Chapter 5

Sebastian winced as the projectile was pulled out of his arm. He was really lucky. Still managed to bring Fathia safely and securely to his apartment. After contacting Ronald, Fathia was asked to inform Nika, Sebastian's acquaintance who works as a doctor. Sebastian didn't want to risk going to the hospital. He chose Nika to examine him.

"But Sebastian, are you okay?" Fathia asked worriedly after hearing Nika breathe a sigh of relief.

Nika turned with a small smile. "It's alright, Fathia. Your brother is fine. He's strong."

Sebastian sneered. "Get to work quickly. I have a lot to take care of."

"Oh my god, Sebastian! You're going to keep working? After this? You owe a lot of explanations, you know."

With his free hand, Sebastian used it to wave dismissively. "Enough, just do your part. I'll take care of the rest."

Nika rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Sebastian and his habits!" Yet, she still went on with what needed to be done. Despite losing a fair amount of blood, Sebastian was lucky that the bullet wound didn't hit a vital muscle that could have paralyzed his hand. When she asked why, Sebastian chose to stay silent, true to his habit of guarding his privacy.

"Alright, done," Nika said, wiping sweat away. "Don't strain the right hand too much. Rest for a few days, and I think the mighty Sebastian will be back."

"Damn you."

Both of them chuckled, while Fathia, who didn't understand the direction of their conversation, simply stared at their interaction. She was incredibly relieved that Nika made sure Sebastian was okay. Along the way, truly, it was the most terrifying thing that had happened in her sixteen years of life.

It didn't take long for Nika to be there. Accompanied by Fathia, who was still in dirty pajamas and disheveled appearance, Nika bid her farewell.

"Thanks a lot, Nika."

A pat on the shoulder was received by Fathia with a twinkling eye.

"You really look a lot like Felice."

Suddenly, that statement made Fathia's eyes widen. "You know Felice?"

It wasn't an answer Fathia received, but a sincere smile laced with pain from Nika. "I'm leaving, okay? Take care of Sebastian. Usually, when he's sick, he's quite needy."

Fathia was taken aback. What did that mean?

Not long after Nika truly left the unit, Ronald arrived. When he saw Fathia, the middle-aged man immediately hugged her tightly. "Thank God you're okay, Fathia."

"What's going on, Uncle?" Fathia asked softly after the hug was released. The old man carefully observed Fathia's disheveled appearance. It didn't matter to him, as long as Fathia could be saved and was on time.

He didn't expect to receive news like this. It meant that Ronald strongly suspected that Alvin's accident wasn't purely accidental. But who?

"Later, Uncle will tell you. Right now, it's better if you change your clothes." He immediately guides Fathia to the living room where Sebastian is putting on a shirt. He's struggling a bit, which prompts Fathia to rush over to help him.

"Easy, Sebastian." Fathia takes extreme care when she sees Sebastian's muscular arm wrapped in a bandage. Her eyes blink a few times when she takes in the sight of Sebastian's bare body in front of her. At her school, where are these guys as cool as Sebastian? Fathia doesn't think there are any. But why should she even care? Her goal is to help, and she proceeds to button up each button one by one. And when their eyes meet, the crease on Sebastian's forehead deepens.

"Oh my god! I forgot to tell you to change clothes. You must be freezing, oh my God! I've been so careless with you. Change your clothes quickly, alright? I'll make you some hot chocolate later. Would you like that?"

The girl nods with joy, following the instructions Sebastian gives and leaving Ronald to talk about this and that. Fathia decides to step back again as she doesn't understand what they'll be discussing. When she's done with her shower, she suddenly remembers Naomi, Jack, and Dennis. What happened to them now? She shudders, feeling more terrified as the sound of the gunshots echoes vividly in her memory. What if they've all been shot? Killed? Oh God! Fathia is truly scared now. Her worry is so overwhelming that she immediately opens the large wardrobe there.

For a moment, she hesitates. Before her eyes, all of her sister's clothes hang perfectly. Ah... Fathia's smile widens now. Perhaps during the time her sister and Sebastian were together, Felice often visited here, leaving traces of herself. One white dress that she sees is just one of the many collections inside, she takes it. Luckily, it's not too big.

