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Miray lay still and waited, her breath hitching as she watched Noah's chest rise and fall in the soft rhythm of sleep. The dim moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gloomy glow over the room.
She blinked away the tears that threatened to spill, her heart heavy with the weight of her unspoken lies and buried emotions.
In the hushed darkness of the room, her hand reached out to touch Noah's tousled curls, strands slipped through her trembling fingers, echoing the nagging fear in her heart.
Each strand felt like a fragile connection, threatened to be slipped off at any moment, leaving her clinging to the remnants of what once was.
".... and that would never change as long as you're our sister, and that is unchangeable."
But it would... Miray thought bitterly as the words kept echoing in her mind, amplifying the ache in her chest.
It would once they knew the truth.
Miray knew that despite the strong bond they shared, the winds of change would sweep her brothers away, leaving her abandoned in a sea of loneliness.
She shut her eyes tightly, willing herself to block out the hurt, but it seeped through the cracks, consuming her from within.
With a silent prayer, she rose from the bed, her movements slow and deliberate, careful not to disturb the sleeping figures beside her. As she stood, her gaze lingered on Noah then Luke, her heart aching with a sorrow she couldn't name.
"I'm sorry," she whispered to no one, her lips trembling, silently pleading for the pain in her heart to cease... but it remained, an ever-present companion.
"I'm sorry," she whispered again, pressing both her hands over her lips to stifle the sobs, then quickly and quietly slipped out of the room, heading straight for her only refuge.
Rayan.
She hurriedly entered the boys' room and dashed inside, her heart racing with a mixture of fear from the empty hallway and desperate need for Rayan.
She needed him.
She needed his reassurance.
She needed his 'promise'.
"R-Rayan," she cried out into the darkness, her voice trembling with emotion. Her eyes struggled to adjust to the dimness of their room, which was always kept dark unlike hers.
"Miray?" Rayan's voice came from the shadows, a mix of confusion, surprise, and concern evident in his tone. He seemed unsure if he had truly heard her or if it was just his imagination.
The moment he sat up and she could detect his silhouette in the darkness, she dashed to him and crashed him into a tight hug, clinging to him as if he were her lifeline.
He was.
Rayan's arms instinctively wrapped around Miray's petite body, holding her close with a desperate tenderness that mirrored her own need for comfort. His heart ached with the need to ease her pain.
His pain.
He craved that embrace just as desperately as she did, if not more. Though he yearned for her hugs, his insecurities often hindered him, convincing him he lacked the right to seek them out.
So he waited patiently, like a faithful dog awaiting its owner's gesture, hoping she would throw him a lifeline to brighten his day and keep him going.
"Rayan," she called out, her voice choked with tears, her hands clutching onto him desperately.
Rayan's heart twisted, his arms encircling her with gentle strength, his own anguish echoing in the depths of his soul.
Couldn't she hear the silent plea echoing in his chest? Couldn't she feel his desperate longing to ease her pain, to hold her tight and chase away her sorrows?
"Rayan," she repeated, each syllable punctuated by a hitch in her breath as she buried her face against his shoulder.
"Rayan, Rayan, Rayan," Miray pleaded through her tears, each repetition pulling him closer, seeking refugee in his embrace.
"I'm here," Rayan managed to speak, his voice trembling with feeling. "Miray, I'm right here... just... Please," he begged, his heart throbbing with a mixture of urgency and desperation. "Don't cry," he urged, his voice strained with the depth of his own emotions.
Miray pulled back slightly, her tears still flowing silently, her sobs muffled. She didn't want to wake Kaiden, who slept nearby, unaware of the chaos unfolding in the darkness.
Little did she know...
"R-Rayan," she cried out, her hands instinctively reaching to cup Rayan's face, unable to see the troubled expression etched on his features in the engulfing darkness. "Rayan, I'm scared," she whispered, her hands gripping tighter.
"I don't want them to hate me," she cried miserably. "I-I don't, please Rayan," she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear and desperation.
"Shh, it's okay," Rayan eagerly responded, his heart aching to see her in distress, longing to do anything to ease her pain.
"R-Rayan," she cried helplessly, her voice broken by hiccups. "You do, right?" she pressed, desperation evident in her tone. "You said you'll always be there, right?" she pleaded, "You'll always be my brother, right, Rayan?" she implored desperately.
