Seraphina's POV
After such a short vacation, all of us went back to the city. We still rode in the same van, but only Dominic and Mira talked during the trip. Mira sat beside me as she promised, and I stayed silent, looking outside the van, trying to take in the scenery and the vibe of the place. I had no energy to join the conversation between Dominic and Mira, who still had energy left. I couldn't bring myself to do it. My social battery was too low to interact.
I sighed deeply and closed my eyes. I wanted to sleep throughout the whole trip, but I couldn't. I felt really tired, yet my body wouldn't let me rest. Tomorrow would be another day, same routine: wake up early, try to catch the bus in the morning, and go back home after work. The same routine that made me feel like a robot. I wanted to do something new, but I was afraid to take the risk. I wasn't even comfortable with this trip, so how could I afford to do more than that?
But part of me wanted to try something new, to go somewhere no one knew I existed, where no one would bother to talk to me. Surely, Mira would be worried if I disappeared, but I wanted to do it for my peace of mind. When? I don't know yet. Because right now, all I need to do is survive in this chaotic world.
We arrived in the city early in the evening. Dominic insisted on taking me home, but I refused and said I needed to go to a convenience store. It was a lie. I wasn't comfortable letting the three guys send me home. Mira, on the other hand, went to the company parking area to get her car. We parted ways because I badly wanted to go home.
I didn't go to the convenience store and headed straight to the bus stop. After a few minutes, the bus arrived, and I was able to get home in less than 15 minutes. As soon as I arrived, I put my things in the living room and went straight to my room to lie down on the bed. I sighed deeply and smiled. At last, I was finally in my bed, my comfort zone. I could breathe naturally without thinking about how to deal with the people around me.
As I opened my eyes, the image of Lucca flashed in my mind. I don't know why, but I suddenly remembered him and the encounter we had. I shook my head and tried to think of something else, but his image kept bothering me. From the moment I first met him to the beach trip, we somehow ended up sharing, even though we weren't friends.
He was a mystery to me, a puzzle that was hard to solve. Part of me wanted to uncover him, but another part didn't want any interaction with him. Not because I was afraid of him, but because I felt like he was dangerous. The kind of man who could kill someone who hurt him.
I shook my head again, realizing my thoughts were becoming too intense and unfair. A person's features don't define who they are; it's their personality. I stood up and drank some water to clear my mind. After that, I kept myself busy by preparing the clothes I would wear tomorrow.
The next morning….
As usual, I woke up early, prepared my meals, took a bath, and went out of the house, greeted by my old neighbors. I walked to the bus stop and waited for the bus to arrive.
When I got to the office, Mira wasn't there yet. I was 30 minutes early. I sat on my swivel chair, placed my bag at the side, and turned on the computer in front of me. I had more work to do since I still had pending emails from before.
"Good morning," Mira greeted me energetically, but I only responded with an aloof smile. I thought she would ignore it, but she didn't.
"What happened?" she asked.
I looked at her with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"
"You look pale and—"
Mira wasn't able to finish her sentence when I coughed.
"Are you sick?" she asked loudly, though not loud enough to disturb the people in the office. She placed the back of her hand on my forehead and neck to check my temperature.
"Why did you still go to work if you're not feeling well?" Mira nagged like a mother.
I actually wasn't feeling well this morning, but I still managed to go to work since I didn't want to use my leave, it could be converted to cash at the end of the year. Money was important to me, especially since I had a consultation with a psychiatrist once a week.
"I'm okay," I said, putting some distance between us. But she didn't let me go.
"You can file a sick leave."
"I'm really okay."
"How can you be okay when you're burning up?"
I sighed, feeling irritated. Mira's nagging wasn't pleasant to my ears.
"Just leave me alone, please. If I said I'm okay, then I'm okay," I said. That made Mira step back and give me space. She knew when I was getting irritated, and I was thankful she distanced herself a little.
Even though I treated her that way, she still made sure I ate my lunch and took my medicine afterward. I quietly thanked her before lying back on my swivel chair and closing my eyes. I still had 30 minutes to rest before going back to work.
Mira didn't bother me. She let me sleep but stayed beside me.
