AS LONG AS YOU’RE SAFE
It took me a few tears and tantrums before Kristoff allowed me to visit Hunter. He just wouldn’t budge. I told him I won’t take long, I even promised, but he just wouldn’t blink. He even wouldn’t flinch. And I don’t get why he is too stoic about this thing. He feels so possessive. But hey, he isn’t showing any affection or any emotion about it either.
But then, I shot a tantrum and didn’t talk to me and poof! He agreed in an instant.
“Three minutes, Shan. I’ll be waiting for you for three minutes.” He warned me as we stand in front of Hunter’s room door.
I nodded. “I know,” I replied.
He has been repeating that instruction for the thousandth time and I have grown tired of it already.
He sighed and gave me my phone. “Take this,” he said. “When that rings, it means your time’s up.” He explained.
I blinked at him. “Kristoff, you don’t have to—”
“I have to.” He cut me as he held on my shoulders. “You are my wife and I don’t like you hanging around with some other guy that long. Can you understand?”
I almost melted with what he said.
Almost.
If not only for this desire to see Hunter right now because I think I owe him my life, I would’ve melted and lost my heart at this instant.
“So, please, come out before the time and don’t make me barge in his room and take you forcefully.” He looked into my eyes, pleading.
Why do I see desperation in his eyes? It’s not like I’m leaving him right now.
He sighed hard. “Sorry for being too possessive but you should know I can’t last a minute without seeing your face,” he said as he cupped my face. “You should know that I am dying every time you are not in my sight. So, basically, right now, you are going to kill me for three minutes.” He kissed my forehead.
Now that is not expected. How can he be so sweet to me like this? Doesn’t he know that he is killing me softly like that?
Please, stop the grease, Kristoff.
“Go…before I change my mind,” he said as he knocked on Hunter’s door.
I looked at him and gave him an assuring smile.
He smiled back and nodded at the door. “Three minutes,” he repeated.
I almost laughed. He looked like a kid who is going to be away from his mother right now. He really did.
Somehow, the stoic Kristoff Marx has his childish side as well. I wouldn’t expect that, would I?
I opened the door and saw Hunter sleeping. I walked closer with tears brimming in my eyes. Why am I even crying?
I looked at his condition and saw his left arm in a cast.
All because of me.
All because of my selfish self.
All because of my freaking childish self.
I fought a sob back to prevent him from waking up. I don’t really want him to see me in this state. Never in my whole life have I cried in front of him. Oh, the first was when he was with me in that certain park.
And I don’t want to be weak in front of him already. I have had enough of this weakness. I am losing my tough image in front of this jerk.
No. That can’t happen.
“Why are you crying?” Hunter suddenly spoke.
My eyes widened. He didn’t just ask me. He gave me a bright smile. How could he smile like this? How could he manage?
“Don’t cry for me—”
“I am not crying for you.” I cut him. Why would he think I am crying for him?
“—Argentina.” He finished. “I was singing, you silly girl.” He mocked.
I gave him a pointed look.
He chuckled. “Don’t be too serious, Ashanti. I am fine.” He sat up. “This is going to heal before you know it.” He assured me. “No need to feel guilty,” he added.
I stared at him. How could he act so cool about this? He wouldn’t be able to come back with the boys on stage but why does he feel so cool about it?
“No. you couldn’t stand on stage with Infinite and you are not fine about it,” I told him. No, he shouldn’t pretend that everything’s fine in front of me. He doesn’t have to.
He smiled bitterly. “I am happy that you are safe. That’s all I want. That comeback is nothing to me, whenyourlifeisatstake,” he spoke a bit faster towards the end of his sentence, I didn’t catch a thing.
“What?” I asked.
He smiled and shook his head. “Nothing. I said, I’m fine,” he replied.
I raised my brow. I know that he didn’t just mean he is fine.
He smiled wider. “Can you peel me an apple?” he asked politely, which shocked me though.
However, I nodded and obeyed. Perhaps, this is the start of me being kind to him.
“Here.” I handed him the sliced apples.
He smiled and nodded. “Thanks,” he replied.
I nodded.
He took a bite. “Oh, by the way, when are you going to be discharged?” he asked.
“Tonight,” I replied. “I badly want to get out of this place.” I added.
He chuckled. “Same here, lady,” he said. “One day here and I’m going to die,” he added.
I laughed. “Exactly. I was even crying because I want to go home already but the freaking doctors wanted to confine me here. It’s like I lost my freedom.” I beamed.
He laughed. “Me, too! I wanted to punch that male nurse a while back because he keeps disturbing my sleep,” he added, shaking his head.
I stared at him and smiled. Somehow, when he is not being a jerk, he can be my friend. I know he can be my friend. And we may have things in common.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
“Kristoff is calling you already?” Hunter asked. I sighed and nodded. Unfortunately.
He smiled. “Maybe you have to go,” he replied. “He may be worried about you,” he added.
I looked at him. He isn’t really acting like the old Hunter Looney these past few days. He acts like he is all matured and all. A part of me finds it weird. But I believe he suits it.
I smiled and nodded. “Okay,” I replied. “But if you need something, just call me, okay?”
I can’t believe I said that.
He nodded. “Of course. I would pester you forever.” He evilly replied.
I glared at him. “Whatever.” I rolled him eyes. “Just… take care of yourself,” I said as I turned to leave.
“And…” I paused and looked back. “I just want to say thanks for saving me and sorry for what happened to your arm. You might say that I shouldn’t feel guilty, sorry, but I can’t help it.” I continued. “Sorry for being really childish and careless and reckless. Sorry for everything I have done.”
“Sshh...” he hushed me.
When did he even walk towards me? Because he is standing in front of me now, giving me a warm smile.
“I already told you, as long as you’re safe, I’m fine, right? Can’t you just implant that in your mind?” he asked me.
I stared at him. Why do I sense care in his eyes? It’s almost the same emotion I see in Kris’ eyes.
“Go. Your husband is waiting for you outside,” he told me. “It has been three minutes and he is dying right now.”
I narrowed my eyes on him. How did he know about that?
He smiled at me and pushed to the door. “Bye, Ashanti! See you around!” He beamed as he closed the door in front of my eyes.
“What took you so long?”
I looked behind and saw Kristoff looking at me really worried.
I shook my head. “Nothing. I just went a long way with Hunter,” I replied.
And at that instant, he hugged me really tight and buried his face in my hair.
What is really with you, Kristoff? I can’t understand you.