CHAPTER 45: EAVESDROPPING WITH BENEFITS

Naomi didn’t even hesitate when we got back. She kicked her shoes off like she owned the place and followed Celestia into the kitchen. I trailed behind, wondering why I suddenly felt like an intruder in my own home.

Celestia set the grocery bags on the counter, humming under her breath like this was her apartment and not mine. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun, tossed her jacket onto a chair, and got to work like she’d lived here for years.

Naomi leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching with a smile. "You cook?"

Celestia glanced back, lips curling. "Mm-hm. Don’t look so shocked. I’m domestic when I feel like it."

Naomi laughed. "That’s already more effort than my brother here. The last time I saw him in a kitchen, he burned instant noodles."

I frowned. "That was years ago—"

"Last year," Naomi corrected without looking at me.

Celestia smirked and glanced at me from over her shoulder. "Burning noodles? Babe... that’s actually impressive in the worst possible way."

I groaned. "Why am I here if you two are just going to roast me?"

Naomi patted my shoulder in mock sympathy. "Because watching you squirm is free entertainment."

Celestia chuckled under her breath and turned back to unpacking. She pulled out fresh vegetables, spices, pasta, and meat, lining them up in perfect order. I watched her tie on an apron she definitely didn’t bring — it was mine, plain grey, and somehow she made it look like high fashion.

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "Wow. My brother lucked out."

Celestia glanced over. "You think so?"

"Definitely. You’re gorgeous, you can cook, and you clearly have enough patience to deal with him. That’s basically sainthood."

Celestia laughed softly, shaking her head. "Patience isn’t the word I’d use."

"Then what is?" Naomi asked, genuinely curious.

Celestia turned her head just enough to meet my eyes. "Persistence."

Naomi burst out laughing, clapping once. "Oh, I like you."

I rubbed my temple. "Glad I could introduce you two so you could form a tag team against me."

Naomi ignored me completely, stepping into the kitchen to grab a cutting board. "You need help?"

Celestia tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm... sure. Can you dice these peppers?"

Naomi rolled up her sleeves and joined her at the counter. The two of them fell into easy conversation while chopping, as if they’d known each other for years.

Naomi: "So, what do you see in him?"

Celestia: without missing a beat "The view when he’s shirtless."

Naomi: "Solid reason. But be honest, it’s mostly because he’s a nerd, right?"

Celestia: "Oh, one hundred percent. I like my men with brains... and just enough awkward to be fun to mess with."

I stared at the ceiling. "Why am I still in the room for this conversation?"

Naomi grinned at me. "Because you’re the main dish, baby brother. We’re just seasoning you."

Celestia laughed so hard she nearly dropped the pan. She reached over, squeezed Naomi’s arm in thanks, and said, "You’re the best."

Naomi gave her a sideways glance. "Nah. You’re the best. Seriously, thanks for being with him."

Celestia blinked like she hadn’t expected that. "Why are you thanking me?"

Naomi shrugged, still dicing vegetables. "Because I’ve known him forever. He’s smart and kind, but he’s also... well, him. He’s not exactly the type girls line up for."

I pointed with the spatula. "Wow. Love you too, sis."

Naomi ignored me again. "But you clearly like him. And you’re... you. Hot, confident, knows-how-to-run-a-kitchen you. I’m impressed."

Celestia’s smile softened. "Thanks. I like him more than I probably should."

Naomi made an approving sound. "Good. Keep him in line."

Celestia smirked. "Oh, I plan to."

I had the distinct feeling they weren’t talking about chores.

From there, the kitchen became a war zone of laughter, teasing, and actual cooking. Celestia delegated tasks like she was running a five-star restaurant. Naomi washed and chopped, Celestia stirred and seasoned, and I got banished to dish duty because apparently I was "least useful with a knife."

When Naomi accidentally splashed water on Celestia, she retaliated by flicking flour at her. Five minutes later, the counter looked like a bakery explosion, Naomi was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes, and Celestia’s cheeks were pink from both the heat and the chaos.

By the time the food was ready, the whole apartment smelled amazing. Celestia set the plates down like she was proud of the work, and Naomi grinned at her before turning to me.

"You should marry her," Naomi said bluntly.

I choked on air. "What—"

Celestia only smiled sweetly and passed me a plate. "Eat your food, babe."