For a fleeting moment, Rayan felt a twinge in his heart, a buried truth clawing at the surface, an inner turmoil threatening to surface, but he quickly buried it and looked at her, his gaze unwavering. "I do," he affirmed.
He would do anything she want, fulfill any role she needed, just to halt her tears.
Just for her not to be sad.
His choice of words seemed to have the desired effect as he felt her tension ease slightly, her cries quieting to soft sniffles and hiccups.
For a while, they remained enveloped in silence, with Miray clinging to Rayan's neck while he held her close, rubbing her back in the comforting rhythm he knew she liked, mirroring the gestures of her brothers.
"You will really be always my brother?" Miray whispered after a while, her voice tinged with fear. "You will, right, Rayan?" she asked, her desperation more evident this time.
"I will," Rayan assured, his voice filled with unwavering certainty.
"Promise?" Miray sniffled, her voice thick with emotion.
"Promise," Rayan affirmed, and without hesitation, Miray threw herself into his embrace once more, finding comfort in Rayan's promise and presence.
"I love you," she whispered, oblivious to the profound impact her words had on Rayan's heart.
Miray was grateful because Rayan wanted to be her brother despite knowing she wasn't truly his sister.
Miray knew deep in her heart that her brothers would also love her regardless of blood ties. She witnessed their unwavering kindness and affection towards Kaiden and Rayan, treating them like family even though they weren't bound by blood.
She knew this truth with absolute certainty because she knew the goodness in their hearts.
But...
She lied.
Miray was a liar.
She's still a liar.
She lied to them constantly, and she felt weighed down by her own lies, feeling like a heavy blanket suffocating her, making it hard to breathe.
Her brothers hated lies, and she felt bad for tricking them, using their love against them. It made her feel really guilty and scared.
Scared of the outcome.
Even if they eventually forgave her, she knew deep within that their love would never fully mend.
Miray didn't just crave a fragment of their affection; she yearned for the entirety of their love, the feeling of being cherished and adored by her brothers more than anything in existence.
They were her salvation, the only ones who held her close and loved her regardless of her flaws, and the mere idea of losing a fraction of their affection was unbearable.
Miray hoped that by the time they unraveled the truth, she would have already passed away. The doctors had cautioned her that time was running out, that her days were limited.
And perhaps, in a twisted way, it was a relief.
Miray didn't want to die.
She wanted to live as long as possible — but only as long as her brothers continued to love her.
She didn't want to face the inevitable loneliness that awaited her. Miray didn't envision a future without her brothers, without their love and companionship. She didn't want to grow old alone or with anyone else.
Miray couldn't imagine a future devoid of her brothers, without their love and companionship. She dreaded the thought of growing old alone or with anyone else.
Miray couldn't imagine a future that didn't include her brothers, without their love and affection.
She shuddered at the idea of growing old by herself or even with anyone else.
Miray wanted her brothers.
She wanted their love.
And theirs alone.
....
Rayan and Miray were lying next to each other on his bed, their bodies entwined in a comforting embrace that felt like home to Rayan.
Rayan's senses were entirely consumed by Miray—the softness of her skin against his, the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, the feeling of having her close to him. He took in every detail with an almost reverent appreciation, from the delicate fragrance that lingered in her long, silky hair that cascaded around them to the way her hand lightly gripped his t-shirt.
Rayan couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having her by his side.
Rayan loved it.
He cherished this moment above all else.
Well, almost above all else.
Maybe equally as much as the way Miray looked at him with that special gaze—the one that held all the love and tenderness in the world—that captured Rayan's heart every time.
Or the tender touch of her fingers as they delicately traced through his hair, sending shivers down his spine.
Or even the 'I love you.' she whispered softly.
Rayan couldn't quite decide which he loved most; they all held a special place in his heart.
"Are you cold?" Rayan's whisper brushed against Miray's ear as his arms tightened around her, feeling the delicate shiver that ran through her slender frame.
"Mhm," Miray hummed softly, snuggling closer against him. She always had warmer and thicker blankets than everyone else in the house due to her poor blood circulation.
"I'll go grab another blanket," Rayan began to rise, but Miray's gentle grip held him back.
