Second chance to love you

Unexpected Visitors (edited)

"Don't fear change, just make sure you have a good punchline ready!"

"Life is too short to take change seriously. Embrace it with a smile!"

Victoria ( up)

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"Ethan, talk to me, what's going on? You're clutching those painkillers like they're a lifeline. Are you hurt somewhere?"

Ethan gave her a bewildered look as if she was the one out of sorts. "I should be the one asking you that question."

"No, I'm not sick, but I swear I'm about to lose my mind if you keep acting so... so indescribably infuriating! I can't even grasp what's happening anymore!"

With a sigh heavy with weariness, Ethan rubbed his temples, the weight of his world bearing down on him. Out of nowhere, he felt the gentle pressure of small hands joining his, kneading away the tension. His eyes flew open in shock to find Akira tiptoeing to reach him.

"Let me ease your pain. Are you alright? You seem so worn out," Akira murmured with a tenderness that belied her small stature.

"What in the world..." He recoiled, but his retreat was halted by the bed at his back. He collapsed onto it, his breath hitching in disbelief. This couldn't be real!

"Akira, please, just... just stop. I need a moment, a timeout. My sanity's hanging by a thread here," he pleaded as he stood up hastily, putting space between them. Akira moved closer, but he raised a hand to halt her.

"I have to call Caius. I need more of these pills for my splitting headache, and I have to check if that scoundrel has overdosed you," he muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his pinched features.

There was a knock on the door, bringing her back to reality. Albert walked in gracefully.

"Um, young master we have some unexpected guests.' Albert's face was weary, uncertain. Ethan took the opportunity to escape that Albert graciously offered. Anything to give his mind a break.

"I'm coming right there" Ethan replied.  Albert nodded, bowing before leaving. Ethan turned to Akira, who he realized never left her gaze off him, her gaze was overflowing with admiration. It was overwhelming. Her eyes penetrated him, gazed deep inside him, searching for his deepest darkest secrets. Too much.

 "I'm going to see the guests, you... you stay here. Don't go anywhere. " he warned her, though he felt nervous under her burning gaze.

He hastily walked to the door until a small hand held his, instantly he felt goosebumps on his arm. He swallowed hard. Akira held him tightly.

"Are you. um ..will you come back?" Her voice sounded thick with an emotion Ethan couldn't decipher. Ethan felt a tug in his heart.

"I am going downstairs, not another country. I will be back. Don't think you can get rid of me that easy."

Akira smiled and hugged his frozen figure, his face was aghast. He reluctantly enjoyed the feel of her small frame against his but could not dismiss the suspicion in his guts.  Wondering if this was her new way of manipulating him. 

Remembering the guests downstairs, Ethan tugged at her arms, reminding her to let go. Akira lifted her head.

"Akira, can you let go now? There are guests downstairs." Ethan reminded her awkwardly, distancing himself from her body. Akira finally snapped out of her dream state. She sheepishly smiled before finally detangling herself. Her movements were quick and elegant.

Suddenly a thought came to her.

" I could come with you!" She spoke excitedly, not willing to separate from him for a minute. The sudden turn of events took time to settle well within her, but she was grasping at the tiniest hope that this was not a dream and she would not wake up cold and alone in a hospital room. The entire situation felt surreal to her. To think she was back in the past and he was alive.