Next Day — Ember's House
The next morning, Ember took the day off from college, using the excuse that she needed to study for her exams. But in truth, she was emotionally drained. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on her, and she hadn't slept at all.
Why is this getting so hard? she wondered. Why did he force me? I want to see him, but I can't face him after what happened. Why is it so difficult to talk to him about it?
Every time she closed her eyes, the memory replayed in her mind like a nightmare, tightening fear's grip on her.
I'll talk to him when I go back, she told herself, though the very thought sent a shiver down her spine.
That evening, after dinner, Ember lay in bed, trying to will herself to sleep. But her restless heart whispered that sleep wouldn't come. Her body, however, betrayed her, and she eventually drifted off.
In city shine -
Sunlight streamed through the window when Ember's eyes fluttered open. Blinking, she became aware of a presence beside her. Someone was in bed with her.
Her breath hitched as she turned her head and saw Dylan lying next to her.
For a moment, the weight of yesterday vanished. She forgot everything—forgot her fears, her doubts. All she wanted was to look at him. He seemed so peaceful, so innocent. His lips, soft and pink like cotton candy, curved slightly into a smile. His tousled black hair fell messily over his forehead, and the sunlight illuminated his brown eyes, making them gleam like polished amber.
Wait... his eyes were open.
He's awake!
"Oh my God!" she thought, her face burning with embarrassment.
"Good morning," Dylan murmured, his voice deep and gentle.
Panic shot through her veins. She scrambled out of bed in a hurry, but the blanket wrapped around her legs, and she tumbled to the floor with a loud thud.
"Ouch! That hurts!" she yelped, rubbing her elbow.
Dylan immediately sat up, concern flashing in his eyes. "Are you alright?" he asked, reaching out a hand to help her.
Her heart pounded. His gentle expression, the warmth in his gaze—it was overwhelming.
Cheeks flushed, Ember ignored his outstretched hand, scrambled to her feet, and bolted out of the room. She didn't stop until she was safely inside her own room, locking the door behind her.
Her back pressed against the door as she tried to steady her breathing.
After some time, Ember freshened up and made her way downstairs. Dylan was already at the dining table, eating breakfast. As always, he looked calm and composed, as if nothing had happened.
"Come, eat something," he said, pulling out a chair for her.
"I'm coming," Ember replied, though she deliberately chose a seat farther away from him, avoiding his gaze.
He thinks that just because last night is over, I've forgotten everything. Your mistake, Mr. Dylan, she thought, the weight of unresolved tension still pressing on her chest.
She could feel Dylan's eyes on her, but she didn't care. Not after what he had done. He needed to feel sorry for it. Keeping her focus on her plate, she ate in silence, refusing to meet his gaze. When she was done, she set her utensils down with a sharp clink and stood up.
"I'm done."
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heels and walked toward the stairs.
Halfway up, something made her stop. On instinct, she glanced back and saw Dylan with his mouth slightly open, as if he wanted to say something but had hesitated.
Not wanting to hear whatever it was, Ember firmly said, "Dylan."
He immediately straightened. "Yes?" His voice carried an excitement that felt out of place, not matching the tension hanging between them.
"Can you ask the driver to take me to the library? I need some books," Ember said, watching as the light in his eyes dimmed slightly.
"I can drive you," he offered, his tone soft, almost pleading.
"No need. You must be busy with work," she replied, trying to keep her emotions in check.
"I have no work today. I can take you," he insisted, his voice unwavering.
Ember sighed. "Okay."
His face lit up in surprise. "Wait, did you just say yes?"
She gave a small nod, her voice quieter now. "I'm going to change, then we can go."
"I'll wait for you," Dylan said, his voice tinged with anticipation.
As Ember left, Nana entered the room, glancing at Dylan with a knowing look.
"Did you make her angry?" she asked casually.
Dylan let out a deep sigh, rubbing his temple. "I messed up. Big time."
Nana, ever curious, leaned in slightly. "What did you do?"
He shook his head. "It's personal."
"Personal, huh?" Nana chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Well, good luck with that."
Then, he said, "I've got to go. Taking my girlfriend to the library. Bye-bye."
When Ember stepped outside, Dylan was already by the car, holding the door open for her.
So, he's being a gentleman now. Nice, she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips as she slid into the seat.
