Myocardium

Part 38

Never in a million years would I have thought that there would be a time when there is someone I trust enough to invite over to hang out with, someone who cares about me and likes me despite me being an emotional wreck sometimes. And yet here I am, expecting the hands-down most perfect human being in my flat and feeling genuinely safe while doing so.

I'm ripped out of my pleasant thoughts, the cause being the phone that vibrates heavily against my chest. Incoming call: Rafael.
Immediately, I sit up straight on the sofa and pick up the phone, "Hi, what's up?"

"Hey...uhm, I know you just asked me when I'm planning on coming over and I hope this doesn't sound weird, but I'm kinda in front of your apartment right now. I-If you're busy at the moment, I can come back later too, I just figured I'd come over as soon as my lectures ended," Rafael explains and makes my heart muscle speed up its pumping pace, bringing a smile to my face.

"You idiot, if you dare to leave again then I will make sure to haunt you in your dreams," I exclaim under laughter and get up from the sofa, slipping on some shoes messily without even bothering to tie the laces before sprinting down the stairs that lead to the main entrance, still on the phone with Raf, his laughter ringing through the speaker. 

When I open the door with a bright grin on my face that matches the one Rafael is wearing perfectly, I end the call, put my phone into my pocket and instead, throw my arms around Raf's neck hastily.

"Hey there," he sighs against my hairline and embraces me tightly, only letting go when I initiate to do so before the neighbours can be caught staring.
"Hi," I respond and look directly into his perfect eyes. The endorphins this man gives me make me feel like I need to cry. In a good way, of course. 

"Oh, before I forget, I kind of brought you something," Rafael utters after a moment of simple eye-contact with racing thoughts from my part. In his left hand, I notice a bouquet of flowers, a lot of different ones which I barely recognize any of. It isn't a huge, oversized flower bouquet, but rather a small, cute assortment of autumn-flowers. 

This gesture alone is enough to make me weak in the knees. It's like a dream come true, I believe every person on this planet has at least once found the idea of someone gifting them flowers adorable, regardless of their gender or status. It's just...flowers, and flowers are precious. That's it. 

"You're out of this world, Rafael. Thank you so, so much," I whisper speechlessly and lean in for another hug, a gentler one this time.
"You're very welcome, Eli," he returns with a tone as low as my own and snuggles his head close to my neck. After embracing for what could never be long enough and with now the bouquet in my hands, the both of us make our way up the stairs and into my flat.

"So, this is practically where I live with Sasha and Daisy," I speak while showing Rafael around the mighty flat, halting the tour in the kitchen to get a vase for the flowers, which I display on our dining table.
"I like it. It's cozy, seems very lovely," Rafael comments and looks around the room, making eye contact with me once he is finished with his observation.

"It's actually not too bad. By the way, the kids will be home at around 5:30, so until then I should have cooked something for the four of us. Just if you don't mind me being busy for a while, of course," I give Raf a heads up and look at the clock. 

We have around two hours left, that should be doable. My inner calculations bring me to the conclusion that Rafael must have really hurried after his classes, and I find it so sweet how much effort he puts into being able to seeing me.

"Oh, I can help you if you like. No need for you to do all the work by yourself," Rafael suggests politely and takes a step closer towards me. I'm leaning against the kitchen counter, with my arms crossed in front of my chest and now a defeated smile on my face.