MK turned and drew closer to Shriya. She sank into her embrace, lingering in the warmth. Sunlight had already spilled into the room, but neither of them stirred fully—still caught in the comfort of sleep and closeness.
"Should we wake up? It's almost afternoon," Shriya asked softly, gazing at the person holding her so tightly, as if letting go would hurt.
"A little bit more… I want to hold you," MK murmured, eyes still shut, voice heavy with sleep.
"You were holding me all night," Shriya said, teasing.
"That was… different," MK admitted, cheeks tinged with pink.
"Why are you blushing?" Shriya asked, eyes narrowing playfully.
MK grinned shyly.
"Can we go out later? I have a surprise for you."shriya whispered .
"A surprise? What is it?" MK's curiosity sharpened as she opened her eyes.
"It's been waiting for you for more than a year… I'm not sure it's a surprise anymore," Shriya murmured, almost to herself.
"Okay, we should get up now," MK said.
"No… just a little longer," Shriya said, trying to pull MK back under the covers.
"Shrii! Up, up, up!" MK protested, tugging at the sheets, but Shriya held firm.
"I like it," Shriya said, letting go of the cover just enough. MK yanked again, too hard, stumbling backward.
MK huffed and headed for the bathroom. "I didn't mean to…" Shriya called softly after her disappearing figure.
By sunset, they left Shriya's apartment. Shriya drove, and the streets ahead looked familiar.
"You said you have a surprise for me," MK said, voice sharp, like someone claiming a debt.
"Yeah… we're almost there," Shriya replied with a sly smile.
"Close your eyes," Shriya instructed.
"No way," MK said, crossing her arms.
"Come on, it looks amazing on screen," Shriya said, remembering the dramatic TV reveals.
"This is real life. No way I'm closing my eyes," MK countered firmly.
"You don't trust me," Shriya teased, pretending to be disappointed.
"Shrii, don't play that card with me," MK said, but seeing Shriya's expectant look, she relented. "Fine." She closed her eyes.
When the engine cut, Shriya guided MK out of the car. They walked a few steps, then stopped.
"You can open them now," Shriya whispered.
MK opened her eyes, blinking in confusion. They were still outside—what could be so special here?
"Shrii…"
"MK, I made this for you," Shriya said, gesturing behind her.
MK turned. At first, it didn't register, but then her eyes widened. Bold letters atop the building glowed: "M-KENT PARADISE."
"What…" MK whispered, stunned.
"I made it for you. Customized it to your liking. I didn't know what to call it—MK Paradise felt too straightforward," Shriya explained softly. She had built it over a year ago, just in case MK ever returned.
"Shrii… you own this place?" MK's voice was a mix of awe and disbelief.
"No, MK… I don't own it," Shriya said gently. MK turned, uncertain if she was joking—surely not a low blow like this?
"You do," MK insisted. "It's under your name… everything."
MK's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe it. She owned this place—her paradise—and it had been built just for her. She turned to Shriya, tears welling. "For me, Shrii… I… I…"
"Hey, it's been waiting for you. Here, your card," Shriya said, unable to hide her smile.
"Let's go. I'll show you the place," Shriya said, leading MK through the building.
They explored every floor. The three-story building was a wonder. The ground floor had a club, waiting area, and gaming spaces. The second floor featured a theater on one side and an indoor park on the other. The third floor housed a skating arena, bowling lanes, shooting range, and a robotics section with VR capsules and gadgets MK had never seen before.
"There's one more place I want to show you," Shriya said, guiding MK to the roof.
"This… this," MK stammered, stunned.
"Looks like the roof where you first met me," Shriya said softly. "Since the first time I saw you was in a hotel room…"
"I heard that," MK teased, chasing after her.
They stood at the spot where MK and Shriya had first met, every detail perfectly preserved. MK could have sworn it was the same place.
Shriya moved close. "I came here every time I missed you. It makes me feel like you're still here… like this," she said, voice full of heart.
"I had a crush on you from the first time I saw you," MK admitted, cheeks burning.
"What? Since the beginning? Why didn't you say anything? I had to chase you for months" Shriya laughed softly.
"But Shrii… I didn't know you were this rich," MK teased.
"I'm broke now—you should give me a raise," Shriya said, hugging MK tightly.
MK laughed, the sound bright and free. Then she remembered—she was technically her boss now. Her grin widened. "If you behave, I might just consider it," she teased back.
"Yes, ma'am," Shriya saluted, and they both laughed, the city lights flickering around them as they shared a moment of pure joy.