"It's okay, I'll warm up with time," she whispered softly, nestling closer to him. Rayan hesitated a bit, but finally decided to do as she wanted and started rubbing her back slowly, his touch offering comfort and warmth.
It was quiet for a bit before Kaiden suddenly stirred, stretching his arms and clumsily rising to his feet. With his eyes half closed, he struggled to find the door, missing it twice before finally making his way out.
Miray couldn't suppress a smile as she watched Kaiden's clumsy attempts, amused by his sleepy actions.
Rayan, on the other hand, couldn't help but roll his eyes ever so subtly at Kaiden's poor performance. But it seemed to be convincing enough for Miray, who believed he had just woken up.
A few minutes drifted by before Kaiden returned, and just as he was about to settle in, his eyes caught sight of Miray peeking at him from Rayan's side. She lay nestled on his chest while he reclined on his back, a tired look in her eyes.
Kaiden's grin spread across his lips as he approached Rayan's bed. "Miray?" he exclaimed, feigning shock.
Miray snuggled more against Rayan's chest, trying to hide in shyness, and Rayan's heart was literally beating out of control.
"Why are you guys still awake?" Kaiden queried, his tone light and casual. He didn't quetion Miray's presence beside Rayan, sparing her from the embarrassment and shyness she would have felt if he had addressed it directly.
Something that Miray silently appreciated.
Miray returned the smile tiredly, offering a timid wave. "Hi~ I'm-" She paused, her nerves getting the better of her as she struggled to come up with a reason for her presence.
Rayan shot Kaiden a subtle glare, angry at him for putting Miray in a position where she felt the need to justify herself or feel anxious.
"You don't feel sleepy?" Kaiden helped with a smile, coming to Miray's aid and attempting to overlook Rayan's disapproving glare.
He looked like an angry puppy.
Miray nodded in response, feeling a sense of relief as the tension eased slightly.
Kaiden's smile suddenly faded as he felt her shiver, as well as Rayan's glare as he also looked down at Miray with furrowed eyebrows.
"Do you feel cold, angel?" Kaiden asked as he reached for her hand, which was lightly gripping Rayan's t-shirt just above his stomach. Rayan struggled to restrain himself from pushing Kaiden's hand away before it touched Miray's hand.
But it wasn't his place, much to his dismay...
Kaiden frowned at the chilliness of Miray's hand and gently pulled it towards him as he took a seat on Rayan's bed. "You're freezing," he stated, enfolding her hand in his large, warm ones.
Miray liked how warm Kaiden's hands were, just like her brothers.
Rayan was warm too.
In fact, everyone around her seemed to radiate warmth—her brothers, her friends, her family. Everyone except herself.
"Come here, baby, I'll warm you up," Kaiden cooed, gently guiding Miray to him while suppressing a laugh at the incredulous look on Rayan's face who tightened his arms around her and pulled her back.
He looked like an angry puppy, baring his teeth in a menacing snarl and glaring at Kaiden. Yet, beneath his glare, Rayan couldn't shake the underlying fear of Miray leaving him, which only intensified his protective instincts.
Miray smiled gratefully. "It's okay, Rayan is warm," she replied, causing Rayan's heart to race even faster, his body heating up even more.
Kaiden grinned. "But see," he said, holding her hand with both hands, "I'm hot," he remarked.
Miray gently caressed Kaiden's hand, enjoying his warmth. "Yeah, you're hotter," she remarked innocently, eliciting a laugh from Kaiden who shot Rayan a cheeky smile, as if to declare himself the victor.
Rayan struggled to contain his urge to kick Kaiden out of his bed. He was on the brink of doing so when Kaiden's smirk faded and genuine concern replaced it. "Hey, you okay?" Kaiden's question broke through Rayan's thoughts, instantly redirecting his focus to Miray.
Desperate for relief, she attempted to sit up, but even that simple movement felt like an uphill battle. Lying down only intensified her struggles, amplifying the pressure in her chest and making each breath more labored than the last.
Immediately, all thoughts of kicking Kaiden out vanished from Rayan's mind as he glanced over at Miray. His heart clenched at the sight of her struggling to sit up, her chest heaving with each labored breath. Her hand trembled as it reached for her forehead, her hair falling over her face in disarray.
Miray wanted to nod and reassure them, but her body betrayed her. Her chest tightened, constricting her breath, each inhalation feeling like a struggle for air.