I was doomed.

---

Naomi was still sitting at the table, sipping water, when Celestia stood and said, "I’ll do the dishes."

I opened my mouth to object, but she was already stacking plates.

"Relax, babe. I’ll handle it."

She took the plates to the sink and turned on the water. The sound of running taps and clinking dishes filled the small apartment.

Naomi shifted in her chair, glancing toward the kitchen before lowering her voice. "Kai... can I ask you something?"

I blinked. "Sure."

"It’s—" She hesitated, twisting her fingers together. "I wouldn’t ask if I had another option."

My stomach dipped. "What’s going on?"

"I messed up." Her eyes stayed on her hands. "Made a bad investment. Thought I was helping a friend with a startup, but it tanked fast. Now my rent’s due in two weeks and..." She trailed off, sighing. "I hate asking you for this, especially since I’m the one who’s always trying to help you out, but... do you have enough savings to spare something?"

My mind scrambled for numbers. Truth was, I didn’t have much in the bank—not enough to cover her whole rent without draining myself—but I wasn’t about to say no. "How much are we talking?"

She told me, and I tried to keep my face neutral.

"You don’t have to," she rushed out, maybe seeing the flicker in my eyes. "I’ll figure it out somehow. Just thought—"

"Naomi." I leaned forward, my voice low. "You’ve been there for me more times than I can count. I’ll... see what I can do."

Her shoulders eased just slightly. "I’m sorry. I know it’s not fair—"

"It’s not about fair," I cut in. "It’s family. Just... give me a few days, okay? I’ll figure something out."

She nodded, the faintest smile pulling at her lips. "Thanks, little brother."

I returned it, even if my stomach was still knotted. "Anytime."

Celestia was drying her hands with a towel as she walked back to the table, wearing that calm, nothing-to-see-here expression that meant she’d clocked something but wasn’t saying it.

Naomi stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Thanks for lunch, Celestia."

"Anytime. Next time, you’re bringing dessert," Celestia replied smoothly.

They exchanged smiles, and Naomi headed out. The click of the door closing seemed to make the apartment smaller again.

For a moment, Celestia just wandered around, picking up a glass, rearranging a chair—like she was letting the air settle. Then she came over and dropped into the chair beside me, leaning an elbow on the table.

"So," she started casually, "I may have heard a teeny, tiny part of that conversation with your sister."

I groaned immediately. "Val—"

"Not because I was eavesdropping," she added quickly, holding up her hands. "This place is cozy, Kai. I could hear you if you were whispering into a pillow."

I rubbed the back of my neck. "I didn’t want you to hear that. It’s... not your problem."

She tilted her head, eyes narrowing playfully. "See, that’s where you’re wrong. You’re my boyfriend. Which means your problems are mine. I just haven’t drawn up the formal adoption papers for you yet."

"Val—"

"Babe, listen." Her tone softened, losing some of the teasing edge. "If it were me? You’d help. You wouldn’t care if it made me look ’small.’ You’d just do it because you love me."

I opened my mouth, but she went on. "So let me love you back the same way. No pride speeches, no dramatic ’I can’t accept this.’ Just... let me help."

I hesitated. "...It’s a lot of money."

"And I have a lot of money." She pulled out her phone. "Problem solved."

Before I could argue, her fingers were already flying over the screen. A notification pinged on mine a second later.

"What did you—"

"The exact amount she needs," she said simply. "Transfer it to her."

I stared at the number, my throat tightening. I didn’t even want to know how she has my bank account details "...How can I ever repay you?" I muttered, still looking at my phone.

She smirked, leaning closer. "Oh, I can think of some ways. Most involve you shirtless. Possibly sweaty. Maybe begging a little."

"Val—" I warned, though the corner of my mouth twitched.

"Babe, you owe me. I’m just... picking the fun methods of repayment." She winked, nudging my knee under the table. "And don’t worry, I’m generous. I’ll let you pay in installments."

I exhaled, torn between wanting to hide my face and pull her into my arms. "...You’re ridiculous."

"And you love me for it," she shot back, grinning like she’d just won a war.

And in that moment, watching her grin like she’d just saved the day and stolen my dignity in one move, I couldn’t shake the thought that maybe she’s exactly what I never knew I needed.

---

To be continued...