Chapter 701: I Want To Make You Smile
Olivia stepped back, her fingers twisting together, eyes shimmering with a hopeful, childlike spark as she gazed up at Kafka.
"You know, Kafi." She said, her voice soft and a little shy. "I actually really like making jokes like that. I think they're fun, and...well, kinda funny, don't you think?" She tilted her head, hair spilling over one shoulder, her gaze searching his for a flicker of approval. "I used to tell jokes all the time with Abi, back when we were younger. She'd laugh so hard, like—doubled over, can't breathe kind of laughing."
"I always thought she loved my jokes, but now I'm wondering if she was just laughing at me for saying them." She giggled, shifting her weight, her fingers still dancing nervously. "So, what do you think? Was Abi laughing at the jokes, or just at how silly I was being? Be honest, Kafi, I can take it!"
Kafka chuckled, leaning casually against the counter, his eyes tracing her with easy warmth.
"Oh, Mom, I'm betting it was the second one." He teased, his words dripping with playful mischief. "No offense, but that 'killer prices' pun? It's not exactly comedy gold. Mom's probably cracking up because it's you saying it, all serious real estate lady dropping dad jokes like you're headlining a stand-up show."
"…What I'm saying is that her sense of humor's not broken, she just loves how cute you are when you try." His voice carried a teasing lilt, his eyes glinting with amusement as he gestured, conjuring the image of Abigaille's laughter.
Olivia's cheeks flushed, her laughter mingling with indignation as she swayed forward, thighs brushing the counter's edge. "Hey, that's not fair!" She protested, her words sharp yet playful, a mock pout curving her lips. "My jokes aren't that bad, are they? I mean, sure, maybe they're not, like, professional comedian level, but they're fun! Abi always laughed, and I thought she was laughing at the punchlines, not at me! Now you're making me second-guess all those years of joke-telling!" She crossed her arms, her shirt hugging her frame, eyes narrowing with a coy challenge.
Kafka's laugh rumbled low as he reached out, ruffling her hair with a gentle hand. "I'm on your side, Mom, promise." He assured, his voice warm with teasing affection, fingers lingering in her soft strands. "But come on, you gotta admit, it's pretty damn cute when you try to land a pun. That 'killer prices' bit? I'm still smiling, and not just 'cause it was funny. It's you, all excited, trying to make me laugh. That's what makes it good." His hand slid to her shoulder, thumb grazing her collarbone, his grin softening as her blush deepened under his touch.
"Really? You think it's cute?" Olivia's pout melted, her arms uncrossing as she leaned closer, eyes sparkling with hesitant hope. "I mean, I always thought jokes were a good way to, you know, make people happy, lighten things up. Abi and I used to have these joke battles, just going back and forth, trying to out-pun each other. She'd always win, but I had fun trying." Her body swayed nearer, her words dropping to a hopeful murmur. "So...is it okay if I tell you more jokes like that? You know, puns and stuff? I'd love to keep making you smile, Kafi, if you don't mind. I know they're not great, but I like sharing them with you." Her gaze was earnest, her frame leaning forward, pulse quickening with anticipation.
Kafka's grin flickered, his mind wincing at the thought of more groan-worthy puns, but her radiant expression—eyes alight, body practically humming with hope, dissolved any hesitation.
"Yeah, Mom, of course." He encouraged, his voice warm as his hand slid to her cheek, thumb brushing her skin with tender care. "I don't mind at all. You wanna tell me puns? Go for it. I'd love to hear them and make my day brighter. Keep 'em coming, alright?" His words were sincere, his frame steady, softened by her infectious excitement.
"Oh, Kafi, you're the best!" Olivia's face ignited with joy, her hands clapping in a quiet, gleeful burst as she bounced on her toes. "I promise I'll come up with some good ones, maybe even better than the 'killer prices' one. You'll be laughing so hard, you'll see!" Her hands seized his arms, her touch warm and fervent, a spark of triumph dancing in her eyes.
Kafka's smile widened, his hand lingering on her cheek, his voice a fond murmur. "You really are too damn cute, Mom." He whispered, fingers tracing the delicate line of her jaw, gaze softening with warmth. "Cutest smile I've ever seen, hands down. Look at you, all excited over puns, bouncing like a kid. How do you do that?" His thumb grazed her lower lip, his body inching closer, words a teasing caress. "And it's not just your smile, every single part of you's adorable, you know that? The way you look up at me, all hopeful, like you're asking for the world. Makes me wonder how the hell God made something this cute."
Olivia's cheeks blazed, her body tensing under the heat of his touch, a nervous flutter stirring in her chest.
"Kafi, stop it!" She squeaked, her words a flustered rush as her hands swatted his arm lightly, her frame swaying back. "Why're you saying stuff like that? I'm not cute, I didn't do anything cute! I just...asked about jokes, that's all! There's nothing adorable about that!"
"Nah, Mom, every bit of you's cute." He purred, his voice low and teasing, thumb brushing her cheek as he leaned closer. "This blush, these fidgety hands, the way you're looking at me right now? Pure art. Makes me wanna give this cute little thing some love, right here in the morning."
"...It would be a shame if I didn't, don't you think?"
His face dipped nearer, lips hovering a breath from hers, his frame poised, daring her to meet him in the charged space between.
Olivia's breath hitched, her body stilling, hands trembling as she met his gaze, the flecks of color in his eyes vivid in the morning light.
"Kafi..." She whispered, her voice shaky, hands gripping the counter, toes curling against the floor. A swirl of longing and embarrassment flooded her, the memory of their forbidden goodnight kiss lingering like a spark. "You're...you're too close, I don't know if we should—"
"Mmm!♡~ Mmm!♡~ Kiss!♡~ Mmm!♡~ Slurp!♡~"
But her words faltered, her body betraying her as she rose onto her toes, lips brushing his in a tender, trembling touch that deepened as he drew her closer, his hand firm at the back of her head.
•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•
Sorry to say this and bring it up all of a sudden, but this novel will be going on a break for about two weeks as I want to focus on writing a new novel that is being updated right now. Until then, there won't be any chapter updates.
Of course, after the break, updates will resume regularly. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hope you don't mind.