Your house and Yohan's house had always been right next to each other. Ever since you were little, the two of you had done almost everything together. You played outside after school, celebrated birthdays with each other's families, studied for exams, and slowly grew into best friends that everyone knew. Now you were both in college, attending the same university, and nothing had really changed. If someone was looking for Yohan, they usually found you too.

There was just one thing about Yohan that always made your heart race. He was naturally very affectionate and touchy. He was always holding your hand, wrapping an arm around your shoulders, or pulling you into warm hugs whenever he saw you. To him, it was completely normal. To everyone else, it looked like you were already dating.

His friends teased him almost every day. "Just ask her out already!" one of them would laugh.

*Yohan would simply roll his eyes and grin.? "Relax. We're just best friends."

Those words always made you smile on the outside, even though they quietly hurt. The truth was, you had been in love with Yohan for years. You wanted to tell him how you felt, but you were too scared. You couldn't risk losing the friendship that meant everything to you.

One Friday evening, Yohan's parents left town for a short business trip. Like always, he decided to spend the night at your house instead of staying home alone.

Your parents welcomed him without hesitation. After eating some snacks together, Yohan relaxed in the living room while watching television. Meanwhile, you went into the kitchen to prepare dinner for both of you.

The kitchen felt warm and peaceful. A pot of pasta was boiling on the stove while a pan of sauce slowly simmered beside it. The delicious smell of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs filled the room. You quietly hummed to yourself as you stirred the sauce with a wooden spoon, completely focused on cooking.

Then, you suddenly felt two warm hands gently rest on your waist. You jumped in surprise.

Before you could turn around, Yohan stepped closer behind you. His strong arms slowly wrapped around your waist, pulling you back until your back rested comfortably against his chest. He rested his chin on your shoulder, watching the food cook while his soft breath brushed against your ear.

"Mmm... smells incredible," Yohan murmured softly, his voice warm and relaxed. "What's for dinner, chef? I'm starving."

Your heart immediately started beating faster. Your cheeks turned bright red.

"I'm almost done, Yohan... and you scared me. Could you maybe give me some space?"

Instead of moving away, Yohan laughed quietly. He hugged you just a little tighter and rested his cheek against yours as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Why? I like it right here," Yohan teased with a soft smile. "Honestly, you're such an amazing cook. Whoever ends up marrying you is going to be the luckiest guy alive... though with how well you take care of me, you already act like my little wife."