H.U.R.T
Trying to Start a Relationship

"I don't want to see a doctor anymore. I don't want to. That's exhausting."

Steve did not answer. He can't make a decision on this. Lexi still has family, she has to talk to them about it.

"Alright, for the next few days, the doctor will not see. Instead, I will accompany you. Are you hungry?"

Steve left no room for Lexi to protest her decision by turning the conversation to another topic.

"I'm not hungry."

"Yes, don't have to wait for a new hungry meal. I see, you didn't touch your food at all and you threw it away. Mom, um, Daphne's mom cooked it while worrying about you."

"It doesn't mean I don't like Mom Daphne's cooking. The food is great, really."

"I've never tasted it,"

Precisely since 13 years ago, he added in his heart.

"What if I go out and get something we can eat. Or would you rather sit down with everyone? I think they'll be very happy."

But for me it would be awkward to sit at a table with Pax Willson. Again and again, he was in his mind.

Steve gives two options until Lexi just focus on the choice. A powerful way to make Lexi forget that a few minutes ago the girl refused to fill her belly.

Lexi seemed to think for a moment, her fingers echoing each other, a sign that she was feeling very anxious.

"But I'd rather eat alone with you" Steve hurriedly added, and his words got a nod of approval from Lexi.

Steve immediately went to get some food. Looking at the messy room, he could only catch his breath. The next task is to clean the room.

"How,-Oh, you're hurt."

Mrs. Willson welcomed his presence. The woman was still waiting at the door. This time with his parents, Daphne.

"It's just a small wound. Lexi's been treating it, too. He asked you to rest. I'm going downstairs to get some food."

"He really asked me to rest." Alene aligned her steps with Steve.

Steve who realized it immediately slowed his footsteps.

"I'm just saying what he said." His lies are very natural and convincing. "He doesn't want you to be sick."

"Lexi said that?"

"Hmm," Steve crossed the main hall. As Pax stood up, looking to say something, Steve gawked away. His grudge towards the man was still intact!

"If she says it like that, fine, I'll rest after I make food for her."

Steve just nodded his head while his feet continued to step towards the kitchen. Arriving in the kitchen, Alena immediately prepared what Lexi needed. Steve did something similar. Make the girl's favorite juice. Peach juice.

"Have you eaten?" Steve asked later.

"I'll eat after this."

"Mom, has Lexi ever stayed over?" This time Steve asked his mother who was also following them into the kitchen.

"Yes, he stays over occasionally. Not often, but never."

"Which room does he occupy?"

Steve hasn't been able to explore their new home. Error, a new home for him. The location is still in the same place. It's just built bigger and the surroundings are also far from the word seedy. He turned 180 degrees from what he remembered.

"Your room."

His hand stopped when he heard the answer. He forgot where his room was.

"I need her clothes as well as some toiletries she used to wear, will I find those items in the room?"

"Yes. Lexi's filling the room like her own."

"I'd better get him to move there. The room he's in right now is really messy."

"Yes, that might be better. He'll be quieter in Steven's room."

"He doesn't know it yet."

"And you better not know it" Alena chimed in. "It would only add to the list of wounds in his heart and the possibility of this fact would be the biggest blow to him. We all know this reality. Lexi's gonna feel alienated and think we're conspiring to hide this."

What Alena said was true. Daphne and Steve fell silent, giving no rebuttal.

"At the same time, he likes you. Liked your current figure. Let Steven live in his heart. Let him remember Steven Percy as much as he wants. His memory of Steven can give him pleasure as well as his own power."

"I saw him shackled." Steve says.

"You're right. That word is more accurate. Shackled. And knowing the fact that the man she mentioned by name in each of her breaths was still alive, wouldn't it make her look worse. Lexi will feel like she's the dumbest girl. Right now, you're the only one he trusts. Please don't ruin it. In the end, Lexi falls for the same man. So, please hide it for Lexi's sake. Hold on to his trust. I know this is very selfish because your identity is very important to you, you also need to clear your name. It's just, I won't be able to see Lexi destroyed for the umpteenth time."

Alena left immediately after saying that.

___

"What are you doing?"

Steve stepped wide as soon as he saw Lexi cleaning the room, picking up the shards of table lamps he threw earlier. Steve placed the tray on the table, then pulled Lexi to her feet.

"You've been a long time. So I decided to clean the room. It's also because of me."

"Sit. I'll clean it up later." Steve cleaned the girl's palm using his shirt.

"Because your hands are dirty, I'll feed you."

"You're so considerate. I may also be crazy about you."

"That's the purpose of all mindfulness" Steve did not avoid justifying. "For both of us to be crazy and not be able to live without each other."

"It's a trap!"

"Yes, traps. Now open your mouth, we'll continue our discussion of traps after you eat and shower. I'll stay tonight."

"Where are you sleeping?"

"Of course with you."

"I think this also falls into the category of traps."

"This is called smart. I took all the chances." Steve held out a spoon, and Lexi opened her mouth. It was quiet for a moment because Lexi had to chew her food well.

"I-this isn't Mom Daphne's cooking. But Mom's cooking."

"Yeah, your tongue is very sensitive." He stretched out peach juice. Wondering if Lexi also remembered the juice she had concocted.

"Juice peaches?" Lexi asked doubtfully.

Steve just nodded his head.

"I stopped drinking this a long time ago. Did Daphne's mother make it?"

"I made it."

"Oh, really? I'll taste it." Lexi grabbed the glass, carried it into her mouth.

"How does it feel? Yummy?"

"Hmm, that's fine." Lexi put the glass back on the table.

"Milk?"

"Yes, it feels good."

"Don't remind you of someone?"

Lexi exhaled a heavy breath. His face looked glum again.

"I'm trying to build a relationship with you by ignoring the men in my past. But you remind him." Lexi snorted in annoyance. "Juicenya just like the results of his creation. I try to like you without associating her with him. But why every behavior, your actions make me remember it. If this keeps up, I'm not sure our relationship can begin. My race towards him is too mountainous. I don't want to drink peach juice anymore."