Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 53

It was dark outside, and the dawn fog hung thick in the air.

Last night, she had stopped mercenaries on the road, asking if they had seen Chaud.

"No, I haven't. Have you looked everywhere?"

"Yes! He's not on top of the clock tower, not on the roof of the fruit shop, not even under the bed!"

"...People don't usually stay in those places."

Suddenly, an ominous thought struck her.

"...Kidnapped?"

Who would dare kidnap Chaud, knowing he was a noble scion?

Was it a planned crime for a large ransom?

'...It can't be.'

The disappearance of the sturdy Swordmaster felt too deliberate, too self-inflicted.

Worry, confusion, and frustration swirled within her—a turbulent mix of emotions.

It was unsettling to feel this way without him by her side.

Tuk.

Erica paused, inhaling the crisp dawn air.

She started walking again.

After double-checking to ensure she was back at the guild quarters, she decided to set off.

Navigating through the sprawling city of Dantes, she entered a familiar street.

Tabak Tabak.

The alley in front of the mercenary guild headquarters.

She rounded a dark corner.

Hook.

Someone grabbed her from behind.

"..."

Erica could have easily thrown her assailant off, but she didn't.

The fresh scent was all too familiar.

"Let go."

He never listened to her.

She glanced down at the arms tightening around her.

Turning her head slightly, she still couldn't see his face.

His navy-blue hair flowed in soft waves.

There was no smugness on his features.

Chaud buried his head in Erica's shoulder.

"You."

She started to curse but held back.

"Where have you been, and now you decide to show up?"

Chaud didn't seem inclined to answer.

She was trying to be nice, and this was how he responded?

"I almost left you behind. You know, I was just about to go."

"..."

"What have you been up to?"

"..."

"Aren't you going to answer? Aren't you going to leave?"

She wondered what had triggered his silence.

Chaud pressed against her, letting out a shaky sigh.

Still no words.

He hugged her tightly with his tall frame, refusing to let go.

"Let go of me."

Erica tried to shake off his grip.