Villa Nettiea

Chapter 33

Gulf woke up alone, his hand instinctively reaching out to the side of the bed where Mew had been. Feeling the empty space, he glanced around the room, his eyes adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Memories of the previous night flooded back to him, causing a faint blush to creep onto his cheeks. He looked down at himself and noticed he was dressed in a comfortable shirt and boxers. The soreness in his body, particularly his lower half, was a gentle reminder of their reunion.

The sound of the door creaking open pulled his attention. Standing in the doorway was Mew, carrying a tray with breakfast. The sight made Gulf's heart skip a beat. Mew looked effortlessly handsome, his messy hair and soft smile adding to his charm.

"Good morning, Bii," Mew greeted, his voice warm and playful as he walked over to the bed. "I thought you'd be hungry after... last night." He placed the tray on the bedside table and sat beside Gulf, his hand gently brushing against Gulf's cheek.

Gulf's face turned a deeper shade of red. "You didn't have to..." he mumbled, avoiding Mew's gaze.

Mew chuckled. "Of course, I did. I promised to take care of you, didn't I?" He leaned closer, his lips brushing Gulf's temple.

Gulf's stomach betrayed him by growling loudly, earning a hearty laugh from Mew. "See? I knew you'd be starving."

Gulf couldn't help but smile, despite his embarrassment. He reached for the tray, his hand brushing against Mew's, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other.

"Thank you," Gulf said softly, his voice laced with sincerity.

"For what?" Mew asked, his brow slightly raised.

"For staying," Gulf replied, his eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions.

Mew cupped Gulf's face, his thumb gently tracing Gulf's cheekbone. "I told you, Bii. I'm not going anywhere. Not this time. Not ever."

Their foreheads met, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just them, basking in the comfort of being together again.

"Now, eat up," Mew said, breaking the moment with a grin. "You'll need your strength for later."

Gulf's eyes narrowed. "For what?"

Mew smirked mischievously. "You'll see."

Gulf groaned, shaking his head, but the smile on his lips betrayed his attempt at annoyance.

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The car engine hummed softly as they sat in the parking lot, unmoving. Narrine was leaning slightly against Thara's shoulder, as he often did, as if seeking comfort in his presence.

Thara cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You've been quiet today. Something on your mind?"

Narrine tilted his head, his dark eyes searching Thara's face. "I was just thinking... You've been carrying so much guilt because of what happened. But I've never blamed you, Thara."

Thara turned away, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "How can you not? My father... he ruined everything. He wanted to hurt your family. And here I am, his son, pretending I deserve to be near you."

"You're not pretending," Narrine said softly, placing a hand over Thara's. "You're here because you care. And I care about you."

Thara's chest tightened, and he couldn't meet Narrine's gaze. "But don't you feel even a little bit angry? At me? At what my father tried to do?"