"You're crazy, you know that?"
"That's one of my many charms." he whispered back, his smile playful.
"So… When are you going to be discharged?" James asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.
"Another two days, I think." Eamon replied with a smile.
"Great to hear that you're going to be discharged soon. Are you planning to go back into the dungeons?" James inquired, his tone a mix of excitement and concern.
Eamon shook his head.
"Ahh... no. I'm more into being an officer. I'm not really suited for the field." Eamon shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips.
How was he supposed to go into the dungeon with this broken body? How laughable and pitiful he must seem.
"Then, can I go to your guild to find you? I don't want our relationship to end here…" James said, his voice softening.
A pair of cat ears drooped down from James' head, his eyes shining pitifully. Eamon found it impossible to reject him.
Eamon nodded his head and sighed. He couldn't reject such a handsome young man in front of him. Wait… handsome?
Eamon's face and ears flushed red.
"Eamon? Are you feeling alright? Your face and ears are turning bright red. I should call the doctor." James quickly stood up, ready to call the nurse or the doctor.
Before he could move, Eamon hooked his hand around James and pulled him toward him.
"What—woah." James couldn't stabilize his body and collapsed into Eamon's arms. Their faces were so close that their noses almost touched.
James looked at Eamon's face carefully, noticing a mole under his left eye.
"Pretty…" James murmured under his breath.
Eamon's heart raced, and he felt a warmth spread through him.
They stayed like that for a few moments, savoring the closeness and the unspoken feelings between them.
"You should go before we get caught." Eamon push him away gently.
Eventually, James pulled away, his eyes still locked on Eamon's.
"Take care then. Goodnight and sweet dreams." With that, James slipped out of the window, disappearing into the night. Eamon watched him go, his heart full of mixed emotions.
Later that night, in the quiet stillness of the Drake mansion, Leo stood on the balcony, gazing up at the starry sky.
The cool night air brushed against his skin, and the twinkling stars seemed to whisper promises of hope and dreams.
Leo clasped his hands together, his eyes filled with determination as he made his wish.
"Dear Lord, please grant your humble servant. Let me be awakened on my 8th birthday soon, just like Brother Eamon."
He closed his eyes, focusing all his hopes and desires into that one wish. Leo had always looked up to Eamon, admiring his strength and resilience.
He longed to awaken his own abilities, to stand beside his brother and protect those he cared about.
The incident at the school had left him shaken, and he struggled to find a sense of normalcy. The memory of the dungeon appearance and the chaos that followed haunted him.
The next morning, Leo was awakened by the familiar chime of his tablet. He rubbed his eyes and reached for it, a smile spreading across his face as he saw Eamon's name on the screen.
"Good morning, Leo!" Eamon's voice was filled with warmth and excitement.
"Good morning, Brother!" Leo replied, his spirits lifting instantly.
"I have some great news." Eamon began, his eyes twinkling with joy.
"I'm being discharged later today!"
Leo's face lit up with happiness.
"That's amazing, Eamon! I'm so glad to hear that."
"Me too. I can't wait to get back home and see you." Eamon said, his smile genuine.
"Sure. I need to get ready to school now brother. Love you."
"I love you too, Leo. Have a great day at school!" Eamon replied, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
Leo ended the video call, feeling a sense of excitement and joy. The prospect of having Eamon back home was a comforting thought that carried him through the morning.
He quickly got ready, packed his school bag, and headed downstairs for breakfast.
Back in the hospital ward, Eamon found it difficult to contain his excitement. He rolled on his bed, the anticipation almost too much to bear.
Evan stood nearby, watching as Doctor Harun organized Eamon's health report.
"I hear that you called your little brother and told him that you'll be discharged soon," Doctor Harun said, glancing up from the papers with a smile.
Eamon nodded, a grin spreading across his face.
"Yes, I did. Leo is so excited. I can't wait to see him."
Doctor Harun chuckled.
"It's always heartwarming to see siblings so close. Well, your recovery has been remarkable, Eamon. Just make sure to follow the care plan we've discussed, and you should continue to improve."
"Thank you, Doctor Harun. I appreciate everything you and the staff have done for me." Eamon replied sincerely.
Evan stepped forward, taking the health report from the doctor.
"We'll make sure he follows it to the letter. Right, young master?"
Eamon nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely."
By midday, all the necessary discharge procedures were completed. Eamon felt a sense of relief and excitement as he changed out of his hospital gown and into his regular clothes. He was finally going home.