Kaiden hurriedly switched on the lights, bathing the room in a soft glow, before swiftly returning to Miray's side. "Relax, in and out," he encouraged, guiding Miray to sit up and placing her feet on the ground while he knelt in front of her.
Dizziness washed over her as the lack of oxygen made her head spin.
Rayan's heart raced with anxiety as he prepared to spring into action, "I'll bring the inhaler," he declared, his voice tinged with urgency as he moved to stand up.
But just as he began to rise, Miray's weak voice stopped him in his tracks.
"I have it," she managed to say, breathless.
As Miray reached for her pocket, her hands shook with urgency as she fumbled to retrieve her inhaler. Rayan, noticing her struggle, quickly assisted her in extracting the inhaler from the pocket of her hoodie.
"Here," he murmured softly as he carefully placed the inhaler in her trembling hand.
Miray's fingers tightened around the inhaler, but her trembling hands threatened to let it slip.
Just as the inhaler threatened to slip from her grasp, she felt a gentle hand steadying it and supporting the back of her head, aiding her in taking the necessary inhalation.
Miray's barely closed eyes flickered towards Kaiden as she took the inhalation, a mixture of gratitude and guilt swirling in the depths of her mind for ruining his and Rayan's night.
As if reading her thoughts, Kaiden reached for her hand with his free one and brought it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss upon it. The gesture was tender and comforting, easing some of the weight from Miray's shoulders.
Rayan, on the other hand, remained close by, his silent presence a source of reassurance in the midst of her discomfort. He didn't dare to mimic Kaiden's gesture, but his closeness spoke volumes, offering silent support and understanding.
Though every fiber of Rayan being wanted to reach for Miray, kiss her hand and hold her closer, he restrained himself. Instead, he only leaned closer to her.
After a few inhalations, Miray placed her feet on the edge of the bed and leaned her head down, attempting to alleviate her discomfort. Despite the slight improvement in her breathing, she still felt dizzy, exhausted, and sick.
"Should I call Luke?" Kaiden asked worriedly as he noticed Miray's pain.
Miray quickly shook her head, her hand reaching out to stop him, though she immediately regretted the motion as a wave of pain washed over her. "Ugh," she moaned softly, retracting her hand to cradle her head.
"I think I'm hungry," she murmured, feeling her stomach growl. It dawned on her that she hadn't eaten much, and the lack of sleep combined with her current state might be contributing to her discomfort.
Kaiden seemed to hesitate a bit before he sighed, "Okay," he replied, his eyes filled with empathy. "I'll bring you a sandwich, is that okay?"
Miray extended her hand towards him. "I want to go downstairs," she stated, attempting to stand with his assistance. With Kaiden's support, she managed to rise to her feet, though her head spun with dizziness and she leaned heavily against him for stability, his arm slipping around her waist to support her weight.
Kaiden nodded. "Alright, but I'll carry you downstairs, okay?" he asked, waiting patiently until Miray nodded in agreement. With careful movements, he leaned down to scoop her into his arms bridal-style, then proceeded downstairs, his steps steady and sure. Rayan followed quietly behind them, holding Miray's slippers in his hands.
He gently placed Miray on the stool and waited until Rayan settled next to her before he moved to the other side of the kitchen and began assembling her sandwich, his movements efficient and practiced.
"What would you like inside?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder at Miray as he opened the fridge. "And what juice do you want to drink?"
"Something salty, please," Miray responded, her voice soft but grateful. "And any juice you can find. Thank you."she said, knowing he wouldn't find much options for the juice anyway.
Not that she was complaining, Miray was happy that they at least had food, aware many others weren't as fortunate.
As Kaiden busied himself with the sandwich, Miray rested her head on the counter, feeling the weariness settling in. She felt the gentle touch of slippers being placed on her feet, and knew it was Rayan.
She wanted to retract, to insist that she could manage on her own, to spare him the trouble and the embarrassment she felt creeping up her cheeks. But her body betrayed her, refusing to cooperate as weakness flooded through her limbs, making even the simplest movements feel like daunting tasks.
In that moment, a familiar wave of self-loathing washed over Miray, her frustration directed inward at her own body's weakness. The overwhelming sense of guilt gnawed at her, the burden of always relying on others weighing heavily on her conscience.
