Chapter 32: Trance
"Kiss…?"
Both of them repeated at the same time, turning to each other in surprise. They didn't mind kissing anymore after all of their moments together but they feared the place they were in. Public kissing was one thing and Ryan's urges were another.
They knew what would happen if they kissed. Rose still had vivid memories of their scene in the changing room.
"Yeah, this is the easiest way. Your grandma shouldn't have any problems after this," Ryan's mom confirmed.
"Why do we need proof anyway? Don't we look like a couple already?" Ryan questioned, not willing to make Rose uncomfortable. It would be different if they were not in public but now they would be clearly seen by other people walking past.
"I don't know. I'm just passing you her message. She has always been acting weird but there is nothing we can do. If we want to win against Karen, we have to listen to your grandma's wishes," his mom explained determinately and pleaded, "Can't you do a quick kiss photo? I'm sure you two already kissed."
Cough…
Ryan cleared his throat and muted the call for a moment. He could see in Rose's eyes that she wanted to say something but she was holding back on the call.
It turned out he was right as Rose suggested right after, "I don't mind the kiss and the photo, but can we go somewhere else...?"
Ryan looked around the street and there happened to be a few people walking past on the other side of the sidewalk which also made him a bit unwilling. It was one thing kissing in the public with no one around and another while knowing someone is watching.
He made a quick decision and unmuted the call, suggesting instead, "Mom, I will send you the picture soon. We will find a restaurant first. We are in public right now."
"Alright, I don't mind. Take your time," his mom agreed without problems before proposing, "Rose, sweetheart, will you come with Ryan to our house tomorrow? You can help him pack and I will pick you two up from his dormitory."
Rose seemed to already plan that as she smiled and nodded, "Mhmm, I can. Thank you, Mrs. Morgan, for the invitation."
"Hehe, you are welcome. I want to meet you and ask what magic did my Ryan use to get such beauty as his girlfriend," his mom giggled and said her goodbyes, ending the phone call.
"Where are we going?" Rose asked cheerfully, pulling out the earpiece. Being called a beauty was always nice.
"I was about to ask the same," Ryan countered. "Have you been to any nearby restaurants?"
Rose looked around and shook her head, "No, but I know one cafe which is some far away from here. It should take us around ten minutes to get there. They have private rooms and their hot chocolate is amazing."
"Alright, let's go then," Ryan agreed, not bothered by the distance.
He picked up his bags and grabbed her hand, going in the direction she indicated.
It hasn't been a minute before he stopped and turned around with a frown.
Rose followed his gaze and questioned, "What happened?"
"It's nothing… I hope," Ryan muttered. "I keep feeling as if someone is watching us. It's not the first time."
She helped him look around but they didn't find anyone. They couldn't do anything about it so Ryan continued walking.
"Maybe I'm just hallucinating. Let's get going."
They reached the cafe much faster than they expected as Ryan unknowingly increased his speed. He kept turning back, feeling gazes on his back only to realize there was no one behind them. It was a weird feeling he couldn't get rid of.
Only after they entered the cafe and closed their private room did the sensation stop bothering him. The room had a single round table with a moon-shaped sofa surrounding it, just enough for four people.
Uff…
He sighed in relief and sat down next to Rose, leaning his head on her shoulder. He somehow felt tired. Not exactly physically but rather mentally as if he just pulled an all-nighter.
Rose caressed his cheek and ruffled his hair. "Did the feeling go away?" she asked with care in her voice.
"Yeah, it's gone. I'm fine now," Ryan replied with a fake smile, wanting to sit straight but Rose pulled him back, holding onto his head.
"Lay down some more and I will order for us," Rose commanded sternly and clicked the button on the table to call the waiter.
He didn't see what Rose could but his face was all pale. She ordered two hot chocolates and a double cake for them. Only when the waiter left and closed the doors behind him did Rose question, "You are not fine. Are you tired? Your face is pale."
"Huh? Really?" Ryan couldn't believe it and looked at the small mirror ornament hanging on the sidewall.
He was indeed pale, lacking any signs of his usual rosiness.
"I'm sorry… I don't know why but I'm actually mentally drained…" Ryan admitted, knowing he couldn't hide it anymore. "Can I rest a bit more?"
He kind of expected what would be Rose's reaction.
"Dummy, you could have told me," Rose scolded as she pinched his cheek. "Would you hide it too if you got hurt?"
"Sowwie~" Ryan apologized sweetly as he cuddled into her shoulder, asking for forgiveness. "I didn't want you to panic. It's nothing serious. I will be back to normal in a moment."
"Humpf," Rose grunted unhappily. "Who turns pale out of nowhere and considers it fine?"
She didn't let him find another excuse and pushed him off her shoulder, straight into her lap.
"Here, lay down and don't move. You will recover faster this way," Rose suggested, her voice giving him no option of rejection.
Not like he would reject anyway. Her thighs were so soft and smooth, acting as a perfect lap pillow. He tried to find the best position, moving around with his head but only received another pinch in return.
"Stop fidgeting or—" Rose warned but didn't finish as Ryan stopped immediately.
"What are we going to do with our photo?" He asked curiously.
"The kiss can wait," Rose decided immediately. "You better tell me what happened. You were normal back on the bench."
Although she acted sternly, she rubbed the spot she pinched, trying to lessen the pain for him. It was obvious she cared for him which warmed his heart.
"I'm not sure… This never happened to me before. As we walked, I grew weaker whenever I had this feeling. It's weird, I know. I can't explain it," Ryan described uncertainly and sighed internally. "I'm a weirdo. First my urges and now this..."
"Don't worry, we will figure it out," Rose assured him, brushing her fingers through his hair. "I'm your girlfriend so please tell me everything, no matter what happens, okay?"
"Mhmm… I will," Ryan nodded and laid down comfortably, enjoying the softness. "We should do this more often."
Rose didn't reject him but didn't make it too easy either, "Only if you earn it. This time is special."
The next five minutes, they spent in silence. Rose scratched and rubbed as they listened to the gentle music in the background. They didn't need to talk to enjoy the time they spent together.
Knock, knock.
The signal for the waiter arriving came, forcing them to separate. Ryan looked better than before but he still felt as if he lacked energy. Thankfully, they ordered some sweets so the sugar should be of some help.
"Please, come in," Rose called out and a young waiter entered, carrying the metal tray with their order. Ryan happened to peek through the doors and froze.
Ba-dum!
His heart banged as if a giant church bell, twisting inside of him with the same feeling from before, this time stronger than ever. It was a hundred times more potent.
He was right.
It was definitely a person who was following him and he could finally see her now, standing in the lobby. The black cloak and red high-heels. He already saw her once before.
When Ryan's gaze fell on her, something struck him. An incredible sense of familiarity.
She returned his look as if sensing it but all he saw was a pair of red eyes, gawking at him from the shadows inside her hood. He stared and couldn't look away. Her eyes drew him in and he was unable to resist her.
Only after the waiter finished putting down the tray and closed the doors behind him did Ryan shake his head, leaving the sudden trance.
"Earth to Ryan. Can you hear me?" Rose pulled on his sleeve, trying to get his attention but he stood up and opened the doors instead.
She was gone already.
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