Chapter 2

"I agree."

Even now, my words echoed in my head, followed by my own agreement. Almost unconsciously, I found myself holding his hand as we walked towards the pharmacy. The people who knew us couldn't help but whisper.

"A-Aren't you uncomfortable?" I asked shyly.

I wanted to hide behind him from the eyes that followed us, as if seeing us holding hands was a grave sin.

My gaze fell to our clasped hands, and he tightened his grip even more when I was about to pull away.

I felt my face flush crimson with embarrassment. I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I kept my head down the whole time we were together.

I didn't know if this was part of what he wanted—that deal he mentioned—so I just went along with it rather than resist.

"Let them overthink," I could hear the amusement in his voice. "They're just busybodies."

I secretly chuckled. I didn't expect him to know that word, which I often heard from millennials.

"What if they spread rumors that—"

"That we're in a relationship?" he finished. "That's the plan, Lyl. Let's make them believe it. Whatever you hear, feign ignorance. They don't contribute to our lives, so just focus on me, your future husband."

I lowered my head even further, feeling even more embarrassed knowing that we would be husband and wife in the coming days, even though it wasn't real.

I didn't know if what I was doing was right, but I was already in it, so I would stand by it rather than regret it, especially since I was the one who decided.

He hadn't told me the specifics of the marriage agreement yet, so I would just wait for him to tell me himself. Besides, I really wanted to save our house and eatery because they were the only remaining memories of our mother and father. I couldn't bear to lose them.

"And start calling me Raze when there are people around," he said. "Or much better, hubby, so I can call you wifey."

"Huh?" I must have misheard him. "Hubby?"

"Yes, wifey..."

I looked up at him and saw him smiling—a wide smile that made his eyes crinkle.

"W-We're not m-married yet, so just Lylia or maybe—"

"Lyl," he said softly, as if that was the final word on what he would call me. "I prefer that, but when we're married, I'll decide what I call you and what you call me, that's why I want you to call me hubby." He demanded, so I had no choice but to just nod.

"B-But what if they get suspicious because—"

"I told you, Lyl, let them be. Just focus on me."

I bit my lip. "Sorry," I mumbled, looking down.

I felt him stroke my hair and gently squeeze my hand. "We're here, let me see the paper you're holding."

I gave it to him, and he was the one who lined up for me. I thought he would let go of my hand, but he pulled me closer to him.

"Are they already together?" I heard someone whisper nearby.

"But didn't Captain just get back?"

"Why are they holding hands?"

"I think they are. Look how tightly Captain is holding her hand. He doesn't want to let go."

"Maybe she's the reason why Captain came back?"

Just like Raze said, I let them gossip about me. Their talk wasn't below the belt yet, so I just pretended not to hear anything.

"Come closer, you might get bumped." I stiffened when he wrapped his arm around my waist. I felt the blood rush to my face because of the heat.

"O-Okay."

There was a long line at window one because that's where the payment for medicine was made, but Raze had already paid, so we were at window two to pick it up.

"Don't wander off."

"Huh?" I looked up at him and closed my eyes when he kissed my hair.

"They look like newlyweds," whispered the person next to us. "They suit each other, both good-looking."

"Their children will surely be beautiful."

"That's right."

"That's for sure," Raze whispered but I didn't hear it, and remained looking up at him.

I lowered my head when my neck started to ache. He was so tall. If I wasn't mistaken, he was 6'3" in height. How could I, at 5'5", compare?

After getting the medicine, we returned to Lira's room—and found them laughing.

They only fell silent when they saw us still holding hands.

"I'll just go downstairs, okay? I'll buy us something to eat," he told me. "I'll be quick."

"O-Okay, b-be careful."

"Do you guys want me to buy anything? I can—"

"Captain, ice cream please!" Lira exclaimed when she removed her oxygen mask and quickly put it back on.

"Is that okay for her?" Raze asked me.

I couldn't answer immediately because I didn't know either.

"I'll just ask the doctor," he said. "You?" he asked Love.

"Just any snacks, Captain," Love replied to Raze. "Add some soft drinks too if it's okay, hehe."

"Hey, you two..." I chided them.

He was the one who took care of everything, and these two were making demands as if they were just talking to a buddy. Maybe I needed to remind them that they were talking to the captain.

"It's okay," Raze said to me with a smile. "I'll go now, okay? You? Don't you want me to buy anything?"

"Uh, I'm fine," I gave him a small smile.

"No kiss?"

"Huh?"

I stared blankly for a few seconds and blinked when he closed the door.

Did I hear that right? Was he asking for a kiss? Was that still part of our deal?