Chapter 82

“Go and see him off,” Calvin said with a glance at Jocelyn.

After pondering for a moment, Jocelyn stood up and made her way to the stairs. However, halfway down, she stopped.

‘Til stop here. You go on,” Jocelyn said, her voice betraying her reluctance to encounter Melvin She couldn’t imagine what she would say to him. It was like meeting an ex after a breakup. There was no way to stay cool and composed.

Preston seemed confused ‘Why? Don’t you miss him? It’s been ages since you two saw each other.”

“Just go Jocelyn replied. It’s impossible to share her inner turmoil with Preston, who was practically still a kid.

Seeing how adamant she was, Preston didn’t press further and went downstairs alone.

Leaning against the wall, Jocelyn listened and waited.

After a long while, she heard a car pull away. As the tension in her heart eased, a sense of emptiness washed over her

She went back home to prepare for the upcoming exams. Her workload wasn’t going to ease up anytime soon. It was only after she sat down for a while that she grabbed her bag and hailed a cab back to her own apartment

As soon as the elevator doors opened, a familiar scent of cigarette smoke hit her nostrils.

She looked up and locked eyes with those deep, soulful eyes that she knew all too well.

Her heart skipped a beat

Melvin crushed his cigarette in the stand-up ashtray in the hallway and approached her, wrapping his arms gently around her waist and resting his head on her shoulder. He seemed to let go of all his strength, seeking comfort in her presence.

Jocelyn wasn’t sure how to respond to his embrace, so she just let him hold her.

After a while, she felt the weight on her shoulder grow heavier, followed by the steady sound of his breathing.

Was he asleep?

How exhausted must he be?

Unable to stand still too long, Jocelyn softly called his name, “Melvin? There was no response, so she tapped his shoulder.

He murmured something, his voice low and hoarse, betraying his fatigue.

“Don’t sleep here, go home to bed, Jocelyn urged, helping him stand

As he opened his eyes, he leaned against the wall, and only at this close distance did she see how weary he looked. Dark circles under his eyes, bloodshot scleras, and a stubbly chin.

eventually opened the

went straight to the couch

if he wanted a shower,

like the tired heroes from the old stories, drained by some

to cook some porridge for him, anticipating that he might want something warm when he

porridge was ready, but Melvin was still sleeping. Jocelyn worked on her computer in the living

couch.

the exam items, it was midnight. Stretching,

asked,

bit, he replied.

table for support as she made her way

up and

“Want more?”

“No, that’s erlough.”

away her laptop and papers. The awkward silence hung heavy, and

raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised

tumed even more

added, “I’ve got a bit more work.

why things had become so strained. She had finished her work but right at the moment

fished a small handmade box from

a gift, a gesture he made every time he

placed it on the table. “It’s late. You should get some

It was a hand-made box, less opulent than his

don’t need to bring something every time. It’s too much,” she said, suspecting it contained jewelry, which she seldom

for

bracelet or earrings. She hardly wore

studied her. “What’s wrong with

aback but quickly smiled.

the formality

formal, not with him, but with

she had discovered, nor did he understand

person laden with heavy thoughts, while Melvin appeared

I’ll finish up here and then head to bed,” she said, suddenly losing the will to explain or argue. Every

her

this time, Melvin headed to the bedroom

was clear, and involuntary images of his body

herself for these thoughts.

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