Cee followed her usual routine after school, heading straight to the café for her shift. She had grown accustomed to the familiar rhythm of work—the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, the soft hum of customers chatting, and the occasional rush of orders. But today, something felt off.
Carlos hadn't shown up.
Since the first day they met, he had been coming in almost every shift, sometimes just sitting in the corner, sipping his coffee while stealing glances at her. She had grown used to his presence, even anticipating it. But today, there was no sign of him.
Cee shook the thought from her mind, reminding herself that he had his own life and responsibilities. Still, a strange feeling lingered in her chest.
Meanwhile—Carlos' Side
Carlos sat through the impromptu lecture, his mind barely registering what was being said. His fingers tapped impatiently against his notebook, his eyes flicking to the time on his phone.
Almost time for her shift to end.
He had planned to visit the café as soon as the lecture ended, but just as he was about to leave, the professor called him back.
"Milton, a word," the professor said, his tone firm.
Carlos sighed, schooling his expression into something neutral. He walked up to the professor's desk.
"There's an upcoming school event," the professor began, adjusting his glasses. "It would be beneficial if your father could attend. His presence would not only add prestige but also strengthen our institution's connections. You have influence—talk to him."
Carlos exhaled sharply, knowing this was going to be a useless conversation. His father hardly entertained such invitations unless they benefited him personally.
"I can pass the message," Carlos said, keeping his tone detached. "But I can't guarantee anything."
The professor nodded. "That's all I ask."
Carlos checked the time the moment he stepped out of the lecture hall.
Shit.
He had spent longer than he expected with the professor, and now Cee's shift was already over.
Without wasting a second, he strode to his car and sped towards the café.
At the Café
Carlos parked right outside, his eyes scanning the entrance.
He waited.
Five minutes passed.
Cee should be coming out by now.
He frowned and got out of his car, stepping into the café. The barista on duty looked up, recognizing him immediately.
"Cee? She left through the back door not too long ago," she informed him.
Carlos' brows furrowed.
The back door?
It was a shortcut that led to the nearest bus stand, but something about it unsettled him. He turned on his heel and walked towards the back exit.
As he stepped into the dimly lit alleyway, a sharp sound cut through the air.
A muffled scream.
Then—
A slap.
Then a man's voice, rough and filled with malice.
"Shut up, bitch."
Carlos' blood ran cold.
Then he saw it.
Cee's tote bag on the ground.
He didn't think. He just moved.
Carlos sprinted down the alley, his heart pounding. As he turned the corner, his stomach twisted in fury.
A man was trying to tear at Cee's clothes, his hand already bruising her wrist. Her face was streaked with tears, her mouth trembling as she tried to fight him off.
A dark, unrelenting rage surged through Carlos.
Before the man could react, Carlos ripped him away from Cee and punched him.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Each hit landed with the force of his fury. The man collapsed, his body slumping against the wall, barely conscious.
Carlos' breath was ragged, his fists still clenched. He wanted to end him. But then—
A quiet sob.
Carlos turned to see Cee, hugging herself, her body trembling as she clutched her torn shirt.
The sight shattered something inside him.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to push back his anger. He slowly stepped toward her, careful not to startle her.
"Cee," he said, his voice softer now.
She flinched at first, but then—
She threw herself into his arms.
Her hands clutched his shirt tightly as she sobbed against his chest, her whole body shaking. Carlos stood still for a second, stunned. Then his arms wrapped around her instinctively, his grip firm yet gentle.
He didn't speak. He just held her.
When her sobs softened, he peeled off his sweatshirt and gently draped it over her shoulders.
"It's okay," he murmured. "You're safe now."
Still sniffling, Cee clutched the sweatshirt tightly, her fingers gripping the fabric as if it were her lifeline.
Carlos reached for his phone and dialed the police.
"There's been an attempted assault," he said, his voice cold and sharp. "We need officers at this location immediately."
After ending the call, he turned back to Cee.
She was still trembling, her gaze lowered.
Without a word, Carlos bent down and scooped her into his arms, carrying her princess-style.
Cee didn't resist.
She buried her face into his chest, and for the first time, let herself feel safe.
Carlos tightened his hold on her.
No one would ever lay a hand on her again.
Not as long as he was alive.Carlos carried Cee to the car, gently buckling her into the front seat. Her hands were still trembling as they clutched the oversized sweatshirt he had given her, her face turned toward the window. She hadn't said a word since they left the alley.
Carlos exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as he drove off.
She didn't deserve this.
As they neared a pharmacy, he made a quick decision to stop. But the moment he unbuckled his seatbelt and reached for the door handle, he felt a small hand grip his sleeve.
He turned and saw her wide, tear-filled eyes.
Her lips trembled as she lowered her head, gripping his sleeve tighter.
Carlos' heart clenched.
"I'll be quick," he said softly. "I just want to get some ointment for your face."
She shook her head, her grip tightening even more, her whole body tense.
Carlos hesitated, then let out a small sigh. "Okay, I won't go," he reassured her.
Her grip didn't loosen, but she relaxed just a little.
He put the car in drive and headed straight to his place.
---
At Carlos and Lucas' Apartment
The moment he parked, Carlos stepped out, went around the car, and scooped Cee into his arms again.
Her arms loosely wrapped around his neck, and her body leaned against his as if she was too exhausted to do anything else.
Lucas was in the kitchen when the door opened. The scent of whatever he was cooking filled the air, but he turned just in time to see Carlos carrying someone inside.
Lucas' eyebrows shot up. "Well, this is new."
Carlos ignored him and walked straight to his room, kicking the door shut behind him.
He gently laid Cee on the bed, brushing strands of hair away from her face. She was still shaken, her fingers clenching the fabric of his sweatshirt.
He tried to stand up, but once again, she gripped his sleeve.
Carlos looked down at her.
Her silent plea held him still.
With a quiet sigh, he lay back down beside her.
Cee inched closer, curling against him.
Carlos hesitated for only a moment before wrapping his arms around her.
She needed comfort. And for some reason, he wanted to be the one to give it to her.
Slowly, her breathing evened out, and she fell asleep.
Carlos lay there for a moment, listening to her soft breaths.
Then, as carefully as possible, he slipped out of bed.
The moment he stepped out of the room, Lucas smirked at him from the kitchen.
"So quick?" Lucas teased. "Damn, don't you last?"
Carlos shot him a death glare. "Shut up."
Lucas laughed. "Alright, alright. So, what happened?"
Carlos ran a hand through his hair and told him everything. Lucas' smirk faded, replaced by a serious expression.
"That bastard is lucky you didn't kill him," Lucas muttered, shaking his head.
Carlos' jaw clenched. "I need you to go to the pharmacy and get ointment for her face."
Lucas nodded. "Got it." He grabbed his keys and left without another word.
Carlos exhaled and rubbed his face before heading back to check on Cee.