A Frozen Man's Sun

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I was absorbed in the tabloid sprawled across my lap when I heard a faint groan. My eyes flicked up from the page. On my bed, Flemeral stirred beneath the sheets. Her lashes fluttered before she blinked herself awake.

She squinted at me, her voice hoarse. "Why are you in my room?"

I folded the tabloid shut and rose from the sofa, taking deliberate steps toward her. Her confusion was genuine, almost childlike.

"This isn't your room, Eral," I said evenly.

Her gaze darted around, tracing the corners of the space—the framed monochrome photos on the wall, the clean lines of furniture, the faint scent of cologne lingering in the air. Her lips parted. "Then... what am I doing here? This is your room."

I shrugged. "Ask yourself."

She flung the blanket off and swung her legs to the floor, her body tense as if bracing for bad news. Then she froze, staring at her clothes—or lack thereof.

"Why the hell am I wearing your shirt?" She pulled at the oversized fabric hanging loosely on her frame. "Where's my dress?"

"You puked on it last night," I said matter-of-factly. "I had it sent to the laundry. You don't remember?" I tilted my head. "You were drunk. But I know you remember some things. Especially painting my car window with your stomach."

Her face paled. She quickly checked herself over, panic flickering behind her eyes. "Did you... see anything?"

"Relax." I smirked, arms crossing. "I didn't touch you. This time. You should be grateful—I changed your clothes, let you sleep in my bed, and kept you alive through the night. But..." My smile sharpened. "You'll pay for what you did to my car."

She groaned, clutching her head. "Ugh, my skull feels like it's splitting. Damn hangover." She sat on the edge of my bed, her hand massaging her temple. "It's not my fault I puked. I didn't do it on purpose. Just clean your car, problem solved. But... fine. Thank you, I guess, for taking care of me."

I gave a small nod. "You can go home once your dress is dry."

Her lips curved into a small smile. "Surprisingly... your shirt's comfortable. Maybe I'll keep it."

"No."

"Thanks, Ice." Her grin widened, cheeky and defiant.

I glared at her just as the door swung open.

Mama stood there, eyes widening when she saw Flemeral perched on my bed, wearing nothing but my shirt. Of course. I hadn't thought to tell her and Dad I'd brought Flemeral home. They were asleep by the time we arrived last night.

Mama smiled politely, but I knew that smile. Inside, her mind was sprinting through every possible scenario. Suspicion burned in her gaze.

"Oh, Flemeral," she greeted warmly, though her eyes flicked to me like daggers. "Breakfast is ready. Would you like to join us?"

"Of course, Auntie." Flemeral's answer was bright, her hangover momentarily forgotten. She hopped up, tugged on my arm, and dragged me toward the door. "Come on, Ice."

We followed Mama down the stairs and into the dining hall.

"Where's Uncle?" Flemeral asked as she sat down.

"He left early this morning for Cagayan de Oro," Mama explained. "Business matters, as usual."

I poured myself coffee and grabbed a slice of wheat bread. No butter, no spread-just the plain texture I liked. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Mama glancing between me and Flemeral, the question practically glowing on her face.

I set my cup down with a sigh. "Nothing happened, Ma. She was drunk, and I took care of her. That's it. Stop making up stories."

Mama chuckled nervously, waving a hand. "I wasn't thinking anything..." But she let out a wistful sigh. "I only thought maybe—just maybe—I'd have a grandchild on the way."

Flemeral's eyes widened, darting to mine. That look-the one only I understood. Because the truth was there, hidden. The car. Three years ago. Protection had been the only thing between us and disaster.

"You have no idea how caring Ice is, Auntie." Flemeral's lips curved into a playful smile.

I narrowed my eyes at her warningly, but she only leaned into the act, her grin spreading. "He's so, so caring."

Sarcasm? Mockery? Or something more?

I sipped my coffee in silence.

Mama laughed. "You don't know, hija—you're the first woman who's ever been in Ice's room."

The coffee caught in my throat. I coughed violently, glaring at Mama.

Flemeral's eyes glittered with mischief. "Really? So I'm the first girl to enter your room? That's sweet. First to enter." She let the words linger, heavy with hidden meaning.

I swallowed down the lump in my throat. "Actually, no. You're second. Maybe third. My mom was first. Then the maids. So, technically, you're not the first."

Her smirk faltered for a moment before curving back into something sly.

When breakfast ended, I told one of the maids to fetch her freshly laundered dress.

"Thank you for breakfast, Auntie," Flemeral said sweetly.

"Of course, dear." Mama smiled.

The maid returned with her dress folded neatly. Flemeral accepted it with thanks, then turned to me. "Let's go, Ice. You promised to take me home."

"You can commute."

She pouted. "I thought you were giving me this shirt?"

"Ice, let her keep it. And drive her home." Mama's tone left no room for argument.

I exhaled sharply through my nose and stalked out of the dining hall.

Flemeral thanked Mama again before trotting after me.

In the garage, I unlocked my brother Cloud's car—my own was still being scrubbed clean from last night's disaster. Cloud traveled often, chasing after some woman he never named, so his car was free game.

"Why aren't we using your car?" Flemeral asked as she slid into the passenger seat.

I shot her a glare. "Shut up."

She laughed softly. "So cold. Just like your name."

I jammed the key into the ignition. The engine roared, and I pulled out of the driveway, accelerating quickly once we hit the road.

Her voice softened. "Thank you, Ice."

"For what?"

She leaned back against the seat, her lips curving faintly. "Doesn't matter."