Sometimes in life, there are moments so full of happiness that they feel like treasures—fragile, fleeting, yet precious enough to make you wish time would freeze, so you could live in them until dawn. That's what I'm living right now.
Since last night, Leo has changed. Not in appearance, but in the way he carries himself around me. He's gentler now, softer, looking after me as though I'm something… someone… important to him. His touch, his words, even the way his eyes linger on me—it's as if he's treating me like his partner.
And yet, behind all that warmth, I still catch glimpses of something else in his eyes. Remorse. The shadow of that incident between us lingers, even though neither of us has spoken about it since. I don't know if I should bring it up, or if it even matters anymore. Because right now, I love the way things are. And a selfish part of me wishes they could stay like this forever.
After breakfast, Leo had to leave early for a meeting—work that couldn't wait. I stayed behind, alone with the silence of his condo. The day slipped by faster than I realized, morning melting into evening while I lay sprawled across the couch, staring out at the endless sky and sorting through the mess inside my mind.
No matter how much I tried to distract myself, my thoughts always circled back to him—Leo. And, of course, Zara's teasing words about us being more than just… whatever we are. I don't know what to call these feelings yet. They're nothing like what I've felt in the past, deeper and more unsettling, as though they're growing roots inside me.
And no matter how much I fight it, something inside me keeps whispering that I should tell him. That I should finally let him know. But another part of me—louder, heavier—is scared. Scared to face it, scared to put it into words. It feels as if there are two versions of me locked inside my chest, arguing endlessly, each pulling me in opposite directions.
My thoughts were interrupted by a low growl. At first, I froze, glancing around the room as though someone else was there. Then it came again—longer, louder. My ears traced it back to its source. My stomach.
I sighed, a hand instinctively resting against it. The wall clock read 6:45 p.m. I hadn't eaten since breakfast, too lost in my own head to notice the hours slipping away. No wonder my body was complaining.
Dragging myself off the couch, I headed into the kitchen. But the moment I opened the fridge, I froze. Empty. Not just the fridge—every cupboard, every cabinet. Not a single packet of chips, not even scraps from breakfast. How on earth had Leo managed to cook for me this morning when this place was practically barren?
Still, like every cloud hiding a silver lining, this gave me an idea. For once, it wouldn't be him taking care of me. It would be my turn. I'd surprise him with dinner—cook something for him with my own hands.
Excitement flickered in my chest as I grabbed my wallet from the table. Pulling on a long coat to shield me from the chill, I slipped into my shoes and stepped outside. The evening air bit at my skin, but the thought of Leo's reaction kept me warm.
The convenience store wasn't far. In fact, it was the same store where I had bumped into him for the second time—the memory of that awkward, embarrassing encounter spiraled into my mind and made me smile. With that memory fueling me, I began filling my basket with the essentials. Tonight, it was my turn to take care of him.
I was so happy there was no end to it. My smile stayed with me through every aisle, every step, every item I placed in my basket. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this light. This alive. After paying for the groceries, I left the store, still grinning, and made my way back toward the condo.
Soon, I reached the entrance of the tall building. But just as I was about to step inside, a hand shot out and yanked me back with such force that the bags in my arms tumbled to the ground.
My heart lurched.
I spun around, my eyes meeting a stare I never wanted to see again. Those eyes—burning with rage, hunger, and something twisted—froze me in place. My gaze traveled up and down, confirming what my heart already knew.
"Finally found you, Jake."
The voice was low, unsettling, laced with obsession.
"Alex…" His name slipped past my lips, heavy and bitter. My hand immediately slipped into my pocket, fumbling for my phone. His presence, his expression, everything about him screamed danger. I stepped back, instinctively trying to put distance between us.
"You know, I've been searching for you for so long. Do you have any idea how much I missed you?" His tone was wrong—too sweet, too sharp, drenched with obsession. My stomach twisted.
"You should go back, Alex," I said firmly, forcing strength into my voice even as my pulse raced.
He smirked, shaking his head. "I missed you too much. And I'm not leaving until you come with me."
Before I could react, he lunged forward, his hand clamping around my wrist like iron. His grip burned, unyielding, as he began dragging me toward a car parked at the curb.
"Let me go!" I shouted, my voice echoing off the alley walls. But the street was empty—no one came. "Alex, let go of me!" I struggled, twisting, pulling, but his fingers were locked around me with cruel strength.
Despite my resistance, he forced me closer to the car, flinging open the passenger door. The cold metal pressed against my back as he tried to shove me inside. Panic clawed at my chest.
Then—suddenly—the grip vanished.
A loud thud echoed against the pavement. I turned, wide-eyed. Alex was sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.
And standing over him, breathing hard, was Leo.
My knees nearly gave out in relief as Leo reached for me, pulling me gently against him. One of his arms wrapped securely around my waist, grounding me, while his other hand brushed carefully against my head, checking me for injuries.
"You're safe," he murmured, his voice low and steady, though his eyes were sharp, blazing with fury at Alex.
"You should have never come back, Alex." Leo's voice was calm, but every word carried fire. His eyes locked on Alex like a predator fixing on prey.
Slowly, he loosened his hold on my waist, his touch lingering just long enough to reassure me before he stepped toward Alex. His movements were deliberate, each step echoing with restrained fury.
When he reached him, Leo bent down, close enough that his breath brushed against Alex's ear. His voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper—quiet, but cutting like a blade.
"If you ever lay a hand on him again… if you so much as touch his shadow, I swear I will cut through your heart and watch you bleed until not a single drop remains in your body."
The venom in his words sent a shiver down my spine. He wasn't shouting, he didn't need to. His threat was cold, sharp, and terrifyingly real.
Then, without waiting for Alex's response, Leo straightened. He turned, his fury melting the moment his eyes met mine. He reached for my hand, his grip warm and steady, pulling me gently but firmly away.
Without another word, he led me inside the building, leaving Alex behind in the darkness.