The house was silent. Too silent. Only the faint sound of boiling water filled the kitchen as Kai stood in front of the stove, stirring slowly. The spoon moved in steady circles. Again and again and again.
His eyes were fixed on the pot, but his mind was somewhere else.
"Even if we went back in time… I'd fall for you again." The words echoed...soft...unwanted...persistent.
Kai's grip on the spoon tightened slightly. For a brief moment, a thought slipped in. The way I was obsessed with someone… someone is obsessed with me too. It stayed there, but he didn't like it. His jaw clenched.
"No," he muttered under his breath. The spoon stopped. He exhaled slowly. "Focus." The thought disappeared as quickly as it came. He turned off the stove. The porridge was ready. He poured it into a bowl and carried it down the hallway. Each step was steady. By the time he reached the room, his face was calm again. Rhea was awake. Barely. Her eyes opened slowly as the door creaked. She saw him and smiled. Just like she always did. No fear no anger. Just that same quiet, warm smile. Kai paused for a second. Then looked away. As if avoiding something. He walked closer and sat beside her. Without speaking, he held the bowl out to her. Rhea tried to lift her hand. It trembled. Fell back. She was too weak. Kai watched for a moment. Then sighed softly and picked up the spoon. He scooped a small amount and brought it toward her lips.
"Eat."
Rhea tried. The spoon touched her lips. She swallowed. But her throat refused. She coughed weakly. The porridge slipped back. Her breathing turned uneven for a second before settling again. A faint, tired laugh escaped her. "…maybe I'm dying." Kai looked at her. Really looked this time. Her pale skin. Her weak body. Her fading strength. She met his gaze, and smiled again. That same smile. "Don't worry," she whispered. Her voice was fragile.
"But if I die… I'll take you with me." Kai's expression hardened slightly. Rhea continued, her voice barely holding together, "I don't know what you want…Or why you're doing this…But I'm not leaving you alone." Her eyes stayed on him. "I'll arrest you myself…or we'll die together." Silence...Heavy...Still.
Kai stood up suddenly. The chair scraped against the floor. His control cracked, Just a little. "I should have killed you that day." The words came out sharp. Cold. Without looking at her again, he walked out. The door shut behind him. And the house fell silent once more.
Morning came quietly. Soft light slipped through the curtains. For the first time in days, there was peace. Evan opened his eyes slowly. The world felt still. He turned his head slightly. Noah was beside him. Sleeping peacefully. His face relaxed and breathing steady. Evan watched him for a long moment. Something softened inside him. "How did I live all these years without you…" he murmured quietly. He carefully tried to get up. But before he could, a strong arm pulled him back.
Evan let out a small gasp as he was pulled into warmth.
Noah. Still half-asleep. But smiling. Without opening his eyes, Noah pressed soft kisses across Evan's face. One...Two...Three...Evan laughed softly. "Noah—" Noah finally opened his eyes, a lazy smile on his lips. "Good morning." Evan looked at him. Really looked. There was something in Noah's eyes. Something gentle. But also something tired.
A quiet sadness they both understood without saying anything. They didn't have much time left. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Noah pulled him closer and hugged him tightly.
"It'll be okay," Noah whispered. "I'll protect you."
Evan held him just as tight. "I'll protect you too."
They stayed like that for a few seconds. Holding on. Like time was running out. Because it was. Noah finally pulled back slightly. "Come on," he said softly. Evan frowned. "Where?" Noah gave a small smile. "You have an early appointment." Evan blinked. "…Dr. Graham?" Noah nodded. "Yeah." His expression grew more serious. "We don't have time to waste." Evan understood. He slowly nodded and got up.
Because somewhere, between memory and truth, the answers were waiting.
And time...
Was running out.