After my gym session, I went back to the condo for a proper shower. I was planning to grab dinner at the café afterward—half because I was hungry, and half because of Syron.
I still hadn't properly thanked him. For what exactly, I wasn't sure—saving me from face-planting off a treadmill? Watching me suffer in silence? Still... I owed him something.
Back in the condo, I organized my stuff before heading to the bathroom. Just the usual—shower, skincare, deep sighs of exhaustion. Steam filled the small space, and for a few minutes, everything felt calm.
Then my phone rang. Still dripping wet, I walked out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around me. My phone was charging on the side table. I squinted at the screen.
Unknown number.
My brows pulled together. I stared at the screen for a few seconds, debating.
Right as I reached to swipe, the call cut off. I lowered the phone, confused. Maybe just a spam call?
But then—ding-dong.
The doorbell. I froze. I clutched the towel tighter around me, heart suddenly on edge. I quickly threw on my bathrobe and padded toward the door. With shaky fingers, I peeked through the peephole.
And saw him.
Kevin.
I stumbled back like I'd been slapped. My breathing hitched. My grip on the doorknob loosened as my nerves clenched violently.
He rang the bell again. Nope. I couldn't do this. I turned and ran to my bedroom, slammed the door shut, and slid to the floor like gravity had just given up on me. My hands were shaking—full-on tremors now.
I covered my ears as the doorbell echoed again through the walls, each chime triggering a fresh wave of dread. My heart was thudding wildly. My stomach turned.
The last time I saw him came crashing back in pieces—his face, his voice, the way everything ended. My chest felt tight, like the room was closing in.
I didn't know how long I sat there, blocking everything out. Eventually, the doorbell stopped.
I pulled my hands away from my ears slowly, like the silence itself might hurt me. I sat still for a while longer, waiting... listening...
Nothing. Only then did my body start to loosen, just a little. I tried to stand but nearly dropped again—my knees buckled. I caught myself against the wall and cursed under my breath.
I couldn't stay here. Not with the possibility of Kevin showing up again. Not with the fear clawing at my ribs every time the doorbell rang.
I grabbed a small duffel bag and started tossing things in—some clothes, my chargers, a few toiletries. I wasn't thinking clearly. I just needed to leave.
The house. I could stay there for a while. Somewhere with gates and family and noise. Somewhere he wouldn't think to go. Hopefully.
Bag slung over my shoulder, I returned to the door. My eye hovered over the peephole again—no one. Still, I waited five more seconds.
Then, with one quick breath, I unlocked it and stepped out, locking the door behind me.
The hallway was quiet. I walked fast. Fast, like someone was chasing me. I didn't stop until I got into the elevator, hand over my chest as my heart pounded like a drumline. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until I exhaled.
When I got to the basement, I whispered a silent thank-you to the heavens that I hadn't left the car in the open lot earlier. I tossed my bag into the back seat and got in, locking the doors instantly.
I gripped the steering wheel and took a long, shaky breath. Then I drove.
I parked in front of the café, not quite ready to go home just yet.
The inside lights were still on. I could see the barista behind the counter, a few waiters tidying up—wiping tables, fixing chairs, going through the end-of-day motions like clockwork.
I stayed in the car for a minute, just watching. Something about the normalcy of the place calmed me. The clinking of mugs. The quiet hum of voices. The way life was still... moving.
I wasn't sure if I'd go in. Not yet. But for now, this—this little piece of stillness—was enough.
I craned my neck, trying to see if he was there. But from my angle, I couldn't spot even a shadow of him.
I sighed and finally got out. I grabbed my phone and the paper bag from the passenger seat, then walked toward the entrance. The wind caught me mid-step—strong and cold. It wrapped around my legs and arms like a warning. I hugged myself and picked up the pace.
Inside, the warmth greeted me instantly. I tightened my hold on the bag—Syron's jacket inside. I wasn't sure why I felt nervous. It was just a return. Nothing more.
After placing my order, I headed up to the second floor and settled into the same spot I always chose—the corner with the view. Familiar and a little hidden. Just how I liked it.
Still no sign of him.
I walked slowly, peeking over the banisters and around the corners like some awkward spy. But by the time I reached my table, he was nowhere in sight.
I sat down, deflated. I pulled out my phone and, like the walking cliché that I was, went straight to his profile. He was online. Of course. That only made my frown deepen.
I put the phone down and stood, moving toward the railings. The wind from the open upper floor stirred my hair into a mess, but I didn't care. I just stood there, watching the road stretch out in front of me.
Quiet. Waiting.
"Number 29?"
I turned at the sound. A server stood near my table, holding a tray.
I raised my hand and motioned to the table beside me. He walked over and set down my drink and meal. I sat quietly as he did. I hesitated, then gave in.
