Twenty Eight

[Rose]

"Thank you so much" I thanked the guys beside us and they nodded, just a minute later the cops came in taking David away before taking my and others' statement. I declined the mention of medical need and said I just needed rest. I didn't need people around me. I didn't need medical attention. I wanted space. I still was processing the situation.

At a point, it was just us left at my apartment, At two in the morning, "Thank you so much, Kaden. I-I" he got closer. Just enough close to not burst my bubble. I pause and lick my lips.Pulling my hands around me "Don't, It was a coincidence" He said and I frown, "But how did you-" He answered before I asked. "You dropped your bottle in my car, I was coming up when I heard your voice"

Oh..

I didn't question further but just sat back on the couch wiping my half-dried tears, Suddenly he grabbed his jacket and stare at me.

"Call me if you need me," he said taking my phone and putting his number in it.

"Um, Kaden"I stopped him. He looked back, his eyes staring at my vulnerable state. I visibly saw his hands clenched into a fist. So I gulp looking away.

"Um- nothing," I said, He leaned on the door putting his hands in his pocket. "You wanna eat some instant noodles?" I immediately looked up and nodded. It was somewhat comforting to have around. I was shocked at myself. For wanting him around. Him who I always saw scaring others. It must be because he saved me because I rather stay with him than stay alone.

He made my way towards the kitchen, "The first cabinet" I said. Pointing in the direction.

"Did you know he would do this" I shook my head coming near and sitting on the counter chair, "He was acting weird, Since last month? So I decided to move out but, I didn't-" He nodded and I didn't continue.

"Why were you living with him?" he asked, Why did he ask me that? Was it because he found it weird? it was weird. But I didn't want him to find me desperate. But I was desperate for a place.

Suddenly he continued, "Sorry, it's none of my business" I smiled. Suddenly he relaxed.I could see it.

"It's alright, it's a valid question to ask" He continued making some food.

"Um- I kinda didn't have much money and I found him on craigslist. It was affordable and he was nice and respectful till the past month. He just started coming her drunk at night and I got in my room and went through my study" He stopped and looked at me making me squirm a little.

I bite her lips." So I was going to see a new apartment for my-self tomorrow morning" He nodded.

I couldn't really put my finger on it, I feeling I felt. It was mixed between making him understand that I was good but at the same time asking for his approval.

I ate my noodles delicately as he watched me occasionally have a sip of cold water every time I chewed.

"Does your neck hurt?" he asked and I paused before slowly giving him a nod. "I should've made you something better than" I shook my head softly. "I like instant noodles. I just feel my throat go dry right now"

Of course, I was having problems but he did so much for me, There was no way I would make him feel guilty. For cooking. At three in the morning for a stranger.

I gave him a smile before sipping on the apple juice that he pours me from my fridge.

"If you are in urgent need of an apartment Then I have a place" I looked at him, "You don't have to say yes just because I said so. Just in case you need a place to stay for a couple of days" I nodded.

I let the dishes stay in the sink as he grabbed his coat and I stare at the floor.

"Thank you" It was a moment of silence between us as I play with my fingers. I almost gasp in my heart as he walked straight towards me. My eyes picked up his hands that came near me and slightly move back, barely visible.

But he let his hands fall back down staring at my neck. I bring my hand up to touch and suddenly his grabbed mine. My eyes looked into his. "DOn't touch it. Your skin is red" I bite my lip nodding. A sudden quick sound coming out of my mouth as he grabbed my hair softly pushing it back.

"You should put something on it" I nodded.

"stay" I whispered. I prayed he didn't hear that moment after saying it. But he did, He sighs. "I'll sleep on the couch. I'll leave early. So, You can go ahead and sleep" I look around and lick my dry lips

"You don't have to, you already did so much" He looked at the ground. "I broke the door. If you are okay with that-" I look at the door. Broken. "Oh, Um- I'll get you something," I said leaving him before he could say anything further.

The next morning I woke up and my mind brought up everything pretty suddenly. I bite my lip standing up and going to the door. I peeked through my open my door but saw no one. My head peeked out and stare at the hall but, no one.

I got out looking around searching, but I realized he must've left. It was twelve in the noon. mY eyes stare at the door that was close and I crease my brows. Walking towards it and looking at the nob.

The door was fixed. I bite my lips opening the door and closing it again, this time locking it.

I called The realtor to ask if I could get the apartment I was going to buy but to my misfortune, someone bought it this morning. I put my hand up to my head in disappointment. That was the only apartment close to the work.

