Ayisha had already finished five bottles.
She pushed herself up, wobbling.
Simon stood immediately, instinct taking over. "Hey—be careful."
"Nasusuka ako…" she mumbled before stumbling toward the corner.
She barely made it before throwing up.
Simon followed, holding her hair back with one hand while the other rubbed slow circles on her back. He didn't rush her. Didn't say anything unnecessary.
When she finally straightened, he handed her his handkerchief.
"Thanks…" she murmured, wiping her lips. She smiled faintly before slipping the handkerchief into her pocket. Her head dipped, eyelids fluttering.
She swayed.
Simon caught her just in time and sighed quietly.
He lifted her carefully, carrying her in a bridal hold toward the motorcycle.
"Tell me," he asked softly, "where do you live?"
She only hummed in response.
Simon exhaled and adjusted his grip. He sat her down carefully, holding her steady while he put her helmet on, then his own.
He poked her cheek lightly.
She grumbled in her sleep.
That made him chuckle.
He climbed on, gently resting her head against his chest before starting the engine.
---
Simon unlocked the door and pushed it open with his foot, still carrying her.
"Woof!"
A golden retriever barked, tail wagging furiously.
"Shh," Simon whispered. "She's sleeping."
He stepped inside, kicking off his shoes.
"Close the door, Sunny."
The dog nudged the door shut with his head and trotted after him.
Simon laid Ayisha down on his bed, careful not to jostle her. He removed her shoes, pulled the blanket over her, and brushed her hair aside.
"Goodnight," he murmured.
He left the room quietly, placing her shoes neatly by the rack before sinking onto the couch.
Sunny jumped up beside him, resting his head on Simon's lap.
Simon scratched behind the dog's ears. "Be quiet, okay? I don't want her waking up."
---
Ayisha stirred and groaned.
"Ugh…"
She sat up slowly, panic flickering as she checked herself then relaxed.
"Thank God…" she muttered.
Her eyes landed on a dog staring at her, tongue out, tail wagging.
Her heart softened instantly.
She patted her lap.
Sunny jumped up without hesitation.
"You're so cute," she laughed softly, running her hands through his fur.
"Sunny, you shouldn't be—"
Simon stopped mid-sentence when he saw her awake, smiling at his dog.
He walked closer. "Did he wake you up? I—sorry about that."
"No," she said quickly. "He didn't." She paused. "I should be the one apologizing. I caused trouble."
Simon shook his head. "You didn't cause any trouble."
He met her eyes. "Do you want some coffee?"
"Can I?"
"Of course."
He stepped closer, supporting her as she stood.
"You have a cute dog," she said as they walked.
"Thanks. His name's Sunny."
The dog's tail wagged harder at the sound of his name.
Simon helped her sit and went to make coffee.
"Why didn't you just take me home?" she asked, watching his back.
"I didn't know where you lived," he replied, stirring the cup.
"You should've asked," she said softly as she accepted the mug. "Thanks."