She Belongs To Him

Chapter 4 : A Secret

**Josh's POV**

A Few Minutes Later

Am I screwed? Probably. Should I be worried? Definitely. But not right now. Not yet, at least. I'll handle things with Callyx later. Although I'm not exactly looking forward to it, it's something that needs to be done. I don't want there to be any heavy strings between us, and I doubt Eira would want that either.

The girl on my back has quieted down, and that's when I realize something. I nudge Hyungwon on the arm and tilt my chin towards Eira.

Her grip isn’t as tight as it was five minutes ago, which can only mean one thing.

Hyungwon abandons his phone and looks over at her, confirming with a nod.

"Is she asleep?" I ask, careful not to disturb her.

Hyungwon glances at Eira, a soft smile creeping onto his face, but he quickly hides it. "Yeah," he answers, "Is she heavy?"

I shake my head, enjoying this more than I probably should. "No, she's as light as a feather." I’ve been carrying her for a while now, and honestly, it’s not that bad. I almost feel guilty about how much I'm enjoying it.

After some time, we arrive at their house. Hyungwon gently takes Eira from me, and my heart sinks slightly. I miss her warmth already.

I find myself staring at her peaceful, sleeping face. I can’t help but think to myself, *Callyx is a lucky guy.*

The words slip out before I can stop them, but as soon as they leave my mouth, they feel bitter. Almost like a lie.

I want to reach out and tuck the stray lock of hair that’s fallen across her face, but I stop myself.

Hyungwon breaks my trance. "When do you think we should tell her?" he asks, drawing me back to the situation at hand.

I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. "I’m not sure. But the sooner she knows, the better."

I give him a pat on the shoulder. "We'll see you guys tomorrow," I add, before heading out toward the forest.

---

**Eira's POV**

A Few Days Later

Just like every other weekend, I find myself sitting cross-legged on the couch, eyes glued to the screen as I mindlessly stuff cheese-flavored popcorn into my mouth. Time flies by, and my frustration builds.

I glare at the screen, absolutely furious. *Miraculous Ladybug* is driving me insane. As much as I adore the characters, their constant obliviousness is on another level.

"Eira," my brother groans from the other side of the couch, clearly wanting to cry. He covers his eyes with his arm, sounding exhausted. "Please, keep it down a little. I'm trying to sleep."

"Not until these two characters figure out their true identities," I retort, my eyes not leaving the screen. "Deal with it. You're the one who refused to go sleep in your own room."

Silence follows, and I know it’s enough to tell me he’s too tired to argue. If he really wanted some rest, he would have gone upstairs already.

I return to my show, still fuming. Even though it's just a cartoon, I can't help but get irritated.

The credits roll, and I sigh in frustration. I lean back, setting the popcorn bowl aside. Suddenly, my brother is unnervingly quiet. He’s been hissing at me since the beginning of my movie marathon, and now he’s decided to be silent?

I stare at him blankly. "Hyungwon?"

No answer.

"Hey."

Still nothing.

I sneer, narrowing my eyes. "I know you're not sleeping."

This time, I hear a hum in response.

I pull myself up from the couch and make my way over to him, shoving his leg aside to make room for myself.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"You already did," he mumbles, not bothering to open his eyes.

"Then can I ask another?"

"No."

I smack him lightly on the thigh in response.

Hyungwon groans, throwing his arm over his eyes in frustration. He eventually pushes himself up to a sitting position, rubbing his eyes before glaring at me with an exhausted look.

"Okay, fine. What's your question?" he mutters.

"After the party, where did you and the guys disappear to?"

I notice his face shift, becoming serious for a moment before he shrugs it off with a forced nonchalance.

"Nowhere. We just had to take care of something."

I don’t buy that.

He disappeared for days and didn’t even show up to school. There’s definitely more to the story than what he’s letting on.

And I’m not dumb. He knows that I know.

"Something like what?" I press.

"That's a secret," he says, ruffling my hair before standing up. "I’m going to get a drink."

He’s clearly avoiding the question.

Just as I’m about to push further, the doorbell rings, distracting me from my thoughts.

If Hyungwon isn’t going to answer me now, I’ll just have to bother him later. I’ll get my answers.

"I’ll go get it," I announce, standing up from the couch.