Because It's You - English Version

¤ 28 - Who Is She?

Julian closed his laptop and looked at the clock on the wall. It was already eight pm and his stomach was growling. He grabbed his phone and ordered a pizza. He was actually sick of pizza, or chicken, or burgers, or anything that didn't require a spoon or fork to eat. However, his arms still hurt when they were working hard. He even awkwardly used his right hand to fry some sausages or just spread jam on his bread every morning.

Julian checked his phone several times over the past few days. Nate hadn't come or contacted him anymore. What was the deal now? He had made sure that Rachel wouldn't come to his house anymore, so why hadn't Nate come back? Had he said something wrong?

Julian tried to recall what they did the last time they met. He kissed her head when she finished cooking and then she started to get awkward. Did she not like him kissing her? However, Nate kissed his cheek several times, right? Did she only want her to be the one kissing Julian? Was that why she was upset after he tried to return the kiss that night?

"There's no way he doesn't like me kissing her, right?" Julian mumbled to himself.

Nate didn't ask about Julian's condition, even by phone or just a text. He also didn't contact her on purpose because he didn't want her to feel burdened by taking care of him. However, Julian couldn't keep going like this. After finishing his work the next day, he immediately packed some clothes, towels, toothbrushes, and bandages into his backpack. He thought about leaving his laptop behind, considering that tomorrow was Saturday, and he didn't have to work. However, he still brought it, in case he needed it later.

Julian struggled to put on his coat and shouldered his backpack. He took a bag of duvet from the wardrobe and left his flat. It only took fifteen minutes and Julian had arrived at the five-storey building. He stood under a tree, waiting. He looked out at the road leading to that place every now and then.

Two hours passed, the sun had already set. Julian stood there nervously. He put his hands in his coat pockets to keep them warm. There she is! Julian was walking on air just by seeing Nate from a distance. She noticed his presence and quickened her pace.

"What are you doing here? Why are you carrying a backpack? Have you started work yet?" asked Nate.

Julian felt warm as Nate took his face in both hands. "You didn't come, so I came to you."

Nate looked surprised. But then she took the bag Julian was carrying and took his arm. "You're freezing. Let's go inside."

Nate brewed the fruit-flavored tea bags that Frida had given her, while Julian waited in the bedroom. Julian always felt comfortable there. Either because the studio wasn't as big as his flat, or because he wasn't alone there. Nate returned with the tea and gave it to him. She looked at him, while he sipped his tea.

"Have you had dinner?" Nate asked. Julian shook his head. "Let me see what I have in the kitchen to cook."

Nate got up and went to the kitchen. For some reason, Julian felt like she was avoiding him. He got up and followed her to the kitchen. It seemed like his guess was right. Nate was checking the refrigerator, even though she could see it as clear as day that it was empty. What had he done wrong? Nate flinched when Julian hugged her from behind.

"I've given the red light to anyone from coming to my house. I've also allowed you to come anytime. Why don't you come back?" Julian whispered in her ear.

"Ju..." Nate turned to Julian. He hugged her tightly this time.

"What did I do wrong now? Was it something I said that offended you? Did I do something that made you feel uncomfortable?" Julian buried his face in her shoulder. He was getting more and more anxious because she remained silent. "Tell me, what made you walk out and leave me cold? I won't do it again. I promise I won't ask you to help me take a shower again."