, or how their personalities balanced each other out. Whatever it was, it made him admire her in a way he hadn’t expected.
As the evening wound down, he cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “You know, you’re not so bad at this… for a beginner.”
Chas laughed softly, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Don’t let me get cocky, now.”
Nick chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. “Yeah, well, I don’t mind a little competition.”
Chas met his eyes and smiled. In that moment, something unspoken passed between them—an understanding of the quiet bond that was beginning to grow, one simple moment at a time. Neither of them said anything about it, but both secretly admired the other in ways they hadn’t fully realized yet.
And as the night ended, Nick couldn’t help but feel a little closer to her—her childish, carefree energy balancing his own calm, patient demeanor. While Chas found herself drawn to his quiet strength and the way he seemed to carry himself with a kind of assurance she hadn’t experienced before.
As the night drew to a close, the air between Nick and Chas felt lighter, the awkwardness from yesterday completely forgotten. Their laughter still echoed softly in the living room, mingling with the gentle strums of Nick’s guitar that Chas had been hopelessly trying to master earlier. The chessboard sat abandoned on the coffee table, a reminder of her playful protests about the game being “too boring for a Gen-Z kid.”
Nick leaned back on the couch, his fingers idly plucking at invisible guitar strings on his thigh as he watched Chas stretch out on the rug. Her carefree demeanor was infectious, and he felt a rare sense of ease he hadn’t experienced in years.
Chas turned her head toward him, catching his gaze, and grinned. “You know, for someone who’s supposed to be this ‘calm rockstar,’ you have the patience of a saint teaching me all that stuff tonight.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, for someone who calls chess boring, you’ve got a knack for turning it into entertainment.”
They both laughed, the sound filling the room like a quiet melody. It wasn’t loud or showy—just simple, genuine, and comforting. In that moment, their differences didn’t seem to matter. If anything, they felt like pieces of a puzzle clicking together.
For a brief second, Nick’s gaze lingered on her as she laughed, her eyes shining with joy. There was something about her energy—so fresh and vibrant—it stirred something in him he hadn’t felt in a long time. A spark.
Chas, catching his look, quickly glanced away, a soft warmth spreading across her cheeks. She didn’t know what it was about the way Nick carried himself—calm, steady, and quietly protective—that made her feel so… seen. Like she could trust him with parts of herself she hadn’t shown anyone before.
As the clock ticked toward midnight, Chas finally sat up, brushing her curls away from her face. “I guess we should call it a night,” she said softly, not really wanting the moment to end but knowing it had to.
Nick nodded, standing and stretching. “Yeah, it’s getting late.”
As they both headed toward their respective rooms, Chas paused at the doorway, turning back to him. “Thanks for tonight,” she said, her voice light but genuine. “I had fun… even with the chess.”
Nick smirked, leaning against the doorway of his room. “Glad I could convert you, even just a little.”
With one last shared smile, they each disappeared into their rooms, the house falling into a comfortable silence. But as they lay in their respective beds, both couldn’t help but feel the subtle shift in the air between them—a warmth, a spark, a connection that was undeniably growing stronger with each passing day.
Neither of them knew what it meant just yet, but for now, it was enough to feel the bond between them deepen, replacing yesterday’s awkwardness with something much more meaningful. Something neither of them was quite ready to admit, but both could feel stirring quietly in their hearts.
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