CHAPTER 347: INVITATION

"I can’t believe them." Alhai mumbled to himself, stomping his way through the second floor.

Since Quizen said that what he feels for Coco is nothing, but just platonic, Alhai could already tell that he didn’t mean it— all because there was this certain look on the fourth husband’s face as he said those words.

"Just a friend? Just a friend?! You won’t have that look on your face if she’s just a friend, stupid." The mediator hissed out, his hands curling into fists.

Out of the three mediators, Quizen has been the one who always had Alhai’s back no matter what happens, even when Coco started beating him up, the blue haired mediator would always, always try to lessen the pain by being there.

It doesn’t even matter to Alhai what Quizen does, as long as Quizen would be somewhere in his presence, then everything will become a little numb.

So, he knows that Quizen was lying to everyone.

Actually, no, even to himself, he was lying because Coco Hughes— no, Coco Coison is obviously not just a friend.

"You could have just said that you like her!" Alhai growled under his breath, turning left and marching his way down the hallway.

"Who likes who?"

Speaking of the devil, look who decided to show herself just in time for Alhai to make his way towards his bedroom.

The silver haired mediator came into an abrupt stop as soon as he heard Coco’s voice, the confusion and curiosity dripping from her words alone.

Alhai turned around and faced Coco, opening his mouth, ready to yell at her.

He was ready to hiss, to cuss her out, to call her names that would make her frown, to accuse her the way Quizen accused her of cheating.

However, the words became nothing, his voice melting into a mush as his breath got caught in his throat.

"What’s wrong?" Coco asked, blinking in surprise when Alhai turned to her and stared at her like he had seen something monstrous before him. "Do I still have a bad bed head?"

Unbeknownst to Coco, ever since he found her tearing up for some unknown reason in the hallway a week ago, he had seen her oddly.. Interesting? Attractive? Beautiful? He can’t find the right words to describe it.

It’s just that.. No matter what she wore or looked like for the day, he would be rendered speechless in her presence.

Take this instance for an example, he was ready to say anything and everything, but the moment his eyes laid on Coco, those thoughts flew right out of his head.

Alhai continued to stare at Coco, his gaze intensely focused as he meticulously traced every feature on her face.

His teal colored eyes moved from her tousled bedhead, to her disheveled clothes before pausing momentarily on her sleep-puffed cheeks, before finally focusing on her puzzled gaze.

Just then, Alhai found himself growing increasingly aware of the subtle warmth spreading across his face as his gaze lingered on Coco.

He shifted in his spot, forcing his face to be blank, but despite his attempt to maintain a neutral expression, the physical signs of his reaction were becoming increasingly difficult to hide.

Coco gently cleared her throat and asked. "Are you okay? Is there something on my face?"

The sound of Coco clearing her throat, followed by the question, broke Alhai out of his trance, the sounds she let out snapped him back to reality, his focus breaking its concentration on her face and returning to the present moment.

He quickly composed himself, forcing his features into a more impassive expression, though the lingering hint of warmth on his face remained.

"You good?" Coco asked and noticed the slight pink tinge that had started to color Alhai’s ears, a subtle change in his complexion that caught her attention.

The rosy hue was barely perceptible, but stood out of his usual composure, and knowing the third husband, if she were to point it out, Alhai would explode and would cuss her out.

So, instead of pointing it out, Coco ignored it.

Alhai quickly averted his gaze, taking a step away from Coco and cleared his throat to make sure that his voice would work— once he was sure that his voice wouldn’t waver, he spoke up.

"I’m good." He replied, his voice dripping with a hint of embarrassment.

Once again, he tried to maintain a calm and composed expression, but the slight tremor in his voice gave him away quickly.

Alhai continued to keep his eyes averted from Coco’s gaze, hoping that avoiding her gaze would somehow erase the lingering warmth he could feel on his neck and cheeks, wishing that nothing would seem out of ordinary on his face.

Coco nodded her head, recognizing that it was better not to pry further.

"Have a good morning then." She hummed, her voice casual and non confrontational before she continued walking past him, her grip on the tray tightening slightly.

Then, Coco halted abruptly, something important suddenly coming to mind, prompting her to turn back to Alihai.

"By the way." She began, quickly calling out to Alhai and turned her body, facing him directly, the corner of her lips curling up into a smile.

Alhai’s shoulders tensed involuntarily as Coco called out to him, his gaze flickering sideways to meet her eyes.

"Yes?" He replied, unease evident in his tone.

He tried to keep his body language relaxed, but the slight stiffness in his stance gave him away.

Coco looked at him, her expression gentle and sincere.

"The other three will be hanging around in my room before lunch" She said, her words dripping with hope and subtle warmth, "So, if you’re free and if you want, come hang out with us."

Her tone was casual, but her gaze held a noticeable warmth, as if reaching out to him.

Alhai raised his eyebrows slightly, looking stunned.

The invitation caught him completely off guard, and he considered the offer for a moment then, he responded.

"I’ll be there."