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"Y-yeah… of course," Yunah stammered, already reaching for the door handle, the awkwardness pressing in on her chest.
Before she could step out, Noah's voice cut through the air—cold, firm.
"Don't get out, Di."
Yunah froze, halfway out of the seat, and turned to look at him through the windshield.
"You're not leaving the front seat," Noah said, his tone final. His eyes locked onto hers—sharp, unyielding.
"It's okay, Noah," Yunah said gently trying to consult him. "If she has—"
"I'm not okay with it." Noah's voice rose just enough to make both Yunah and Nisha flinch. He turned slowly towards Nisha, his gaze dark and intimidating."If you want the front seat that badly," he said coldly, "take a taxi."
"I—" Nisha opened her mouth, but the words died instantly under his stare.
"Noah," Yunah said softly, stepping out despite his warning. "Don't be rude. It's not a big deal. I can sit in the back."
Noah exhaled sharply, frustration rolling off him. He dragged a hand through his hair with his jaw clenched tight. Ivan noticed it immediately and stepped closer and tapped on his back trying to calm him.
"Di," Noah raised his voice getting pissed, "didn't i told you not to get out?"
"Why are you raising your voice?" she snapped, surprised herself glaring at Noah. "What is there to be angry about?"
Noah covered his face with his palm, breathing deeply—once, twice—forcing himself to calm down. When he finally looked up, his voice was controlled, almost detached.
"Fine," he said flatly. "Let her sit in the front."
"Thank you so much for understanding, Noah," Nisha said quickly, a wide smile spreading across her face as she slid into the front seat.
Yunah stared at Noah, confused. Moments ago, he looked ready to explode—now he was eerily calm. Without another word, Noah walked to the back door and opened it for Yunah.
"I'm sorry for earlier, Di," he said quietly. "You can get in now."
"I-it's okay," Yunah murmured, still trying to understand him as she settled into the back seat.
Noah closed the door gently, then turned and tossed the car keys at Ivan."You drive."
Ivan fumbled but caught them just in time. "What?" he blurted out. "Me? Drive? Are you serious?"
Noah didn't answer. He simply got into the back seat—right beside Yunah.
The smile on Nisha's face faded instantly.
She had done everything just to sit next to him—and yet, he had chosen Yunah without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Yunah finally understood. why he was angry. That why he refused to let her move. She realised that all he wanted was to sit beside her.
And the realization hit her all at once, heat rushing to her cheeks, turning them a deep crimson.
"Are you feeling cold, Di?" Noah asked softly, his voice gentle—so gentle it made Nisha's fingers curl in jealousy. She had never heard him sound like that for anyone else.
"No," Yunah replied quickly, turning to look out of the window, her face still flushed.
Ivan started the engine with a tired sigh and pulled the car onto the road, heading first towards Nisha's house.
And in the quiet of the back seat, something unspoken lingered—heavy, warm, and dangerously close.
*****************
As the car moved steadily through the quiet roads, Yunah slowly began to doze off. The exhaustion of the long day finally caught up with her. Her head tilted forward, then back, jerking her awake every few seconds.
Noah noticed.
A soft smile tugged at his lips as he watched her struggle to stay awake. To him, she looked unbearably adorable—small, tired, vulnerable… like a sleepy little puppy fighting its own exhaustion.
Carefully, so gently it was almost reverent, he lifted his hand and guided her head to rest against his shoulder. Yunah didn't protest. Instead, she relaxed instantly, her breathing evening out as she slipped deeper into sleep.
The entire moment did not go unnoticed.
From the front seat, Nisha saw everything.
The way Noah looked at Yunah.The way his touch lingered.The way his attention never left her face. Suspicion crept into Nisha's mind—but it was quickly drowned by something sharper. Darker. Jealousy coiled tight in her chest. She wanted that place. That closeness. That care. Her fingers clenched in her lap. She said nothing and just observed everything.
"Are you dropping Nisha first?" Noah asked quietly, his eyes still on the road ahead. His hand moved instinctively, lightly brushing Yunah's cheek as if to make sure she was comfortable.
"Yeah," Ivan replied. "I'll drop her first, then—"
"Drop us at our apartment first. You can take my car." Noah cut him off mid-sentence. His voice was calm, but firm—leaving no room for argument.
Ivan glanced at him through the mirror, then nodded once. "Fine."
Without another word, he turned the steering wheel, redirecting the car towards Haven's apartment.
Nisha stared straight ahead, her silence heavy—while in the back seat, Yunah slept peacefully against Noah's shoulder, unaware of the storm quietly forming beside her.
******************
After nearly twenty minutes, Ivan pulled the car to a stop in front of Haven's apartment gate.
"We're here, Di," Noah said softly, leaning closer. "Wake up."
Yunah stirred—but only enough to turn her face away, sinking deeper into sleep.
Noah chuckled under his breath, his eyes warming as he studied her peaceful face. "What am I supposed to do with you?" he murmured. Carefully, he eased her head back against the seat so she wouldn't slump forward, then stepped out of the car. He grabbed her sling bag first, slinging it over his shoulder, before returning to her side.
In one smooth motion, Noah bent down, slipped an arm beneath her knees and the other around her back—and lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
Bridal style.
Ivan's jaw dropped.
"Close your mouth," Noah said flatly as he turned away. "Or flies will start getting in."
Without waiting for a response—without a goodbye—he walked towards the apartment entrance, Yunah cradled securely against his chest, her bag resting against his side. Every step screamed possession, care, certainty.
A boyfriend in everything but name.
Inside the car, Nisha stared after him, her fingers curling into tight fists. Her body trembled—not from fear, but fury.
"What are they?" she whispered, her voice sharp with resentment.
Ivan sighed as he started the engine. "It's… complicated." He glanced at her briefly. "But take my advice—give up on him. He'll never like you."
Nisha's lips curved slowly—not into a smile, but something darker."We'll see," she said quietly. "I'm not giving up."
The car pulled away—leaving behind a sleeping girl in safe arms… and a storm that had just decided to wait.