Dylan stepped back into Ember's room and found her still fast asleep. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he moved to sit beside her bed. His gaze fell on her injured leg, and without a second thought, he carefully began applying the ointment the doctor had prescribed. His touch was gentle, almost hesitant, but the sensation was enough to stir Ember from her sleep.
Her eyes fluttered open, still hazy with dreams, and the first thing she saw was Dylan, his warm hands tending to her leg. A jolt of embarrassment shot through her, and she quickly pulled her leg away.
"You don't have to. I can do it myself," she said, her voice laced with both shyness and determination.
Dylan sighed, his expression unreadable as he met her gaze. "Let me do it. You can't even reach properly without folding your legs awkwardly. So, just let me help."
Ember shook her head stubbornly. "I don't like it when you touch my feet. It feels... weird."
Dylan tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Weird? Why?"
She hesitated, her cheeks warming with an unmistakable blush. After a brief pause, she mumbled in a barely audible voice, "It's ticklish."
Dylan blinked before breaking into laughter—a deep, genuine sound that sent warmth spiraling through Ember's chest. It had been a while since she'd seen him smile like that, and the sight alone was enough to make her own lips curve upward.
"Don't laugh," she said, pouting slightly. "You'd feel ticklish too if I touched your feet."
A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she reached out and lightly brushed her fingers against his foot. Dylan jerked back instantly, bursting into laughter as he tried to escape her grasp.
"Stop it! Now I know it really tickles—so stop!" he gasped between chuckles.
"See? I told you!" Ember grinned, her laughter bubbling up freely.
What started as playful teasing quickly escalated into a full-blown tickle fight, their joyous laughter filling the room. Hands brushed, shoulders bumped, and for a moment, it was just them—wrapped up in the lightheartedness of the moment.
Then, as if the air had suddenly shifted, their eyes met. The laughter faded, replaced by something deeper, something unspoken. Their breathing slowed. The space between them narrowed, and without realizing it, they were mere inches apart.
Neither moved. Neither spoke.
Something electric crackled in the silence between them, pulling them closer—an unspoken understanding lingering in the air.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Dylan's phone rang, shattering the moment like fragile glass. He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair before reluctantly pulling away to answer.
The name flashing on the screen made his jaw tighten—Emir.
"Hey, Dylan. What took you so long to pick up ? Why aren't you speaking ? Are you upset about something ? Don't tell me I just interrupted your quality time," Emir teased, his voice dripping with amusement.
Dylan's brows furrowed as he answered curtly, "Yes, you did."
A chuckle came from the other end. "Sorry, but where's Ember? It's been ages since I last talked to her. How is she?"
Dylan's grip on the phone tightened. "You seem to forget how your friend is doing but are suddenly interested in talking to my girlfriend," he said, his tone edged with irritation.
Emir laughed. "Don't lie to me. How can you two be official already? Aren't you still on your so-called trial period?"
Dylan's patience was thinning. "Hey, don't test me. I told you—she's my girlfriend," he snapped.
Emir hummed thoughtfully. "Okay, then let me ask Ember myself. I don't believe you. You've been after her since day one."
Dylan smirked and handed the phone to Ember. "Fine. Go ahead."
Ember took the phone with a warm smile. "Hey, Emir. Long time no see."
"Long time, Ember. So, is it true? Are you and Dylan official now?"
Dylan instantly perked up, his eyes locking onto Ember with the intensity of a hopeful puppy. His gaze was filled with silent pleading, his entire expression practically begging for a favorable answer.
Emir's amused voice broke through the moment. "Don't look at him. I know he's making pitiful faces," he said, making Ember laugh.
She chuckled before replying, "No! It's not like that—"
Dylan's jaw dropped. "What are you saying? Didn't you tell me I'm your boyfriend?" he exclaimed, utterly scandalized.
Struggling to hold back her laughter, Ember waved him off. "Hey, Dylan, let me finish! Don't interrupt. I'm talking to Emir. So shush!"
Without thinking, she placed a finger on Dylan's lips, silencing him instantly. He blinked at her in defeat before obediently sitting next to her, arms crossed like a sulking child.
Turning back to the phone, Ember grinned. "Sorry about the drama, Emir. It's all Dylan's fault—he panics too easily."
