Chapter: 2372

His hand reached for the doorknob. With a gentle nudge, he opened the door.

Immediately, he was met with an unexpected embrace as a familiar figure dashed into his arms.

“Rachel, what's the-" he began, but his words were halted as Rachel reached up, clasped his collar, and brought her lips to his.

A thud echoed in his heart, like a stone cast into still waters, stirring waves of elation.

He blinked, taken aback by her impulsive kiss. The warm pressure of her lips ignited a spark in his senses, while the delicate scent of her hair enveloped him. Each beat of his quickened pulse, the soft meeting of their lips, it all confirmed the reality. Rachel was there, kissing him with a fervor he hadn't dreamt, holding him close.