Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 52. Vulnerability

I commented pictures but only view them after you read the whole thing! :D I will post them on the next chap to avoid spoilers.
Also, I haven't proof-read yet!

I could almost spot Byron's red house as I took slow steps that were once hurried. I began to have second thoughts and now, I'm getting nervous. To be honest, I didn't think about it and I don't know how to tell Byron that he should go with me to the seminar or I'll end up with a donkey. But, knowing him, he probably doesn't care about my past with Droney and I'll just end up wasting time with him.

Well . . . I guess I'll be fine with wasting my time as long as I get to see how he's doing. I'm such a big fan. Hah.

I reached the front of his house and walked through his lawn, remembering the vague concept I had of Byron's house. I've only been there twice. The first time, I met that guy－Tim, was it? I keep forgetting. The second time was when I borrowed his box of magical articles filled with knowledge and wisdom of he, Byron, himself.

Wow. Being nervous is making me weirder than normal. I stepped up onto the porch and stood inches away from the door. I brought my shaky hand up to the doorbell and rang it once, remembering how much I used to annoy him with it.

I waited for several seconds before pressing it again and lowering my hand. He should be home, right? Where else could he go? But . . . There's still a possibility that he isn't home. He did take a leave and there's probably a good reason behind it.

It feels like the house is empty, but I rang the bell another time to be sure. Unable to contain my impatience, I pressed my ear against the door and listened, but I didn't hear anything from the other side.

Well, fuck. I stepped back. I took my phone out from my pocket and swiped through my contacts for Byron's number. Once I saw it, I quickly dialed it and placed the phone beside my face. It's none of my business, but I'd at least want to know where he currently is. I'm sure I'm being annoying and clingy for someone who doesn't have anything to do with him, but if I don't do this, it's going to bother me for the rest of the day.

Sadly, he didn't pick up. Damn it!

I'm starting to get frustrated. I called his number once more and rang his doorbell. I stared at my phone, listening to the rings－except, the ringtone isn't coming from my phone. It was coming from inside.

I pressed my ear on the door once more to confirm it, and sure enough, I could clearly hear his phone. So, he either left his phone, or his home . . . Well, it's probably the latter. He's not much of an airhead to leave his phone anyway. I should head home, if that's the case.

I turned around and stepped on the porch's stairs, hesitatingly leaving his property. I glanced back at the door and eyed the windows as well, but they were covered with curtains, so it's no use.

Right, going home.

I walked away from his house, but there's this gut feeling－like an instinct－telling me to go back. Maybe it's just my everyday stubbornness, but it's really bugging me!

I stomped back towards his front door and gripped the doorknob, turning it as I did. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but something tells me that it's－It's open?

It really is open. It wasn't locked in the first place, just like what I thought. Shit. Now I feel like a trespasser, even though I haven't entered yet . . .

No time for this nonsense. I slowly pushed the door open, peeking inside. I cautiously entered his property. It was dark, but from the light coming from outside, I could see that his living room was a complete mess, different from the last time I was here.