Cry

Vinorca Jona POV

Ring... Ring...

My phone rang, but I ignored it. I didn't have anyone important who would call me.

Pushing aside my thoughts about the call, I focused on what Lewis was saying.

It was my mistake that I hadn't told them anything before. I just didn't want others to pity me, and I didn't even know how my parents had died.

What could I possibly say to someone who asked about it?

In this university, news spread like wildfire. Despite trusting Amanda and Lewis, I didn't want to involve them to the extent where the truth would bring pain to both them and me.

"She just isn't comfortable talking, Lewis. It's not about us being friends. We can't force her to discuss matters she doesn't want to. This is a sensitive topic for her," Amanda defends me, understanding the situation.

This was precisely why I never wanted to share the details of my parents' death.

I had considered telling Amanda and Lewis before, but I was always afraid of their reactions.

"I'm sorry, Vin. Please don't cry," Lewis's apologetic voice brings me back to reality.

I touch my face and realize tears are streaming down without my knowledge. I feel weak and want to run and hide, but with both Lewis and Amanda beside me, escaping isn't an option.

"Look what you did, you bastard. She's crying because of you," Amanda curses, trying to comfort me by embracing me tightly.

Emotional and overwhelmed, I let myself dissolve further into her embrace.

I start sobbing loudly, not because of what Lewis said, but because the warmth allows me to confront the pain I've been suppressing. It strips away the shield I had put up to hide my emotions.

"I'm sorry, Vin. I felt betrayed because you didn't tell me this earlier. I thought you didn't consider me a friend. Please don't cry," Lewis apologizes repeatedly, his voice filled with anxiety.

I continue sobbing uncontrollably. Why do they both insist on pampering me like this?

Can't they treat me like everyone else? Or perhaps, I want others to treat me the way Amanda and Lewis do. They set a high standard for me, unlike Dante, who crushed my self-esteem.

This is one of the reasons I found the courage to speak out against him. I could never even look him in the eye, let alone raise my voice or express my opinions. It felt like a dream.

"Don't cry because of this fool. He doesn't know how to behave. He only knows how to ruin someone's mood," Amanda snaps, breaking the hug.

I lift my head as Lewis hands me his handkerchief. I wipe away my tears and blow my nose, trying to regain composure.

"You look terrible. Tears don't suit you, Vin," Lewis teases, tugging on his earlobe to show his remorse. I know he doesn't mean to hurt me in any way.

His words don't affect me; it's the overwhelming stress and emotional feelings that make me feel this way.

Seeking peace, I nestle into Lewis's chest, inhaling his manly and soothing scent, which calms my senses.

Unexplainably, I don't want Lewis to know about my dire circumstances.

He reaches out and touches my forehead. "You seem to have a fever."

Swiftly, Lewis removes his scarf and wraps it around my neck, bringing a smile to my face. "If you fall ill, Amanda will nag you again."

Looking up at him, my heart flutters slightly. His smile is warm, akin to sunshine. He's the second most handsome man I've ever met, with the first being Dante, of course.

My thoughts momentarily fixate on Dante, and I quickly scan the surroundings, checking if he's nearby. Maybe I am becoming too aware, as I don't want his presence.

At that moment, Lewis curiously inquires, "Are you looking for someone?"

I stutter, replying, "No, no," but I can't shake the vague feeling that someone is watching me from the shadows. It could have been my imagination, but I can't shake the uneasiness.

"Now, stop both of you. Lewis, you're acting cringe," Amanda laughs as we break the hug.

"I just want to treat you, Vin. You're in university now. You don't need permission from your brother, right?" Lewis asks, growing visibly annoyed.

I push my thoughts aside. I've known these two for three years, and they've supported me emotionally. I can't punish myself for someone else's mistakes.

"Okay, let's go," I reply, and we embrace one another. The onlookers stare as if we've lost our minds.

"That's more like you, Vin." They both smile, and I feel grateful.

It's already been a chaotic day, and having some food wouldn't hurt me. "Let's rock it," Amanda declares enthusiastically.

Wherever she goes, fun follows. She's such a lively person, unlike me, who's as boring as hell.

The three of us stand up together, holding hands as if we're children. It doesn't feel awkward; instead, it brings a sense of comfort. Hand in hand, we happily leave the classroom.

"Relax, girl. Why are you looking around?" Amanda asks, noticing my unease.

I smile and shake my head, indicating that nothing is wrong.

After enjoying our meal, I bid farewell to Lewis and Amanda.

As I left, I headed towards my librarian job, but it was shut. Perhaps the call was from there, informing me that today is off. I'm glad because I don't want to be late.

I reach the pack house, without wasting any time, I walk toward my room.

Entering my room, I notice how small it is compared to the other rooms in this house. It feels like it was specifically made for me, although it isn't the smallest room for a single person like me.

Nevertheless, it's enough for me to live peacefully.

"Ahhhh!”