When the clock signaled that it was time to go back to work, I resumed what I was doing. Mira even volunteered to do my tasks, but I refused since she had a lot of work as well. I assured her that I was fine and continued working on my computer.
I felt really hot inside, and my fever worsened, but I kept it to myself. I didn't want to bother Mira, who was busy answering emails.
When it was time to clock out, I immediately prepared my things and stood up.
"I'm leaving," I said.
"Let me give you a ride," Mira offered, but I stopped her.
"No need. I can commute on my own," I told her. She didn't insist, which gave me relief. I don't know, I didn't want to bother her.
I immediately left the company and went to the bus stop. I waited for five minutes before the bus arrived. Since it was rush hour, the bus was crowded. In fact, I had to stand since there were no vacant seats.
I tried to fight the urge to close my eyes. I told myself that my house was near and that I could lie down on my bed soon.
When the bus stopped at my station, I got off and walked quickly toward home. I wasn't feeling well at all, and it felt like my body was burning.
Just as I was about to reach home, everything suddenly went black.
Lucca's POV
I went to Dominic's company because I had some business to attend to. I was about to go home after meeting with him when someone suddenly caught my eye.
I looked at her as she crossed the pedestrian lane. I was inside my car, waiting for people to pass. As I watched her, she seemed unwell. She stood at the bus stop, her face visibly red.
The honk of the car behind me snapped me back to reality. I was still in the middle of the road. I started driving again but pulled over to the side, waiting for Seraphina to board a bus.
It only took five minutes before she finally got on. I let the bus pass first, and through the window, I saw her standing among the crowd. I followed the bus until the next stop. When she got off, the redness on her face was still visible.
I continued following her, not knowing why I was doing it. Maybe I was curious about why her face was so red. I don't know. I'm not the type of person who meddles in someone else's life. Maybe not until today.
I followed her all the way to her house. I thought about approaching her and offering her a ride, but I was sure she would just decline. And my ego couldn't handle rejection.
I stopped the car when that fragile woman suddenly collapsed.
No one else was around at that time. I was the only one who saw her lying on the ground, or at least, I thought I was.
I immediately got out of the car and ran toward her. She was unconscious, and her body was burning hot. Without hesitation, I carried her and placed her in the back seat. I drove as fast as I could to the nearest hospital.
When we arrived, I carried her again and rushed into the emergency room. The nurses and the doctor immediately attended to her. I explained that I had seen her suddenly collapse. One of the nurses told me to wait while they examined her.
I sat on a metal bench, waiting for the results.
Half an hour passed, something unusual for me. I get bored easily. I hate wasting time, especially when it involves waiting. But this situation was different.
It involved someone who might be part of my path to eternal life.
At least, this could be my stepping stone to get close to her… until I get the ring. After that, I wouldn't have to deal with her anymore.
"Are you a relative?" the doctor asked when he was done examining her.
I didn't know how to answer that. Instead, I said, "I'm her friend."
"She has anemia and needs to rest for a while. She's also experiencing fatigue from overexertion."
Did the trip tire her out that much?
I didn't say anything and simply nodded. The doctor said she would be transferred to a private room. For now, she would need to stay for a few days. He also mentioned that they would run more laboratory tests and monitor her blood condition until she recovered.
When we arrived at the private room, the nurse told me she would come back later to check on her again. She asked me to call if the patient regained consciousness. I nodded and turned my attention to the fragile woman lying on the hospital bed.
I sat on the sofa, staring at her.
Why did I help her?
Was it because she was Dominic's friend? Or because she might have the ring I needed?
She slept peacefully, as if nothing had happened.
How would I talk to her when she woke up?
How was I supposed to deal with this woman?
Seraphina's POV
I slowly opened my eyes and saw nothing but white.
Am I dead? Am I in heaven?
Then I remembered. I was walking, and suddenly everything went blank. I didn't even know what happened next or who brought me to the hospital.
I looked to my left, and there was the answer to my question.
The one who saved me was the person I least wanted to talk to.
"You…" I said, unable to even utter his name.
His legs were crossed as he held a magazine.
He didn't speak. He just stared at me with a blank expression.
"Why am I here? Did you bring me here?" I asked.
