The gentle sound of wind filled the room, and birds were chirping, as if they were enjoying a pleasant moment with their mates. A handsome man lay soundly asleep on a cozy bed. He was probably exhausted.
Yes, he was tired because of someone who had worn him out. He didn't want to open his eyes, but the sunlight streaming through the window irritated them, causing him to move his eyes beneath his eyelids.
He turned to escape the sunlight but groaned when a dull ache pulsed in his back. Slowly, he opened his eyes, noticing that he was dressed in soft, comfortable clothes. His hair was completely dry, and he was snugly wrapped in the blanket. He sat up in bed, resting his head against the headboard.
He groaned deeply as the pain hit him. Though it wasn't unfamiliar, this time it felt different. He had never seen this side of himself before—so aggressive. His eyes widened in shock.
"No way... He shooted inside me. What if... what if I get pregnant again? I can't go through that... I have to do something... Contraceptive pills, yes, that should help... But where can I get them?" he mumbled anxiously. The thought made his heart race, and a frown creased his face.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by someone. It was Revilla, carrying a bowl of porridge.
"You're already awake?" she asked, placing the bowl on the table. He gave a slight nod in response.
"Come on, eat... It's already evening, and you missed lunch," she said with a hint of exasperation. He looked at her in surprise. Evening? How long had he been asleep?
"Where is everyone else?" he asked, taking the bowl in his hands and gently blowing on the hot porridge to cool it down.
"They went out for something. I'm not sure," she replied with a shrug, and he let out a sigh. Revilla sat on the bed, quietly watching him as he ate in silence.
When he finished, he placed the bowl back on the table and noticed her still staring at him.
"Why are you staring at me?" he asked, curious about the look in her eyes, which seemed to hold a mix of emotions.
"Did he go hard on you?" she asked, causing him to choke on his saliva. He coughed a little, glancing at his friend who was staring directly at him.
"Why... Why are you asking?" he stammered, avoiding her gaze.
"So, my guess was right..." she replied.
He looked at her.
"When Eryx brought you in, you were unconscious. I asked about you, but he said you were just sleeping. He claimed you fell asleep while bathing. But judging by your face, it was clear you were not just asleep—you were unconscious. Do you think we don't notice how you two are acting? We're your friends. We know you both better than you think," Revilla said, her expression serious.
Braylon sighed.
"Come here..." He extended his hand, and she moved toward Braylon. He pulled her into his embrace, gently holding her.
"We're sorry... We made you worry," he said, softly patting her head. She nodded in response.
They were so understanding.
After a few minutes, Braylon released her, making sure she was okay before letting go.
"Revilla... Is there a pharmacy around here? I need some medication," he said.
"What happened? Are you feeling unwell? Should I call Eryx and Alex? Do we need to see a doctor?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"That's not it... Don't panic... It's just a headache," he said, but Revilla interrupted him.
"There's one at the corner of the village," she informed him, and he smiled.
"Then... I'll head to the pharmacy."
He got up from the bed, trying his best to hide the pain.
"Let me go and get the medication for you," Revilla offered, clearly worried.
"No need. You stay here until they arrive," he said, giving her a firm order. Revilla sighed, but stayed put as he requested.
Already dressed in comfortable clothes, he stepped outside to buy the medication.
"Why is the pharmacy all the way in the corner of the village? Shouldn't it be more central? Is this part of that company's setup too? Maybe... Something's off... Even the village head was involved in shady deals because of money... What a selfish man," his mind wandered as he walked, lost in thought.
Soon, Braylon arrived at the pharmacy, but he couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling he got when he saw the pharmacist.
"Good evening, sir... How can I help you?" The pharmacist's tone was overly polite, almost to the point of raising suspicion. However, his eyes didn't match his polite words. Braylon discreetly rolled his eyes before responding.
"I need a painkiller for a headache, pain relief ointment, and a Levonorgestrel tablet."
The pharmacist gave him a strange look but didn't say anything. He went to retrieve the items and returned a few moments later with the painkillers, ointment, and the Levonorgestrel tablet.
Braylon paid the bill and quickly left the pharmacy. As he walked away, the pharmacist smirked wickedly, watching Braylon until his silhouette disappeared from view.
Before heading to the meeting place, Braylon discreetly swallowed a Levonorgestrel tablet with some water, making sure to keep the rest hidden in his pocket. He didn't want Revilla to suspect anything. Afterward, he made his way to the place arranged for them. As soon as he entered, he could sense the presence of two others—Alex and Eryx.
He marched over to the couch and sat down, paying no attention to Eryx, who was already giving him an intense, longing look. Revilla sighed quietly, clearly unhappy with how things had changed. When they were just friends, everything was simple. But once they became aware of their deeper feelings, things grew more tangled—like a web of emotions.
"Where did you go?" Alex asked, dropping onto the couch next to Braylon.
"Just went out to get some painkillers," Braylon replied, shooting a sharp look at Eryx, who was already feeling guilty for hurting the one he loved. Yet, Eryx's pride kept him from apologizing to Braylon.
"What happened?" Alex asked, his tone laced with concern.
"Nothing… just a headache… not a serious one… probably just from the sudden change in environment," Braylon replied. Both Revilla and Alex were worried about their friend, but for different reasons.