Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 70 : HOMETOWN

Chapter 70: Hometown

After three long days of travel, the group finally arrived at Brokestorm. Exhausted from the journey, they made their way into the familiar town, though the events of the past few days hung heavy in the air. A day Before reaching  the guildhall, Atlas and Darren made a stop by Melisa’s house.

“Ahh, Darren!” Melisa’s voice rang out as she rushed to hug him. “It’s been so long!”

“Oh, goodness, it’s Melisa!” Darren laughed, squeezing her back in an enthusiastic embrace.

Nowell watched the scene, his face unreadable. But when Melisa pulled away, she shot a teasing smile at him. “Still looking after Atlas, huh?” she said with a sly grin.

Nowell’s face reddened immediately. “No, it’s just in your mind,” he muttered, trying to brush it off.

Melisa raised an eyebrow, amused. “Sure, sure.”

Then she turned to Atlas. “Uh, where’s that tall guy? The cold-faced one... Creed, right?” she asked, her eyes scanning the room as if expecting him to pop out of nowhere.

“Oh, he actually has some things to do,” Atlas explained quickly, not wanting to give too much away. “But don’t worry.”

The group settled into a casual evening at Melisa’s house, enjoying food and drink. Atlas, Darren, and Melisa were soon deep into their cups, laughing and reminiscing. Nowell, however, stayed sober, glancing between them. His attention was drawn to Darren, who had already passed out, his head resting on the table with a soft snore. Melisa was in no better state, giggling uncontrollably as she tugged at Darren’s hair.

Nowell shook his head in exasperation. “Can’t believe these two…” he muttered, before looking over at Atlas.

Atlas had fallen asleep on the couch, his head leaning awkwardly to the side. Nowell, trying not to disturb him, gently lifted him up to lie down properly. But as he did, their faces came dangerously close, and Nowell froze. For a split second, Atlas’s lips were mere inches from his, and the sudden proximity made Nowell’s heart skip a beat.

Even in his sleep, Atlas smelled faintly of cherries. Nowell’s fingers brushed against his face as he adjusted him on the couch, and for a moment, he found himself completely still, taking in the closeness.

Suddenly, Darren’s loud sobbing broke the silence. “Uhukuhuk... sniff” Darren cried, still half asleep. “I also want a boyfriend,” he continued, his voice muffled by the pillow.

“Go to the town, pick someone out!” Melisa laughed, her words slurring together.

Atlas, still half asleep, mumbled in agreement. “Yeah...” he murmured, and then fell back into a deep sleep, oblivious to the chaos around him.

Nowell exhaled a shaky breath, his thoughts racing. What the hell is going on?

In his mind, the events of the past few days replayed. Larcade’s appearance. The light. Creed’s confession. And the way his heart had quickened during that brief, intimate moment with Atlas. Nowell’s head spun as he tried to make sense of everything.

The rest of the night was a blur. But Nowell couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between him, Atlas, and Creed. He didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was clear—nothing would ever be the same again.