And I couldn't get it because I work up late. I remembered what Kaden said. But, I was so embarrassed to ask for help after all he did, It was too much to ask.

That evening I decided to stay in. I didn't want to go. But I was scared of stay alone as well. My anxiety acting up due to past events. But I had to train myself, I had no one.

I jump with my ice cream bowl in my hand as I heard the doorbell.

My heart suddenly beating faster for no reason. I stare at the door as I felt a knock coming as well.

[Coby]

She was wearing the hoodie I got her. She looked so adorable.

She stares at our legs touching each other, as my hand rested over the head of her chair behind her. I could feel her sadness and her scent. It was so sweet. She takes a bite of my ice cream and scoops some for me, Holding it to my mouth. I stare at the spoon before looking at her and taking the bite, she looks away shy.

"Stop it," She said and I sigh.

"I don't want you to go" She chuckled. "Neither Do I wanna leave" I know she could feel my anger radiating off my body. She could always tell when I was angry.

"Let's go" She frowned and I stood and walked ahead to the door. She probably assumed I was angrier so she ran to the car and got in as I unlocked it. I could see the sadness in her eyes as the thought of going back home.

"I am sorry I called you, You always come by and I -" I didn't let her finish, "Shut it Lily" She snapped her neck towards me as took the other way, away from her house.

And I brought us to the beach, A place she found comforting. Because I couldn't think of letting her leave. But I had to. And this time. She could walk on the sand. And she wouldn't feel cold.

"Thank you" She whispered smiling as I stopped the car and kissed my cheek. My hand went around her waist without a second thought as we got out.

"You don't need to," I said as we walked ahead. My eyes are unable to get off her happy face. Her hand coiled with mine. I stare at the night ocean and chuckled at myself at being the only guy on the face of the earth who wouldn't protect the girl who means so much to me.

She randomly looks at me and tilts her head.

"Lily" We stopped As I halt my steps and turn to her.

"Can you handle him?" She gulps sucking in a deep breath, she was taken aback as I hugged her tightly. I could feel her body pressed against mine, My hands tightly wrapped against her waist, and I purposely brush my face against her soft neck, taking in the sweet scent she gave off.

"Alex" She called. I only wanted her. But I was just tied.

I feel her legs suddenly go numb, as her hand fist over my arms and I couldn't stop myself from laying my lips over her neck and I almost felt like Lily would pass out. My lips didn't leave hers for minutes. I wanted to remember it all my life.

I wanted her to remember it everyday. Even when she was asleep. I was the only man who was supposed to be in her mind.

"You are mine, Lilyan. Remember that"I make my hands tight across her waist and pulled her impossibly closer. she moans ever so softly into it. Her face touching mine and she hides it in my shoulder.

"I-I know" She whispered almost stuttered as I grabbed her chin unexpectedly. I just wanted to see her face. But I didn't get enough. Letting myself go.

My lips landing over her and she melts into my arms like ice.

Her lips were so soft I wanted to bite them, They smelled like strawberry, She couldn't keep up as I Kiss her with all my might. Unable to stop me and I slowly licked her lip giving it a soft bite and she moaned yet again. I hold her neck from the back tilting her head.

She pulled back too overwhelmed by what was happening. "If, If I get attached to you"

"You already are Lily, So am I," I said. She frowns putting her face over my chest as her hands fell over my arms.

"Then do something about it" I clenched my jaw getting angry, "You know I can't do that" She pulled away but pushed me away as I tried to pull her towards me. "You'll regret it one day. Not doing again"

"Lily!" I yelled and she chuckled wiping the tears that dawned upon her beautiful eyes. "One day, I won't come to see you" I grit my teeth grabbing her neck softly, She whimpered holding my wrist, "Stop saying that" She looked me dead in the eyes for a minute before I let go.

"It late. You should go" I said getting in the car and driving her home.

I stopped the car but I just wanted her to give me one smile. But she didn't, she didn't speak at all. "Lily",

"Open the door," She said. I sigh in defeat. "I-I am sorry," I said but she didn't look at me.

"I said open the door" I couldn't let my anger handle this. "Lily" I called her again.

"I said open the door Alex!" I unlocked the doors and she opened them. I grabbed her hand.

"Please" I don't know why but she looked at me, glanced. Almost like saying goodbye. Before letting go and closing the door. She didn't look back once at me. I saw her closing her windows and disappear. I hit the wheel in frustration.

"Fuck" I curse.