She has to find out why people are coming to her house in such a frightening manner. But just as she's about to open the door, Sebastian pushes the door open.

Sebastian, who sees Fathia wearing the dress he picked for Felice, is incredibly surprised. In his mind's eye, before him stands Felice. Both beautiful and enticing at the same time. Not to mention her long hair that's still half wet. Dominantly, Sebastian steps forward, causing Fathia to step back in confusion.

Until Fathia's back hits the edge of the bed, making her slightly wobble. In a single motion, Sebastian's arms wrap around Fathia without permission. He embraces her so tightly. Trying to catch the scent he's missed so much; the scent of roses.

"Sebastian," Fathia whispers so softly. Her voice gets muffled in this tight and possessive hug. "I can barely breathe."

"Hold on, Felice. Just a moment." Sebastian tightens his hug. "I've missed you."

In all the years Fathia has known Sebastian, which can be counted on one hand, this is the first time she hears his voice so full of desperation. Longing is so evident in the tone that escapes the lips of the man who is still embracing her. Fathia feels the same. Longing for her sister.

How naive she is when she returns the hug just as tightly to Sebastian, causing a domino effect that's incredibly high. This, in turn, makes Sebastian release the hug without taking his eyes off Fathia. Slowly but surely, Sebastian inches closer until his breath grazes Fathia mercilessly.

Naturally, this catches Fathia off guard. She tries to pull away but it's too late. Their lips meet. Fathia's eyes widen in shock, staring directly at Sebastian who has his eyes closed. As if savoring every touch he's making. Even Sebastian's body starts to press Fathia onto the bed just behind her.

Sebastian not only doesn't release, but he deepens the kiss. Holding Fathia's hands just above the head of the girl who's still bewildered by the actions of the man who's now pinning her down. An accumulation of fear, worry, confusion, terror, all wrestle within her but she can't voice any of it. Just when Fathia thinks Sebastian is letting go, he actually just gives her a brief opportunity to catch her breath under his heavy gaze.

With the strength she has left, the courage she musters, she bites Sebastian's lip quite hard. This causes him to yelp and release Fathia, who is now panting heavily. Realizing what she's done, Felice's image that was once before her eyes is now gone. Instead, Fathia stares at him, clearly scared and horrified, her eyes reflecting these emotions.

"Fathia," Sebastian mutters in despair. He runs his hands through his hair in frustration, dropping to his knees. He covers his face in exasperation. What has he just done? Insane! He's truly gone insane and he's hit his head hard! How could he have acted like this towards Fathia, someone he should be protecting?

Meanwhile, Fathia starts to rise from where she fell. Though she still can't believe what Sebastian just did, seeing the man now looking distressed prompts her to approach.

"Sebastian."

A gentle touch and a soft voice, even if there's a hint of trembling, make Sebastian look up. Fathia is right in front of him.

"What's wrong with you?"

Really. Seeing Fathia wearing the dress that Sebastian once gave to Felice creates a different surge of emotions. The immense longing and the feeling of helplessness regarding Felice's absence spur Sebastian to act on impulse.

"Sorry," she says softly. Then Fathia's small, gentle hand touches Sebastian's face gently. Their eyes are still locked onto each other. Sebastian feels something is off here, but what? Felice's figure is undeniably right in front of him, just a little different. Ah... her eyes. Right. Sebastian should have realized that the person he's staring at now is Fathia. The younger sister Felice cherished so much. Not his fiancée.

The girl he should be looking out for with all his heart.

Accepting Fathia's touch, which is still trembling, makes Sebastian close his eyes.

"No need to apologize. I know, we both miss Felice. If... if you misunderstood, I get it and I understand. Nika also said the same earlier. I'm fine, Sebastian."

Immediately, Sebastian opens his eyes. He can still feel that touch lingering on his cheek, not just Fathia's hand, but both of them.

"Thanks for being there for me earlier. Thanks for protecting me. And for—"

This time around, Sebastian no longer envisions Felice to draw near. He reconnects with what was separated earlier. And this time, Sebastian is in his most imaginative state. Fathia responds, though quite stiffly, to all his flirtations.