Seb pulled herself up to be fit enough to sit on her own or walk a few steps.
That's when Noah, Yuka and the others finally got the permission to visit her. Because Seb being unaware, Iven won't even let them step any where near the apartment. They only came when Iven had the mental breakdown and once, he has collected himself up, he spread the orders.
But still the visit was limited.
It was only Noah, Yuka, Mak, Hamish and Jose. The others were not allowed. They had to put up a great deal of argument to show up as well, but Yuka set them back based on Iven's words.
The gifts that were sent were worth watching. Since they had no choice and knew least of a girl, majority of the stuffs were things like jack, puncture ring or gloves.
Iven had announced, "I stake no responsibility on these", and had exited the room after taking one glance at the stuffs, not being able to bear the shame of the upcoming ones.
Yuka sighed with his palm rubbing the temple as he spoke, "Sorry Seb! These guys are pathetic losers. I wish I were there when they bought these"
"No, they're actually pretty cool…. different", Seb grinned lightly and encouraged them.
"You always need to interfere, Mr. Brains", Mak mocked Yuka.
Yuka shook his head, adjusted his spectacles and glared at him once. Still immature kids!
Only Noah the youngest was considerate enough to present her with a soft toy bunny with long years and shiny pink nose. Seb couldn't help but cherish it since he is the first person ever to get her a soft toy as a gift. Her compliment on that made Noah blush.
They could have chatted a bit longer since Seb was really enjoying their company, but her wish was revolted. When things were getting at peak, Iven stormed in the room.
"Time's up, get going!", came the iron of an order from him.
"But it's only been an hour and a half!", Noah made the pitiful gesture, "Let us stay a while longer".
"Be grateful I let you come", Iven ruefully rejected, "Scram!".
Seb spoke in, "Iven, why not let them stay a while longer? They're not disturbing me".
But Iven ignored her completely," Yuka!!!", he ordered just by a call.
They all started sulking as Yuka started to nag them to leave along with him. As they were being reluctant, Seb was experiencing immense annoyance at the moment at how Iven trashed her polite pleas away like nothing important!
As everyone left, Seb threw a raging glance at Iven speaking deeply, "I think, you should leave too".
"I'm not going anywhere for the moment", Iven began to assemble the room which was messed up earlier by the boys.
"You are neither doing any good staying here", Seb said sharply, "Except for ordering around".
Iven paused and folded his hands at her, "When did I do that?".
"All the time", Seb replied, "Deciding for me, don't do it when you stake no right on me!!!".
Iven stared at her for a while with a gasped mouth. As days passed by and Seb started to get better, even Iven was getting back at his usual form. Since Seb kept it all calm all this while, a sudden snap coming from her is sure strange. Iven himself forgot the words he had promised and his explanation for his weird behavior.
"What's wrong with you?", he asked confused.
-You are the wrong here!!!
-Why do you seem so offended?
-What if directly ask the same?
-What?
-What did I do to offend you???
"What do you mean?
-Don't act so ignorant! I remember going all down since you rescued me. Also worrying to the limit that you even forgot taking care of yourself because I didn't wake up? Whom are you fooling? Yet you won't even exchange a proper look with me let alone a word. You promised and yet...How do you think I will feel?...You…...
-Belle…...it's not such. The reasons I have, will keep me at guilt and you at regret. I don't want that to happen.
-If you won't talk about it, then stop tormenting me. I can't tolerate it even for a second. Not you like this! Everyday I see you, crave for you, want to talk to you...but you won't. Instead of giving me false hope, you should just leave. I won't long for you as long as I don't see you for long!!!
Iven dropped his hands and mouth.
What did that last line mean?
Is she implying him to get going from her side? Just like he did before? It's obviously not her fault. These past days, she didn't deserve such treatment from Iven when she is completely clueless of his reasons. Such reasons, which nobody knows except for him. Such reasons, which had brought such perilous moments in their life. Such reasons, caused only by him. Only Iven, who started these all. Seb had only been sincere to him and that's all. From the top he has never been honest with her. That's the reason for it all. She had it all the hideous way, when Iven is left unscathed.
But as things have come to this, Iven can't leave just like this in regrets and leave Seb in tatters.
She must know it now!
Seb was truly regretting on her words. She didn't mean it even once. Him being beside her was enough for her. Even though the cold and quiet treatment hurt her strongly as the responses were not expected so, she could feel his warmth as he took care of her with utmost Genuity. His words and actions never had matched. He was hiding his true sentiments and self!
Iven however didn't say anything.
His slow steps were emerging towards her. Seb didn't look his way as she was close to tears. Everything was driving her crazy for the moment. Iven, and herself too.
Iven maintained his fallen face as he approached her. He took a seat right in front of Seb as she raised her eyes at him. Her eyes were moist but his face appeared more swollen and sadder than her. She led out a breath judging that. Iven raised his hands, and to Seb's sudden surprise, he wrapped one around her waist and another placed on her head, caressing it carefully. He rested his chin on her shoulder. Seb was utterly surprised. As the action passed, the hold got even warmer as he dragged her more to him. This hug felt like none before.
It was love, but different. Something really remorseful!
"Iven?", Seb's broken cry voice emerged
Iven pulled her even closer as if he was afraid to lose her if he let go even for once.