How to Save a Star [BxB]

VIII

Chapter Eight

Before I knew it, two days had gone by. The bandage had been removed from my head and mom was discharged earlier today. Tomorrow will be a big day for me. My eyes stared blankly at the ceiling of the room, counting the stars many times over. It was already eleven-thirty and I was hoping that the cold breeze from the open window would bring me to sleep. I took alternate deep breaths before closing my eyes but drowsiness never found its place in my wake.

I put my right hand on my chest that was thumping like crazy. A whole different brew of sensations was making me sleepless. I was giddy and elated. The excitement was so overwhelming that I felt breathless. Funny enough, I was also very anxious.

"God! Ian, just fucking calm down and sleep," I told myself as I rolled over and pressed my face on the bed. I slithered my arms below my face. A sigh left my mouth. Still, I was restless. It was getting uncomfortable by the moment so I raised my lower legs alternately, hoping to ease my muscles and nerves.

A familiar ring echoed from the side table. I lifted my head a bit and stretched an arm to pick the phone that was still ringing. I pushed the answer button without looking at the screen and slipped it on my ears.

"Hello," Yeren whispered from the other line.

"Whoa," I let out a soft chuckle. "You called so late."

He stayed silent for a moment. "I just thought that maybe, you're awake."

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep. I felt excited and anxious at the same time."

"As I expected," he laughed a bit. "Wanna take a breather then?"

"Sure," I said and he hung up.

It was a brief conversation but I already knew what he meant. I got up, changed into jeans, and wore a jacket that I rummaged from my old closet. I sneaked out of the house after slipping my wallet and spare key into the back pocket of my jeans. The restlessness in my chest slowly melted as I patiently waited for him in the corner of the road.

Thirty minutes had passed but there was no sign of his presence. I lifted my gaze and took a deep breath to relieve myself of a different kind of anxiousness. Another ten minutes elapsed but he still wasn't there. I walked back in front of the house and inserted the key in the doorknob. I was about to reel it when I heard the familiar sound of a motorcycle from not too far away. I smiled to myself while returning the key to my pocket and stepped out of the yard.

"Sorry," Yeren said as soon as he stopped in front of me. He took off his helm and smiled. "I came all the way from home so I took so long."

"Don't worry. I just got outside myself."

His lips widened, "When I called you, it might have been a good excuse that I figured out that you're anxious." He looked directly into my eyes and covered his mouth with the back of his right hand. "But honestly, I just wanted to see you so bad that I was so happy right now."

His sudden confession made my chest pound like crazy. My tummy felt weird and it was then I understood the phrase, 'butterflies flying in my stomach.' I had no way to see how I looked at the time but I can draw it at the back of my head. My cheeks were hot, reddened. I felt special that there was immense happiness within me. I could imagine my eyes glittering in that darkness.

Yeren withdrew his hand from his face. His hand found my own and pulled me closer. "Let's go," he said, handing me a helmet before putting back his own. I wore it as I hopped behind him, then wrapped my arms around his waist.

The cold hush of the midnight wind accompanied the whole ride. We didn't speak nor talk about anything, but there was a pleasant lightness within that silence. All the anxiety was gone. There was just us; and the swift movement of the vehicle, taking me back to the first time I met him.