"Yeah," he said. "The doctor said you have anemia and overfatigue. You'll be staying here for a few days."
"Days?" As soon as I heard that, I immediately tried to sit up, but it was a mistake. I suddenly felt dizzy. I touched my forehead, hoping it would ease the pain.
Lucca simply watched me, his face still blank and unreadable.
I frowned to myself. Of all people… why him?
Then I reminded myself that I should be thankful. He was the one who found me. What would have happened if he hadn't?
I took a deep breath and said, "Thank you."
Lucca looked straight into my eyes. I couldn't read him. I wished I could, but he was good at hiding his emotions.
We stayed like that for a few seconds until I looked away. I couldn't handle his deep, dark gaze.
"I owe you one. I'll pay you back," I said without looking at him. Even without facing him, I could feel his eyes on me.
"I already paid the bill," he replied.
That made me look at him again.
"What?" I asked.
"Are you deaf? Or just pretending?"
I frowned. Was he mocking me?
"You don't have to worry about the bill. I already paid," he repeated.
But because of my pride, I refused to accept it. I wasn't close to him, and it bothered me to owe him anything.
"You already helped me by bringing me here. I can't accept another debt just because you paid my hospital bill."
"Did I say it was a debt?" His thick eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me.
"I still have to pay you," I insisted.
He placed the magazine on the bedside table and stood up. He was really tall, perfect for modeling.
"I didn't ask you to pay me. But if you insist, do whatever you want," he said, then turned his back and walked out of the room.
Was he angry? Did I hurt his ego?
But what about mine? I couldn't bear owing him, especially not twice.
My thoughts were interrupted when the door suddenly opened. Mira and Dominic rushed in, both looking worried.
"Are you okay?" Mira asked, touching my face and arms as if checking for injuries.
"I'm fine," I said, trying to ease her worry.
"I told you I should've given you a ride! If you had just accepted my offer, this wouldn't have happened!" she scolded me, and honestly, I deserved it.
"Lucca called me and told me everything. I informed Mira," Dominic added, also looking concerned.
I sighed. I had made them worry, too. Now I owed them as well.
"I'm sorry for making you worry. I didn't want this to happen."
"Of course not! Who would want this to happen?" Mira said loudly. I could hear the hurt in her voice from how I treated her earlier that morning.
"I won't let this happen again. Stop worrying," I said. Then more softly, "I just… I get uncomfortable. I don't want special treatment. I don't like being the center of attention. I just want to stay low-key… someone people don't really notice."
Mira held my hand.
"I won't let this happen again. Even if you get mad at me, I'll still take care of you," she said.
Her words touched me. I knew how I treated her earlier, and I regretted it. I wanted to apologize.
"Are you hungry? I'll buy you some food," Dominic offered.
I shrugged. "Don't bother."
"I'll go," he said, already heading out of the room without waiting for my response.
Dominic's POV
I was shocked earlier when Lucca called me. At first, I thought it was a joke, but Lucca doesn't lie or make up stories just to prank someone. Even though his voice was cold, I could sense a hint of concern as he told me what had happened.
As soon as I found out, I immediately left my office and texted Mira that I needed to see her. We agreed to meet at the parking area.
She came running toward me, panting. "What's the matter, sir?" she asked. She called me sir at work, but outside, she called me Dominic.
"Seraphina—"
I hadn't even finished my sentence when she interrupted me.
"Where is she?" Mira asked urgently.
I told her the name of the hospital, and without wasting another second, we went straight to her car and drove there. I knew Mira would be deeply affected; she was very close to Seraphina. I could tell her friendship with her was genuine and loyal.
When we arrived, I let Mira go to Seraphina's room first. I knew Seraphina would explain everything to her.
As I walked down the hallway, I saw Lucca sitting on a metal bench, typing on his phone.
"Lucca…" I called.
He looked up at me with his usual blank, expressionless face.
"Thank you," I said. Even though they weren't close, and even if his only interest was the ring, he still helped Seraphina.
"Why are people so dramatic?" Lucca said, clearly annoyed.
I smiled. Lucca was back to being his usual cold self.
"I already told her I paid the bill, and yet she still insisted on paying me back," he added. "What's wrong with that woman?"