As she reached for her seatbelt, Dylan moved to help her, but Ember was quicker. She fastened it herself, catching the brief shift in his expression—from a smile to a playful pout.
She stifled a laugh. You think you're smart, don't you?
They soon arrived at the campus. As Dylan pulled over, he turned to her.
"Stay here. I'll park the car."
But Ember didn't wait. The moment he stepped away, she headed straight to the library, eager to lose herself in the comfort of books.
While browsing, she suddenly froze. A familiar voice reached her ears.
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Hello! Long time no see."
Hearing the familiar voice, Ember turned around and found Adrien standing there, his usual friendly smile in place.
"Yeah, long time," she replied, returning the smile, though hers was more polite than warm.
Adrien studied her for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Ember assured him quickly. "Just here to grab some books for an exam."
"Exam? For what?" he asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
I forgot he doesn't know, Ember realized. She hesitated for a split second before saying, "I'm just preparing early, so it doesn't overwhelm me later."
Adrien nodded in approval. "That's smart. Let me help you find the books."
They spent some time chatting while searching the shelves. Ember found herself easing into the conversation, her worries momentarily pushed aside.
As they gathered the last of her books, she turned to him with a small smile. "I'm really glad we ran into each other today. Thanks for your help."
Adrien grinned. "You can thank me by buying me coffee."
Heat crept up her cheeks as she admitted, "I don't have any money on me."
Adrien chuckled, shaking his head. "Then I'll buy you coffee. You can treat me next time."
Just as Ember was about to respond, a voice behind her sent an icy shiver down her spine.
"Actually, we're on a date today, so she can't join you."
Her breath hitched. Slowly, she turned to find Dylan standing there, a smug grin tugging at his lips.
A date, huh? Ember thought, a flicker of amusement crossing her face.
"No, we're not—" she began, but before she could finish, Dylan wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
"Are you mad, baby? Sorry for being late," he cooed, his voice dripping with playful arrogance before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Adrien's expression shifted slightly, sensing the tension between them. "Are you okay, Ember?"
Ember quickly nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Sorry, Adrien, I forgot about our plans. Next time, for sure."
Adrien smirked, his gaze flickering between her and Dylan. "Next time, no excuses."
"Deal," Ember replied, though the knot in her stomach told her that things had just become far more complicated than she anticipated.
Dylan's grip on Ember's wrist was firm as he led her out of the library, his movements tense and controlled. She didn't protest—there was no point. She could feel the anger radiating off him, the way his jaw clenched as he dragged her toward the car.
The drive home was filled with heavy silence. Dylan's fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white, his foot pressing a little too hard on the gas. Ember swallowed, stealing a glance at him. He was angry. No, not just angry—jealous.
When they finally reached home, Dylan wasted no time. The moment Ember stepped out of the car, he grabbed her hand again and pulled her inside, leading her straight to his room.
With a quiet click, he locked the door behind them.
Ember's heart pounded. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice cautious.
Dylan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to her, frustration darkening his features. His chest rose and fell with uneven breaths, his emotions barely contained.
"Why are you doing this?" he finally whispered, his voice low but intense.
Ember frowned. "What are you talking about? What have I done?"
Dylan ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "You talk to everyone like that."
Confused, Ember took a step back. "Like what? What do you mean?"
His gaze locked onto hers, burning with something unreadable. "Like Adrien. Like he means something to you."
Realization dawned on her, and a mix of frustration and disbelief flooded her chest. "Are you serious right now?" she asked. "Adrien is just a friend, Dylan. You know that."
But Dylan wasn't listening. In one swift motion, he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Before Ember could react, he grabbed her arms, his touch firm but not painful, and guided her backward until she felt the mattress against the back of her knees.
"Dylan, stop," she said, her voice wary but steady.
Without warning, he cupped her face gently, his thumb grazing her cheek. "You drive me crazy, Ember," he murmured. "I can't stand the thought of you with someone else." his expression unreadable, and suddenly pushed her back onto the bed.
"Ouch! That hurts…" she gasped, but before she could fully express her pain, his lips crashed onto hers, silencing her words.
A surge of panic shot through her. He pinned her hands above her head with one of his, preventing her from moving. His other hand reached for her shirt, fingers fumbling with the buttons.
Ember struggled, twisting beneath him, trying desperately to push his hand away, but he was too strong. Tears welled in her eyes, and as one slipped down her cheek, her voice trembled. "Stop it," she whispered, barely audible between the unwanted kiss and her growing fear.
