Chapter 5

Nathan stirred, eyes fluttering open slowly as they adjusted to the morning light.

He sat up on the floor and rested his back against the door, glancing down at the string.

Valentino was still here.

Confusion crept in, as he looked up. He'd expected the man to barge in and cause a ruckus last night.

It was the reason why he'd stayed by the door and guarded it, before he eventually curled up and fell asleep.

He rose to his feet, wincing slightly from lightheadedness, and pressed his ear against the door.

It was quiet.

His heart pounded slightly, as he contemplated on staying in or going out where he'd have to face Valentino.

He knew he'd eventually have to leave the room.

Just then, Nathan's stomach rumbled, and a sharp pain followed, biting at his insides. He doubled over, wincing.

He hadn't eaten since the night of his birthday party.

He had no reason to remain inside, at least now that he might collapse from hunger anytime soon.

He stood upright, breathing through the pain as he reached for the door handle.

His hand stilled on it for a moment, before he turned it.

The door opened with a click and swung inward to reveal a woman standing outside. She had her hand out, like she was about opening the door, too.

He flinched, startled and backed away.

She was dark-skinned and had a coat and a stethoscope on. She was a doctor, he assumed.

The woman was shocked, too, but she simply stared at him, scanning him from head to toe.

After a few seconds, she turned and left.

"No!" She shouted.

"He'll fucking die!"

Nathan froze, his heart racing as he backed away even further.

Did Valentino want to hurt him?

Who was the woman?

What did she mean by he would die?

Just as he was about moving to close the door, Valentino's steps filled the air, heavy and dreadful.

Nathan panicked, slamming the door shut. He stayed behind it, pushing as hard as he could.

It was futile.

There was no lock.

The door flew open suddenly, throwing him backwards when the man slammed into it. Once!

He winced as a sharp pain shot through his shoulder. Valentino walked up to him and he backed away.

The man's blue eyes burned with rage and contempt. His jaw and fist were clenched, as he loomed before Nathan.

He grabbed the younger man by his collar, pulled him up harshly, and dragged him out.

Nathan struggled, wheezing as he slid across the hallway. He couldn't breathe.

Tears formed in his eyes as he scratched Valentino's hand, but it was of no use. The man was much stronger.

"He won't die!" Valentino announced, his voice thick, to which the woman from earlier replied with a scoff.

They got to the living room where she was and the moment her eyes landed on the duo, she turned pale.

The colour on Nathan's face had faded.

She leapt towards them and pushed Valentino to the side, forcing him to release the younger man.

Nathan collapsed onto the ground, hand moving to his neck as he coughed and gasped for air.

His heart thumped rapidly against his ribcages.

Valentino was going to hurt him.

"I can't cut the string, he won't make it."

Nathan's head snapped up, eyes wide.

Valentino wanted to cut the string?

Of course, he did.

Nathan looked back down, still breathing heavily as he bit his bottom lip enough to draw blood.

The man probably felt that pain, too, he thought as he sat there on the ground.

"Val, I can't."

Valentino hissed, glancing down at Nathan before he looked back up.

"You will survive, but his chances are low. I can't risk it."

The room fell silent as Valentino folded his arms. His eyebrows were furrowed, as though he were pondering.

"F*ck!"

"Celyn, I want the string cut in a week."

Nathan's heart ached. Didn't he have a say?

"I... I'll survive."

Their heads snapped to the boy's direction. Celyn dropped to her knees beside him and held his shoulders.

"No, you're not going to survive it."

Valentino hissed and stormed away.

"Look, I know the kind of person he is, but don't let him scare you. Fuck, some luck you have."

Nathan held back a chuckle, despite the pain.

Who comforts and mocks a person at the same time?

He nodded slowly.

"A... are you cutting the string next week?" He asked, ready to be free from this pull of fate.

"Next week isn't possible. It's too early."

"Th... then, when?!"

Celyn looked away, breathing softly.

"Three months and... you must not be faraway from each other for long periods of time until then."

Evan's heart pounded.

Three months.

And he had to endure being with Valentino from time to time.

It was a nightmare, but he understood.

Fate really was a bastard.

People joined by the string could not be apart for a long time or the string would tighten.

Few hours, it was slight discomfort.

A day, it was lightheadedness, headaches and weakness.

Multiple days, lack of sleep and lethargy.

Months, possible death.

Celyn noticed Nathan's heavy breaths and tapped his shoulder.

"Hey, it's alright. Val won't hurt you."

Nathan shot her a glare, anger crossing his features.

All Valentino had done since he found out he was his mate was hurt him. If the things he did didn't qualify, then what would?

Celyn stood up, but he remained on the floor.

Celyn was right.

He did have some shitty luck.