/A romantic novel with some features of a dystopia close to reality/
Vivian lives in a world where everything must go according to the plan.
Order and security are the foundation of this world, as well as total control and painful punishment for th...
"You mean you're gonna stay like this all night?" Leo asks me mockingly.
Vivian fell asleep leaning on my shoulder. I try my best not to move so as not to wake her up - can't imagine how tired she must be by now.
"Yes, if it's what she needs," I reply dryly, hoping he will get where I'm going with this and will finally stop talking.
"Take her to the bed, it will be better for everyone," my friend gets all wise.
Vivian begins to stir and eventually wakes up.
I stare up with smoldering eyes at the chatterbox who's guilty.
"I need to take a shower, otherwise I can't go to a clean bed," Vivian purrs to herself.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? You can barely stand on your feet," I can't help but remark warily.
"It's all right," the girl gets up from the couch, leaning on me, and walks towards the bathroom.
"Vivian!"
"Yes?"
"Don't you need towels and clothes to change?" I shout to get to her.
She comes back, confused, "Yes, thank you, I do."
It's impossible not to admit that Vivian is insanely adorable when she's sleepy.
I go to my room and the girl follows me like a tail, with half-closed eyes.
When I open the wardrobe doors, I hear a soft chuckle.
"It's funny how you bought me clothes of so many different colors, when yours are only of black, white and gray shades," Vivian comments.
"Not only, but for the most part, yes. I think life-affirming colors are more suitable for you. They reflect your spirit accurately," I explain. "Besides, you are now in search of your style. You can try on whatever your heart desires."
While talking, I'm going through my stuff to pick up something for her to sleep in. Apart from T-shirts, there are probably no other options.
"I'll give you the longest T-shirt I can find," I promise.
Vivian is watching me with interest, or maybe she is just sleeping with her eyes open.
"Aiden, just give me the first one you get, I really want to sleep," she snatches the T-shirt from my hands and is about to leave the room.
"Towels," I remind her.
She turns abruptly, like a soldier, and holds out her hands.
"Here you go. Please be careful in the bathroom," I can't help but warn her gently.
I head back to the living room, where Leo is sprawled on the couch, shamelessly consuming popcorn.
We are both watching TV when the bathroom door opens and closes.
Vivian walks past us to my room.
"Is she wearing your T-shirt?" Leo gasps at the sight.
"What else could I give her? I don't have any women's clothes just in case," I clarify.
"Lucky bastard," he laughs, shaking his head.
It turns out Vivian didn't go to my room, but to the room where I placed her that very first night.
I really want to be closer to her.
Will she notice if I hug her a little from behind?
The girl must have already fallen asleep soundly...
I move as close as it can be considered decent and inhale the scent of her hair. She didn't wash it with my shampoo, it still smells like some sweet fruit.
I slowly raise my hand to put it on Vivian's waist and suddenly hear her voice.
"Aiden, will you tell me about Olivia?" she asks drowsily.
I sigh, facing the inevitable.
"I promise I will tell you when I'm ready," I assure her.
"Okay, I believe you," she whispers, and from now on nothing can make me feel more confident, strong and...alive, than the realization that this kind girl believes me, and most probably in me.
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