Chapter 2

I frowned. After hesitating for a moment, I decided to come clean with him.

Ryan and I grew up two blocks apart. His mom is like a sister to my mom, so I know what his mother is like.

If she found out he was posting shirtless thirst trap videos, she might not kill him, but she'd get pretty close.

"I'm just going to say it!"

"Ryan, are you filming thirst traps?"

I said it super fast, almost hoping he wouldn't catch it.

It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Ryan immediately flew across the room, landing on the sofa and slapping a hand over my mouth. "How do you know?"

I pointed at his bedroom and mumbled a long string of words.

"Speak clearly!"

I broke free from his grip. "I said you film your thirst traps with the curtains open! Anyone on the path outside can see right through your window!"

Understanding dawned on Ryan, and he rushed into his bedroom to draw the curtains.

My mom always used to praise Ryan for being so smart and meticulous, but I guess he wasn't *that* smart after all.

"Is this your side hustle?"

"It wouldn't be great if someone we know saw this, especially people our parents' age..."

"Shhh!"

He suddenly leaned in, pressing his index finger against my lips.

The sudden, cool touch made my heart pound, and a wave of nervous energy I’d never felt before shot through my whole body.

"Keep my secret, and name your price!"

My eyes lit up. In all these years, I'd never seen Ryan be so generous.

I mean, this was the guy who used to steal a sip of my bubble tea.

A not-so-innocent idea suddenly popped into my head.

"I want to touch..."

My mouth moved faster than my brain, and my eyes couldn't help but stare directly downwards.

Abs are just too tempting.

It would be great to get a feel of those beautiful abs.

Ryan looked a bit taken aback. He probably hadn't expected such a shameless request. It is a bit awkward to pull that stuff on someone you know.

I thought he'd refuse without hesitation with that old arrogance of his.

Instead, he actually straightened up.

Was that a silent yes?

Honestly, I really did want to touch them.

But seeing that look on his face, like he was a hero marching to his death, I didn't have the heart to get all handsy with him.

"Forget it! I'm just messing with you. Now, whip up a delicious meal for your Queen!"

"Maybe then I'll consider keeping your secret."

Ryan laughed lightly and carried the groceries towards the kitchen. "As you wish, my Queen... just kidding, I can't!"

"But seriously, will you keep making those kinds of videos?"

I followed him into the kitchen and asked, more seriously this time.

"Do you like watching them?"

Ryan shot back.

I hesitated for a moment and shook my head.

"No, I prefer touching them."

Ryan gave me a speechless look and pushed me out of the kitchen.

His cooking skills were top-notch. Everything he made was even better than takeout, especially the sweet and sour ribs.

I lived on the fourth floor, and he lived on the first. It was just a quick elevator ride away.

That got me thinking, won't I have my meals sorted from now on?

While we ate, Ryan asked why I’d suddenly moved to this apartment complex. My good mood vanished instantly.

He was still the same, always knowing exactly where to poke to hurt.

In that kind of situation, I'd usually roll my eyes and make a sarcastic remark back at him. But since I had an ulterior motive this time, I had to swallow my pride.

I picked up a rib and put it in his bowl. "Of course, I wanted to be closer to you, Ryan!"

Ryan: Gag.

Ryan: I can't take it. Get lost…

Okay, now I was really going to roll my eyes.