"May I kiss your forehead, Crimson?" She doesn't recoil or say a word, so I press my lips gently against her forehead. It's a tender and fleeting moment, but it fills me with a warmth that I can't explain.
"Just because a relationship has an expirat...
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DREXEL GENESIS
My body jolts as if struck by lightning so abruptly when I feel the coolness in my nape. I rub my neck, sensing the sudden dampness and gaze upwards, only to find myself met with curious honey-brown eyes. The idea that I had passed away and an angel was now gazing upon me hit me so unexpectedly that I leap up from my seat, causing the girl in front of me to startle.
"Hello, Drexel," she repeats, lightly chuckling in amusement.
"C-Crimson! You shouldn't scare people like that!" I stutter, failing to avoid my embarrassment. "Sorry, here..." she hands me a tissue and I take it and lightly dab my neck dry.
I force a smile for Crimson, my heavy heart easing a bit at the sight of her. "What brings you to the hospital?" I ask, scanning her for any signs of injury or illness. "Are you okay?"
Crimson shakes her head quickly, "My father hurt his leg. It's not serious, but he needs to take some tests. He's resting now, and I'm just killing time."
"I see, I hope he gets well soon," I reply, offering a sympathetic smile. She gives me an appreciative smile and turns the focus on me, "But... why are you here? Is everything okay?" she asks, and I slowly sink back into my seat, contemplating my response.
I take a moment to consider my words, but it seems like I've taken too long to answer, as Crimson sits down next to me, looking worried. She places a gentle hand on my shoulder and asks, "Drexel? What's wrong?"
The question seemed simple enough, but the answer was far from it. Everything felt wrong. Should I open up to her and reveal everything? We've only known each other for two months...but...
I stand up and extend my hand, hoping she'll take it so I can gather the strength I need to move forward. "Come with me," I say, and without question, she places her soft hand in mine. Goosebumps form on my skin from the warmth of her touch as I lead her towards the closed room in front of us. With a deep breath, I open the door.
The room was shrouded in darkness, so I open the balcony door and curtains to let in some fresh air. Crimson's curious gaze fixes on the unmoving figure lying on the hospital bed. I flash her a tight smile and made my way to the bed, with her following behind me. For a moment, the only sound that filled the room was the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor.
I reach out and take the hand of the motionless body on the bed, then turn to Crimson. "This is my Uncle, Emmett," I introduce him. I glance back at my uncle, and watch his brown hair combed back and closed eyes, "Uncle Emmy, meet Crimson," -the girl I like- but I refrain from adding that.
Crimson gulps nervously as she steps closer to me and stands by my side. She gives a small bow and greets my uncle, "Uhm, h-hello, Uncle Emmett." But of course, there was no response. As she notices my unwavering gaze, she places her other hand on my back and lightly circles her fingers on my clothed skin, making me tremble and then deflate into a calming sense.