Emir laughed. "It's fine. My bad for interrupting."
"No, no. It's not your fault," Ember replied with a playful grin. "Dylan's just being dramatic. But to clarify—yes, he's my boyfriend now. Officially. And honestly, he's making me a little mad, so I'm ignoring him for the time being."
Dylan's face fell, hurt flashing in his eyes, but Ember pointedly ignored him.
Sensing the tension, Emir quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, I'm inviting you both to my birthday party on the 23rd. Come a week early so we can hang out."
Dylan let out a sigh. "Sorry, we can't make it."
"What? Why not? You both have to come!" Emir protested.
Dylan's voice was firm as he explained, "Ember hurt her foot. She can't walk properly, and traveling that far would be dangerous."
Emir's tone instantly shifted to concern. "What? Ember, what happened?"
"It's just a small injury," Ember reassured him quickly. "Dylan's overreacting."
Dylan shot her a sharp look. "Overreacting? You could barely take a few steps this morning without crying from the pain!"
Ember opened her mouth to argue but stopped, realizing he wasn't entirely wrong.
Seeing the situation unfold, Emir sighed. "Alright, I'll cancel the party. Your health is more important, Ember."
"No, don't cancel it!" Ember protested. "The doctor said I'll recover in a week, and we still have time after that. We'll come."
Emir hesitated. "But what if your foot still hurts?"
Ember frowned, deep in thought. "You're right. Let's think of a way…"
Emir chuckled. "How about Dylan carries you everywhere?"
Both Ember and Emir turned to Dylan, who exhaled heavily but didn't protest.
A mischievous glint sparked in Ember's eyes as she grinned. "That's a great idea. Dylan can carry me around all the time!"
Emir laughed. "Or, you could use a wheelchair for a while."
"That works too!" Ember agreed, her smile widening. "Alright, we'll be there. See you soon, Emir."
"Okay, I'll be waiting. Bye!" Emir said as the call ended.
As soon as the call ended, Ember turned to Dylan, noticing the way his expression had darkened with anger. Concern flickered in her chest as she hesitantly asked, "What's wrong?"
Dylan crossed his arms, his jaw tightening as frustration clouded his features. "I don't get it. How is Emir my best friend when he only ever calls to talk to you and then hangs up? And you—what's going on with you, Ember? Did you forget what happened this morning?" His tone was sharp, laced with both irritation and worry.
Ember lowered her gaze, guilt tugging at her heart. She hadn't forgotten—not at all—but the excitement of the trip overshadowed everything else. "I didn't forget," she admitted softly. "But I really want to go, Dylan. Please."
Dylan exhaled heavily, shaking his head. "What if you don't recover properly? You're not even resting the way you're supposed to. You're not listening to me at all."
Ember reached out, her fingers gently wrapping around his hand. Her eyes, filled with a mix of hope and desperation, locked onto his. "I'll rest properly. I'll take my medicine on time. And I'll listen to you—I promise. Please, can we go?"
Dylan stared at her, his resolve wavering under the weight of her pleading gaze. He sighed, defeated. "Okay," he relented. "But I'm keeping an eye on you. If you don't follow through, we're canceling the trip. Understood?"
Before he could say anything else, Ember's face lit up with pure excitement. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. The sudden force sent them tumbling onto the bed, a surprised gasp escaping Dylan's lips as he landed beneath her.
Ember clung to him, her voice filled with joy as she whispered, "Thank you so much! I promise I'll listen to you!"
But as the rush of excitement faded, realization slowly dawned on her. Her body stiffened as she became acutely aware of just how close they were. She could feel Dylan's warmth beneath her, his steady breath against her skin.
Dylan noticed the shift immediately. His hands moved to her arms, gently pulling her back just enough to see her face. Ember's cheeks had turned a deep, rosy red, and her eyes darted around the room, refusing to meet his gaze.
A soft chuckle rumbled from Dylan's chest. "You're so cute," he murmured, his voice low and warm.
Ember's eyes snapped to his, her breath hitching at his words. But before she could react, Dylan leaned in, closing the distance between them, and captured her lips in a gentle, lingering kiss.
