Sarien was assaulted by the mixture of floral scent and disinfectant as he pushed open the door. He momentarily paused as his sight landed on the young lady in the middle of her bed. She is currently clad in a loose white pajama dress with her long black hair scattered messily onto the snow-colored mattress. The point is that she is almost drowning within the fluffy sheets as if becoming one with the beddings.
She must have been alarmed by the sound of door opening that she hurriedly sat up, albeit with difficulty. He obviously knocked but it seems she didn't hear or might have fallen asleep again. His stride widened to support her but was left rooted in place by her overwhelming reaction.
" Sarien! " Her eyes were glittering in adoration as if witnessing the arrival of a messiah.
" You're finally here!" Eve smiled so brightly as she watches her soup come to her. She's never been so happy seeing the hero. Those 25 minutes would surely feel like a lifetime had she waited. Thankfully, she napped right after the call.
Sarien gawked at the beautiful girl beaming at him. She is just so lovely and innocent-looking with that doe eyes of hers that only contained him. Again, she's doing it again. Every time they meet, she bewitches him with those enchanting orbs of hers.
" What are you doing standing there?" She chuckled, seeing the young man stiff as stone.
" Come." Eve demanded him to hurry up and deliver the food already. She's long been craving some warm, delicious food.
Like a moth to a flame, Sarien walked step by step towards the most illustrious part of the room. There's just something about this girl that makes his common sense vanish into thin air.
" Have you been well?" He pulled the over-bed table towards her, then mounted the paper bag on it. He glanced around to search for a napkin and some utensils.
"Umm." Eve haphazardly replied. All her attention focused on the bag containing what she has been longing for. She swallowed her saliva in expectation.
" I knew you needed rest but I wanted to see you." He searched for serviettes inside the drawer but found a small utensil container instead. He was quite curious as to why it is located in such a place.
Needless to say, it's all thanks to a particular indulgent person whose been giving her snacks secretly. He was even kind enough to hide a pair of spoon and fork and put them nearby for easier access.
( Host, say me too.)
A childish voice whispered within her consciousness.
" Me too."
The distracted Eve can't spare her limited energy into other things aside from the bag's content. She wanted to ravish that delicacy already, but certainly, it's not a classy thing to do. She can only behave and sit upright, pretending to be lady-like while waiting for the hero.
Sarien paused and peeked at Eve at the corner of his eyes while taking some napkins. A small grin formed on his lips.
" Then can I visit again?"
He purposely moved slowly since he didn't dare meet her eyes while asking such an embarrassing thing.
( Host, say, of course.)
The furry ball once again pitched in.
" Of course."
Her sight has never left the package emitting a divine scent. She could almost taste the chicken soup.
Receiving a positive reply, Sarien hid the wide grin on his face before walking towards Eve. He laid the spoon in front of her and took out the container.
" Enjoy." He uttered as he took off the cover.
Eve left everything else behind and concentrated on devouring her food. She focused on enjoying the rich taste and aroma to satiate her hungry soul. Three days have passed since her cravings were fulfilled like this. That order is truly wicked as it hinders her newly discovered passion. Such a heartless move, she can only grieve.
Sarien watched her eat spoonful after spoonful. She dines quickly but still maintains her elegant posture. She seems to fancy the meal he brought as her eyes even turn into crescents as if savoring a succulent dish. She resembles an adorable kitten relishing her warm milk.
" Should I bring more next time?" He sat beside her, restraining the desire to wipe the liquid left on her lips.
" More?" Eve finally directed her attention at the charming young man.
Sarien bringing her food is undoubtedly an excellent thing. With that in mind, she agreed without a second thought.
" Yes. " Sarien wanted to question when he could revisit, but she hurriedly added.
" You should come every day." He almost choked hearing those words. He knew the Tang seniors would be absent for a couple of days. To see her daily means they'll frequently spend time all alone.
That idea made his heartbeat race. He glanced at the girl waiting for his reply but could not open his mouth to answer. He turned his face sideways to hide his flushed cheeks. He felt so conflicted. How can he think in that direction with his benefactor?
Eve watched the hero being fidgety, still not confirming he will deliver meals.
" Sarien?" Her glutinous voice rang.
[ Come on and say it, dude. Say you'll come and bring me a snack every day.] She thought as she patiently waited for his reply.
He almost shook upon hearing her call. He glanced back at the motionless girl whose eyes are glued on him. The spoon on her hand is left hanging midair and her exquisite face tilted sideways. That pair of almond azure orbs observing him is simply adorable.
How can he say no to her?
" I'm just afraid you'll detest the taste of Chicken soup if you have one everyday." He replied, trying hard to act normal.
" You can bring me anything you find delectable. I trust your taste. " Eve grinned widely and continued eating. She felt good knowing there will be a steady supply of snacks from now on. Once again, she applauds her right decision of saving the leading man. The soup he bought was delightful, which meant he has excellent taste. Now she has a sentinel that exists to guard her and satisfy her appetite.
" Alright." Sarien responded as he watches Eve savor her meal. In his mind, he has already planned to search for different publications concerning the food industry. He decided to bring a variety of edibles for her to enjoy from now on.
