Chereads / I will reclaim my seat, just wait / Chapter 9 - The Awareness

Chapter 9 - The Awareness

That morning, Han had a weird feeling. Evan usually called every morning to give him directions or just to check in. But today, Evan's phone was off. Han tried a few more times, but still no answer. Panic started to creep in.

"Why is his phone off? What's going on?" he thought anxiously.

Not wanting to linger in uncertainty, he decided to head straight to Evan's apartment. He knew Evan lived in an ordinary place downtown. He grabbed his car keys and sped there as fast as he could.

When he reached Evan's apartment, Han went straight to the door and knocked hard. No answer. He knocked again, harder this time, hoping Evan would open up.

Finally, after what felt like forever, the door opened. He was shocked to see Evan standing there with just a towel around his waist, his hair still wet.

"Boss! What the heck? Why is your phone off? I've been trying to reach you!" he blurted out, sounding panicked.

Evan looked surprised to see Han, but quickly smiled. "Chill, Han. I'm fine. My phone probably died. Come on in."

Han stepped inside, feeling a bit relieved but still curious. As he walked further in, he saw Lucia sitting on the couch, also in a towel, her hair wet too, while Evan gently dried her hair with another towel.

"Sorry, Han," Evan said with a smile. "We just finished showering together, and I forgot to charge my phone."

Han blushed, feeling embarrassed. He hadn't expected to find Evan and Lucia like this. "Oh... sorry, I didn't know..."

Lucia smiled gently, trying to ease the tension. "It's okay, Han. We just finished and were getting ready for breakfast."

Han scratched his head awkwardly. "I was just worried because your phone was off. I thought something was wrong."

Evan chuckled lightly. "You worry too much, Han. But thanks for caring. Everything's fine."

Han nodded, feeling relieved but still a bit embarrassed. "Alright, I'll go then. Sorry to bother you."

As Han turned to leave, Lucia stood up and said, "Wait, Han. Why don't you join us for breakfast? We're making pancakes and coffee."

Han smiled, feeling calmer now. "Thanks, Lucia. That's a nice offer, but I need to get back to the office. Maybe another time."

Evan nodded. "Alright, Han. Thanks for coming. I'll make sure to keep my phone charged from now on."

Han smiled and nodded before stepping out of the apartment. Despite feeling a bit awkward, he was also relieved to know that Evan and Lucia were okay.

Inside the apartment, Evan continued drying Lucia's hair, while she smiled and felt closer to him. 

As Han was about to leave, he turned to give Evan one last message. "Evan, one more thing. Be careful and stay vigilant. You know, things can change at any moment," he said seriously.

Evan nodded, then approached and patted Han on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Han. I'll be careful."

But Lucia, sitting on the couch, didn't miss Han's words. She watched them with a questioning look, sensing there was more to their conversation.

"Thanks, Han," Evan said with a smile. "I'll make sure everything is under control."

Han nodded again before finally stepping out of the apartment. The door closed gently behind him, leaving Evan and Lucia in a moment of silence.

Lucia, still curious, decided to ask. "Evan, what's really going on? Why did Han say that? Is there something happening?"

Evan sat next to her, gently taking her hand. "honey, don't worry. Han just worries too much. He's like that because he cares about me."

Lucia looked into his eyes, searching for honesty. "But there was something strange about the way he talked. Like there's something being hidden."

Evan gave a faint smile and stroked Lucia's still wet hair. "Actually, there are a few things at work that are a bit complicated lately. But I don't want to burden you with that. I'll take care of everything."

She sighed, feeling a bit relieved but still worried. "Alright, but promise me, if there's something I need to know, you'll tell me."

Evan looked at her with affection and nodded. "I promise, Lucia. Now, how about we enjoy breakfast? Pancakes and coffee are waiting."

Lucia smiled, trying to brush away her worries. "Alright, let's have breakfast."

They both headed to the kitchen, trying to enjoy the morning despite the shadow of concern in Lucia's mind. However, with Evan by her side, she felt a bit more at ease, hoping that whatever happened, they would get through it together. I have to trust Evan, she vowed silently.

******

I feel like I'm reliving my beautiful world, a world once full of warmth and protection. My father's warm hands that always pampered me now seem to be replaced by Evan's warm hands. He's always there for me, protecting me, and whispering sweet words that make my heart soar. I'm entranced by this state, feeling so loved and desired.

But we haven't known each other for long. There are so many things I want to know about Evan. I want to be someone important in his heart and life, not just a temporary presence. I want to know every part of him, every secret and dream he has.

Sometimes, when night falls and we lie together, Evan often mumbles in his sleep. Unclear words escape his lips, and his face looks restless. I try to wake him, but he always falls back to sleep quickly, as if he doesn't remember what just happened.

One night, I woke up because I heard Evan mumbling again. I stroked his hair, hoping to calm him. But suddenly, he went silent and his body stiffened. I felt my heart stop for a moment, fear gripping me.

"Evan, wake up!" I cried out in panic, gently shaking his body. He didn't respond, and I could feel panic starting to take over. After what felt like forever, he finally opened his eyes and looked at me, confused.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice trembling. "You were mumbling again and then passed out. Why does this keep happening, Evan?"

Evan just shook his head, still looking confused. "I don't know, Lucia. Maybe I'm just too tired."

His answer didn't satisfy me. I felt there was something he was hiding, something deeper than just fatigue. But I didn't want to press him too hard, not wanting to make him feel cornered.

Day by day, my worry grew. I was concerned about Evan's condition, his frequent fainting and mumbling. I tried to find out more about his past, but every time I approached the topic, he always changed the subject.

I knew that if I wanted to be someone important in his life, I had to understand and accept all parts of him, including the secrets he might keep hidden. But the more I tried to get close, the more I felt there was an invisible wall separating us.

That night, as I lay beside him, I promised myself that I would find out what was really happening. I would find a way to help Evan, no matter what it took. I wanted to be more than just a lover; I wanted to be a true companion he could rely on in every situation.

"What are you thinking about, darling?" he asked, looking at me warmly with one hand propped under his head.

I returned his smile. "I don't know why, but I'm worried about you," I replied honestly, facing him as we lay under the same blanket. He kissed me, and I returned it passionately, not wanting this hot, wet kiss to end quickly. Evan's affection and touch had become an addiction for me, making me fear losing him even more.

"Darling, don't think about anything. I'll tell you everything someday, I hope you can be patient. And I also want to know more about you," he said, stroking my hair.

I smiled. "Alright, I'll be patient. As for me, ask anything, Evan, and I'll answer you."

He looked serious, making me wonder what he was going to ask, but he just smiled, caressing me before whispering, "Do you love me because I love you until my last drop of blood?"

"Ah, Evan, come on, I was serious."

"Hehehe, don't be too serious, darling, your face makes me turn on," he whispered, gently stroking my cheek.

"Your question doesn't need an answer," I said, sitting up and taking off my clothes. I hugged him, and he hugged me back tightly.

"Want to play on top of me?" he asked with a beautiful smile. I nodded shyly, playing with my hair.

"Ah, Lucia, I love you so much."

I covered his mouth with my lips, then whispered softly in his ear, "I love you too, Evan. I've fallen for you."