Damian sat in the quiet sitting room, leaning back on the couch. His mind wandered to his brother, Raphael. Lately, Raphael had been acting differently, more… thoughtful. It wasn’t like him.
“What’s gotten into him?” Damian muttered, rubbing his temples. His brother, who was usually carefree and sharp-tongued, had been calmer and more focused. It felt strange, almost unnatural.
But Damian’s curiosity was quickly pushed aside by thoughts of Aurora. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He had bigger things to worry about.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Luna was busy chopping vegetables. She hummed softly to herself, focused on the task at hand. The sound of the knife hitting the cutting board echoed in the large space. She didn’t even notice Raphael standing in the doorway, watching her.
Raphael leaned against the doorframe, a small smile on his lips. He liked watching Luna work. There was something peaceful about her, something genuine.
After a moment, he cleared his throat. “Luna,” he said.
Luna jumped slightly, turning to see Raphael. “Oh, Mr. Raphael,” she said quickly, her cheeks flushing. “I didn’t see you there.”
Raphael stepped into the kitchen, his hands in his pockets. “You were focused,” he said with a small grin. “I didn’t want to interrupt.”
Luna wiped her hands on her apron, her smile shy. “Is there something you need, sir?” she asked.
“I thought you’d want to know,” Raphael said casually. “Damian’s back from the hospital.”
Luna’s eyes widened, and her smile grew brighter. “He’s back?” she asked, her voice filled with relief.
Raphael nodded. “He’s resting now,” he said.
Luna placed the knife down on the counter, her hands clasped together. “I’m so glad,” she said softly. “I was worried about him.”
Raphael tilted his head, studying her. “You care about him a lot, don’t you?” he asked.
Luna looked down, her cheeks turning pink. “Mr. Damian has been kind to me,” she said. “Especially after everything that happened with Aurora. I owe him my gratitude.”
Raphael stepped closer, his tone gentler. “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”
Luna nodded, her eyes still on the ground. “Yes,” she said. “But Aurora always gave me strength. She never let me feel alone.”
Raphael’s smile softened. “She’s lucky to have you,” he said.
Luna looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Raphael hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Luna,” he said, his voice serious now. “I’m going to talk to Damian about freeing you.”
Luna’s eyes widened even more, and her hands flew to her mouth. “Really?” she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.
Raphael nodded. “You deserve your freedom,” he said simply.
Without thinking, Luna stepped forward and hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Mr. Raphael,” she said, her voice muffled against his chest.
Raphael froze for a moment, surprised by the sudden embrace. But then he smiled, his arms slowly wrapping around her.
Luna realized what she had done and quickly pulled back, her face red with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mean to-”
Before she could finish, Raphael reached out and pulled her back into his arms. His grip was firm but gentle, and his voice was soft. “It’s okay, Luna,” he said. “You don’t have to apologize.”
Luna’s heart raced as she felt the warmth of his arms around her. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “Mr. Raphael,” she began, her voice shaky.
“Raphael,” he corrected, his tone kind. “Just call me Raphael.”
Luna nodded slowly. “Raphael,” she said softly.
He smiled down at her, his hands resting lightly on her waist. “I want you to feel comfortable with me,” he said. “You don’t have to be so formal.”
Luna’s cheeks turned pink again, and she looked away. “It’s just… I’m not used to this,” she admitted.
Raphael gently tilted her chin up, making her look at him. “Get used to it,” he said with a small grin. “Because I like having you close.”
Luna’s breath caught in her throat as his face moved closer to hers. Her mind raced, unsure of what to do. But before she could think any further, she felt his lips brush against hers.
The kiss was soft, gentle, and warm. Raphael’s hand moved to the small of her back, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Luna’s eyes fluttered shut, and for a moment, the rest of the world disappeared.
When the kiss ended, Luna looked up at him, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. “Raphael,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
He smiled, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “Don’t be scared,” he said softly. “I just wanted to show you how much I care.”
Luna’s heart pounded as she looked into his eyes. She didn’t know what to say, so she simply nodded.
Raphael stepped back slightly, giving her space. “Take your time, Luna,” he said. “I’ll be patient.”
Luna nodded again, her mind spinning as she watched him leave the kitchen.