IMAAN'S FIGHT & OTHER STORIES

TOXIC OBSESSION

Ichika

He looked so peaceful in his slumber, his breaths escaping gently through his slightly parted lips. His head was tilted forward, his wavy green hair cascading over his face like a curtain. I fought the urge to tilt his head back, longing to gaze upon his masculine beauty once more. But waking him up would be a bad idea; he was exhausted from our long drive here. I knew he would awaken when he was well-rested.

An idea suddenly struck me, and a smile spread across my face in excitement. I decided to prepare his favorite meal for him once he woke up. I was certain that this gesture would make him love me even more.

Skipping happily out of the room, I made my way to the kitchen and rummaged through my shelves. Luckily, I had some soba noodles on hand, Casey's favorite. Every time he went out, he would always get soba noodles with grilled steak and spinach salad. Sometimes he would opt for broccoli or eggplants with it. It was always soba noodles, one way or another. On his lazy days, he enjoyed miso noodle soup. I was determined to make him love me just as much as he loved his soba noodles.

My mother used to tell me that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. So I planned to win Casey's heart with soba noodles. I also knew he liked chili lemon crisps and toxic waste sour candy, so I made sure to include those in my preparations. There was no doubt in my mind that he would adore it.

As a part-time chef, my cooking skills were impeccable. I added just the right amount of spice, checked the heat, strained the noodles to the perfect consistency. In no time at all, the food was ready.

Taking pride in my presentation, I used the green ceramics that I had purchased a while ago. The noodles went in a green bowl, while the tumbler and tray were also green. The cutlery matched the theme, with green chopsticks, forks, and table knives. I even prepared a separate bowl of diced kiwi fruits, knowing that Casey loved them. I knew he would appreciate the effort I put into it.

Although I wanted to take a picture and share it on my Instagram, I remembered that Casey and I had come here to disconnect from the world. Plus, the cabin we were staying in had no WiFi.

With the tray in hand, I walked carefully towards Casey's room. As I approached, I heard the rattle of chains, indicating that he was awake. Nervous yet excited, I resisted the impulse to drop the tray and hurriedly put on some more makeup, wanting him to see me as flawless and beautiful.

"I look good," I whispered to myself. "I am beautiful, and Casey will love me."

With my confidence slightly boosted, I took a deep breath, pushed the door open with my foot, and entered the room. The sight of the gorgeous man before me instantly caught my attention. He stopped tugging at the chains as soon as I walked in, lifting his head slowly. His messy green hair fell behind, revealing his face, although a few strands remained stuck to his forehead.

His hazy green eyes stared at me in confusion before shifting down to his chained wrists. It was clear that he was still trying to comprehend his surroundings. Then, he looked back at me. His dazed gaze weakened my knees, my fingers tightening around the tray, causing my knuckles to turn white.

Casey had a boyish look, with thick chestnut eyebrows and greenish-blue eyes. His upturned nose and narrow pink lips were complemented by a well-sculpted jaw that could cut through diamond. Dark brown spots trailed from his right jaw to his collarbone, creating an interesting contrast against his tan skin. Despite his imperfect appearance, he was a perfect mess, and I loved every part of him.

"What... happened... where... am I...? Who... are... you?" he asked groggily, lazily shaking his head while blinking rapidly, trying to alleviate his dizziness. The effects of the drug still lingered, making him disoriented.