“My apologies. I merely wanted to bring the bowl back to the kitchen...

“Did it hurt?" As soon as her utterance concluded, she suddenly became aware of the warmth on her forehead.

He positioned one hand at the back of her head and Lightly touched her forehead with the other's index and middle fingers.

Their proximity to each other allowed their breaths to intermingle. Claudia was highly conscious of Bennett's scent.

She was caught off-guard at the sight of Bennett moving closer, and her mind went momentarily blank.

Was he going to kiss her?

Should she shut her eyes?

While she was distracted by these speculations, Bennett withdrew his hand.

“There's no swelling.”

Snapping back to reality, Claudia realized how inappropriate her previous thoughts were. Feeling her cheeks heat up, she quickly said, "I... I'LL go to sleep now.”

Bennett glanced at her, questioning, “Shouldn't you shower first?" Looking down at herself, Claudia noticed that she still wore the outfit from the afternoon.

Feeling awkward and somewhat ashamed, she said, "What I meant was, I'm going back to shower before resting."

“Sure.” His response was followed by his retreat to the sofa. His thoughts appeared to wander, casting a lonely aura around him.

Bennett had endured a lot. His biological mother passed away early, leaving him to grow up with his father and stepmother. His father was devoid of love for him, and he even tried to exploit Bennett's marriage for his own gain.

What a pitiful existence he had!

As she reached the door, Claudia bit her lip, and couldn't resist questioning, "Bennett, would you Like some candies?"

As she spoke, she opened her hand to reveal the mango-flavored candy she had clenched in her palm.

Someone once suggested to her to eat candies when feeling blue.

The yellow candy wrapper glittered in the light. A scene from the past seemed to manifest before her eyes.

Seated dejectedly on the steps, a girl of fifteen or sixteen caught the attention of a young man in his early twenties. He extended his hand and offered her a candy, saying, “If you're feeling down, have a candy."

Bennett rose and walked towards her. He picked the candy from Claudia's hand, asking, "Is it sweet?"

Taken aback by his question, Claudia took a moment before comprehending his intention. She slightly Licked her Lips and replied, “Yes, but not too sweet."

She had tried one while preparing the noodles.

Her fondness for mango-flavored candies hadn't changed over the years.