---
The soft click of the hotel room door closing behind them echoed faintly in the quiet hallway.
Rico stepped in first, holding the door open for Jenna, who still hadn't recovered from that moment under the firework-lit sky. Her heart hadn't calmed, her face still burning as if the kiss lingered there — on her lips, and somewhere deeper too.
Rico glanced at her with a sly grin.
"Still blushing?"
"I'm not—!" Jenna quickly turned away, clutching her small handbag like it could hide her emotions. "It's just warm here…"
He chuckled under his breath, locking the door behind them.
As Jenna entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed, still dazed, Rico took off his jacket and stretched. Then he looked over his shoulder.
"Do you want to use the shower first?" he asked casually. "Or should I?"
Jenna didn't respond — her thoughts still replaying the kiss. Her fingertips brushed her lips unconsciously.
Rico noticed.
He walked toward her slowly, deliberately, stopping right in front of her. He leaned down slightly, bringing his face close to hers, his voice a low, teasing whisper.
"Jenna… are you still in that moment?"
She gasped, jolting slightly. "W-What?"
He smirked. "Am I that good of a kisser, huh?"
Jenna blinked rapidly. "N-No!"
Rico raised an eyebrow. "So I'm not?"
"I mean—! No—I mean yes—I mean…" she buried her face in her hands.
Rico leaned even closer, lips near her ear now. "That does mean I'm a good kisser… do you want another to confirm?"
"Rico!" Jenna squeaked, cheeks crimson, and shoved him lightly. "I-I'm taking the shower!"
She grabbed her things and dashed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Rico grinned to himself and flopped onto the bed, arms behind his head.
Ten minutes passed.
Jenna stepped out in a fresh set of clothes, hair still damp, towel wrapped around her neck. Her skin glowed slightly from the steam, and she looked visibly calmer… until something caught her eye.
Her phone buzzed with a notification.
She picked it up and her eyes fell on a sensational headline:
> "Famous Idol Allegedly Involved in Secret Love Affair – Fans Divided!"
Jenna's eyes widened. The image was blurry, but the figures in it… looked dangerously familiar.
"What the—"
Suddenly, Rico appeared from behind in his sleeveless shirt, reaching for his towel when he noticed the article.
In an instant, he dashed forward and snatched the phone from her hand.
"Hey!" Jenna spun. "Give that back!"
"Nope," Rico teased, waving it over her head.
"Rico!" She jumped slightly, but he took a step back.
In the tussle, they both lost balance and tumbled onto the bed. Jenna fell right on top of him.
Her hands landed on his chest. His eyes locked with hers — wide, breathless. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Their faces were only inches apart. The soft lamp light made everything feel like a dream.
She quickly tried to sit up.
But Rico didn't let her.
His arms snaked around her waist and gently pulled her back down, holding her there.
"Don't go yet," he said softly, his voice different now. Serious. Gentle.
"Rico…" she whispered, stunned.
"I thought I could wait," he murmured, "but… maybe not too long."
His hand lightly brushed a strand of wet hair from her cheek. Jenna held her breath.
"I'll give you three days," he said, eyes never leaving hers. "Three days to tell me if you like me… or when you will like me."
Jenna blinked, startled. "W-What… what if my answer is 'no'?"
Rico's lips curved into that wickedly charming smile.
"There's no 'no' in my vocabulary," he whispered.
And before she could say anything, he leaned forward and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.
Jenna's eyes widened. Her heart tumbled in her chest.
She quickly sat up, covering her mouth with her palm in shock.
Rico leaned back on the bed, hands behind his head, watching her reaction with a grin.
"I didn't kiss your lips again," he smirked. "I'm still waiting for a 'yes.'"
Jenna stood up, clutching the edge of her towel with flushed cheeks and a heart full of confusion, excitement, and something dangerously close to… happiness.
The line between friendship and something more had already blurred.
And there were only three days left before it vanished completely.
---