Arianna walked into the balcony with a tray of tea for him. Ryan was seated on the bench, just watching the city. His demonic sight went far and wide to every corner in the city. Even in people's homes. He was watching keenly like a guardian, waiting to see if something would happen. Arianna kept the tray on the stool and picked the cup, and gave him.
"Ryan, I brought you your favourite tea" she said and he took the cup from her.
"Thank you" he said and took a sip, then faced her. "Where have you been?" he questioned. She had been away from his sight for an hour and fifteen minutes. Yes, he was counting.
"I was with Yun Shin... And Ms Jung" Ryan gritted his teeth when she replied. That fish! What should he do with it? Should he kill it? No, Ari would be sad. What then should he do? First, that fish stole his name. And now it's slowly stealing his Ari away. Getting all the attention from her. He doesn't like this at all, it's getting him irked. All these thoughts came while he gazed back at the city, sipping the tea like he wasn't angry.
"Ryan" Ari called him "Thank you"
Deep lines formed on his forehead as he turned to her "For what?" he asked.
"For the clothes you got me today. They're all so pretty" she was smiling sweetly.
"Aria, you.. you've already thanked me" he said
"I know, I just want to thank you again" Ryan stared at her, dumbfounded. He really wasn't used to people thanking him more than once. Where did she come from? Is she really part of those humans? The next thing he knew, she gave him a warm hug showing her gratitude. With a smile, he embraced her and kissed her hair. Arianna stayed in arms, and watched the city with him until she felt sleepy. She lifted her head and looked at him.
"Ryan, I'm sleepy"
Ryan moved his eyes away from the city after ensuring nothing would happen once he's away, so he carried her in arms and took her in. She just bit her lips and allowed him carry her like she can't walk at all. He placed her gently on the bed, and then went to close the balcony door. After that, he went to lay beside her and then pulled her into his arms. She waited, but he did nothing other than that. She lifted her head and looked at him, he also looked down at her.
"Sleep now, Aria" he told her and a frown appeared between her brows. Did he forget so soon? She lifted his hand and placed it on her head, but he seemed lost. He knew what she wanted but acted like he doesn't to see her reactions.
"What do you want me to do?" he asked her and she hit his chest hard.
"You promised to rub my hair every night" she cried and Ryan scratched his head.
"Oh! I... uh.. I forgot. I'm sorry. But do I have to do it every night?"
"Yes. You started it, so you have to. Mum does it every night too" she pouted her lips like a child and he couldn't help but chuckle at how childish she's behaving. Her mother must have suffered a lot doing this every night. He began to rub her hair gently, before she could sleep. He kept on brushing her hair, and only stopped once she slept deep enough. Then he climbed off the bed and walked to his study. So many work loads that he even had to work at night. He got in, sat on his seat and took a breather. After a little while, Leonel walked in.
"Gosh!" he exclaimed, shocked. "You're here. Since when did you start working at night?" he asked because Ryan would never work at night. No matter how much it is, he would just give all the load to Leonel and give an excuse that someone needed help, and just escape like that. So what happened now?
Ryan paid no attention to him, he just worked diligently. Leonel then took a seat opposite him and crossed his arms.
"I became surprised when I heard you agreed to attend the party." Leonel said
"I only agreed because Aria wants to go" Ryan answered him and he chuckled.
"What charm did she use on you? That you agreed so easily?"
"Are you here to tease me?"
"No, no. I only came to see if you've checked the previous files I gave you. You're becoming more lazy these days than before" he shook his head, but Ryan didn't even spare him a glance.
"Ah... I was wanting to ask...." he cleared his throat, arranging the words in his mouth "Do you like Anna?"
Ryan stopped, his head lifting slowly and Leonel scrutinized his face. He looked at him "Why're you are asking?"
"Because it's very obvious. The way you look at her, acts towards her, your emotions... It's all clear, but I'm asking to be sure" he spoke and waited in anticipation for Ryan's words. He had always been waiting for the day when Ryan would finally love someone. Because, ever since Nayla betrayed him, he never associated with women again.
"Yes, I like her. I mean... I... I love her."
"WOW!" Leonel couldn't help but exclaim, already on his feet "This calls for celebration. Finally!"
"What's with you?" Ryan couldn't understand why he was acting this way.
"I should tell Zariel of this. You falling in love is just so amazing..."
"Do you mind using the door?" he spoke, already irked with the way he acted.
"What?"
"Leave" he ordered and Leonel gritted his teeth.
"Fine, then" he bowed and then left. Ryan sighed, and then went back to working.