Originally, Kim was sat by his side, however she soon fell asleep . As he was exhausted, Carl did not wake until morning . He was surprised to see Kim in his embrace . He recalled falling asleep on the bed . He surmised she must have also fallen asleep the same way .

For some reason, he kept cuddling with her and refused to get up . Feeling how soft her body was, he wanted to keep her in his embrace . His dream didn't last long because she was roused by his touch . When he noticed she was becoming conscious, he pretended to still be asleep .

When Kim opened her eyes, she was met with his handsome and delicate features . She unknowingly caressed his face . Carl was having a hard time pretending . He liked the sensation her hands gave him, he wanted to touch her too . But he couldn't bring himself to do it .

Besides, she is still young, she isn't ready for commitment . And he wants is commitment . Shortly after, she began to trace the contours of his lips as she was tempted to kiss him . Though he was startled, his expression remained unfazed . She began drawing in . . she was so close to kissing him when she suddenly pulled away . Carl who was feeling both startled and expectant was left disappointed .

She went into the bathroom, a few minutes later, she was out . Carl was still pretending to be asleep because he didn't want her to feel awkward . After she left the room, he immediately opened his eyes . He waited as the clock ticked . Ten minutes later, he joined her in the kitchen area .

She was still in her pjs, he hair was held high in a ponytail, she looked really cute like a baby . He began, "I'm sorry I feel asleep on the bed . I guess you slept on the couch, it wasn't convenient for you, right?"

Kim looked up at him, bitterness flashed through her eyes but she covered it up . "I guess you were really tired last night, you don't need to apologise . Now I understand the hars.h.i.+p of sleeping on the couch . " She looked into his eyes then continued, "We could share the bed, you know?"

Carl was surprised, he wasn't expecting it . He wanted to accept her offer . His was caught between 'she's your sister and she's not related to you in anyway' . "That would be inappropriate . Letting me stay here is more than enough . " Fortunately, his gentle side won over his inappropriate thoughts .

She placed a cup of tea in front of him, "Drink up, we can always come up with a solution later, the couch isn't comfortable . "

"Right! How's studying?" He asked .

"It's going well, I guess . "

He looked at her in disbelief, "You guess? Young Miss, your exams are next month in case you forgot . Why? Is there any problem?"

She pouted, "Not really, it's just that, I spend the whole day studying, it's boring and you also return late, we hardly talk and I have no friends either . "

Seeing her cute expression, he wanted to touch her cheeks, still he held back . "I'll come home early from now on . " She looked at him in awe

Then he asked, "Surprised?"

She nodded . "I thought you're really busy . . . "

"I can't be too busy for you, can I?"

Hearing him, she blushed . Her thoughts, running wild . She was beyond elated, 'He actually said that' . This thought kept running through her mind .

"Go get ready for work so you can return early, I'll pack up your lunch . "

"But I haven't eaten breakfast . " He whined .

"Oh . . sorry, I forgot . " She laughed and pa.s.sed him a plate of French toast, eggs and bacon and a gla.s.s of orange juice .

Seeing her laughter made him feel warm inside . He secretly wished no one but him would see it . His thoughts started wondering, 'what if she sees someone she likes when she starts school? What if her feelings disappear . Does she even have feelings for me? Should I make her mine? What if I loose her? She isn't experienced . . not like I am anyway . . '

There were too many "ifs" and he lacked courage, he didn't want to get hurt, he didn't want to hurt her . Maybe friends.h.i.+p is better than romantic relations.h.i.+ps .

With him lost in thought, he failed to notice Kim staring at him with awe . She of course, wasn't sure what she was feeling . She just liked that she felt something for him . It made her feel alive . Maybe it would blossom into something wonderful, maybe it would turn sour . Just maybe .