Rewriters [Completed]

Chapter 15: The Hero who couldn't Hear

I don't want to let go.

As Lysa held onto Kaleo tightly, she remembered all of those times he was there. His gestures, the strangely comforting sound of his voice, brought a kind of warmth that resonated with her heart.

Eventually, she let go, meeting his eyes before looking away. "Why don't you hate me?" she asked weakly.

Kaleo did not respond immediately. Instead, he took out a piece of tissue and slowly dabbed at the tears rolling down her face. "Because... you are a kind person. That's why you constantly isolate yourself, am I right?"

She lowered her head and he gently took her hands and held them in his. "Remember what I said? I believe in you. Don't forget it, okay?"

She gave him a tiny nod.

He let go of her hands and they stayed there, none of them saying a word, watching the tranquil scenery.

Even after telling him everything, Lysa wasn't sure whether she felt better or worse. After recalling the worst memories of herself, akin to relieving those moments, she felt drained, empty and even afraid. Afraid that the person who believed in her so much would turn to hate her, for valid reasons, because of what she did.

Kaleo stood up and held out his hand. "Here, let me help you home."

But he didn't hate her. In that moment, in his embrace, the heaviness in her heart disappeared as she let out her emotions.

She met his eyes and took his hand.

As they walked, his eyes kept glancing over, brooding and concerned. After a long silence, he spoke up. "You look exhausted... more so than usual. Are you feeling okay?"

"I... don't know."

"Uhh, let me rephrase that question." He paused, mulling it over. "Do you feel pain, uh... the physical kind, like it's eating away at you?"

It was oddly specific.

"I just feel tired," she said quietly.

"Okay." He looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but a look of guilt crossed his face and he kept his mouth shut.

He used to ask me a lot of questions... but now... I did that to him.

Before she could utter a word, a wave of exhaustion crashed over her. As she fell, Kaleo caught her in time.

It was strange, how it was happening like the time when he first helped her back to her apartment after she admitted that she was a supervillain.

Lysa tried to tell him not to worry, but he interrupted her.

"Here, lean on my shoulder," he spoke anxiously. "Can you walk?"

She nodded, taking a shaky step forward.

"Don't push yourself, okay?"

With much difficulty, they reached the front door of her apartment. The moment the door was opened, she hobbled to the sofa and collapsed onto it. Despite the fact that she had not eaten, she did not feel hungry and just wanted to sleep.

Kaleo bent down to touch her forehead. She noticed he took great care not to make any sudden movements. "You don't seem to be having a fever..." he muttered. The depths of his brown eyes reflected confusion and uncertainty.

He straightened up and headed to the kitchen area, returning with a cup of water. He left it on the table along with one of his snack bars. "I'll get some food for you. Eat this if you get hungry before I return."