Chapter 9--Kai's disappearance
After Kai left, Noah made his way back home, his mind swirling with thoughts of what had transpired in Kai's bedroom. A part of him felt disappointed, questioning whether he should have let things escalate further. Should he have allowed Kai to continue? His mind weighed the pros and cons, reminding him that they weren't officially in a relationship yet. It wouldn't be right to rush into things.
He paused for a moment, closing his eyes as he touched his lips, feeling the ghost of Kai's kiss lingering there. A sigh escaped his lips as he trudged home, the weight of his emotions heavy on his shoulders.
Upon arriving, Noah found his grandma busy in the kitchen, cutting vegetables for dinner. Overcome with affection, he threw his arms around her like a child. She smiled warmly, kissing him on the forehead. However, her expression shifted when she noticed a faint red mark on his neck.
"How did that happen?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"It's just a mosquito bite, Grandma," Noah replied, embarrassed.
"How many times have I told you to dress properly?" she chided playfully.
He smiled sheepishly and retreated to his room. After dinner, he sat on his bed and gazed at the picture he and Kai had taken earlier that day. In it, Kai held Noah from behind, resting his chin on Noah's shoulder, a mischievous smile lighting up his face, while Noah's grin radiated pure happiness.
As memories of their fun-filled day flooded back, Noah couldn't help but feel a mix of joy and longing. He messaged Kai, sharing his thoughts about the day. After a while without a response, he felt a hint of worry creeping in and decided to sleep, thinking of their sweet kiss.
The next morning, Noah woke to his grandma calling him. He checked his phone, still no reply from Kai, and for the first time, he felt a sense of worry settle in his chest. What could be wrong? His mind raced as he resolved to ask Kai about it at school.
After getting ready, he hurried downstairs for breakfast and bid his grandma goodbye before rushing to school. He was slightly late but managed to slip into class just as the bell rang.
His heart sank when he reached Kai's classroom and discovered that he wasn't there. "Where's Kai?" Noah asked Alex, his voice laced with concern.
"He hasn't arrived yet," Alex replied, raising an eyebrow.
Noah felt a knot form in his stomach. Kai had never been late. "Did he say he wouldn't be here today?" he asked, a sense of dread creeping in.
"No, he didn't mention anything," Alex responded, concern mirrored in his expression.
With a heavy heart, Noah trudged to his class, his thoughts consumed by worry for Kai. He couldn't concentrate on anything; his mind was in turmoil. His bench partner, Nick, noticed his distraction. "Hey, what's up? You seem off today."
"It's nothing," Noah lied, forcing a smile.
After school, he made his way to Kai's house but found the door locked. Panic rose within him, and he returned home, trying to shake off the feeling of dread.
While helping his grandma chop vegetables, Noah accidentally cut himself. She glanced at him, sensing his distress. "Is something bothering you, Noah?" she asked gently.
He simply smiled and shook his head, unwilling to worry her further.
Later that night, Noah lay in bed, still waiting for Kai's reply. He had called multiple times, but Kai didn't answer. Frustration and worry gnawed at him, preventing him from sleeping.
Finally, he gave up and headed to the terrace, seeking solace under the full moon. Its bright glow reminded him of Kai's smiling face and the moments they shared. As he stared at the moon, he felt the weight of his emotions wash over him, and before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep, still yearning for the connection they had forged.
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