Gabriel heard Elena was coming over, so he got everything ready early, especially her favorite shrimp.
"She can't stand cilantro... and I better make sure there's not a single shrimp vein left," he muttered while prepping lunch.
Back when they were kids, Elena used to tag along behind him everywhere. Didn't matter where he went—she stuck to him like glue.
But now? She'd grown up. Stopped being that clingy little girl.
Still... that was fine. Soon, she'd be by his side all the time again, just like before.
The shrimp had barely hit the pan when a loud knock came at the door.
"Elena? You got here so fast? I haven't even finished cooking. Just hang out for a bit—I'll be done soon."
She didn't respond. Instead, she strode straight into the kitchen, stood beside him for a
