Something In The Way-SYLUS X MC X ZAYNE

Chapter 11 "You're The One"

As the city lights whirred by, I clung to Sylus, my arms wrapped around his waist as we sped through Linkon. The night was clear, and I found myself gazing up at the stars, mingling with the holographic projections that danced in the sky—images of floating creatures and sparkling constellations, meant to awe and distract. Yet tonight, they felt almost comforting, a reminder of the vastness around me. It was an endless expanse, vast and mysterious, much like the feelings stirring inside me.

We finally reached my building, and I slipped off the motorcycle, pulling the helmet from my head as I took in the familiar yet now slightly eerie sight of my apartment building. It felt strange to be back; I hadn't stepped foot here since the Wanderer attack. I'd been busy, avoiding this place and throwing myself into time with Zayne, escaping from the reality I couldn't yet face.

"Thanks for the joy ride, Sylus," I said, attempting to keep my tone light as I handed him back the helmet.

He leaned back, a smirk lighting up his face. "What, no kiss goodnight?"

I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile. "You've been good thus far, Sylus. Don't ruin it."

He shrugged, his smirk never wavering, and watched as I turned to face my building, that familiar sense of unease creeping over me. All the memories came flooding back—the shattered door, the cryptic message sent to Zayne from my phone, the sense of invasion and vulnerability. I'd shoved those thoughts aside for weeks, hiding from the truth because I couldn't bear it. But now, it was all here, waiting for me to face it.

"Are you alright?" Sylus's voice pulled me back, softer now, and I felt his eyes on me, scrutinizing.

I took a deep breath, pasting on a forced smile. "Yes." I held out the helmet again, but instead of taking it, he caught my wrist, pulling me slightly closer.

"You're lying," he said simply, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that left me feeling exposed. "I know you."

A nervous laugh escaped me, and I jerked back, trying to compose myself. "A Wanderer attacked when I got back from the N109 Zone," I admitted, the words spilling out before I could stop them. "I haven't been back here since. It—it's different this time. This Wanderer... someone sent it after me. I don't know why, and maybe that's why I've been avoiding this place, avoiding everything. I just feel so tired. Tired of always having to be strong." I looked away, embarrassed at the admission, and gave a half-hearted laugh. "I don't even know what I'm saying."

Without a word, Sylus slid off the motorcycle, closing the space between us in a few strides. I took a step back, my heartbeat quickening. "What are you—"

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. I was too shocked to move, but as he held me, I felt something in me loosen. I closed my eyes, sinking into the comfort of his touch. Sylus, the man who seemed like he was made of stone, had wrapped himself around me, gently, protectively. He kissed the top of my head, and in that moment, I allowed myself to let go, to lean into the warmth he offered.

"Do you want me to check your apartment for you?" he asked, his voice a low murmur in my ear.

I nodded, feeling the last vestiges of my pride crumbling. "Yes... please."

He held my hand as we walked into the building, and once inside, he scanned the apartment, every corner, every shadow. I stood by the doorway, watching him move with precision and care, and for a brief moment, it was as if he'd always been part of my life, as if he knew every inch of this place as well as I did.

When he finished, he gave a quick nod. "You're safe."

"Thank you." I took a steadying breath, the tension slowly fading as he moved to light a few candles, the warm glow illuminating the room. Sylus flicked on some music, soft, romantic classical notes filling the air.