She hated how her body never failed to... fail her.
She felt Rayan's hesitant hand gently brush against her hair, his touch tentative yet filled with concern. His voice, soft and close, reached her ears, "Are you okay?" he inquired worriedly.
Miray turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze with tired yet grateful eyes. Slowly, she reached out for his hand. Rayan, attuned to her every movement, immediately offered his hand, his eyes never leaving hers.
Watching intently, Rayan felt a rush of emotion as Miray brought his hand to her cheek, the softness of her skin yielding beneath his touch like the petals of a delicate flower. Then, Miray moved his hand further, her lips pressing gently against his palm in a tender kiss.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still for Rayan, his heart halting. The whole world suddenly faded away, leaving only Miray and the sensation of her lips on his skin.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still for Rayan, his heart skipping a few beats.
The entire world around him faded into insignificance, leaving only Miray and the sensation of her lips against his skin.
Rayan's emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He felt a lump forming in his throat, his eyes stinging with unshed tears.
He had never been treated this gently.
He had never experienced such tenderness, such love.
It was both exhilarating and terrifying.
A whirlwind of conflicting emotions and thoughts raced through his mind, leaving him feeling disoriented and afraid. In a panic, he jerked his hand away from Miray's touch, almost causing her head to fall. His breath caught in his throat as he quickly reached out to steady her, his apologies tumbling out incoherently.
Feeling a surge of restlessness, Rayan stood abruptly, his body trembling with pent-up energy. He felt an overwhelming urge to flee, to escape the intensity of the moment.
Yet, despite his desperate desire to run away, his body remained rooted to the spot next to Miray, as if she held an invisible tether that bound him to her side. It was as though she were a magnet, and he was simply unable to resist the pull of her presence.
He glanced back at Miray, her expression a mix of confusion and hurt, and Rayan's heart sank. He felt a surge of frustration and self-loathing wash over him, a desire to punish himself for causing that look on her face.
"I'm sorry," Rayan muttered, his voice choked with emotion. He hesitated, his hand instinctively reaching up to scratch his neck as a rush of heat flooded his body.
Just then, Kaiden intervened, breaking the tense silence. "Here you go, princess," he said with a warm smile, offering Miray the sandwich he had prepared and a cup of orange juice.
Rayan couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him at Kaiden's timely interruption, grateful for the distraction.
It was a strange feeling, being grateful to Kaiden.
A first.
Miray reached for the sandwich, still leaning her head on the counter, but Kaiden gently stopped her. "Here," he said softly, guiding her to lean against him so she could sit up properly. "You'll feel sick if you eat lying down," he advised, handing her the sandwich and settling down beside her, his arm providing support.
Miray sighed and began to split the sandwich into three portions. Yet again, Kaiden intervened. "I've already made us sandwiches," he said, his voice tinged with fondness.
He knew Miray well enough to forcast her selfless gesture. Her generosity always warmed his heart, yet it also saddened him to see her giving so much when he wished she could have everything.
As Miray tiredly surveyed the empty counter, Kaiden turned to Rayan, who seemed lost in his own thoughts. "Rayan, could you bring the plates over?" he asked quietly, nodding towards the two plates nearby.
Rayan wordlessly complied, fetching the plates and placing them on the counter before silently excusing himself and slipping away to the bathroom.
Miray began to eat slowly, Kaiden offering her sips of juice every now and then to help wash down the food.
As she ate, Miray started to feel a little better, having consumed a quarter of the sandwich and half of the juice. "Eat more," Kaiden encouraged gently, but Miray shook her head faintly.
"I'm already full," she leaned back on the stool and caressed her little Tommy, smiling a bit. "Thank you so much, Kai," she said, leaning toward him and pulling him into a hug, "You're the best!" she said going for a hug.
Kaiden hugged her back, a sense of relief washing over him as he felt Miray's body relax against his own, even though the dark circles under her eyes spoke volumes about her exhaustion. "Do you want to sleep?" he asked softly, his hand soothingly caressing her back.
Miray hummed against his t-shirt, her voice barely audible. "No," she replied after a moment, pulling back slightly to glance at the clock. It was already 6 am, and Luke would be waking up any minute now.
