WHEN YOU'RE CLOSER

CHAPTER 7

The party went well. His parents introduced me to some acquaintances of them. However, we had to go home after an hour due to Landon's emergency at work. I didn't complain since the party is not my thing, after all.

"You could stay there a little longer, you know," says Landon who's driving me to my apartment. He insisted on driving me home because he said he was the one who invited and fetched me to my apartment so then he said he should also be the one to drop me off. And as he should.

"I couldn't stay at a party that long. Especially if my boyfriend's not there." I say. "I'm tired from work too," I whispered. 

"Hmm? Sorry," says Landon and sighs. 

My forehead furrows. "And why would you be?"

"Because I let you go along with me these past few days." He explained while looking at the road. 

"You have this hobby of saying sorry for the things that aren't your fault, huh?" I smirked and shook my head. 

"It's bad, I know, but I can't help it." 

I nod. "Habit dies hard, indeed. Although, too much is too much, love. You cannot just blurt out that you're sorry for something that is not needed, at all."

He smiles and nods. "Thank you." 

"Practice until you make it, love." I smiled and got out of the car. "And take care, okay? Text me when you get there so I can peacefully sleep." I pointed my fingers at him. 

He salutes. "Yes, ma'am!" 

I chuckle and close the door. I watched his car disappear as I went to my apartment. What a tiring day it is. I went to shower and change then grabbed my dinner since I hadn't had one at the party earlier. It's a simple meal that I paired with alcohol. If there's something habit I have, I can't sleep without drinking. Moderately, of course. To make me dizzy and make me sleep. 

Before I dozed off, I received a text from Landon that indicated he arrived at his work. I didn't reply and let myself sleep. 

The next day, I did nothing special aside from managing the cafe. Landon, on the other hand, didn't visit due to his busy schedule. We both have a tight schedule that takes us a week before we meet personally again. Honestly, I haven't even looked at our situation as if we were pretending. As if all of this is natural — all of this is not an act. Maybe because we haven't looked at it as a deal. As for me, no. I'm just helping him, from my perspective. 

"My poor love," I say and slightly pout. 

Because of his tight schedule, he does not even take care of his health which leads to his fever. He is sick as of the moment and I'm here at his place. Thankfully, the security accompanied me through there. It's a huge building as what the outside looks like. Unlike my sixth-floor apartment, his place has so many floors that could even reach the sky. 

"Overworking yourself," I whispered and sighed. "You just took a break and then you're here, sick?" 

"Stop nagging, hmm?" he says pouting. 

I scoff. "Fine, then." I gave up. There's no use in doing so. "Just please, take care of yourself."

"Will do, love. Will do," he muttered and smiled gently. "Thank you for coming." 

"I'm worried, of course. You're my friend, after all." I shrug. 

He acted as if he was hurt. "Friend? Not girlfriend?" 

"Whatever you say," I blow an air. "Take a nap while I cook your food." 

He followed what I said and closed his eyes. While I make my way to his kitchen. I need to cook him a porridge. It will be good for his fever. It took me a while before I finished making one since I was not familiar with his kitchen. His apartment is huge.