WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 7: Unconscious Feelings

"Allow me to take you both back home," Ezekiel proposed after arriving on the dry land.

"No... You can't, Ezekiel. Your team needs you...," Athanasia pointed to Lucas with her thumb, "I will make do with this guy."

"You heard her, now give me your key," Lucas said, "I will drive her home then return your car back to the spot."

Ezekiel hesitated at first but managed to pull the key from his pocket.

The pain inside Athanasia's head slowly intensified so she excused herself and walked ahead of them.

"I will see you two in the parking lots," Ezekiel said, stepping forward only to be blocked by his friend.

Lucas let out a low-sinister whisper, "It's fine. I'm here."

Lucas left Ezekiel without saying another word. When he saw how Athanasia hugged herself right next to the car, finding comfortable warmth from his jacket, he sped up. "Let's go," said Lucas before placing his hand on her back gently, signaling her to go inside the car.

Lucas drove quietly. But just for a moment. It was too quiet for his liking.

Switching his gaze from the road to the person beside him whenever possible, Lucas asked, "Are you okay? You are usually very loud."

"Wow. Thanks for asking," She laughed weakly along with her sarcasm, "Let's see. Almost drown, a bit cold. I'm perfectly fine."

"I wish your clumsiness would be the one to drown."

"I am not clumsy. I slipped."

"Same thing, idiot."

"Will you stop calling me that?"

"When you stop being one, then I will consider it," He smirked and looked at her in the corner of his eye, "Shut up and sleep. I will wake you up when we are there."

Athanasia was too sleepy to argue further. She adjusted the seat and rested her eyes. Little did she know, enervation took over, and she was fast asleep the moment her eyelids closed.

Not wanting her to stay in that state anymore, Lucas drove faster, and it did not take long before they reached their houses. Instead of waking her up, he got off the car silently and walked to her house, and rang the bell.

"Lucas? I didn't know you would be back so soon," Lilian said as she watched the drenched man, standing alone, "And... Why are you all soaked?"

"I will explain everything later. But can you please prepare some warm baths for her?" He asked, gesturing to the car.

"Athy?? Oh, my goddess! What happened?"

"Later, Lilian. I will go wake her up. She needs her rest."

"Please bring her inside for me," Lilian said before disappearing inside, likely heading to the bathroom.

Carefully opening the car's door, Lucas observed her figure. He felt a faint discomfort in his stomach toward what he was seeing. Scarlet-pink lips were once the original color. Now was left with paleness instead.

Lucas gulped.

There was a brief moment when he felt his heartbeat become jagged when he was staring at her lips.

Mentally punching himself in the face, Lucas omitted the strange feeling he was having and focus on the task at hand.

"Princess... Wake up. We are here."

There was no response. Lucas tapped her cheek gently with the back of his hand. The coldness didn't surprise him anymore. After a few more attempts, Athanasia woke up and looked at him.