Her body shook, terror seeping into every inch of her. Overwhelmed, her struggles weakened. She squeezed her eyes shut, her strength fading as the fear consumed her.
Dylan finally released Ember, stepping back as he saw her stop struggling. Her body trembled uncontrollably, silent sobs wracking her frame. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps as she tried to process what had just happened.
He stood there, staring at her, shame and regret darkening his features. His gaze traveled over her—her shirt half-unbuttoned, her hair disheveled, tears staining her flushed cheeks, her entire body shaking.
Dylan's heart sank.
I did this. I hurt her.
A sickening wave of guilt crashed over him, making it hard to breathe. Without a word, he sat beside her on the bed, his movements slow, hesitant. Gently, he reached for her, helping her sit up and leaning her against the headboard. Ember didn't resist, but she didn't look at him either. Her arms remained wrapped around herself, as if shielding her body from the world.
She was still trembling. Her tears still wouldn't stop.
Swallowing hard, Dylan grabbed the blanket from the foot of the bed and draped it around her shoulders. Then, with shaky hands, he reached for her shirt, carefully buttoning it back up. His fingers trembled as he worked, his eyes squeezing shut for a moment, overwhelmed by the weight of his actions.
When he was done, he stood and poured a glass of water, then knelt beside her, holding it out. "Here," he said softly.
Ember didn't move.
Dylan exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so sorry." He hesitated before reaching out, brushing a gentle hand over her tear-streaked cheek. "You don't have to forgive me, but please... just don't hate me."
Ember's wide, tear-filled eyes lifted to meet his, and before he could react, she threw herself against him, burying her face in his chest. Her sobs were muffled, but he felt every broken cry against his skin.
"Why did you do that?" she choked out, her voice filled with pain and confusion.
Dylan's throat tightened. He could barely meet her gaze. "I swear, I'll never do that again," he murmured, guilt thick in his voice. "I'm really sorry."
Ember's body trembled against his, and through her tears, her next words came like a dagger to his chest. "I won't talk to anyone if you don't want me to. Not to Mr. Chi, not to Adrien... no one. If that's what it takes, I won't."
Dylan stiffened. A sharp pain twisted in his chest as her words sank in.
She thought this was her fault.
Slowly, he pulled away just enough to cup her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. His thumbs brushed away the tears still spilling from her eyes. "No, Ember. It's not your fault. It's mine." His voice was raw, full of self-loathing. "You can talk to anyone you want. I'm the one who made the mistake."
Ember searched his eyes, her lips trembling, but she said nothing.
Dylan knew words wouldn't be enough. Not this time.
And maybe… not ever.
Ember remained silent for a few moments, her breath unsteady. Then, in a trembling voice, she spoke again. "Just tell me when you feel like that. I'll stop talking to them, but please… don't act like this ever again."
Her words broke something inside him. Before Dylan could respond, she started crying again, her small hands clutching the fabric of his shirt as she buried her face in his chest. He felt her warm tears seeping through to his skin, each one a painful reminder of what he had done.
"Shhh… stop crying. I'll never act like this again," he whispered, gently pulling her back so he could wipe her tears away. His fingers brushed against her damp cheeks, his touch light, almost afraid. "Drink some water, okay?"
She took the glass and drank too quickly, coughing slightly as the cool liquid soothed her dry throat—still sore from his forced kiss. Dylan watched her, his chest heavy with guilt.
"I'm sorry," he murmured again, standing up. "I'll go get you some clothes."
She gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can you bring them here? I don't want anyone to see me like this…"
Dylan swallowed hard. She doesn't want anyone to know what I've done to her. The thought twisted like a knife in his gut. "Of course. I'll bring them. Just wait for me."
As he stepped out of the room, he leaned against the wall, exhaling shakily. The weight of his actions pressed down on him, suffocating. He forced himself to move, asking Nana to prepare some soup, telling her he'd take it up to Ember himself. Afterward, he stepped onto the terrace, hoping the crisp evening air would clear his mind.
But it didn't.
Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Ember's tear-streaked face, her body trembling under his touch. The image haunted him.
Later, he returned with a set of fresh clothes and a tray of food. Knocking softly, he called, "Ember?"
A pause. Then a quiet voice. "Who is it?"
