An Unexpected Connection

Bonus 35 - Worry

The night was restless for Alejandro. He tossed and turned in his bed, plagued by a vivid nightmare. In his dream, he saw his little brother, Alan, standing in the middle of a dark alley, scared and alone. Alejandro desperately tried to reach out to him, but his feet felt heavy, as if trapped in quicksand.

Gasping for breath, Alejandro jolted awake, covered in a cold sweat. The nightmare had shaken him to his core. Guilt and fear consumed him as he realized how vulnerable his family was in the dangerous world he had become a part of.

With a lingering unease, Alejandro couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, especially concerning Raihan. He had seen flashes of darkness in Raihan's eyes during their encounters, a hint of pain and turmoil. Alejandro couldn't ignore his gut instinct any longer. He had to make sure Raihan was safe.

In the dead of night, Alejandro mustered his courage and resolved to check on Raihan. Breaking into Raihan's apartment seemed drastic, but Alejandro's worry outweighed any consideration for boundaries. He quietly slipped into the building, his heart pounding in his chest.

As Alejandro approached Raihan's apartment door, nerves rattled his every thought. He hesitated for a moment, contemplating the consequences of his actions. But his concern for Raihan pushed him forward. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, before picking the lock and entering the apartment.

The sound of the door opening alerted Raihan, who was immediately on high alert. He reached for his gun, ready to defend himself. But as he saw Alejandro stepping into the room, his fear melted away, replaced by surprise and relief.

"Alejandro? What are you doing here?" Raihan asked, his voice laced with concern.

Alejandro's voice wavered as he spoke, "I... I had a nightmare, about Alan. I woke up feeling guilty and scared, but... also with a really bad feeling about you. I needed to make sure you were alright."

Raihan's stern expression softened, understanding dawning in his eyes. He holstered his gun and approached Alejandro, his voice gentle. "You could have called, you know? But I appreciate your concern. I'm okay."

Alejandro breathed a sigh of relief, his tense shoulders relaxing. The weight of his worry began to lift as he realized Raihan was unharmed. "I couldn't wait. I needed to see for myself. I care about you, Raihan. I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you."

Raihan reached out, cupping Alejandro's face in his hands. "I care about you too, Alejandro. I understand your fears, your nightmares. But you don't have to face them alone. We're in this together."

Alejandro nodded, a mix of emotions swelling within him. Fear, guilt, love, and gratitude intertwined as he realized how fortunate he was to have Raihan by his side. With their worries momentarily put to rest, they found solace in each other's presence.

Exhaustion finally caught up with them, the adrenaline dissipating into weariness. Raihan led Alejandro to his bed, and they lay down side by side. As they settled under the sheets, their bodies gravitated toward each other, seeking warmth and comfort.

In the safety of Raihan's embrace, Alejandro's racing thoughts gradually slowed. Raihan's steady breathing and the rhythmic beat of his heart eased Alejandro's troubled mind. He closed his eyes, finally succumbing to a peaceful slumber, knowing that Raihan would be there when he woke.

Together, they found solace in each other's arms, finding strength and support in their unbreakable bond. In the stillness of the night, they both found comfort, knowing that no matter what nightmares or challenges they faced, they would face them together.