Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

125. The Closer I Get to HER, The More Afraid I am of Crossing The LINE

She remained silent, handing me a slice of apple without meeting my eyes. I took it, still staring down at my hands. “But seeing you so worried today, getting frustrated at Nitya’s carelessness... It made me feel good, like I wasn’t alone. Like you still cared.”

I finally looked up at her, watching her as she stayed focused on the apple she was holding, her face unreadable. "By the way," I added, my voice soft, "were you really this worried about me?"

Without answering, she gently placed the remaining slices on the plate beside me. “Eat,” she said shortly, her voice tight, before she turned and walked out of the room.

After a while, she came back, holding a small container of water and a dry towel in her hand. Without saying much, she dipped the towel into the water and carefully began wiping my face. Her touch was gentle, almost soothing, as she moved from my forehead down to my neck.

“Want me to take off my shirt?” I teased, unable to resist the urge to lighten the mood.

She shot me a look, gripping the towel tighter. A few drops of water dripped onto me as she firmly wiped my neck. “You should rest now,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact, but I caught the faintest smirk before she turned away.

As the hours passed, boredom crept in. Lying in bed all day was starting to drive me crazy. I fiddled with my phone, trying to distract myself with a game. Nitya walked in, her usual bright smile fading a little as she saw me. “Do you need help with anything?” she asked.

I glanced up, hopeful for a moment. “Can you play with me?” I asked, flashing her my phone screen.

Nitya’s expression soured instantly. “You know I hate video games,” she replied, almost in disgust.

I sighed, “Then can you call Sarah for me? She’ll play with me.”

That did it. Nitya’s face twisted with frustration, and without another word, she stormed out of the room. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Not long after, Sarah returned. I immediately perked up and urged her to join me in a game. She didn’t hesitate, logging in as we geared up for an intense virtual battle. Soon, the room was filled with the sound of our fierce competition. It felt good, almost normal, to have her there with me.

Before I knew it, time had flown by, and it was already dinner time. Just as we finished a round, Mom entered the room. Her eyes softened when she saw me, and without warning, she rushed over and wrapped me in a tight embrace. "Mom—" I barely managed to get out, feeling a bit suffocated by her affection.

“I was so worried about you!” she exclaimed, holding me tighter than necessary.

Sarah, sensing the moment, quietly excused herself. "I'll go bring the dinner," she said, leaving the room while my mom fussed over me.

Mom’s voice softened as she asked, "Are you okay?"

I nodded, feeling the warmth of her concern. She then glanced at me with a knowing look, "How's Sarah?"

I held her hand tightly, taking a deep breath before I spoke. "Mom, I think I’ve made one decision in my life and I’ll never regret over that." I paused for a moment, my mind swirling with emotions before I continued, "Sarah... she's really the one I need. She takes care of me, plays with me. We have so many similar habits. We’re comfortable around each other, even as friends. And even when she’s upset or frustrated, she still finds a way to take care of me." I sighed, my voice softening. "The more time I spend with her, the deeper I fall."

Mom’s eyes filled with tenderness as she looked at me. "Are you this happy that it’s brought you to tears?"

My voice wavered, betraying the uncertainty I’d been feeling inside. "But, Mom… I’m scared. The closer I get to her, the more afraid I am of crossing the line. If I do, I might lose her forever."

Mom placed her hand gently on my shoulder, her voice reassuring. "Don’t stress, dear. Everything will be fine. Just take it slow. Let things fall into place."

Before I could respond, Sarah walked back into the room, carrying packages in her hands. She hesitated for a moment before addressing Mom. "I came in a hurry, so I couldn’t cook dinner," she explained, her voice a little nervous. "I know hotel food isn’t ideal for him, but… just for tonight, I hope it’s okay."

Mom smiled warmly, stepping towards Sarah. She tenderly caressed Sarah’s hair before kissing her on the forehead. "Thank you, dear," she said softly. The simple gesture spoke volumes, and I could see the mutual respect and affection that had developed between them.

Mom smiled warmly and said, "You two have dinner. I’ll go check on my patients." She gave us one last glance before quietly exiting the room, leaving me and Sarah alone.