I will never be the same without you...

Chapter 57

song: Surfaces, "Sunday Best"

Even after Zon left, I couldn't stop feeling giddy. This morning's fun had been worth every single flame and my smile widened at the memory. I grabbed some coffee, still in awe. Each time Zon allowed himself to take control had been phenomenal. Seeing his playful and adventurous side come out was an absolute blast. Grinning like a fool, I focused on doing the little bit of work I had, and sat down at my desk with renewed intent.

A few hours had passed when my phone pinged.

— (Zon) Zol wants to go for dinner and we been summoned. Wdyt?

— (Saifah) Sounds good. Where should I meet you?

— (Zon) Nw... Zol's coming to get you.

— (Saifah) huh... ok. Give her my # so she txt when she's here.

— (Zon) kk... 🥰💖

I closed my computer and got ready, hoping that the ride with Zol would be relaxed. Within a half hour, I found myself squeezed into the passenger seat of her tiny car, my knees against the dash and my head to the ceiling, cursing my height.

"Hey Zol, thanks for the ride."

"Hey Saifah. No problem. I owe you at least that for making you go out for dinner."

She grinned, looking so happy about this impromptu get together that I couldn't help smile back.

"It's ok, it'll save me having to cook for dinner."

"My brother is a lucky man."

"Agreed."

We both smiled, and spent the rest of the way chatting about her upcoming book release and the story that had inspired her. She quickly found a parking spot, but didn't get out of the car right away.

"Sai... I wasn't the one who blabbed to Zen. I'm sorry it happened."

"Don't worry about it. It's ok, Zol."

The tension in her face eased, her frown lines smoothing out and her upbeat expression coming back.

"Ok then. Let's do this."

We were meeting our men at a Japanese restaurant, Zol's favourite, and found them chatting in a quiet corner. I greeted Zen as I sat beside Zon. Zol went around to hug her brother before taking a seat. As we waited for our food, having missed Zon more than I liked to admit, I reached under the table to discreetly pat his leg. He responded with a bright smile that made my heart flutter.

"Zon, what happened to your hand? Are you ok?"

Zol looked at the bandage with a slightly worried expression.

"Oh, yes. I'm ok, just a small accident."

I couldn't help myself, "He cooked breakfast." And Zol didn't miss the chance to tease her brother.

"Oh my goodness! Saifah, is your kitchen alright?"

We all burst out laughing, even Zon who remembered the apocalyptic vision of the morning. I looked at Zol, mournful.

"It survived but it's still touch and go."

Laughter redoubled. Zon wiped tears from his eyes, while Zol and Zen held onto each other. It took a while before we eventually all calmed down. Zon, half laughing half crying, looked at me.

"You horrible boyfriend, how could you sell me out this way. I'm never going to live this down."

He tried to sound reproachful, but the creases at the corner of his eyes gave him away.

"I'm sorry baby, I promise I'll make it up to you." I winked at him.

Zol made a gagging noise and Zen looked at us in disgust.

"Zol, cancel dessert, these two just made me feel nauseated."

Zen's comment was met with chuckles, and the rest of the evening proceeded just as merrily. The food was delicious and the company very enjoyable. It gave me an inkling about what having siblings was like. It was nice to feel like I belonged.

Zol picked up the tab, stating it was her treat, which Zon contested. They spent the next few minutes bickering, while Zen caught my gaze, shaking his head in silent warning to stay out of it. Eventually, all was sorted out and we were saying our goodbyes outside when Zen looked at Zon with an strange expression.

"Err... Zon, what about the boys?"

Grabbing my arm, Zon looked like a deer in headlights.

"Oh crap, I didn't think about that. We got to tell them or they're going to string me by my thumbs."

I squeezed his hand gently.

"I would love to see everyone. How about we all get together for drinks soon?"

Zen and Zol smiled at me and Zon relaxed.

"That sounds good. We haven't met in a while, so it'll be a good excuse."

After a few more comments, we finally took leave of each other and headed home. Zon was quiet for most of the ride back.

"Are you ok?"

"Oh yes. I was just thinking about the guys. I don't want them to discover this like Zen. It was my mom who blabbed by the way. She forgot that he didn't know."

"Oh dang, that sucks."

"Yeah... Zol already told her to be careful until we've told everyone... I also don't want my phone to explode because of their messages."

I was happy and relieved to hear him joke.

"Are you anxious about telling everyone?"

"Oh no, not at all." He smiled brightly.

———

Finally ready for sleep, I held him and caressed his head, which had become our nightly routine.

"I had a great time tonight. I really like them."

"I'm glad. It's the first time that I've had an enjoyable double date you know."

That surprised me.

"Really?"

"Yeah, the few times we've gone out with... well... my ex, he'd ended up demanding to leave early, or saying something uncomfortable. So, we stopped altogether."

"That must have sucked.... I'm glad we can enjoy this together."

"Yeah, me too. I... I really liked it. I missed it."

I gave him a squeeze and kissed his head. I felt sad for his younger self who ended up getting cut off from the people he enjoyed spending time with. I took a few deep breaths, curiosity getting the best of me, and asked him about his meeting with Zen.

"Hmm, it was a little tense at first, but once I explained he was very supportive."

"That's great."

He gave me more details, specifying that he did not disclose my story, and happily mentioned how much better he felt. I was thankful for his friend and this wonderful evening.

"Hmmm, this is the best part of the day." He squeezed me a little tighter.

"Agreed."

He started yawning and his head grew heavy on my chest. I turned down the light and settled in to sleep, keeping him cuddled up to my side.

"Sai, thank you for coming for dinner and for being nice to them."

"Anytime. You're welcome, my Zon."

And with that we both happily drifted off to sleep.