Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1167

"…"

Joyce stood there, mouth slightly open, staring at him in utter shock. She couldn't even find her words—her mind was just blank.

It wasn't like she'd never been confessed to before. But growing up, she always kept her head in her books. Any guy who'd tried to ask her out was politely turned down in three sentences or less.

Then she left for grad school overseas. The further she went in her studies, the busier she got, and honestly, the less attention she paid to dating altogether.

Sure, she’d just sat through a blind date—her mom’s idea, classic—but that felt more like a job interview than anything. What she was feeling now with Galen was… completely different.

One was about checking off boxes. The other was like… chemistry. Electricity.

And she had to admit, the latter was making her heart race.

"But…"

The first thought that popped into her head was, "Why? You're like… my little brother."

Little brother?

Galen let out a half-laugh, half-sigh. "I'm your friend's brother, Joyce. Not yours."

"Still," she mumbled, "you’re younger than me…”

So that’s her problem? Galen wasn't surprised; most women didn’t want to date a younger guy.

"But come on," he pressed, raising an eyebrow, "I’m only two years younger. Two years is nothing. Besides, you hardly act older than me. If anything, you seem younger."

He wasn’t wrong. Joyce had spent so long in the academic bubble, buried in books and theories, she sometimes felt like she’d missed out on real-world experience.

"But…"

She tried to steady her heart, stammering, "Why do you even like me?"

Galen remembered the day they’d first met. He answered honestly, "Saw you at the airport that day. Liked you right then."

Love at first sight? Joyce blinked, stunned. She’d always thought that only happened in rom-coms.

"I want to see you every day," he said, voice steadier now, more confident. "Can I take you out? I mean, can I try?"

"…"

Her heart kept pounding. She couldn’t answer—especially with the way he was looking at her, so intense.

"No problem." Galen dropped his arm and gave her a little nod. "Keys?"

"Huh?" She blinked, still dazed.

"Your car keys," he said with a half-smile. "Look, you’re all over the place right now. I’ll drive you home."

"I…" She wanted to argue, but honestly, she shouldn’t be behind the wheel in this state.

Instead, she handed him the keys and muttered, "Thanks."

"Don’t mention it. Let’s go."

He led the way.

"Home-home, or your apartment?" he asked as they reached her car.

"Home," she said quietly.

"Alright."

On the way, Joyce’s phone rang. It was her mom.