Chapter 29
890 Words
After finishing their coffee, Drake and Lucy returned to the office. As they approached the elevator, Daryl appeared, lingering awkwardly nearby. Drake instinctively let Lucy go ahead first, but she paused, glancing back at him.
“Why aren’t you going in yet?” she asked curiously, tilting her head.
“I’ll take the other elevator, Lucy,” Daryl replied, hesitant, unsure of whether he was welcome.
“Come on, it’s not like the elevator is crowded. Just come with us,” she urged, nudging him forward with a playful insistence.
Drake felt the pressure in his chest tighten, patience fraying at the edges. Before she could press further, he snapped, “Move aside. Take the other elevator.” His tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument. Lucy’s eyes widened, and she stepped back silently. He pressed the close button with a single finger, cutting off any chance of protest.
Lucy gave him a look of mock indignation, lips pursed. “You’re so mean! You even scared him!”
“Didn’t I tell you not to talk to him? You’re a stubborn brat,” Drake said, shaking his head, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
“H-hoy! Brat? I’m not a brat!” she protested, pouting dramatically, her arms crossing as she huddled in a corner like a child denied a favorite toy. Drake couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the sight, amused despite himself.
“Trying to be a baby now, huh?” he teased.
“If you were my baby, maybe it would be okay,” she shot back, a sly grin curling her lips.
Drake raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk forming. “You want to be my baby?”
Her smile widened mischievously. “The real question is, do you want me to be your baby?”
She wants to trap me, huh? he thought, a faint chuckle escaping him.
“You don’t look like a baby anymore. All I see is a childish brat playing tricks, trying to get me to fall for it,” he said, his grin widening. She reacted instantly, slapping his chest with playful force. He caught her hands easily, his amusement clear.
“You conceited jerk!” she shouted, laughter bubbling in spite of herself. He laughed loudly in response, shaking his head.
Later, Drake collapsed onto his bed at home, muscles still tense from the day. He had gone home early, feeling a weight he couldn’t explain. At the office, he had deliberately ignored Lucy, knowing her relentless teasing would only escalate if he engaged. Better to stay silent, finish his work, and retreat to the sanctuary of solitude.
But his mind refused to cooperate. Every movement, every glance, every teasing remark replayed in vivid detail.
What the heck am I thinking? Why did I kiss her?
Because she was tempting you! a voice in his head scolded.
Yes, he admitted, he was creating his own chaos. And yet, he couldn’t deny the way Lucy defied expectations at every turn, unraveling the walls he had so carefully built.
Shoving the thoughts aside, he stepped into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over him. Steam filled the small bathroom, fogging the mirror, as memories of their kiss returned. Her lips soft, sweet, impossibly warm.
Even for a few seconds… I can still feel them.
He pressed his forehead to the tile, teeth gritting. f**k! I’m losing it. Stop it, Drake. Stop obsessing.
After a quick shower, he dressed and went downstairs. Hunger gnawed at him, and with no one to cook for him, he prepared a simple adobo. The house was quiet, still, peace settling over him like a blanket.
He paused mid-bite, staring at the empty room. Is this really what I want? To be alone for the rest of my life?
Yes. He reminded himself firmly. He had survived solitude; he could survive it again. Happiness was fleeting. So was love. Better not to risk it.
After eating, he stepped onto the terrace, gazing at the moonlit sky, stars scattered across the expanse like scattered diamonds. Memories of Thalia, so vivid they almost hurt, came rushing back. Her voice, her laughter, her warmth.
“Hey, love, see those stars? If you’re ever sad, just look up. The brightest one? That’s me, watching over you, even from afar,” she had said, leaning against his shoulder.
“Why look for it, if you’re always with me?” he had asked with a smile.
She had giggled, nudging him gently. “Silly. We can’t predict the future. One day, I might not be there.”
“That would never happen. I’d never let you go,” he had said, clutching her hand tightly.
He shut his eyes now, tears welling as the memory consumed him. That was the last moment he had with her before she was gone. Why did you sacrifice yourself for me? I should’ve protected you… not the other way around.
Opening his eyes, he searched the night sky, fixing on the brightest star. If I could go back… I’d go back to the time when it was just us. I’d protect you then. I’d save you.
The wind brushed against his face, carrying a thought he hadn’t expected. One that made his chest tighten in a completely different way. Not Thalia… but Lucy.
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