A second time with you.

Lyra

“Yes… I accept. Please help me.”

The words came out cracked and soft, but I meant every one of them. My hands were clenched tightly by my sides, not out of anger, but desperation. Shame. Fear. Hope. All mixed together into something messy and real.

For a second, Nick didn’t move.

Then, I saw it, the way his face lit up, his eyes sparkling like he’d just hit the jackpot. His smirk widened into a grin so full it almost made me forget what I was begging for.

And before I could even process it…

He scooped me up.

“What are you doing?!” I gasped, struggling in his arms, completely caught off guard.

My feet left the ground, and I instinctively gripped his shirt, trying to push away. He held me effortlessly, like I weighed nothing.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the other hockey players watching. Some chuckled. Some whispered. One even pulled out his phone.

Embarrassment settled over me like a thick fog.

“Please,” I whispered. “Put me down. Everyone’s watching…”

“No,” he replied easily, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I won’t.”

And then, he winked.

Just a small wink.

But my heart leapt so hard I felt it in my throat.

My illness must really be messing with me. I’m probably dying soon anyway. So what if I spent my last days with the most ridiculously attractive guy on campus?

No, I scolded myself. Don’t start thinking like that.

“Please…” I tried again.

His voice softened. “Don’t beg me, Lyra,” he murmured, adjusting his grip slightly. “I’m not letting you go. You’re my responsibility now.”

He said it like it meant something.

I glanced down at myself, I looked like a mess. Bedhead. Wrinkled nightwear. I didn’t even have lip balm on. Yet here he was, holding me like I was some prized possession.

I buried my face in his chest, embarrassed beyond belief. His scent, clean, a little musky, expensive, wrapped around me as I shielded my face from the stares.

By the time we reached the girls’ hostel, a small crowd had gathered. Mostly girls, all wide-eyed and whispering like it was a royal procession. Phones up. Cameras flashing. My shame tripled.

Nick finally lowered me to my feet.

“I can’t go inside,” he said, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder. “But I’ll be right here. Bring your things. We leave in ten. And Lyra?”

I looked up.

He leaned in, voice low and smug. “Don’t forget the lingerie.”

My mouth fell open.

My heart stuttered again.

Before I could reply, I turned and ran, the sound of girls swarming him behind me.

I slammed the room door shut, cheeks burning.

Mirae rushed toward me, wide-eyed. “Where were you? Why is your face red like someone slapped you? Tell me who I’m fighting.”

“No one slapped me,” I said quickly. “I accepted his help.”

“You did what?” Her voice pitched up in shock.

“I said yes. We’re staying at his place for the week.”

Mirae screamed. “What?! No way! This is insane, amazing! Wait…what if it’s a mansion? Do you think he has a pool? Oh my God. Lyra, thank you. You’re such a blessing!”

She hugged me tight, bouncing like a child who just got candy.

“Let’s get ready,” I said, pulling away and heading to my side of the room.

I opened my closet and started packing. It felt weird, stuffing clothes into a suitcase like I was going on vacation when I was still reeling from everything. As I zipped open the lower drawer, my fingers brushed against something cold and metallic.

The watch.

Nick’s watch.

I stared at it, heart sinking.

I needed money. My meds were running low, and I couldn’t afford a refill. I was planning to sell the watch, just this once… but now?

What if he saw it?

What if he found out I took it?

He’d hate me. He’d never trust me again. The tiny piece of respect I was starting to earn? Gone.

I sighed, hesitating. But I couldn’t afford to be idealistic. Not now.

I slid the watch into a pouch, tucked it under my clothes in the suitcase, and zipped it closed.

Out of sight.

By the time I finished, Mirae was already dressed and posing in front of the mirror. She wore a plaid mini skirt and a bright blue campus hoodie. Her hair was brushed into soft waves, and she looked like she was going to a party.

I threw on ripped blue jeans and a fitted black crop top. My hair, loose and straight, framed my shoulders.

“You ready?” I asked.

Mirae beamed. “Let’s go enjoy our week-long holiday with a hot rich guy!”

We stepped out of the dorm building, dragging our suitcases behind us.

The moment we stepped outside, it was like a scene from a movie. Heads turned. People whispered.

And then I saw them, Nick’s men. Two tall guys in matching suits, standing beside a sleek black car. They rushed over immediately and took our luggage like we were some VIPs.

Nick, somehow, had escaped the mob of fangirls and was already stepping into the car.

Mirae froze when she saw him.

He slid into the backseat, and she stared like he was a Greek god descending from the clouds.

“Uhm… would you mind sitting in the front?” she asked him, voice so soft I barely heard her.

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “You want me to sit in the front?”

“No—no!” she squeaked. “I mean, I want to sit in the front. You know, so Lyra can sit with you.”

I reached for her arm. “Mirae, don’t—”

But she slipped out of my grip, giggling, and ran to the passenger seat like she’d won a lottery.

Nick looked at me, a smirk teasing his lips.

He didn’t say anything.

I climbed into the car slowly, hyper-aware of his presence next to me. I could feel his gaze on me, even though I pretended to look out the window.

I sat there, quiet, gripping my jeans tightly under my hands.

My heart wouldn’t calm down.

And I hadn’t even stepped into his house yet.

“You’re making me uncomfortable. Stop staring,” I said quietly, my voice tight.

He let out a low scoff, not even bothering to look away. “No, I won’t. I’ll do whatever I want.”

I turned to him sharply, my heart thudding.

His eyes met mine, dark and unbothered. “Hope you brought the lingerie,” he added, his voice smooth and teasing. “Because I’m planning on having a second time with you tonight.”

My breath caught in my throat.