Chapter 104 More than anything
The room settled into a comfortable quietude, with only the subdued sounds of water and clinking dishes punctuating the air. Kan, sleeves rolled up, stood at the sink, methodically washing each plate and utensil. He took care in each motion, finding a simple solace in the task.
Perched on the counter, Ellie watched him with a soft smile. Her normally vibrant energy had been momentarily replaced by a quiet grace, a testament to the trials they'd faced that day. When she had made a subtle move to help, Kan had gently but firmly insisted she remain where she was. He could see the signs of exhaustion lingering in her eyes, and he was determined to make sure she got the rest she needed.
"You know," Ellie's voice broke the steady rhythm of the washing, "if I didn't know better, I'd say you're doing all of this to win my heart."
Her words carried a teasing tone, a gentle ribbing aimed at Kan. She watched him with playful eyes, a hint of mischief dancing in their depths.
Kan glanced over his shoulder, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "Well, you see, winning hearts is my specialty," he declared, his voice dipped in a mockingly suave tone. He turned back to the dishes, feigning nonchalance as he continued, "But in your case, I think I won more than just a heart. I won everything I ever sought-after!"
He winked, letting the words linger in the air, a subtle acknowledgment of the extraordinary circumstances that had brought them together. It was a dance of banter and genuine sentiment, a language unique to the two of them.
It was a moment of lightness, a brief respite from the weight of the day. Yet, beneath the banter, there was a shared understanding that spoke volumes.
"I see, so what's the plan, make me your wife next?" She asked, teasing him some more.
Kan chuckled, his hands still immersed in the soapy water. "Well, that would be quite the leap from washing dishes together, wouldn't it?" he replied, shooting her a mischievous grin.
Ellie hopped off the counter, walking over to him with a playful glint in her eyes. She leaned in closer, a teasing tone in her voice. "Who knows what the future holds? Maybe we'll end up surprising ourselves."
They shared a brief, meaningful look, the unspoken understanding between them palpable. It was a moment that held a promise, a hint of something more. They were both aware of the hurdles they might face, but for now, they chose to revel in the simple intimacy of this shared task and the playful banter that flowed between them.
The kitchen was bathed in the gentle glow of warm light, casting elongated shadows across the counters and floor. The clatter of dishes had stilled, leaving an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. Kan, still adorned in the apron, stood across from Ellie, his hands meticulously wiped clean.
In the subdued ambiance, he addressed Ellie with a sincerity that resonated in the very timbre of his voice. "You know, you really held your own. I think you are a great leader," Kan's words hung in the air, carrying a weight of genuine admiration.
Ellie, though, received the compliment with a mixture of surprise and self-doubt. Her brow creased as she considered Kan's assessment. "Really? You think? Sometimes it feels like they are better off alone. You know, Jess probably has a better grip on things than even I do!!" Her voice held a hint of vulnerability, belying the strong front she often put up.
As Kan approached her, he took on an almost protective air. He gently wiped his hands on the apron, his gaze steady on Ellie. "Ellie, leadership isn't about being flawless. It's about facing challenges, learning from them, and guiding your team forward. You've got a strength and a wisdom that's undeniable. I've seen it."
His hand found its way to her shoulder, a reassuring weight. "Besides, Jess is amazing, no doubt. But each of you brings something unique to the table. That's what makes this gang strong."
Ellie's gaze softened, touched by Kan's words. She took a moment to absorb the encouragement he offered. "Thank you, Kan. I needed to hear that."
Kan drew Ellie in, his arms wrapping securely around her waist, lifting her slightly off the countertop. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and Ellie's laughter danced in response, for she knew precisely what was coming.
"You know, I'm done with the plates now. Want me to get your plates cleaned?" Kan's voice held a playful lilt, a sly grin dancing across his features.
Ellie could only shake her head, amused at the way he spun his cheeky offer. But before she could react further, she found herself effortlessly lifted by Kan. His strength was evident, and he carried her with a casual ease that left her both impressed and a touch breathless.
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Kan stirred, waking up beside Ellie, who was now fast asleep. The aftermath of their shared adventure in the bedroom painted a vivid scene—rumpled sheets, clothing strewn across the room, and most noticeable were the deep claw marks etched across Kan's chest, testament to their intense connection.
"I should probably go check if my folks are back. Haven't slept at home for quite a while now," Kan mused aloud, addressing Hela.
[Aww, you worried about them?!!] Hela chimed in with a tone of admiration.
"No, far from that. Just need to feel my bed for a change, that's all," Kan responded, brushing off the sentiment. He dressed quietly and prepared to leave.
Then, a thought struck him, prompting him to turn back towards the bed. Leaning down, he placed a tender kiss on Ellie's forehead, making sure to tuck her in snugly. A smile played on his lips as he admired the sleeping form before him.
Gently, he closed the door, mindful not to disturb Ellie. He knew her heightened senses could rival his own, a testament to her werewolf heritage.
As he neared the front door, an unexpected question echoed in his mind, voiced by Hela.
[Don't tell me you are in love!!] Hela's words rang out, catching Kan off guard.
*Author's note!!*
Mass release has begun
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