Whispers of a Monster

Chapter 5 : Unspoken

Ryan's pov :

The hospital hallways felt too sterile and quiet, and yet my heart raced like I was standing at a crime scene. I sat on the edge of a plastic chair in the waiting area, my fingers idly scrolling through my phone while my eyes kept darting toward the entrance of the doctors' wing.

This had become a ritual for me. I would wait for Sebastian to pass by, and everytime our eyes met, it felt like the world stopped. There was something magnetic about him that pulled me in, even when he wore his serious demeanor like armor.

Today, the routine remained unchanged. I spotted Sebastian as he walked down the corridor, file in hand, his steps precise and confident. My pulse quickened, the anticipation mixing with a strange blend of hope and anxiety.

"Dr. Sebastian!" I called out, trying to keep my tone casual despite the storm of emotions swirling within me.

He paused, his gaze landing on me, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something in his eyes..curiosity, maybe. "Detective Ryan," he replied, his tone still professional but with a slight softness that made my heart race even more.

"I wanted to thank you again... for what you did the other day. Saving my life," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

He nodded, a hint of a smile across his lips. "I was just doing my job," he said, but there was warmth in his voice that made me feel seen.

"Still, it means a lot to me," I managed, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "You didn't have to help me like that. Not everyone would."

Sebastian shifted his weight slightly, and I caught a glimpse of a more vulnerable side of him. "Sometimes, it's the little things that matter most," he replied, his gaze softening just a bit.

Hope surged within me, a small spark lighting against the backdrop of my uncertainty. "Well, I appreciate it," I said, searching for something more to say. "I mean, I'm really grateful."

He seemed to contemplate my words for a moment, a flicker of understanding passing between us. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask," he said, his tone gentle. "Just... take care of yourself, okay?"

His concern wrapped around me like a warm blanket, easing the tension in my chest. "I will. I promise."

As he turned to leave, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. But there was something different this time. It wasn't just the familiar ache of longing, it was the realization that maybe there was a chance for something more.

I sank back into the chair, my heart still racing, but this time with a sense of possibility. I had to figure out a way to break through the wall between us, to show Sebastian that I was more than just a patient he saved. I wanted him to see me as someone worthy of his attention.

With that thought in mind, I resolved to keep coming back, hoping that one day he would look at me not just as a detective but as someone he could truly connect with.

The tension in the air was clear as I stood outside the hospital, the echoes of Sebastian's words still lingering in my mind. Just as I was about to let hope bloom, my phone buzzed violently in my pocket, breaking the moment. I pulled it out, seeing the police station's number flash across the screen.
"Detective Ryan," I answered, adrenaline spiking through me.
"Ryan, we've got another one. You need to get to Church Street. It's bad," the officer's voice crackled urgently.
My heart sank, the warm feelings from earlier vanishing in an instant.
"On my way," I replied, already moving before the call ended.
The sirens wailed as I raced through the city, my thoughts clouded with worry. What fresh horror awaited me?

When I arrived at the scene, a small crowd had gathered, their murmurs with mix of shock and fear. I pushed through, my eyes landing on the grim sight before me. A young man in his twenties lay sprawled on the ground, lifeless and pale.

His face was familiar, a boy known for his kindness in the neighborhood. I felt a knot
tightening in my stomach as I knelt beside him, taking in the details. His right hand was broken, the finger grotesquely bent at an unnatural angle. But what made my blood run cold was how his finger pointed toward the stars..a chilling signature of the killer.

"Another one, Ryan," a fellow officer said beside me, his voice low and grim. "The new killer is getting bolder."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing.
Why was this happening? Just why? The weight of the investigation pressed down on me, but I couldn't let it deter me. I had to find out who was behind these horrific acts.

As I surveyed the scene, the darkness of the night seemed to wrap around me, and a sense of urgency filled my veins. I stood, determined.

"I'll find him," I whispered to the lifeless body. "I'll find out who did this to you."

Soon after, Edward arrived. His face paled as he took in the scene. He stood frozen for a moment, taking in the horror, then joined Ryan in the search for any clues. But nothing seemed to make sense.

———

Evelyn slammed the door as she stormed out, her face flushed with anger. She had just been expelled from school for hitting someone who had bullied her. Her grandmother had tried to scold her, but Evelyn's temper had flared.

"I don't need you worrying about me all the time! I can handle myself," Evelyn had shouted before leaving the house, her voice shaking with frustration.

Inside, the grandmother sat quietly, her feet swollen, the argument still stinging in her chest. It was then that Edward arrived. He noticed the grandmother's discomfort and immediately knelt beside her.

"Let me help," he said softly, grabbing a bandage from his pocket. He carefully wrapped her swollen foot, a gentle smile crossing his lips. "You're such a cutie, you know that?" he teased, lightening the mood.

The grandmother chuckled, though her heart was heavy. "Thank you, Edward. But don't tell Evelyn about this, alright? She'll worry, and we don't need more of that."

Edward nodded, understanding the unspoken bond between them.
"Don't worry," he said, "I'll take care of it."

Edward waited outside the house, pacing nervously. The argument earlier weighed on his mind, but more than that, he was worried about Evelyn. When she finally returned, he couldn't hold back.

"What took you so long?" he snapped, his voice sharper than he intended. "Come on, let's grab some dinner."

Evelyn, still fuming from her argument with her grandmother, shot Edward an irritated look. "Why do you care?" she muttered, her tone sharp. But she didn't protest further and followed him to a nearby restaurant, her footsteps heavy with frustration.

As they sat down to eat, the tension between them was thick, neither saying much as they picked at their food. Out of nowhere, Evelyn looked up at Edward, her face calm but serious.
"Edward"

He glanced at her, curiously. "Yeah? what happened?"

"Will you marry me?

😈😈😈