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AUTHORESS POV
Mila wore black running shorts and an oversized grey sports tee that hung loosely around her frame. Her curly hair was packed upwards into a messy puff, though a few stubborn curls had escaped and framed her sweaty face.
She was taking her evening jog.
The street was calmer at this hour.
Streetlights had started coming alive one after another.
Children played farther down the road while some adults took evening walks.
Trees lined the roads and the cool breeze carried the scent of wet soil and dinner being prepared from nearby houses.
Mila jogged past another turn.
Then another.
After a while—
she stopped.
Bent slightly.
And breathed hard.
"Sh*t."
She placed both hands on her knees.
"Why did I forget to bring water?"
She touched her forehead and stood properly.
"Who the hell does that?"
"Mila?"
She looked up.
Xavier.
He stood a few steps away.
He wore black joggers and a faded navy hoodie with the sleeves pushed slightly upward. Casual.
His hair looked slightly messy and both his arms carried white poly bags.
Looked like he was coming back from the market.
Mila pointed.
"You've got water on you?"
Xavier blinked.
"Uh… no."
He adjusted the bags.
"But I do… at home."
He paused.
"My house isn't far from here. I can—"
"Just give me water please."
---
TIME SKIP.
Mila sat on the couch.
She had just finished her third glass.
Xavier sat opposite her.
His house wasn't luxurious.
But warm.
Simple furniture.
Soft lighting.
Books stacked at corners.
A standing fan.
Pictures on the walls.
It felt lived in.
Mila looked around.
"You've got a nice place."
Xavier looked around too.
Then scoffed.
"You're saying that to make me feel better."
Mila looked at him.
