Falling for them (love and deepspace X OC )

Awakening

open my eyes only to be greeted by warm sunlight on my face. It casts a dazzling, hazy halo.As my vision slowly clears, all I see is the snow-white ceiling above.It was all just a dream.I sigh. Rubbing my pounding temples, I feel drained, my body heavy.Last night, I was supposed to act like I was sleeping. But somehow I got dizzy and actually slept.Random thoughts race through my mind, and I grab my phone.

The screen shows I had missed many calls. All of them are from Zayne."The hospital can't reach his guardians, which could be a problem. I'll have everything arranged by tomorrow night at the latest."

"Then I'll bring Kevi to you at that time."

Oh no, Kevi!I dial his number, but the call never connects.
I put on my slippers and rush to the door while texting Zayne.
As I open the door, a barrage of loud news alerts bursts forth as morning sunlight casts a gentle glow on the floor.I change and run into the living room, only to smack right into a solid chest.

"You're awake?" Caleb's emerged from the bathroom. Steam is still coming off his body.I hold my phone and step back. Meeting his surprised gaze, I feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"When did you get back?"

"Around the crack of dawn."He casually dries his hair with a towel and walks to the dining table. He grabs a piece of toast. "Why are you in a rush to leave?"

I come to my senses, scrambling for a decent excuse. "Oh, something came up. I won't be back in time for lunch."

"Need a ride?"

"No. I'll be back before the sun sets."

"And now, a quick update. The boy who vanished after the Cascade District explosion was rescued by the Farspace Fleet last night.He's in stable condition and is presently undergoing further examinations and treatment at the hospital." The news reporter said

I freeze, staring somewhat incredulously at the screen in the middle of the living room.

"That missing kid has been found?"

"Yep."He takes a bite of his toast as he approaches me.He places one hand on the back of the couch, his eyes looking over the news.
"During last night's operation, they found him in a small garden not far from the blockade.Oh, and he was holding a fragment of what appeared to be an Aether Core. He's okay. And the Fleet's currently holdin' onto that shard.If you're really worried, I'll keep a closer eye on his medical updates for you."

"I see..."Technically speaking, I should've felt relieved that Caleb found him."But there's this weird tension in the air still, weighing down on my heart like a dark cloud.Once Kevi's condition stabilizes, they should allow visitors, right? I want to see him."

"Sure thing, pip-squeak. But why the long face?"
Caleb used to be against me getting involved in anything related to the explosion. Yet he's suddenly cool with it.

If this whole thing really was just an accident—a series of coincidences-then I should feel okay about it.

I'm worried about him."The question I still want to ask remains in my mouth. I take a deep breath to calm myself and notice the faint scent of something metallic.Almost drowned out by the fragrance of his shower gel, it reminds me of blood.I grab his hand "Did you get into a fight during last night's clean-up? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm A-OK."I thoroughly check his hands to ensure there are no injuries. "Really, I'm fine.But..."All of a sudden, a cold hand touches my forehead. "Looks like your fever's gone."

"I had a fever?"

"Yeah. As soon as I got back, I heard you calling out to me in your sleep. So l figured l'd make sure you were doing okay."

"Was it a nightmare or something?"

"It's... nothing."

Maybe it's because I've been pushing myself too hard lately. Or maybe it was the nightmare from this morning. Either way, I feel anxious.I glance at Caleb who's grabbing a jacket. He nudges my shoulder to direct me elsewhere.

"Why don't you wash up first? I didn't get a chance to take you somewhere yesterday.Do you wanna go out today?"I hesitate. And before I can nod, his phone vibrates. "It's me. What happened What's going on?"
The voice on the other end of the call wipes the smile off Caleb's face. His brows furrow."All right."

"What's wrong?"

"Mia passed away."

In that moment, silence extends and wraps around my ears.
Sunlight hits the ground, but its chill creeps up like vines and steals my breath.