Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

18

Alan 

My happiness at sleeping next to him was overshadowed by his indifference and coldness. If he hadn't been so scared that night and I hadn't acted so pitifully, I know he would have already thrown me out without hesitation.

That day I arrived anxious, my heart pounding, eager to know how everything had gone. My men told me that Jeff had excused himself early due to a headache, and I wanted to know if it was real or if he had used it, as we had discussed, to escape.

Upon entering our room, I felt a chill that didn't come from the weather but from his attitude. His wall was now much higher and colder than before. I found him on the bed, in a lotus position, knitting with a serenity that felt foreign to me. When he looked at me, he snorted and rolled his eyes in annoyance, while putting his materials away beside the bed and lying down, turning his back to me.

"Jeff, how did it go? They told me you had a headache. Are you feeling better?" I asked cautiously, my voice barely a whisper.

"I'm fine. Good night," he said with a broken voice, as if each word cost him monumental effort, ending the conversation at once. "Don't... don't forget the medicine," he added in a barely audible whisper before covering himself completely with the blanket and turning his back to me. Despite everything, he still seemed worried about me.

The following days were no better. Even at mealtime, Jeff devoured his food quickly, trying to minimize the time we spent together. When he thought I didn't notice, his precious eyes narrowed in a gaze that could pierce the soul, before rolling his eyes and sighing deeply.

"Jeff, did I do something to upset you?" I asked one night cautiously before going to bed, my voice barely a murmur in the darkness.

"Not at all, we're not that close," he replied with a coldness that chilled my heart.

He's definitely upset, I thought. What did I do? I don't understand.

The day before the competition, I was heading to my study when I saw Way about to leave.

"Way, how are you? Were you visiting Jeff?" I asked curiously, trying to sound casual.

"Your highness," he said with a slight bow. "Yes, the prince and I have become close. He's so sweet," he exclaimed with tenderness.

I looked at him incredulously, raising an eyebrow.

"I'd like you to help me with Jeff. Will you join me in the study?" I said with a smile, trying to hide my unease.

As I closed the door, I saw Way collapse onto the sofa, sighing tiredly, as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Now you can act normal. What's going on with Jeff?" I asked as I approached and sat in front of him, trying to stay calm.

"What's going on with what?" he replied, raising an eyebrow. "The competition is coming up and I'm guiding him. Also, did you know he doesn't know how to embroider either? I'm also acting as a teacher," he said with a tired voice, his eyes reflecting exhaustion.

"Embroider?" I asked, confused. "Way, this is serious. Jeff practically hasn't spoken to me since the meeting. And the looks he gives me are not pleasant. What happened?"

Way tilted his head, looking confused, before his face lit up with a mischievous smile.

"You're closer than I thought," he said playfully, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.

"What are you talking about? I'm telling you he doesn't talk to me," I snapped, feeling a mix of frustration and desperation.

"That's why, I imagine it must be because of what Book said to him."