Golden Melody

Chapter 172

Chapter 172

Miexha woke up at exactly 3:00 AM.

Her head throbbed—
like it was splitting in two.

She winced, pressing her fingers lightly against her temple.
"...What happened...?"

Sleep wouldn't come back.

She sat up slowly.

The room was dim.

Beside her, Asha was fast asleep, the blanket tangled around her legs.

Miexha blinked.
"...how...?"

The last thing she remembered—
Was the sour fruit game?

Then—
nothing.

She slipped out of bed and made her way to the bathroom, washing her face with cold water.

After changing into a hoodie and pants, she grabbed a shawl and wrapped it around her neck.

The early morning air would be cold.

Quietly, she stepped outside.

The sea greeted her first.

She walked slowly along the shore, arms wrapped around herself.

Then—
Something moved near one of the benches.

She froze.
"...Hello?"

No answer.

Carefully, she stepped closer.

Her eyes adjusted—
And she saw it.

A head.
"...Jayson?"

Jayson was asleep.
Curled slightly on the bench.

Miexha's brows knit together.
"...What are you doing out here..."

The air was chilly.
Insects buzzed faintly nearby.

He shouldn't be here.

She reached out, gently shaking his shoulder.

"Jayson... wake up..."

He stirred.
But instead of waking—
His arm moved, pulling her closer.

Miexha froze.
Her eyes widened slightly.

"...Five more minutes..." he mumbled sleepily.

Her face flushed.
"H-Hey—!"

She tried to pull back, but he only held on tighter.
Still asleep.

Miexha exhaled, flustered.
"...Unbelievable..."

Carefully, she eased herself away from his hold.

Then knelt beside him.
"...You'll get sick like this..."

She removed her shawl and draped it over him, tucking it lightly around his shoulders.

Without thinking—
She brushed his hair away from his face.

He looked... different.

Almost soft.

"...You look cute like this," she murmured.

Then blinked.
Realizing what she just said.

She quickly stood—
only to freeze.

Zatariel was standing a few steps away.

His expression—
tight.

Miexha's heart skipped.
"I—I was just—"

"You don't have to explain," he said coldly.
"I saw it clearly."