As if on cue, Luke entered the room, his expression tinged with concern. Spotting Miray, a wave of relief washed over him as his shoulders sagged with the weight of his worry. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed before making his way over to Miray, enveloping her in a tight embrace.
He had woken up to find only Noah in the bed, with no sign of Miray anywhere. Panic had surged through him as he searched the house, checking the bathroom, the boys' room, and even Vince's room upstairs. When he couldn't find her, he had felt on the verge of losing control. It was only when he finally spotted her in the kitchen that he felt the tight knot of anxiety in his chest begin to unravel.
Running a hand through his hair, he sighed before making his way over to Miray, enveloping her in an embrace.
Luke held her close for a moment longer before pulling back slightly to study her face, concern etched in his features. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his gaze searching hers
"Morning, Lou," Miray greeted him softly, her voice carrying a hint of fatigue.
Luke's touch was gentle as he cupped her face, his thumb tracing a soothing path along her cheek. Leaning in, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Morning, love," he whispered, his concern evident in his voice. "You haven't slept, have you?" he observed, sighing.
He knew all too well the reason for her lack of sleep and he felt a surge of anger towards the source.
As Miray shook her head slightly, Luke's frustration with Vince bubbled beneath the surface, a silent promise to address the issue later forming in his mind.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled, her gaze falling to the floor in shame.
Luke gently lifted her chin, meeting her eyes with a reassuring gaze. "None of that," he murmured, pressing another tender kiss to her forehead. "It's none of your fault," he reiterated, his tone unwavering as he locked eyes with her, silently conveying his sincerity.
Miray met his gaze, and with a nod, she silently acknowledged his words, her body relaxing.
Luke drew her close once more, enveloping her in a protective embrace. As he held her, his mind raced with concern. She appeared unwell, and he couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him.
He he knew he needed to tread carefully. Miray was stubborn, and he knew convincing her to seek medical attention wouldn't be easy.
Luke's voice was gentle as he spoke, his eyes searching hers with concern. "Do you want to accompany me this morning?" he suddenly suggested, hoping that the morning air would help her out. "We could walk to the park, get some fresh air, and spend some time together. I've missed my little baby," he added affectionately.
He truly had missed her.
And now seeing how unwell she looked, it only heightened his desire to keep her close, to glue her to him and protect her at all costs.
"Ha! I've already been the night owl who kept you up, now you want me to be the lazy one who ruins your morning run too?" Miray tried to joke and make it seem light, but deep down, she felt guilty and saying it out loud only made her feel worse.
Miray's lips formed a small pout as she looked at Luke's expression and quickly looked down, slipping her hands under her tights as her feet dangled above the ground.
"Rei..." Luke sighed, feeling the weight of her words. "Sweetheart, please, look at me," he gently coaxed, lifting her chin with his finger. "I want you to come," he stated firmly, pausing to meet her gaze directly. "It would make me happy," he added, sincerely. "But if you're not feeling well or don't want to come, then it's totally okay. Just don't ever think you're ruining anything for anyone. If anything, we know who ruined your night," he said, and there was a sharp edge of anger in his voice
Miray was upset at Vince and it was true he was the one who kept her awake, him and Noah's words, but still, she didn't want Luke or anyone else to blame him.
It somehow made her feel terrible.
But she didn't comment on that and just nodded. "I can come, but..." she paused, her face hesitant, "I can't run," she sighed and before Luke could reassure her she continued. "I know you wouldn't run and take care of me, and as much as I like that, I don't want you to miss your run for me," she added, pouting slightly.
Luke was about to say something when Kaiden jumped in, making both Miray and Luke turn to look at him.
"I'm thinking of shooting some hoops. The court's usually empty this early. How about you keep me company?" Kaiden looked at Miray with a handsome grin, his face resting on his hand and elbow on the counter.
Miray's face lit up with a smile, her heart suddenly lifting. "Seriously?" Her voice carried a hint of disbelief, her eyes searching Kaiden's for confirmation. "You mean, I can actually come?" Her words were tinged with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Over time, Miray had grown used to staying home most of the time, with few chances to go out, usually with her brothers by her side.
There was this unspoken rule, a lingering sense that going out was somehow forbidden, as if she was destined for trouble if she dared to break free. And the one time she dared to go out with Rayan and Ren alone, it did ended in disaster.
