It's only a phase, isn't it? | 18+ | +MAIN FOCUS+

Chapter 10

"You touched my whiskey?!"

"My apologies, sir, I just wanted to rearrange the fridge-"

Slap.

And I fell to the floor.

"Next time you touch it, this is gonna be what hits you!" He yelled, waving his bottle of beer at me.

***

Ugh... I'm not doing something that risky again. That's the day I had learned of Jeong-ssi's alcohol addiction.

And since then, all I'd heard was his wife complaining about how he drinks too much... and his words... they would hurt... more than an actual punch to the gut...

"Hey, Kace, breathe." Annie urged as she noticed me beginning to shake.

Right... this works me up more than anything.

As I forced my lungs to take in some air for once, I then realized that what I was raving about... I needed to talk to her about it. Maybe then I could finally get this off my mind for good.

Yes... I'd make Jalen a nice breakfast... and maybe I can get her to talk to me... I hope she's calmer today.

After some time, I had a nice and large tray of porridge, rice, eggs, and bacon. As much as I wanted to go against my diet and down everything at once, I didn't want my cholesterol levels to get any worse... though maybe they've gotten better. Haven't gotten my blood tested in years...

I shook my head again and picked up the tray, bringing it upstairs.

No, Kace, this has nothing to do with your diet. This has to do with Jalen. This is for her, not you.

As I reached her door and walked in slowly, mumbling an "excuse me", I noticed her looking right at me.

"I... thought you'd want to see me."

I stepped forward and handed her the tray.

"Here."

"What's all this for?"

"Just take a bite. Don't question it. This is something I've wanted to do."

She anxiously smiled and took an assortment of the food into her chopsticks.

"The porridge looks like it's happy to see me."

I couldn't help but smile, along with the little "illustration" in the porridge made of eggs and bacon. I knew she would like that addition.

"It is. Heh."

I twiddled my thumbs a bit.

Just ask her.

"You know, the thing about this food, Lady Jalen... uh..."

As soon as I got her attention, I suddenly felt my throat clench.

"I... made it... to..." I hesitated as I spoke, over and over.

"To..?"

Why is it so hard to talk to a girl... even if she is the one I have sworn to serve and protect...

"To... uh... apologize," I forced it. "I'm... sorry if I came on too strong. I know... your private affairs are not my business," I looked away.

"Oh... you don't need to apologize... to be honest, I was just a little shocked."

Annie was right...

"Y-Yeah, I even shocked myself..." I replied, scratching the back of my head. "I'll... see you later. Enjoy..."

As I stepped outside, before mentally chastising myself for not asking what I wanted to, I found myself running into Annie.