「 bewitched 」 ᴋᴀʏɴ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

chapter VII

Days turned into a blur as you found yourself caught in the whirlwind of controversy surrounding Kayn's ability to shadow walk. Yone, the ever-watchful producer and a key figure in HeartSteel, had sternly prohibited Kayn from making any visits to your place. The fallout from the articles had prompted a cautious approach, and the spotlight now felt like a double-edged sword.

The photo of Kayn at your window had been swiftly taken down from the internet, and the initial speculation had died down. However, the repercussions lingered, affecting your daily routine. Concerns about potential encounters with paparazzi or fans led you to choose the safety of your home over the uncertainties outside.

As a result, you decided to skip classes and take a week off of your part-time job at the café. The confines of your home became a sanctuary, shielded from the prying eyes of a world that seemed increasingly intrusive.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the suburban landscape, you found yourself immersed in a sea of textbooks and notes. The upcoming finals were looming, and the need to catch up on missed classes grew more urgent.

Your phone buzzed, interrupting the monotonous rhythm of studying. It was a message from Kayn, a name that had become synonymous with both excitement and turmoil in your life.

kayn: hey, [Name] 

kayn: i know it's been a while 

kayn: how are you holding up?

You sighed, a mixture of gratitude welling up within you. Replying to Kayn, you shared the challenges you faced due to the imposed hiatus. The feeling of being cooped up, disconnected from the world outside, gnawed at you.

you: skipped a lot of classes this week, but i'm doing okay

Kayn's response came swiftly, his words carrying sincerity and regret.

kayn: i hate that you're stuck in this mess because of me

kayn: once things settle down i promise i'll make it up to you

You smiled softly at his words, double tapping his last message to leave a heart react. You let out a soft sigh, closing your phone before bringing your attention back to your books. 

Days turned into nights, and the routine of studying became an escape from the relentless storm of controversy. You busied yourself with countless study sessions, occasionally standing up from your desk to print reviewers or get something to eat. 

The soft hum of your laptop and the rhythmic scratch of your pen on paper became the soundtrack of your sequestered existence. The world outside your window carried on, indifferent to the challenges you faced. Despite the isolation, there was a strange sense of tranquility in the routine, an anchor amidst the chaos.

Lost in the sea of textbooks and deadlines, the memory of Kayn became a distant echo in the recesses of your mind. The promises of making it up to you, the regrets in his messages – they lingered briefly before being swept away by the demands of academia.

One evening, as you delved into a particularly challenging chapter, a doorbell disrupted the monotony. It rained again tonight, the wind being a little tad strong and the constant shower of water.

Startled, you glanced at the clock. It was an unusual hour for visitors, and the caution instilled by recent events prompted a momentary hesitation.

The doorbell persisted, a steady rhythm that danced with the rain outside. Cautiously, you left your room and approached the door, peering through the peephole. To your surprise, it was Kayn, his hood pulled low, almost shielding his features entirely.

With a mix of confusion and curiosity, you opened the door. Kayn stood there, raindrops clinging to his jacket, his expression a blend of uncertainty and determination.

"Hey," he greeted, his voice a tad sheepish. "Mind if I come in for a bit?"

"Kayn? What are you-" You paused, before sighing. "Get inside." You scolded, ushering him in. 

The rain had transformed him from the rockstar he is to a mere visitor seeking shelter. Kayn took off his hood, revealing a mop of damp hair, a stark contrast to the usual flamboyance.

"I know I'm not supposed to be here, but I needed to see you," he admitted, glancing around the room as if searching for something.

You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose. "You shouldn't be here. Yone was clear about this."

His gaze met yours, a mixture of regret and longing in his eyes. "Sorry, I guess I just.. These past days have been... suffocating. And I really just wanted to see you."

You sighed, torn between empathy and the understanding that rules had to be followed. "Kayn, you know this is risky. What if someone sees you?"

He ran a hand through his damp hair, frustration etched across his features. "I get it. I messed up. I just... I needed a break from all the chaos. Can we talk for a bit? Then I'll leave."

Reluctantly, you nodded, guiding him to the living room. Raindrops continued their rhythmic dance against the windows, creating a backdrop to the conversation that hung heavy in the air.

"I never wanted you to get caught up in this mess," Kayn admitted, his eyes reflecting genuine remorse. "I didn't think things would get so out of control."

You sighed, understanding the complexity of his emotions. "It's not entirely your fault. We'll figure it out, don't worry."

You let out a soft sigh and turned to look at him, "What's important is that we got hold of the situation."

"Magic stuff has always been a norm in this world. Coming from someone who hasn't been blessed with one, I feel like they're just overreacting about finding out about your ability to.. you know."

You and Kayn talked for quite a bit. Noticing his dampened state, you fetched a towel and gave it to him to dry himself off the rain.

"I should probably go." Kayn mumbled softly. "Thanks for letting me in, [Name]."

Just as he turned to leave, you grabbed his firm hand and raised a brow at him.

"Nuh uh." You countered, pulling him back unto the couch. "You're not leaving amidst the rain. Do you wanna get sick?"

Kayn's eyes widened at the way you dragged him back to the couch, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

"Uh- no, sorry. I forgot it was raining."

You chuckled, shaking your head as you let go of his hand.

"Guess you're staying the night again. And this time you better take a shower, you got drenched earlier and I don't want you to get a cold." You scolded, as you got up and went upstairs to your room.

Kayn chuckled behind you as he followed you upstairs. You on the other hand, were busy thinking on what kind of clothes will you lend him this time.

Did he eat dinner yet? Maybe? He did arrive around midnight, maybe he already did.

Just as you were busy with your thoughts, a loud crackle of thunder erupted from the outside, causing you to jolt in surprise.

Unfortunately, it also caused you to lose your balance, your body slipping backwards as you cursed at the thunder.

Firm and gentle hands scooped you from behind, preventing your fall. Your face was merely inches away from your savior.

That same monochromatic eyes that you could get lost in. Forever.