"Sure," Kaiden said, glancing at Luke, who nodded subtly, a look of relief crossing his face. "Looks like Rayan wants to come too," he added, looking at Rayan behind Luke and stifling a smile at the glare, which vanished as soon as Miray glanced his way.
She glanced questionably at Rayan who nodded then turned to Luke. "Can I stay with them on the court?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Luke cupped her face kissing her cheek, "Of course you can, love." he said smiling.
"YAY!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into a hug and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
Luke held her close, her feet dangling above the ground, and let out a warm chuckle.
"I'll go change my clothes!" she squealed, her excitement evident in the way her eyes lit up. With a burst of energy, she darted towards the stairs, the sound of her footsteps echoing through the hallway.
However, her enthusiasm was slightly tempered by a sudden dizziness, causing her to slow down and steady herself against the banister for a moment, shouting an 'okay,' as Luke was asking her to be careful.
Luke let out a sigh tinged with fondness as he watched her go, a soft smile playing on his lips. Once she was out of earshot, he turned to Kaiden and offered a grateful squeeze to his shoulder. "Thanks, man," he said.
Kaiden nodded, his smile never leaving. "Anytime," he replied sincerely.
He didn't even need to thank him; Kaiden would do anything for her and their family. They had taken care of him without asking for anything in return, so the least he could do was this. Not that he felt obligated; he genuinely was happy that Miray would come with them. Her presence always brought him a warm feeling, like sunshine on a cold day—cozy and comforting.
Miray quietly gathered her clothes to change in the bathroom, trying her best not to disturb Noah, who was still peacefully asleep in her bed. But just as she reached for her phone on the nightstand beside him, she felt him stir and turned to see his sleepy emerald eyes gazing at her.
"Rei?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep, as he stretched and ruffled his curly hair.
"Hey," Miray whispered, offering a sheepish wave. "Sorry for waking you up."
Noah shook his head and let out a big yawn. "Where are you off to?" he asked with confusion, noticing the clothes in her hand and the phone on her other.
Miray straightened up, phone in hand, and sighed softly. "We're heading to the court with Lou. He's going for a run, and Kaiden and Rayan want to play basketball," she explained, her voice no longer a whisper now that the damage was done and Noah was awake.
"And you weren't going to wake me up?" he asked, his expression feigning hurt.
Miray's eyes widened in surprise. "I thought you wouldn't want to come!" she blurted out, immediately feeling guilty. She had assumed Noah wouldn't want to join them, knowing how he - like her - hated to wake up early in the mornings.
There had been times when Kaiden tried to rouse him for morning activities, only for Noah to decline and opt for more sleep. "I mean, you never go," she added, her voice trailing off.
"Of course I would want to go, silly," Noah retorted, a playful glint in his eyes as he sat up and pushed the covers aside.
Miray's face registered confusion. "Why?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
Noah reached for her hand and pulled her close, his eyes warm. "Because you're going this time, silly," he said with exaggerated emphasis, planting a quick kiss on her cheek before getting up and leaving Miray behind with a bemused expression and a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
She felt like she would burst at any second.
Was she daydreaming?
Did Noah really want to go because she was going?
If he hadn't said it, she would have assumed the opposite.
Collapsing onto the bed, Miray's face broke into a dumbfounded smile, her cheeks flushed with excitement as her heart raced. Unable to contain her joy, she kicked her legs in the air like an excited kid, the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins.
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I was tempted to delete this whole chapter, but as you know, I'm lazy, so I wasn't gonna re-write it, so I said let me just publish it. (What's ur opinion guys?)
I feel like I'm going into details a lot? Idk, recently I was reading this book that I liked so much, but I would always feel like the author just wrote too much of things that weren't interesting and made the paragraphs so long that my eyes hurt while reading.
Do you guys feel my book is the same? Or not? What's your thoughts?
I personally like it, in my head I mean, but I'm biased because it's my book, so you guys give me your insight.
Oh, and some authors also talked to me and advised me to put a condition? Like for votes and comments. But I'm not sure, like as much as I would love the book to have more votes and get more popular, I feel like it wouldn't be fair for those who do vote all the time to just wait for such a thing (that's my opinion as a reader myself)
Anyway, apart from this, who likes Lewis Capaldi's songs? (I do)
Love you all!
Stay safe~