Zai was reading a book at his desk when I woke up the next morning. I still felt groggy and sore from yesterday. I hope it wears off soon. My stamina may have improved, but his recovery rate and drive still far surpass mine. Even though we've done so much, it still feels lacking. I don't know what's wrong with me.
I checked my phone to see if Lisa had replied. Her text read:
"Okay, so it went well. I haven't dated anyone in a long time, so I was worried, but your brother is so sweet. Guess what he did! He brought me flowers—he remembered I was wearing Gardenia earrings when we first met and brought me a bouquet of them!"He never got me flowers…"He took me out to a nice restaurant, but I could tell he was uncomfortable, so we only stayed for half an hour. Why didn't you tell me he was an introvert?! He was so awkward in the restaurant—but it was cute. He changed completely when we were alone. We watched a movie and after that um… 🥵 I hope he doesn't think I'm a slut. I usually don't move that fast! I'm a good girl, I promise! Tell me if he says anything about me!"
I replied:"I'm sure he doesn't think that! I'll be subtle and get some intel for you. He seemed to really like you, so I'm sure it's good news."
My text was the honest truth…It hurts a little that he's with someone else, but that's how things have to be in this timeline. I'd rather he be with someone than end up alone.
She responded quickly, like she'd been waiting for me to text back.
"Thank you! I appreciate you!! ♥♥"
"You're up early," Zai commented, closing his book.
"Yeah…"
He sat beside me, and I knew I looked visibly flustered. He opened his mouth to speak, and I panicked."I need a bit more time!"
He blinked at me, then burst out laughing."I was just going to ask what you wanted for breakfast."
I'm so embarrassed—but can anyone blame me for jumping to conclusions?He kissed my jaw and held my hand.
"You've been acting weird since that nightmare you had. It looks like you're back to normal now. I'm glad… Anyway, I have to meet Rai and Little Bro. We're starting a new project because Valin wants to make a game together."
I gasped. This must be the same game he was working on in the other life.
Zai petted my head. "I didn't know you liked games this much or I would've mentioned it sooner."
My gasp and shocked face must've made him think I wanted to play it.
"Do you need to see them?" I asked.
"Well, certain things are better discussed in person—plus Valin has some things he wants to show us. And I'm the only one with the people skills to communicate with our partners."
"Can I come? …We can get food on the way."
I held Zai's hand and gave him the same pleading look he used on me in the past. Zai chuckled lightly.
"Fine."
Wow. He gave in so easily.
When we arrived, I had hoped that all the time I'd spent with Zai would've dulled my feelings for Valin.
Valin's face wasn't that impressive when I first met him—his features are softer than his older brothers'. What stands out is his fiery hair color… at first. But somehow, he looks more beautiful every day I see him. Like a painting. He looks so sweet, it makes my heart feel like it's melting. How is that possible? I just want to curl up in his arms and stay there forever.
Our eyes met for a second, but he looked away without saying anything to me.
"Hey, so what did you want to share?" Zai asked.
"One sec, I'm pulling it up now," Valin replied, typing on his laptop and casting his screen to the TV.
I sat down, trying to pay attention, but a lot of the terms were too technical for me to retain. RJ joined in, saying,
"Here are some game developers who sent in applications. I thought we should review them while we're all together."
Valin smiled as RJ showed him the information on his phone.
"And the office on Seventh Avenue is ready. We can start working there starting tomorrow," Zai added.
I saw Valin's eyes light up. It touched me, seeing him get so excited and happy—but I tried not to show it. I pinched myself and kept my head down.
I wanted to join in, but the only thing I could really help with was making coffee for everyone. RJ takes it black, Zai only wants creamer, and Valin likes his extra sweet with cream. I sat on the bottom step of the stairs, sipping from my own mug and checking my phone to distract myself from the mild hunger. I should've eaten more earlier.
That's when I noticed a text from Valin, timestamped an hour before Lisa messaged me.
"What do you call two friends who love math? Alge-bros! That's us!"
The joke was so goofy I nearly choked on my coffee. I peeked up at him—Zai was focused on the TV, talking about the mesh creation for the game characters, and Valin was staring at his keyboard, his lashes casting shadows over his eyes. He took a sip of his coffee, and watching his lips move sent me into a fangirlish mental spiral.
Just two more days. I can do this...
I searched the internet to find a joke he hadn't sent me yet. As soon as I texted it to him, he stopped working to check his phone.I didn't think he'd actually look at it now!I got nervous… then saw his lips curve into a smile. He looked at me.I quickly turned away before he could see the effect he was having on me.
"It's been a few hours… let's take a break," Valin announced, closing his laptop and walking toward me without waiting for input from his brothers."You look hungry, Snowe… there's no food here, so let's go out."
My heart fluttered—until I realized he meant all of us, not just me and him.Oh right. I'm happily married.
Come to think of it, it's odd that Valin would suggest going out when he hates social interactions more than anything.He's being considerate of me. He always is.Easing tension when he notices I'm nervous. Suggesting food even when no one else seems hungry.
He walked out first, and Zai came to help me up. We all carpooled into RJ's car. Zai sat in the back with me. The brothers joked and reminisced about their childhood. I stayed out of it, but—
"Did you ever experience something like that?" Valin asked, suddenly turning all attention to me, giving me an opening to join.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't listening," I admitted.
He laughed, and RJ said,"She clearly doesn't want to talk with us."
That's not true!
"I'm heartbroken," Valin teased.
It was so obviously a joke, but I still felt guilty.
"Knowing Snowe, she definitely did it too," Zai chimed in.
"Tell me! I'm paying attention now, I promise!"
Zai patted my head and smiled at me. He explained the conversation—they'd been sharing stories about the crazy things they did after running away from home.
"Oh!... I only ran away once, but I had this friend who threw parties every night. I snuck over and drank Bane with him and his friends. I was so upset that night, I ended up fighting a girl. I don't even remember what she said to me."
"Did you win?" Zai asked.
I shook my head."No."
He sighed. "Disappointing."
Right then, the car parked.
The restaurant didn't have many tables, and they were spaced far apart. Still, we were led to one hidden in the back, out of view from everyone else.
"Have you ever… just had the urge to set a place on fire?" Valin asked suddenly after the server took our drink orders.
"What?!" I stared at him, shocked.
"Yeah, all the time," RJ said, inspecting his silverware.
"You don't count. You're the Fire Chosen," Valin dismissed.
"I have as well," Zai added.
Valin smiled at him, then turned to me."You?"
I feel like if I say yes, he's going to pressure me into committing a crime.
"I… did once, back home," I admitted. "But not randomly in a restaurant, completely unprovoked!"
"Oh wow, someone's judgy," Valin teased.
The conversation moved on. Once we got our food, Zai personally thanked the server and handed him the tip. Whatever amount it was, it clearly made his day—his mood improved immediately.
We walked out together and returned to the place I once considered home. They worked quietly, mostly messaging each other.
So I was a bit surprised when Valin texted me another math-related meme.
He seemed so focused… when did he even find the time to look that up?
I hugged my knees and lowered my head, hiding the few tears that fell.
I need to forget these feelings. Now.This is awful.Darn that sadistic rabbit.