"Can I ask something?" The guy paused mid-movement, glanced at me.
"Yes, ma'am? Do you need anything else?"
I swallowed my nerves. "Is Syron here? I just have to return something," I said, gently tapping the paper bag beside me.
He looked at me for a few seconds—longer than expected. Then he glanced at his wristwatch before meeting my eyes again.
"He's on his way," he said simply. I gave a small, polite smile.
"Thank you." He nodded back and turned away.
I exhaled and checked my reflection in the front camera. Still okay. Hair a little wild, dress slightly creased from sitting too long, but passable.
I ate quietly after that, but I couldn't stop myself from glancing at the stairs every few seconds. Each time, hoping. Each time, nothing.
Eventually, I rolled my eyes at myself. I was being ridiculous.
Still... I waited.
I was nearly finished with my food—and still no sign of him. Maybe he got held up. Or maybe the universe just decided it wasn't the moment.
I stood up, grabbing the paper bag. My fingers curled around it with a strange reluctance. Downstairs, I approached the counter.
"Hi," I said gently. "Can I leave this here?"
The girl behind the counter glanced at it, then at me. I offered a small smile.
"This is for Syron," I added. "Could you please give it to him?" She nodded and took the bag carefully. "Thank you." I murmured a quiet thanks and turned to go. I didn't look back.
As I stepped outside, the cold greeted me again—soft this time. I took a breath and reached for my phone.
I pulled up his profile.
@SyronDielle
I left your jacket on the counter. Sorry I didn't get to thank you in person. I'll do it next time we see each other.
I stared at the message for a second. I hit send and tucked my phone away. No second thoughts. No edits.
I stepped out of the café and into the night, the breeze cooler than before. I walked fast—not because I was in a rush, but because standing still felt too close to thinking.
I got to the house without Dad noticing. I wasn't sure if he was holed up in his room or still at the office, but the house was quiet. Too quiet. The kind that makes your own footsteps sound dramatic.
I climbed the stairs slowly, feeling the ache in my legs—not from exercise, but from the weight of everything that had happened today.
Once in my room, I dropped onto the bed with a heavy sigh. The silence pressed down around me like a blanket I didn't ask for.
My legs trembled slightly, still carrying the memory of earlier—Kevin at the door, pressing the bell like he had a right to be there. I never imagined he'd go that far.
If it were just to talk, fine. But that—showing up uninvited, waiting outside—that was different. That was unhinged. Obsessive.
I sat up and started unpacking. Most of my things were still here anyway. The condo was always meant to be temporary—just a place to escape.
Not anymore. Not if Kevin knew where I was.
I showered quickly and slipped into pajamas, trying to scrub off the last bits of tension clinging to my skin. Afterward, I grabbed my phone and opened Instagram, just as I was about to blow-dry my hair.
A notification from Syron popped up.
I paused the blower.
@SyronDielle
I just heard you waited for me? I'm sorry I couldn't come since I had a sudden errand to do. I'll see you around.
That was it. I stared at the message.
It was... dry. Polite. Formal. The kind of message you send to your professor when you miss a group meeting.
I pouted without meaning to. I didn't know if he was trying to keep it cool or if that was just how he was. Or maybe... maybe he just didn't care.
I didn't reply. Just gave it a reaction—a simple emoji. Safe. Distant. Like, noted. Then I closed Instagram, tossed my phone on the bed, and went back to drying my hair.
I plugged my phone in to charge afterward, but I didn't feel like going online anymore. There wasn't really anyone I wanted to talk to. Or maybe I just didn't want to see what else I might find.
I decided to head out for a bit. Just something to clear my head. There was a 7-Eleven nearby, past the guardhouse. Close enough. Bright enough.
I pulled on a jacket, grabbed my wallet and phone, and stepped out. It was already past ten.
The village was quiet but safe. Streetlamps lit the road in soft gold, and the occasional cricket chirp filled the silence. The guards were still on duty—nodding as I passed.
I put in both earphones. No music—just white noise. Just enough to keep my thoughts from being too loud.
Most houses were dark. Most people here slept early, lived quietly. I liked that about our village. Peaceful. Predictable.
I was almost at the corner where I'd turn toward the main road when I stopped. There, not too far off—a tricycle pulled up. And from it, Syron and Claire stepped out.
She was laughing. He was holding her bag. They looked comfortable. Natural. Like it was normal. Like maybe this had happened before.
I didn't move. I didn't breathe for a second. Then, I laughed. I didn't even know why. It just slipped out. A breath, a chuckle, something bitter wrapped in amusement.
I rolled my eyes and turned back the way I came.
"Sudden errand, huh?" I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. I didn't need 7-Eleven after all.