Dylan's lips pressed softly against Ember's, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down her spine. As the kiss deepened, he gently parted her lips with his teeth, exploring her further with an aching tenderness. Ember's heart pounded, her initial embarrassment dissolving into a sweet, intoxicating passion that mirrored his.
Time seemed to stand still as they remained locked in the moment, lost in each other. When they finally pulled away, their breaths mingled, and their eyes met—full of unspoken emotions. Ember's cheeks burned with a deep flush, and in a flustered attempt to hide her embarrassment, she placed her hand over Dylan's eyes.
A soft chuckle rumbled in his chest. He reached up, gently removing her hand, then pressed a lingering kiss against her forehead. "I'll go check if dinner is ready," he murmured before stepping out of the room, a small, affectionate smile playing on his lips.
A while later, Dylan returned, his expression calm and composed. "Dinner is ready," he announced. "Do you want to eat now?"
Ember's face brightened. "Yeah, I'm starving. Let's go eat!" She eagerly swung her legs over the bed, preparing to stand, but Dylan was quick to stop her.
His brows furrowed in disapproval. "Didn't I tell you to rest? Why are you trying to get up?" His voice was gentle but firm. "I'll bring the food here for you."
Ember groaned, her shoulders slumping. "But I've been in this room all day," she whined. "I don't want to eat here."
Dylan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Didn't you just promise to listen to me? And now you're breaking that promise already?"
Ember sighed, pouting slightly. "Okay, okay. I'll eat here."
Dylan watched her for a moment, noticing the disappointment flickering in her eyes. A thought sparked in his mind, and his lips curled into a mischievous smile. Without warning, he stepped forward and effortlessly scooped Ember up into his arms.
A surprised gasp escaped her lips. "Dylan!" she yelped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ignoring her protests, Dylan carried Ember to the terrace garden, where he quickly arranged a beautifully dinner table sat under the gentle glow of the moonlight. The soft flicker of candles and the crisp night air created an atmosphere of quiet romance.
Ember's eyes widened in awe as she took in the scene. "Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice filled with joy.
They sat together, enjoying their meal beneath the stars. Laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly between them, making the night feel even more magical. After dinner, Dylan set up a movie for them to watch. Ember's face lit up with excitement as she settled in beside him.
"It feels like we're on a date," she said with a soft laugh, glancing at him.
Dylan smiled, gently taking her hand in his. "That's because we are," he murmured, giving her fingers a light squeeze.
As the movie played, after sometime Ember slowly felt her exhaustion creeping in. The warmth of Dylan's presence and the soothing night air made it impossible to keep her eyes open. Her head naturally found its way to his shoulder, and before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep.
Dylan glanced down, a fond smile touching his lips. But then he remembered—she hadn't taken her medicine. He hesitated, not wanting to wake her, but he knew it was important. Carefully, he placed the pill between her lips, then took a sip of water and gently passed it to her, ensuring she swallowed without disrupting her peaceful slumber.
Once he was certain she had taken it, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms and carried her back to the bedroom. Laying her down with the utmost care, he watched as her breathing remained soft and steady. A sense of peace washed over him just watching her sleep.
Needing to freshen up, Dylan headed for a quick shower. When he returned, he noticed the blanket had slipped off Ember, leaving her only partially covered. Silently, he stepped forward, adjusting it over her and tucking it snugly around her to keep her warm.
Just as he turned to head for the sofa, he felt a small hand wrap around his. Ember, still half-asleep, murmured in a soft, drowsy voice, "Sleep here with me… instead of that uncomfortable sofa."
Dylan froze, his gaze lingering on her peaceful face. A soft sigh escaped his lips. "Okay," he whispered.
Carefully, he slipped into the bed beside her, making sure not to disturb her rest. As soon as he lay down, Ember instinctively moved closer, her arms wrapping around his, seeking warmth and comfort even in sleep.
Dylan's heart softened at the gesture. With a gentle touch, he stroked her hair, brushing a few strands away from her face.
"Sweet dreams, Ember," he whispered, his voice filled with quiet affection.
The steady rhythm of her breathing and the warmth of her presence lulled him into serenity. Letting his eyes close, he soon drifted into a deep, contented sleep beside her.