My Heart Was Wounded Deep
Chapter 78's

The weekend was really beautiful. Kikan had never felt this happy in his life. After Levi persuaded him to swim in the lake at that time, he felt no need to limit himself anymore in the environment of Rey's friends. Kikan began to see that he was not too different as he had always thought. Of course, he had a dark past, and everyone knew the horrifying details. David was also punished. Levi hinted that he himself was not perfect. Kikan begins to remember Kelly, who must always be vigilant about what he eats and touches because of his health condition, as well as Nanda and Eva, who hint that life is sometimes difficult for them. Eva had been trying hard from the start to be friendly, and the other friends became more familiar after Kikan interacted more with them.

Rey's friends add even more joy. But the best part, of course, is Rey and the nights they spent together. Related int** was never that wise in High School. Kikan just realized making love can be very beautiful.

As Sunday night falls, she feels even more reluctant to go home than she thought, somehow Kikan has lost the vigilance to protect herself from the worst possible life, and she begins to hope. Hope is new to Kikan and it feels good. But it's also scary because it means he can get hurt again.

The fact that he can so easily forget all the scars and lessons from the past is a testament to the malleability of the human soul. It only took three days together with the man he dreamed of for almost his entire life, some new friends, some, and a lot of time to have fun and laugh to make him feel like the time he spent in prison never existed.

" It's a pity we have to go back soon" Kikan complained as he closed the suitcase zipper.

Rey was not far from her, packing her own bag because she had moved into the room after their first night together. He looked up when Kikan spoke, then walked over to hug him. "This week is just the beginning. At least for us."

Kikan. "really"

Rey sorted her forehead. "You believe that, don't you?"

" My mind is open on that," Kikan joked.

Rey looked worried as she lowered her hand. "But there's something I need to tell you" Rey said. "Something I've been delaying."

Now then? just when he was just lowering his alertness? Kikan felt himself stiffening. "What?"

" It has nothing to do with us, but it can bother you. I'm waiting because I don't want the news to ruin this weekend, but I want you to be ready."

The nail presses the palm of the hand as it clenches it. "Ready for...?"

" When Jason called.. "

Kikan's stomach tightened. "You said he's fine!" sahut Kikan's.

" He was fine yesterday and now. But..he called me to tell me something that worried him."

" And that is...."

" Lori's family managed to track down Via Astaria's whereabouts." Said Rey.

Memories of everything that had ruined his life instantly invaded. Starting from Lori's death, the guilt of not being able to control the car after Via took the steering wheel, the horror of what followed, and the great despair when no one wanted to believe him... During the few days in the cottage, Kikan felt like he was someone different, an ordinary person. He began to believe he might have a chance to leave all that behind. So he felt relaxed, but now it feels like he is receiving the next blow.

" Let me guess. He didn't come selflessly." It's not hard to predict where all this leads.

" He will definitely hold on to his story," Rey agreed, "If not they won't take him to town."

Kikan walked away to sit on the bed.

" Why are they doing this? I've already served my sentence. They can't control me anymore. So what do they want again?" ask kikan. But the answer is clear. Lori's family is angry that Rey and Jason have fought them and protected Lori's killer. As well as anyone who considered accepting Kikan, that he was truly an evil human as they believed. They wanted to eject Kikan from their world completely.

" They were looking for a way to make them feel more comfortable about everything that happened to Lori. That's all, and punishing me made them feel like they were directing everything in their power to get revenge for Lori." kikan.

" It's not enough for an innocent girl to be in prison for half her life" Kikan said in frustration.

" Till the apocalypse will never be enough, because they think you're guilty."

Kikan rubbed his hair with his fingers. "I'm afraid they're gonna turn Jason against me. I hope they don't bother me."

" It would be nice, but at least you're not alone anymore" Rey said.

Kikan looked at him confused.

" I won't let them hurt you."

" You can't get involved!" exclaim Kikan. "If you and Jason stand up for me, they're even more determined to prove you wrong."

" Rey sat down next to us and grabbed his hand. "There's no other choice."

" Of course there is. You have to keep your distance, no need to draw attention."

" That's impossible." Rey denied.

" Why not?"

Rey lifted Kikan's fingers to her lips and kissed her, then waited for Kikan to look up to look at her again. "Because I love you." Rey said firmly.

Kikan wanted to believe it. It had been a long time since he had wanted to hear Rey say those words again. Perhaps he could believe it if they could stay in the dream world in this cottage. They have to face the real world. They'll be back in their little town in a few hours.

" Then it would be wiser if you let go of your love" Kikan replied. As before but Kikan does not add that, although implied so.

When Rey frowned, Kikan regretted saying those words. Rey obviously hopes Kikan will plop down into her arms and say love back. To date, Kikan has been very careful not to over-express feelings. He willingly gives anything to Rey, but still holds back those words, because he is afraid that the charm that seems to bind Rey will be dissolved, and he will lose the man again.

In addition, by encouraging the man to stay away from her, Kikan felt he had helped Rey. There are so many women in this world who are willing to be with him. Why would Rey want to be with someone she had to defend constantly, whereas she could easily choose another?

" My feelings don't change as easily as you think" said Rey, and she stiffly pulled Kikan to her feet, and got ready to return home soon.