Basking in the evening breeze of a summer's night, Josefina sensed someone to her left. When she glanced in that direction, she caught sight of Oliver, wearing basketball shorts, his upper body bare, fresh from the shower, his hair still dripping wet. The sharp edge of the daytime heat had melted away, leaving a softness unique to the twilight hours.
"Oliver, why aren't you wearing a shirt?" Josefina asked, a touch of embarrassment coloring her voice.
Instead of answering, Oliver walked closer, stopping by the railing that separated their balconies. His peachy eyes twinkled with indulgent amusement. "Should I be wearing one in my own room?"
"Suit yourself," Josefina retorted, turning back to her own space.
Oliver chuckled softly to himself and retreated indoors.
As Josefina grabbed her pajamas, preparing for her own shower, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, she found Oliver dressed in his sleepwear, holding something in his hand. His usually crisp features were softened by a rare warmth that seemed reserved just for her.
Inhaling the refreshing scent of his body wash, she asked, "Oliver, what's up?"
"I have something for you. Remember the surprise I mentioned during dinner?"
Josefina stepped aside to let him in. Oliver unfurled the scroll he was carrying, revealing its contents—contents all too familiar to Josefina.
Wasn't this the self-portrait she had finished just days ago? It wasn't a gift from the Harrison family after all—it was from Oliver!
Surprised, Josefina almost blurted out, "How did you get this?"
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