WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS (BOOK1)

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 22

RUI

As I returned home, I settled in and was about to unwind when my phone buzzed with a message. It was from Iris, the girl I had offered to share my apartment with. The text explained that she had a family emergency and wouldn't be able to move here anymore. She thanked me for my offer but said she had to decline.

I couldn't help but find it a bit strange. Just earlier, she had seemed excited about moving in, and now she had a sudden family emergency? It made me wonder if there was more to the story.

I sighed and texted her back, wishing her all the best and hoping that everything would be alright with her family. After that, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. It was as if something wasn't adding up, and I was left with more questions than answers.

As I reflected on the events of the day, my thoughts naturally drifted to my time with Ruvik. It was odd how someone I had thought to be a troublemaker had turned out to be someone I could tolerate—and maybe even be friends with. Our sarcastic banter, the flirtatious teasing, and the unexpected moments of laughter had made the day surprisingly enjoyable.

But amidst all the joking, there was something deeper. A connection that I couldn't quite explain. It was like peeling back layers to reveal a person I hadn't expected, and I found myself curious to know more. Maybe there was more to Ruvik than met the eye, just as there was more to Iris's sudden change of plans.I leaned back and sighed, realizing that the day had been a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists.

I woke up to the smell of something delicious, and as I headed to the kitchen, I found Taylor cooking up a storm. I was overjoyed and gave her a big hug.

"Taylor, you're back !" I exclaimed.

She chuckled. "Well, I thought I'd surprise you with some breakfast. Sit down, let's eat!”

Sitting down for breakfast with Taylor felt like a comforting routine, and as we dug into our plates, I couldn't help but wonder how Taylor's mom was doing. "Hey, Taylor," I began, "how's your mom holding up?"

Taylor's eyes softened, and she let out a sigh. "She's a fighter, Rui. She's hanging in there, showing her usual strength."

I nodded, appreciating her mother's resilience. But before the conversation could take a somber turn, Taylor changed the subject with her trademark enthusiasm. "Alright, spill the beans! What's been happening around here? You've been dropping hints, and I'm dying to know."

I chuckled and launched into a detailed retelling of everything – the whirlwind encounters with Ruvik and Rupert, the surprisingly successful book event, the sudden change in Iris's plans – all of it. Taylor's reactions ranged from wide-eyed surprise to chuckles at my sarcastic remarks.

But then, when I mentioned Ruvik's recounting of the night they spent together, Taylor's expression shifted, and her eyes clouded with sadness. "Yeah, about that night... I wish I could've been more responsible," she murmured.

I reached over and put a reassuring hand on her arm. "Hey, it's okay. We've all had our moments. Besides, from what he told me, you had a pretty good reason for that chain incident."

A small smile tugged at Taylor's lips, and I knew she was thankful for the understanding. As we continued eating, I shifted the topic back to Ruvik, explaining how he was in search of an apartment and how he'd asked if he could rent a room in my place.

Taylor's brows furrowed, and she was quick to say, "Absolutely not. He's been nothing but trouble, Rui."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh come on, Taylor! He's not that bad. Besides, he's just looking for a temporary place until he finds something more permanent."