Chapter 73 - Confusion, Frustration, Irritation (1)

They heard giggles before they even saw who was laughing. But Aki did not have to guess for he knew that cheerful tone very well. Along with the recognition came the familiar stab in his chest, though it was lighter than before and it was more of a reflex than of actual pain.

The two of them edged a little closer with silent feet and from their view they could see Zy teasing and poking Drew on his sides, the latter suppressing a smile but terribly failing.

"Surprise attack!" Zy said in that gleeful voice of his.

"That's hardly a surprise." Drew snorted before placing a chaste kiss on Zy's mouth.

Zy, momentarily still, found his energy and wrapped his arms around Drew's neck, pulling the other closer and in a kiss. They move apart a little but Zy did not let go. "Good morning, my grumpy cat."

Aki wanted to see how would Drew react to that silly nickname when something blocked his eyes.

"Don't look," Liam whispered in his ears. A steady hand on Aki's wrist, not allowing him to move from his spot. "Don't look."

With his vision cut off, Aki was hype-aware of his surroundings. He felt Liam's warmth on his back, those hands that could do wonders were over his eyes while the other holding him on the wrist. And then, Liam's voice sounded raw and pleading in Aki's ears as if something inside Liam was breaking apart. 'Don't feel sad for me. I don't want that.'

Aki tried to turn around. He wanted to see what kind of expression Liam was making. He twisted his body but Liam only gripped his wrist tighter.

"I'm fine," Aki whispered.

When Liam slackened the hold over his arm, Aki twisted around. The light hit his eyes so he squinted at Liam. He repeated his words when their eyes met. "I'm fine." 'Don't look like this. Don't be so sad for me.'

Aki straightened up his shoulders and sauntered in the living room. "Ay, ay, ay. Lovebirds. It's so early. Spare us with your cheesiness and let's get some breakfast instead, I'm starving." Aki said with a dismissive wave as he crossed the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge. "Liam, should I reheat last night's food?"

Liam went over him without a word and set out their food. Zy mostly talked and yawned as he ate. Drew silent as ever. Liam still trying to be jovial and accommodating to every one of Zy's questions. After breakfast, Drew and Zy left the house. Zy was so sad about them leaving and whine about it until they reach outside.

Aki rolled his eyes. "We can always see each other outside."

"You're welcome to visit us anytime." Liam pitched in with less enthusiasm.

The door shut sounding louder than it actually was in the now quiet place. Aki could not read the atmosphere at all and it was killing him to think that it was he who might have caused this mood. He braced himself and said, "Hey--"

Liam turned abruptly that it caught Aki by surprise. For a moment he forgot what he was supposed to say. He stood there blinking and gaping like a fish, as he searched for words.

His roommate waited with eyes cast low as if he was studying the floor. He looked far tenser than Aki even if he tried to play it cool.

The words would not come to Aki but he did not need to as Liam beat him to say it.

"Are you okay?"