"It's me. Are you okay?"
Another silence. Then, "Come in."
When Dylan stepped inside, his eyes immediately fell on her. She stood by the window, wrapped in the blanket, watching the sunset. The golden light bathed her in an ethereal glow, but her beauty was dulled by the sadness in her eyes. Even now, after everything, she looked so fragile—like something delicate he had shattered.
"Did you bring my dress?" Ember asked softly.
Dylan, lost in thought, barely registered her words until she touched his arm. He blinked, snapping back to reality. "Yes, I brought it."
He handed her the clothes, and she took them with a quiet "Thank you." But she didn't look at him. She still couldn't.
He could feel the lingering fear in her, the way she hesitated before stepping away. Without another word, she turned and disappeared into the washroom.
Dylan waited outside, his body restless, his mind a storm of guilt and self-loathing.
Then, suddenly—
"Ouch!"
His heart skipped a beat.
Is she okay?
Without thinking, he pushed the door open—only to freeze at the sight of her bare legs before she quickly turned away. Realizing his mistake, he shut the door just as fast.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine," Ember's flustered voice came from inside. "Just wait, I'll be out soon."
Dylan stood outside the door, pressing his forehead against the wood. His hands were shaking. His entire body was tense.
The damage he had caused—it wasn't just in her tears.
It was in the way she feared him now.
When Dylan entered the washroom, his face flushed as he quickly turned away. "Sorry! I'll wait for you outside." His voice was rushed, clearly thinking Ember wasn't dressed.
But by the time he had stepped in, she had already changed. When she exited the washroom, she found him standing there, his eyes fixed on the floor as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry! I didn't see anything," he stammered, flustered.
His embarrassment was so genuine that Ember couldn't help but chuckle. "You didn't see anything because I was already dressed when you came in." She tried to stifle her laughter, but it was impossible.
Dylan, catching onto her amusement, shot her a playful grin. "Hey! Don't hold back. You look good when you laugh."
His words were lighthearted, an attempt to ease the tension between them. Ember smiled, trying to show she was at ease, but deep down, her heart still ached. The memory of what he had done clung to her like a shadow, making it difficult to fully relax.
Dylan cleared his throat and lifted a small tray. "So, I brought some soup for you." His smile was warm as he held out the bowl.
Ember's stomach growled, making her blush slightly. "Let me eat. I'm really hungry."
As she began eating, the quiet sound of her spoon tapping against the bowl filled the room. The silence between them was thick, heavy with words left unsaid. Wanting to break the awkwardness, Ember hesitated before scooping up a spoonful of soup and offering it to him. "Do you want some?"
Dylan leaned forward and took a sip, his lips curling into a small smile. "With your hand, it tastes even sweeter."
Ember returned his smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Really?"
"Yes," Dylan said softly, "you're so sweet, you made the soup sweet."
For the rest of the evening, Dylan helped Ember with her studies. They spoke only about her lessons, never straying into the painful past, never addressing what had transpired between them. The weight of unspoken words lingered in the air, a silent reminder of all that was unresolved.
And yet, this was how they ended the day.
The Coming Days
The days blurred into one another, a quiet routine settling between them. Dylan would leave for college and work, while Ember remained at home. When he returned, he would bring her snacks or carefully prepared dishes—but he never handed them to her himself. Instead, he gave them to Nana, who carried them up to Ember, pretending they were from her.
But Ember knew the truth.
She had known from the very first day.
Dylan barely spoke to her now. He kept his distance, moving around the house like a shadow, as if afraid that getting too close might shatter whatever fragile balance remained between them. She wasn't sure which of them was more haunted by that night—her, or him.
At night, when she was supposed to be asleep, she would hear the faint creak of her door.
Dylan.
He would enter her room silently, never making a sound. He thought she didn't notice. Thought she was deep in sleep, unaware. But she knew. She could feel him there, his presence lingering in the dim glow of the bedside lamp he always forgot to turn off. A small, absent-minded mistake that gave him away every time.
In the quiet, she would hear him whisper, "I'm sorry."
Then, a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead.
And just like that, he would leave.
Every night, Ember lay still, listening, feeling the weight of his apology settle over her like an unspoken promise. A plea. A regret that neither of them could voice.
This silent routine continued—until, finally, Ember's and Dylan's both exams were over.