The Seeker Infinity

Chapter 14 : 214

"Hello, we would like to book a room, please," Joy said in her polite voice, her weariness momentarily forgotten.

"Alright, see you tomorrow," Chris said, turning to leave.

Joy watched him, a sad look creeping onto her face. "You're leaving already, Chris? But... I thought we were going to stay together. Are you not staying here with me?" Her voice trembled with worry.

Chris paused, caught off guard by her plea. "No, it's just that... well, I don't want to bother you. Besides, I can find someplace else to stay," he replied, his voice tinged with shyness.

Joy shook her head and reached out, grabbing Chris's arm firmly. She didn't want him to leave. "No... I don't want you to go. Stay with me," she said, looking deeply into his eyes, her gaze full of earnestness.

Chris felt a wave of emotion wash over him. He had been trying to be considerate, to give Joy space after everything that had happened. But seeing the fear and worry in her eyes made him realize she needed him as much as he needed her.

"Joy," he began, his voice softening, "I just didn't want to impose. You've been through so much already, and I didn't want to add to your stress."

Joy's grip on his arm tightened. "Chris, you've been my rock through all of this. I don't think I can handle another moment alone tonight. Please, stay."

Chris nodded, still a bit shy. "I-if that's what you want, then I can stay with you."

Joy smiled warmly at him, her eyes reflecting gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Chris... I'm really glad you're staying with me." She then turned to the receptionist. "How much is our room?"

The receptionist looked up from her computer, maintaining a neutral expression. "A double room, is it?"

Joy nodded, her voice steady. "Yes, that's right. A double room is fine."

"That'll be 3 Golden Crowns per night," the receptionist replied.

Joy reached into her pouch, pulling out six Golden Crowns. "We'll be staying for two nights," she said, handing over the coins.

The receptionist accepted the payment and handed them a key. "Here you go. Room 301 is on the third floor. Enjoy your stay." She offered a polite smile to Joy and Chris.

With the key in hand, Joy and Chris made their way to the elevator, their footsteps echoing in the quiet lobby. As they waited for the elevator, Joy glanced at Chris, sensing his lingering discomfort.

"Chris," she said softly, "I really appreciate you staying with me. I don't think I could handle being alone tonight."

Chris looked at her, the sincerity in her voice easing his shyness. "I understand, Joy. I'm here for you."

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside, riding up to the third floor in a companionable silence. When they reached their room, Joy unlocked the door and they entered. The room was modest but cozy, with two beds, a small table, and a window offering a view of the city below.

Joy went to the bed and placed her backpack on it, then sat down with a weary sigh. "I'm tired... I guess we can rest for now," she said, yawning.

Chris lay down on the other bed, equally exhausted. The day had taken its toll on both of them.

Joy closed her eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep, her breathing becoming slow and steady. Chris, however, stayed awake for a while, watching her sleep peacefully. The sight of her relaxed face brought him a sense of calm and reassurance.

But sleep eluded him. After a while, Chris quietly got up, careful not to disturb Joy. He slipped out of the room and made his way downstairs. As he reached the ground floor, he noticed a small café tucked into a corner of the lobby.

"Hmm... I think I'll buy something to eat," he murmured to himself, feeling a pang of hunger.

Chris went to the café and ordered a sandwich, along with some drinks for both himself and Joy. After paying, he walked back to Room 301.

When Chris opened the door, he saw that Joy was still asleep on her bed. He quietly placed the sandwich and drinks on the small table beside her bed. He then sat down next to Joy, watching her peaceful face as she slept. A soft smile spread across his face as he admired her beauty.

After a while, Joy slowly stirred. She rubbed her eyes and looked at Chris. "Chris...? What time is it?"

Chris smiled warmly at her. "It's around 7:30 PM. I just bought us some food," he said, pointing to the sandwich and drinks he had brought.

Joy smiled back, grateful. She took the sandwich and started eating with surprising speed. "Mmm... this is so good," she said between bites, her voice filled with appreciation.

Chris watched her with a mixture of amusement and affection. "I'm glad you like it. I figured we could both use something to eat after everything we've been through today."

Joy nodded, still eating. The warmth of the food and the presence of Chris made her feel safe and cared for. "Thank you, Chris. I didn't realize how hungry I was until now."

Chris chuckled. "It's been a long day. We need to keep our strength up for whatever comes next."

As Joy finished her sandwich, she looked at Chris with gratitude in her eyes. "I'm really glad you're here with me. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Chris lowered his head in shame. "I'm really, really sorry about what happened today. I failed you as your personal guide," he said, staring at the ground, haunted by memories of the incident.

Joy shook her head and moved closer to him. "Don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault. Those guys are the ones to blame." She looked at Chris with a reassuring smile. "Thank you for helping me, anyway."

Chris smiled and blushed a bit, feeling grateful for Joy's kindness despite his perceived failure. Her words warmed him. "I forgot to ask you, why did you come here to Dawn City? I mean, why here?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Joy hesitated, her expression shifting from warmth to something more serious. She looked away for a moment, then back at Chris. "There's something I haven't told you," she began, her voice tinged with an edge of secrecy. "I came here because..."

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door interrupted them. Both of them froze, exchanging a glance filled with concern and uncertainty.

To be continued...