Golden Chains

019

CHAPTER 019
| First Rain, pt. 2

Together they entered the apartment, Cyrus set the umbrella aside, gesturing for her to make herself at home. "Take a shower. I'll find you clothes," he stated, guiding her toward the bathroom.

Stepping into the shower, "There's no way Cyrus saw me in this state. Damn embarrassing," she thought, clearing the fog from the mirror to glance at her slightly swollen, red eyes.

The hot water cascading down her body provided a soothing balm for her fatigued muscles and frayed nerves. Lost in the comfort of the shower, time slipped away, the rush of emotions slowly ebbing away. However, the awareness of Cyrus waiting outside for her clothing and a towel nudged her back to reality.

"Cyrus!" she called out, her voice echoing through the bathroom. "Hand me the clothes and a towel!"

A few minutes passed, still no response from him, she decided to open the door slightly, "Cy—" before she could finish her words, he appeared before her, a momentary, unexpected eye contact ensued, leaving her flustered as she slammed the door shut, her mind reeling with questions.

"What was that? He did not see me, did he?" she pondered, her heart pounding as if it might leap from her chest at any moment. "I'm leaving clothes and the towel here," his nervous voice echoed through the door, followed by the sound of his retreating footsteps.

With a mix of relief and lingering awkwardness, Serenity dressed in the clothes Cyrus had left for her. The white t-shirt paired with black pajama pants fit her surprisingly well, though the shirt was a tad loose.

Stepping out of the bathroom, she found Cyrus engrossed in his work at his study table, earphones plugged in his ears, When he noticed her, he removed the earphones and inquired, "Is it comfortable for you?"

"Yes, a little too perfect that I'm disappointed," she quipped,

"Why?" he asked,

"I was picturing the kind of movie scene where you'd lend me your big shirt which is so loose that it keeps falling over my shoulder, seducing even a saint like you," she teased, attempting to inject some humor into the awkward moment.

He fell silent before bursting into laughter.

"That's not gonna happen, but sure, keep daydreaming," he chuckled, breaking the tension.

Serenity, struck by the rare sight of Cyrus's laughter, found herself drawn to his side, leaning in closer to where he sat. Her hands rested on the armrests of his chair, a closeness that felt almost intrusive.

"What are you trying to—" Cyrus began, interrupted by Serenity's question, "Am I the first to make you laugh like that?"

"No," he replied.

"Then do you laugh like that with everyone?" she inquired further.

"I don't," he responded.

"Good" Serenity stated firmly, "I'll make sure it's only me who can make you laugh like that" she muttered which did not go missed by him,

"Why?" Cyrus probed, intrigued by her reasoning.

"Because, well, none of your business" she replied mimicking his usual tone, attempting to maintain the lightheartedness of the moment, "Whoa that sounded just like you" she added,

"I don't speak like that," Cyrus asserted.

"You do," Serenity countered with a hint of amusement.

"Dry your hair, it's dripping wet." Cyrus turned his face away, displaying a subtle frustration.