Fever (#2 of Drunk-Dazed Series)

Chapter 7: Loss for Words

—————
"For the last time, Jonghyun, it's not a date." I snapped at my friend. "It's Riki's last therapy session next week, and I wanted to celebrate. That's why we're going out to eat."

Jonghyun nodded his head. "And you invited her kids as well?" "Yes, and she agreed."

"That's a disaster waiting to happen, Heeseung."

I paused and looked him in the eye. "What's wrong with inviting her family?"

"Their father just died, and they're going to eat with a man who's their mom's 'old friend.' Won't they get suspicious?"

"Yes, but we're planning to tell all the kids about me and Y/n's past. We're both keeping secrets that we can't hide forever."

"Interesting," Jonghyun reached over and shook my hand. "I wish you the best of luck, Lee Heeseung. Tell me if you end up becoming their new step—"

I slammed his hand on the table. Jonghyun laughed as I felt my face grow a dark shade of red.

—————
I haven't told the twins about us going out to eat with Riki and Heeseung. It'll be a surprise.

I was preparing for the session when I heard my phone vibrating from my purse. I took it out and saw that it was an unknown number. Reluctantly, I answered it. "This is Sim Y/n speaking."

"Hey Y/n, it's Heeseung."

I jumped in surprise. "Oh, hey Heeseung. How did you get my number?"

I heard him laugh behind the phone. "You don't remember giving me your business card?"

The memory popped in my head, and I mentally slapped myself. "Oh right, I do that to all of my clients."

"It's alright, but I got some bad news for you: we're going to have to cancel the session today. Riki got sent home because of a fever. Which also means we can't go to the celebration dinner either."

"Riki bawled his eyes out when I told him this. I'm so sorry, Y/n."

"Hold that thought, Heeseung; I'll call you back."

Before Heeseung could say anything else, I hung up the phone. Then I grabbed my purse and jacket, walking to Bina at the front desk. "Change of plans, Bina: I'll be going to the client," I stated.

"Wait, how come the boy isn't coming here?" she asked. "He got sick, and he also wanted to be here. So, what's the address?"

—————
I smiled as Y/n scurried away and got into her car. She's so determined about Riki.

She treats him like her own son.

—————
The doorbell rang, and I got up to open it. I nearly dropped the cup of water from my hand. "Y-Y/n?"

The therapist grinned brightly. "Hi, Heeseung! Since Riki isn't able to come to the office, I decided to come to him. Is he awake right now?"

"Y-yeah, he's awake. I think he'll be happy to see you." God, Heeseung, why are you stuttering in your words? Y/n is being nice and brought the therapy here.

I closed the door and led her to Riki's room. I quietly knocked on his door. "Riki, are you awake?" "Yeah," his faint voice answered.

"Okay, I have a surprise for you..."

When I opened the door, Riki was lying down in bed as his eyes lit up. "Miss Y/n?"

"Hey, Riki, how are you?" she walked to him and held his hand. "I'm kind of cold, but I'm so happy you're here."

Y/n awed at his cuteness, and so did I. "Well, I will let you two go ahead and start. I'll—"

"Heeseung, you're in the last session too." she said, "Come on,"

Y/n pulled two chairs from Riki's table, and I took my spot next to her. "Miss Y/n, where's your clipboard?" Riki asked. "I don't need it."

"We'll talk whatever you wanna talk about."

—————
A few minutes later, Riki fell asleep. The boy was tucked firmly under his blankets, and he was quietly snoring.

Heeseung and I walked out of his bedroom, closing the door. We walked to the living room and sat on the couch. "Gosh, thank you so much, Y/n; you brighten up Riki's day," said Heeseung.

"No problem! I'm just glad that he was happy to see me." I said. There was an awkward silence. Heeseung looked at his watch while I looked around and fiddled with my hands. "Are you still doing that?"

I looked up at him. "Doing what?"

"Messing with your hands."

Out of nowhere, Heeseung grabbed my hands. "I remember back in college that you would mess with your hands all the time when you were worried about something."

Wait, I did?

Heeseung continued to play with my hands. "Something's bothering you, isn't it?" I exhaled. "I wouldn't say it's bothering me. Um, I've been trying to find Riki's older sister, and I finally located her."

"Are you serious?" Heeseung squeezed my hands, and I nodded. "Yes. Naeun lives with her maternal grandmother, but the grandmother's health is starting to decline. I've been trying to find the girl's parents too, but there's no sign of them."

"Do you know where they live at?"

"A couple of hours from here. I forgot what's the city called."

"Wow, Y/n, I'm impressed." Heeseung said, "How did you locate Naeun anyways?" I smirked cheekily and closed my eyes. "A girl never reveals her sources."

"Hm, I never heard that saying before."

"Well, you heard it today from me."

We both laughed out loud. I didn't even notice that we were still holding hands. Finally, I pulled my hands out and stood up. "I have to go pick up my kids now. I had a great time here."

"Wait, Y/n."

—————
I stood up as well and looked her in the eye. "I know this last session was also supposed to be the last time I'm seeing you, but...uh..."

I couldn't get the words out. However, Y/n continued to wait. "It's alright, Heeseung. Just go ahead and let the words out."

"Would you like to eat dinner with me this weekend?"

—————
I was at a loss for words too, and I think my mouth dropped open.

Heeseung saw by expression, and his eyes grew wide. "I don't mean like a date. I just meant as friends. Like—" I patted his head, catching him off guard.

"Of course I will."

—————
I don't remember if I made Y/n do the hand thing in the last book, but I added it anyway.
Thanks for reading, and don't forget to vote and follow!