𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟒 - 𝐖𝐞𝐛 𝐎𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥

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I slowly emerged from the haze of slumber, I became aware of the warmth that enveloped me. I was nestled beside Levi, my head resting comfortably on the crook of his arm. His hand was wrapped possessively around my waist, holding me close as if he feared I might slip away. The gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek was a soothing lullaby, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy once more.


But the calmness of the moment was slowly disrupted by the creeping tendrils of sunlight.
Golden rays began to seep through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Levi's face, however, remained peaceful, his features soft and relaxed in repose. His eyes, those piercing orbs that seemed to see right through me, were closed, their lashes casting delicate shadows on his cheeks.



I lay there, wrapped in the warmth of Levi's embrace, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.


But knew that it was time for me to leave. Today was the day I had been dreading, the day I would bid farewell to this city and the memories it held. Memories of last night, of the way Levi's eyes had burned with desire as he held me close, of the way his touch had set my soul on fire.


I remembered the way he had made love to me, with a passion and intensity that had left me breathless. I remembered the way he had looked at me, with a gaze that had seemed to see right through to my very soul. And I remembered the way he had made me feel, like I was the only person in the world who mattered.





Despite the depth of our connection, I knew that Levi was still not ready to accept his feelings for me. He was still trapped in his own web of denial, refusing to acknowledge the emotions that simmered beneath the surface. And I knew that I couldn't stay, couldn't continue to linger in a state of uncertainty, waiting for him to come to terms with his emotions.




Maybe, just maybe, leaving would be the best option. Maybe distance would give Levi the space he needed to reflect on his feelings, to realize that his heart belonged to me. And maybe, just maybe, he would come to his senses and realize that he couldn't live without me.





The thought gave me a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe our love story wasn't over yet. And with that thought, I slowly extricated myself from Levi's arms, careful not to wake him. I slipped out of bed, my heart heavy with emotion, and began to pack my bags, knowing that it was time for me to leave.



I glanced at the clock, my heart sank. The numbers glared back at me, a harsh reminder that time was slipping away. It was almost 6 in the morning, and I was already running late. I had promised Toji I'd meet him at his place by 6, and the thought of breaking that promise filled me with anxiety.




Grasping the straps of my bag, I felt a pang of sadness wash over me. I took one last look at Levi, who was still sleeping peacefully on my bed. His chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, and his face was serene, as if he didn't have a care in the world.





I felt a lump form in my throat as I turned to leave. I quietly walked away, trying not to make a sound that would disturb Levi's slumber. The door creaked softly as I closed it behind me, and I felt a sense of finality wash over me.



I made my way down the stairs, the silence was almost deafening. The only sound was the soft thud of my footsteps on the stairs, and the creak of the building as it settled around me.





I stepped out into the cool morning air, taking a deep breath as I looked around. The streets were quiet, with only a few early risers milling about. I spotted a few birds flitting about in the trees, their sweet songs filling the air.





As I turned the corner onto Toji's street, I spotted him leaning against his car, which was parked in the driveway. He was checking his watch, a look of mild impatience on his face. I quickened my pace, feeling a twinge of guilt for being late.



"Hey, what took you so long?" Toji asked, pushing off from the car as I approached. His voice was laced with amusement, but I could detect a hint of annoyance beneath the surface.




I shrugged, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "I overslept," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.



Toji raised an eyebrow, but didn't press the issue. "Well, we're late," he said, opening the passenger door for me. "Get in."



I nodded, sliding into the seat as Toji placed my bags on the back seat. The car was already running, the engine purring smoothly as Toji got behind the wheel.




As we pulled out of the driveway, I caught a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. My eyes looked tired, my skin pale. I felt a pang of sadness, knowing that I was leaving behind a piece of my heart.






Toji's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing as he said, "You know, it's not too late to change your mind. We can turn the car around and head back." His voice was low and gentle, filled with a deep understanding of the turmoil that was brewing inside me.





I shook my head, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "No, I want to leave," I said, my voice firm but laced with a hint of sadness.




Toji's face broke into a warm smile. "Great," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We'll reach Nikkou City in a few hours."




I looked at him, my brow furrowing in confusion. "Nikkou City?" I repeated, my voice tinged with surprise. "I thought we were going to your city. We told everyone I was going to live with you."





Toji's smile faltered, and he shook his head. "Change of plans," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "I want you to start fresh, to leave the past behind. If they know where you live, they'll always be able to find you."



My heart skipped a beat as I realized who Toji was talking about, Levi and Ryan – they would all be able to track me down if they knew my address. A shiver ran down my spine as I thought about the possibilities.




Toji's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if he could see the fear that was lurking beneath the surface. "You're safe now," he said, his voice filled with reassurance. "You're starting a new life, one where you can leave the past behind and forge a new future."

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 || 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐀Where stories live. Discover now