41

[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.