***
Eve covered her mouth with a hanky and burped modestly. She had just finished the entire bowl of heavenly soup and now reclines on her bed, watching Sarien tidy up. Eve admired the service of the young master, who surprisingly has cleaning skills as good as his looks.
" You'll be a senior student next year?" She suddenly inquired. According to the timeline, Evangeline and Halesia should be in ninth grade this incoming school year, while Sarien in eleventh grade.
Sarien hurriedly discarded the rubbish and sat back next to her. He was pleasantly surprised Eve knew something about him.
" Yes. The year after, I'll be a senior."
" I am surprised you knew." There was a twinkle in his eyes as he commented.
" Of course, I knew a lot about you." Eve stated in a matter-of-fact tone, then continued.
" I was thinking of skipping grades and joining you next year."
There is no way she'll spend more years in secondary school. Going through puberty again is already a headache, not to mention attending high school. It would only be torture.
" You will? " Sarien's baffled tone mirrored his expression.
" Yes." Eve replied as she contemplated.
The host body has the qualifications to do so in the first place. In all honesty, Eve can't figure out why Evangeline Tang has to stay in a grade where her intellect won't benefit. She could have skipped and attain higher education had she desired to. Regardless, she is here now and will opt out of the tiresome high school drama. She discerns that academic acceleration is more than feasible in her case. If not, she can always depend on her fairy god money and the pair of thick golden thighs, namely Sylvius and Lionel Tang.
" You'll join me? Why? " Skip grades and to be with him? The unexpected news made Sarien's heart rate pace up again. He didn't even consider if and how she can manage such a feat. His mind is all about scenarios of them spending time together during academe.
[ Why?]
Eve staring at the teenager, then indifferently responded.
" Certainly, because I need to stay with you."
They will soon attend the same school with her half-sister. It is a given that she must join the fun and watch the exciting drama. Therefore she must claim the best seat to revel at Halesia's unrequited love escapade, and that is none other than the spot next to the culprit who stole her heart. Thus, she needs to stay close to him to witness the story unfold. Just imagining the future entertainment made her anticipate in delight. She giggled in glee and uttered.
"I can't wait for that day, Sarien."
"I'm looking forward to spending a wonderful year beside you."
Eve smiled charmingly. She will do her best to savor those exquisite moments.
"I can't wait for that day too." Such enchanting sight captivated Sarien that he could only mumble his reply with difficulty. His gaze on Eve, however, was of fiery intensity. Such a look immediately attracted her.
"You have such beautiful eyes." Eve reached out and gently touched the corner of Sarien's lids.
[That's right. They should only contain me.]
Eve once again applauded her bargain of broken bones and battered face in exchange for a patron saint. Seeing his devotion to the role made her happy.
[ Halesia will surely find it arduous to steal you back from me. ]
Sarien trembled as he felt her cold fingertips against his skin. Her sudden action shocked him that he could only widen his eyes and immerse himself in the close view of her splendid countenance. He can even perceive a subtle, alluring scent coming off her.
Suddenly, a phonecall ruined the pink atmosphere.
Eve proceeded to answer as if nothing unusual happened.
" Grappa." Her melodious voice instantly made the receiver happy.
" My sweet angel, I was just checking on how you're doing." Lionel's pampering tone can be heard through the phone.
" It has not been an hour since you left, Grappa." Eve doesn't find her elder annoying. As a matter of fact, she finds her grandfather adorable. Certainly, her impression is not solely due to his ninja-like moves in giving her those delightful snacks.
" Oh my dearest granddaughter, you wouldn't dislike your grandpa for worrying about you now, will you?"
Lionel was actually in tenterhooks after receiving a report stating that Sarien brat is in Evangeline's room right now. His men even added that he's in for more than half an hour already and has no signs of leaving soon. Lionel almost gritted his teeth while condemning the sneaky little bastard who brushed up his presence as soon as they left.
" Of course, not. You're my favorite Grappa after all." Eve chuckled in return when she heard the old man.
Halfsie: …
[ Favorite grandpa she says. As if she has other living grandparents.]
It rolled its ruby eyes and couldn't help cursing the bothersome codger. The host and the hero were almost on to something just now. Halfsie was exhilarated that it couldn't help rolling to and fro as it watched the loving scene. It strived hard to suppress the squealing sounds that might escape its throat. However, before it could witness any action, it was interrupted by the damn call.
" Sweetie, you should not forget to lock your door and not let sneaky bastards come disrupt your rest okay?" Lionel thoughtfully reminded Eve.
[ Lock the door?]
She contemplated the need to lock the door when she's still in the hospital. Furthermore, considering the handful of bodyguards just outside her room, how could anyone barge in to disturb without her permission?"
" I see, Grappa. You should finish your work soon." Nevertheless, she didn't delve deeper into his meaning.
When they have bid their goodbyes, Eve noticed the young man watching her with a complicated gaze.
" What's the matter, Sarien?" She smiled tenderly at him, clueless of what could change the hero's aura.
" Nothing." Sarien will not admit that he heard what Grandpa Tang spoke just now. Was he the sneaky bastard? He meditated over the conjecture that made him uncomfortable. Even so, he can't prove such a claim otherwise.