Strange Evening

"So Mr. Elias," I ventured, a mixture of hope and trepidation coursing through me, "will you let me hold your hand?" My internal turmoil was at odds with the calm façade I tried to maintain; I had been waiting patiently, yet the urge to know his answer hung heavy in the air. "No," he replied, the word cutting through the tentative atmosphere like a knife.

"No!?" I exclaimed, not meaning to raise my voice, but the surprise made it escape before I could catch it. I watched him flinch, a slight twitch of his body that didn't go unnoticed. At that moment, a flicker of disappointment washed over me. For just a fleeting second, I had thought perhaps he would consider the simple request, but it appeared my assumptions were misplaced.

"What if you fall?" I probed, searching for some understanding, but he simply disregarded my question and started to walk away.

"My hands are pretty clean, see?" I protested, raising them as if showcasing a prize.

"I see that, but please respect my boundaries," he stated firmly. A part of me acknowledged his need for space; he wasn't wrong, after all.

"Yes, you're right," I conceded, though I couldn't help but notice the gentle flush on his cheeks. "Is the cold making your cheeks red?"

Silence settled between us, thick and heavy. It was clear he preferred not to engage in small talk.

"No, it's something else," he replied, a hint of mystery lacing his words. Curiosity bubbled within me, nudging me to understand him better. My hand acted on instinct, slipping into his as we continued our quiet journey. To my surprise, he didn't protest, merely turning his face away from my gaze, as if hiding a secret.

As we walked in silence, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a side to him tucked away behind walls of reservation. Suddenly, I heard a sharp gasp escape his lips, and in an instant, I saw him lose his balance and tumble. Reflexively, I lunged forward, catching him around the waist. His form was delicate and wiry, and as I held him, I could feel the firm contour of his abs beneath his clothing. How could someone be so effortlessly attractive?

"Oh gosh, are you okay?" I exclaimed, concern threading through my voice as I looked into his startled eyes, which were now fixated on the way my hand rested securely around his waist.

"Would you mind?" he murmured, irritation etching his features, but I also detected a blush spreading across his cheeks, revealing a vulnerability beneath his annoyance.

I instinctively pulled him closer, an urge that seemed to blend a desire for connection with the need to ensure he was steady on his feet. "Hey, don't get the wrong idea. I'm just helping you stand," I added, flashing an awkward smile, hoping to ease any tension.

"Of course, I knew that!" He replied, his tone reminiscent of the times my mother would scold me, a slight edge of exasperation accompanying his words.

"Come on now, it looks like your dizziness is getting worse." I tightened my grip around him, offering a reassuring smile. "Why were you even standing in the rain for that long?"

He looked me in the eye, a deep sigh escaping him before he spoke. "It's a long story."

"I'm a good listener," I encouraged, my expression softening.

For the first time, he offered me a slight smile—a subtle crack in his stoic appearance. "I wouldn't have guessed," he shot back with dry sarcasm.

"Is that good?" I asked playfully. As usual, he fell silent, but I sensed he had opened up just a fraction more than he had earlier in our encounter.

"Well, you should lie down and get some rest," I suggested, wary of his exhaustion.

"Wait!" He called, halting me as I turned to leave.

"Yeah?" I said, glancing back, curiosity piquing my interest.

He fell silent for a moment, collecting his thoughts before speaking again. "You forgot my medicine."

His request surprised me; I hadn't expected him to want anything from me, but I nodded dutifully and retrieved the medicine. After I administered it, I asked, "Are your feelings better?"

He nodded subtly, a quiet acknowledgment, and added, "Now leave me alone."

With that, I retreated to my room, but just as I was about to close the door, I glanced back one last time, my heart softening at the sight of him. He had succumbed to a deep slumber, an expression of peace washing over his features as he drifted into dreamland. I walked back to my room and felt the feeling of his body still lingering on my hands. He was sure strange but somehow I wanted to know more about him and his strange appearance to my home.