Avannah's POV
"Are all these for me?" I asked Raider when he bought me some expensive bags, clothes, and a watch.
"Of course, my dear. You see... you've been gone for a long time, right? And there were several Christmases when I couldn't give you a gift, so I'm just making up for it now. Did you like all of them?"
My eyes almost sparkled at the things Godfather bought for me. It's my first time having such expensive items. These are famous brands, so I know their prices are no joke.
"It's embarrassing for me, Raider. You shouldn't have bothered with me because I'm already grown up and shouldn't be receiving gifts anymore. It's embarrassing if I'm still asking for Christmas gifts from you," I said shyly, biting my lip.
"It's perfectly fine for you to ask for gifts from me. It's no problem for me. Besides, you're my only godchild. I don't have any other godchildren but you, Avannah. That's why I want to spoil you as Avannah," he said with a smile.
I scratched my head sheepishly. Why was Raider suddenly being so nice to me like this? He had always been generous whenever he visited the house—but now, something felt different. I couldn’t explain it, but the way he treated me lately carried a subtle shift, as if there was something more behind his kindness.
Still, I liked how close we’d become. It made me feel closer to him, and I didn’t want to overthink it. I told myself to just enjoy the moment. After all, I wasn’t a child anymore. I could joke around with him. Tease him, even.
Tease him?
I discreetly pinched myself. What was I thinking? Why would that even cross my mind? Maybe I really was going crazy. And yet, there was an unfamiliar urge to provoke him—to push just a little, for reasons I couldn’t fully understand. When had I become like this?
I hadn’t been flirtatious before. Back when I lived with Aunt Elen, I barely paid attention to the boys who tried to court me. Could it be that I was drawn to someone older instead of men my age? I’d watched shows where the man was decades older than the woman, and somehow their relationship felt deeper, steadier. Maybe that was what appealed to me.
Still, doubt crept in. What would people say if they knew? Especially when the man I was thinking about was Raider. I could already imagine the whispers. But then again—why should I care? There was nothing wrong with liking him. He was single. And it wasn’t as if I planned to do anything reckless.
I just liked him.
And if something ever happened… then so be it.
“Are you okay?” Raider suddenly asked. “You look lost in thought.”
I blinked and looked at him, then smiled. “It’s nothing. I just remembered something. By the way, it’s already late. Aren’t you heading home?”
He had insisted on walking me to my apartment that evening. I hadn’t wanted to trouble him, but he refused to leave me alone. He sighed, then gave me a small smile.
“I don’t really have anything to do at home. Would it be alright if I stayed for a while?”
I bit my lip. Just the two of us? Why did that thought make my chest tighten—and my stomach flutter? Wasn’t this a little awkward? What if he did something inappropriate? But would he really?
Then why did the idea make me feel… excited?
I pinched myself again. What was wrong with me? Was this because of those movies I’d been watching? It wasn’t even the explicit scenes that stuck with me—it was the stories, the way the women were desired, cherished. I couldn’t help wondering what it felt like to be wanted like that.
But by whom?
My thoughts startled me. No. I really needed to stop watching those movies.
“It’s fine if you want to stay for a bit,” I said with a hesitant smile. “But there’s really not much to do here. I usually just watch movies.”
“That’s enough,” he said easily. “I won’t get bored. We can watch something together. Romance? Horror? Fantasy?”
“Romance,” I said quickly, laughing softly. “No horror. I scare too easily.”
“I’ll prepare some snacks,” I added.
“Let me help,” he said, already unpacking the groceries.
When our arms brushed accidentally, my breath caught. I had to close my eyes for a moment. What was happening to me? Was this just admiration—or something else entirely?
I should have been asleep by now. I had work early the next day. But with Raider here, my sleepiness vanished completely.
“Come on,” he said as he settled on the sofa. “Let’s watch.”
I sat on the opposite end, leaving space between us. I tried to focus on the screen, but my attention kept drifting. From the corner of my eye, I watched him—his calm expression, the way he barely moved.
Why did I suddenly want to sit closer?
We watched in silence. I kept sneaking glances, feeling foolish. He didn’t seem to notice—he was completely absorbed in the movie. I, on the other hand, couldn’t even follow the plot.
Then he yawned and turned toward me—catching me completely off guard.
“I’m starting to feel sleepy,” he said, rubbing his eyes lightly.
“That’s fine,” I replied. “If you want to rest for a bit, you can lie down.”
“Really?” He smiled faintly. “I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m not sure why.” He paused, then added, almost playfully, “Thank you.”
Before I could fully process what he meant, he shifted closer and rested his head on my lap.
I froze, my breath catching as I stared down at him.
“Is it alright if I stay here?” he asked, his tone teasing. “I need a pillow.”
“A-ah… s-sure,” I said, my voice betraying me. “That’s fine.”
He settled more comfortably, turning his attention back to the show as if nothing unusual had happened.
I bit my lip when his head brushed against me, my body tensing at the unexpected closeness. What was he doing? Was this intentional—or was I reading too much into it?
I forced my gaze back to the screen, but only moments passed before I felt his hand move. His fingers brushed my thigh, then lingered, giving it a slow, deliberate squeeze. I was wearing short shorts, my skin exposed, sensitive to every touch.
I should have stopped him. I knew I should have.
But I didn’t.
The warmth of his hand sent a shiver through me, and before I could gather the courage to pull away, his fingers traced my thigh again.
“You’re so soft,” he murmured. “Can I… just touch you a little? Just for a moment.”
His hand moved once more, and my heart pounded as I remained perfectly still, caught between hesitation and a feeling I no longer knew how to deny.