The Last Architects

Chapter Thirty-Two.

 Ema seemed to slowly get better as he ate the bowl of rice and kimchi that I had forced him to sit and eat, and I tried not to stare, busying myself with dishes that I had left out the night prior. I was still worried that more had happened between him and this stranger, and rage slowly boiled in my gut at the thought of them taking advantage of Ema. He was too trusting, unfortunately.

"I'll help you with your studies later. Will you be going to class?" I wiped my hands dry, looking at him.

"Yeah... I think I need to. Besides, I miss seeing everyone. Thank you for everything, by the way... I really am feeling better, I'm not just saying that." He looked up at me with a smile.

"Of course, Ema." I leaned on the wall, crossing my arms. "And, um." I rubbed the back of my head. "Do you think you could teach me to paint?" I just needed him to have something to do other than studies and worry. And I could stuff my pride down for this...

He stared at me for a long moment before giving a bright smile. "That's- aw... Yes, I can! I would love to... are you serious?"

"Yeah, I need to be able to paint designs, not just sketch them. And I am failing the class." I grumbled at the admission.

"...Aww... Your lack of creativity catching up to you?" He laughed softly, lifting his finger to his lip lightly.

"Tch, hardly." I rolled my eyes, "I'd rather just learn another talent. So, I'll get the supplies..." He teared up, getting up and walking to me, slowly bringing his arms around me.

"You can use mine, don't worry..."

"Thank you." I smiled, hugging him back gently, "I appreciate it. A lot."

"Ugh, I should be saying that to you... Should we be heading to class?" He looked up at me, leaning back while taking my hands.

"Mhm, I did your laundry too since it piled up so you should have everything." I ran my thumbs over his knuckles.

"...Why are you being so nice..? It's not like I deserve it from you..."

"I've pondered that same question for about two weeks now, can you believe I don't have an answer?" I chuckled, "you're still annoying, but I like you. If that makes sense."

"...Yeah... You made that much very clear." He winked as he walked to the door, though I picked up a coat of his along with his bag.

"Dumbass." I lifted them, "you are still a little airhead."

"But I have you for that, don't I?" He looked back at me with a smirk and I tossed the coat over his face.

"Only for the bags." I wrapped an arm around his shoulder to lead him down the hallway, "but if you ever become blind, I'd make a great guide, no?" I shook him, his muffled laugh as he pulled off the jacket a relief to hear.

"At least I don't wear my glasses. You're as useless as a real blind person." He took my glasses off smoothly, to which I grabbed onto his shoulder.

"Fine then, I'll trust you to be my guide since you oh so kindly took my sight." I grinned down at his blurry figure.

"...You're cute without your glasses. Have you ever tried contacts?" I blinked when I felt his hand on my cheek, though he dropped it too fast for me to do anything in response.

"I never saw the use... and when I did they stung my eyes so I never tried again." I shrugged, taking his hand so he could guide me. "Don't let me crash into anything or I'm suing you."

"The things I could sue you for in retaliation could land you a life sentence." He laughed, gently squeezing my hand twice. "But don't worry- wow, this is insane..." His voice lowered into a whisper and I turned to face him, judging by his arm position he had put on my glasses.