Revenge - English Version

Chapter 4 - Echoes of the Past

CARE POV

I hear my bedroom door opening, and I sigh, knowing exactly who it is. For the past week, I've barely spoken to him since what happened in his room. He's definitely noticed, and now he's here, wanting answers—answers I'm not ready to give.

What am I supposed to say, anyway? Zayn, you're driving me crazy? Not knowing what's going through your mind is tearing me apart, looking at you stirs my whole body, and your woody scent won't leave my head... but of course, I'm your "little sister," so all of this is ridiculous and out of place.

Part of me wants to confront him, but another part... that part just wants distance. I feel more comfortable when I'm away from him, when I retreat to those seven years I spent on my own.

- Yes, Zayn? - I try to hide the uncertainty in my voice. - You know, it's polite to knock before coming in, not that you haven't seen it all before, but I could have been in my underwear.

He raises an eyebrow and laughs. Yes, we've never had any modesty between us. We grew up together, as he loves to say, like "siblings." We've never had any issues changing in front of each other.

He pushes himself off the doorframe and gives me a penetrating look, as if he's trying to read my thoughts. Then, with a simple gesture, he shakes his head and steps into the room. His gaze sweeps over the space, and when he notices some messy trainers on the floor, he leans down to tidy them up, just like he always did. That small action brings an involuntary smile to my face.

- You're still the same perfectionist as ever. - I comment, trying to ease the tension.

He laughs, that easy laugh that always brightened up any room.

- And you're still the same messy one as ever. Have you seen this room? - I stick my tongue out at him. - I was just making sure you wouldn't trip over them; no one is clumsier than you. - He says it with a playful glint in his eyes.

For a moment, the atmosphere between us feels lighter, almost like before. But then reality creeps back in—the Zayn standing in front of me, as familiar as he seems, isn't the same anymore. Is it possible for things to feel both familiar and uncomfortable at the same time? Like something's not quite right. There's a massive elephant in the room, and neither of us knows how—or wants—to deal with it.

- Look... I... - He starts, hesitating. I can tell he's struggling to find the right words. - Actually, I... I miss spending time with you. - My eyes widen in surprise; of all the interactions I imagined when that door opened, this wasn't one of them at all. - You know, those times when it was just the two of us.

He watches me in silence, as if trying to gauge my reaction to his words. The silence that follows is comfortable, yet heavy, laden with everything left unsaid.

- Are you asking me out? - I tease, trying to lighten the mood, though my heart is beating faster than I'd like to admit.

- Yeah, kind of... I mean, it's been so long since we've spent time together. We haven't seen each other in seven years, and since I've been back, it feels like we haven't had our time. I miss you. - He says it awkwardly, but with a genuine smile.

That smile makes me melt inside. Despite all the changes, there's something about Zayn that's never changed—the power he has over me. I try to keep my composure, but it's hard.

- Okay... where are we going? - I ask, trying to contain my curiosity.

- Trust me. - He says, his smile turning mischievous.

I raise an eyebrow, letting out an ironic laugh.

- I don't know if I trust you. Who knows where you're taking me? You might lead me to a dark alley and... assault me.