Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya hovered awkwardly, holding out a spoonful of food for her little brother. Pulling back felt heartless, but keeping her hand there made her feel just as silly.

Thankfully, Ash made the decision for her. He stretched his neck forward, mouth open, nuzzling toward the food in her hand with eager determination.

Most years, the family went on a summer trip. But Mrs. Calder had just gotten back from traveling, and with their new "little sidekick" at home, they decided to skip the big vacation this time.

Mr. Calder didn't mind-actually, he was in the best mood he'd been in for years. With his wife, daughter, and son all home, every get-together turned into a party. He'd have a few extra drinks, stumble home, and smother Ash with drunk, giggly kisses.

Ash would wriggle and protest, but Mr. Calder just laughed. "Never thought I'd be a dad again. Thought your mom and I were done after your sister," he'd say, voice thick with emotion.

Mrs. Calder would scoop Ash up, hand him to Anya, and tell her, "Go on up to bed, honey. I'll get your dad to the bedroom."

Every night, Leo would call his girlfriend, squeezing in a little chat no matter how

late it got.noveldrama

Ash loved to get in on the action. "Ah-ah~!" he'd squeal, trying to join the conversation.

Leo would sigh. "Why are you hanging out in your sister's room again?"

Ash would just look up at Anya with those round cheeks, as if to say, How am I supposed to answer that?

Anya used to worry that Leo would be lonely during the summer break. But as it turned out, Leo barely had time to sleep at home—his days were packed.

Every morning, Anya would drag Chunky out of bed downstairs. At first, she had to practically pull him along, but soon he was keeping pace with her first a slow walk, then a brisk one, and finally, they were jogging through the cool morning air. Chunky grumbled that his life had turned into boot camp.

When their friends met up, everyone laughed at Chunky's complaints and cheered Leo on for whipping him into shape. Tony would clap Chunky on the thigh and say, "If Leo really gets you living right, you owe him big time, buddy."

But Chunky had a weakness—late-night takeout. He'd sneak in snacks after dark, then leave the trash for the next day. Leo always found the evidence when he came over.

The next day, Leo installed a security camera at Chunky's door-and put one on his own, too.

Chunky stared at it in disbelief. "What, they're doing buy one, get one free now?"

Leo just smirked, messing with the settings on his phone. "Mine was the one I bought. Yours was the freebie."

Later, Leo explained that the cameras were for safety-if he wasn't home and Anya was alone, he could check the front door for anything suspicious.

Leo started hunting for office space, but everything downtown was crazy expensive. Even a tiny studio cost a fortune.

He knew he needed a place-he couldn't stay at the university

forever He was about to start his second year of grad school, and

time was running out. He needed to settle down and get things moving.

Chunky went with him to look at place after place.

Eventually, they checked out the suburbs. The cheapest space they could find would still cost fifty grand for two years. Chunky gave Leo a solid pat on the shoulder. "Starting's always the hardest. We'll get our footing out here, then move back to the city. For the space and the price,

this is a steal compared to the

others."

Chunky worried Leo, a rich kid used to the good life, might be disappointed by the rougher digs. As the older one, he felt he had to look out for him.

But Leo shook his head. "I'm not disappointed. It just hits me, you know? Starting something new is tough."

No wonder his uncle always told him to just enjoy the good life-take what's offered, skip the struggle.

But even if it was tough, he was doing what he loved.

He looked around the empty space. Aside from being a little out of the way, it was huge. He wouldn't have to worry about finding staff

ve

housing-this place could handle everything.

"This is the one," Leo said, sure of himself.