𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓶𝓮~

𝓤𝓷𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼-11

As the taxi glides through the quiet, dimly-lit streets, I rest my head against the seat, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. It's been a quiet ride—neither of us speaking, lost in our own thoughts. But then, in the faint reflection of the rearview mirror, something catches my eye.

Luna.

She's facing the window, her head tilted slightly down, her expression unreadable in the low light. But then, I see it—a single tear slipping down her cheek. Her shoulders shake ever so slightly, and she’s quick to wipe it away, almost as if she’s trying to erase the evidence.

She doesn’t want me to see.

But I already have.

“We’re going to the hospital,” I say quietly.

“W-What? No, Oliver, I don’t need to—”

“You’re in pain.”

“It’s not that bad… it’ll go away on its own—”

“Luna, stop.”

My voice is firmer now.

“You’re always trying to hide when you’re hurt,” I continue, “even when we were teenagers.”

She goes quiet for a moment. Then softly, “...But I don’t want to be a bother.”

“You’re not. You never are.”

When we arrive, I help her out of the taxi before she can protest, my hand steady at her back. I don’t let her walk alone—not even for a second. I stay beside her, my presence quiet but constant.

After the doctor finishes the check-up, he says, “She’ll recover by tomorrow, as long as you take care of her ankle.”

“Okay, thank you,” I reply, already helping Luna back into the taxi.

As the car starts moving, I pull out my phone.

Luna tilts her head. “What are you doing?”

“Looking up the best pharmacy near your house.”

“You don’t have to do that. The doctor already said it’s not serious. I’ll be fine.”

“You need the medicine. And an ice pack. And knowing you, you won’t get it yourself.”

“I would have,” she argues, a little too quickly.

I glance up, my gaze soft but clearly unconvinced. I don’t say anything—just look at her like I’ve known her forever and seen through every lie.

“…Probably,” she mutters, looking away.

I shake my head, a small smirk threatening to appear.

The taxi stops outside a quiet pharmacy.

“Wait—you’re really—?”

“I won’t take long. Stay here. Don’t move.”

She watches as I disappear into the store, clutching my jacket a little closer around her shoulders. A few minutes later, I return, a small bag in hand.

“Painkillers. Ice pack. Bandages,” I say plainly, setting the bag beside her and glancing at my phone again.

When we finally reach her house, I insist on walking her to the door. I carry the bag in one hand, my other hovering behind her, ready in case she stumbles.

At the doorstep, I stop and hand her the bag.

“Don’t forget to ice it before you sleep.”

She takes it, her fingers brushing against mine for a second—warm, lingering.

“Thank you, Oliver,” she says softly.

I don’t answer right away. I just look at her for a moment. Then I reach out and gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Go inside,” I say finally.

She disappears behind the door. But I stand there for a few seconds longer, my hands slipping into my pockets. The taxi is still waiting. I turn and head back, sliding into the back seat again. As the engine hums to life, I lean my head back and close my eyes.

Everything feels… too quiet.

When I get home, I toss my keys on the counter and head straight to my room. I fall onto the bed with a sigh, throwing an arm over my eyes.

“What are you doing to me, Luna?” I whisper into the stillness.

Later That Evening

As Chloe chatters excitedly about her new car, Mom shakes her head with a familiar look of amused disbelief.

“A BMW, Oliver? Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”

“She’s 21. She just got her license. It made sense,” I say, barely shrugging.

“See, Mom? My big brother believes in me!” Chloe grins, leaning closer.

“Believing in you is one thing. Buying you a luxury sports car is another.”

“Well, he’s rich. Let him be extra,” she says, smirking.

“I swear, you spoil her too much.”

“She’s annoying,” I reply dryly, glancing at Chloe, “but she’s my sister.”

That Night – At Dinner

The soft hum of conversation and clinking of glasses fills the cozy restaurant. Chloe, Mom, and I are led to a corner table. I slide into the seat beside Chloe while Mom takes the one across from us. One chair remains empty.

“I’m starving,” Chloe groans. “I swear, we never do family dinners anymore.”

“Yeah, I know,” I mumble, half-listening, scrolling through my phone.

“It’s nice to take a break from cooking sometimes,” Mom adds.

We all start looking at the menu.

Then—

“Hey, Chlo.”

I freeze.

My thumb halts mid-scroll as I slowly look up.

Luna.

She slides into the empty chair next to Mom, directly across from Chloe. She gives a soft smile.

I don’t move, still staring at my phone, even though the screen’s already dimming.

“Luna, I can’t believe you’re here! Mom invited you at the last minute, huh?” Chloe beams.

“Yeah… she called me just yesterday,” Luna replies.

I glance up briefly. She’s smiling at Chloe, laughing softly, like she belongs here. My heart skips—but I quickly look back down again.

“So, how’ve you been? Haven’t seen you in ages!”

“I’ve been okay. My relatives left yesterday so I’m finally free. You know how it is. What about you? Anything new?”

Luna asks gently, sneaking a glance at me.

“Oh, you know me. Just living the life,” Chloe says casually. “And guess what? My big brother surprised me with a BMW Z4 yesterday!”

“A BMW Z4? That’s amazing!”

Luna turns to me, but I’m still glued to my phone like it’s suddenly the most interesting thing in the world.

“I know, right?” Chloe giggles. “He’s been such a softie lately. But don’t tell him that, okay?”

“I won’t, don’t worry,” Luna laughs softly.

Our eyes meet for a brief moment.

Just a second.

But it’s enough to feel everything I’ve been trying to hide.

Then, I look away again, the glow of my phone screen reflecting in my eyes.