How Things Changed Forever.. PART - II

CH 41: High Time You Knew Everything..

Hillary glanced at the clock—it was only five in the morning. If she left now, she could make it to school on time, she realized. She pushed the blanket off, ignoring the lingering exhaustion weighing down her limbs. You just need to keep moving, she told herself.

"I have to get to school." She announced to no one in particular.

Kai's eyes narrowed immediately. "No , you don't."

She exhaled sharply, already bracing herself. She'd been expecting this. "Yes, I do. The food exhibition and concert fundraiser is today . I'm the organizer. If I don't show up, everything's going to fall apart."

Kai folded his arms, his expression dark. "You nearly froze to death, Hillary. You were left unconscious in a dark alley, with no means to save yourself. You should be in bed, not running an event." He snapped.

"I'm fine," she argued, even though her body disagreed with her. She could rest later. Right now, there were volunteers setting up stalls, performers checking in, and a schedule to oversee. It had to go smoothly. "I can't just 'not go'!"

Kai's scowl deepened. "You can, and you will, if it means not collapsing in the middle of school." His tone final.

Hillary bristled slightly at Kai's tone. Before she could fire back, Dev let out a tired sigh from the kitchen. "Well, you two start real early, don't you?" He asked, still rubbing the sleep off his eyes. Both of them turn towards him in surprise, having momentarily forgotten he was still there with them.

"You two bicker adorably," he mused, propping down on the sofa again. He handed both of them a cup of tea, but not before taking a spoon and taking a sip from each of their cup, looking at Kai pointedly. Kai didn't comment.

Hillary shot Dev a tired glare as she accepted her cup. It smelled heavenly. It wasn't until then that Hillary realised just how thirsty she was. She quietly sipped her tea. "Not helping." She reminded him.

"Actually, I think I am." Dev smirked, drinking from his own cup now. "Let her go, Kai. If she says she can handle it, let her try. Besides, she's nearly alright now. No lingering side effects other than exhaustion." he added.

Kai looked like he was seriously considering throwing something at him now. "Oh, I don't know. She could still pass out, end up in a hospital, or—"

"I won't," Hillary cut in firmly. "I'll take it easy. I promise."

Kai let out a frustrated breath, his jaw tight. He wasn't convinced, not even close.

"You're both impossible," he muttered.

"Thank you," Dev muttered sarcastically.

Hillary took the chance to stand, wobbling only slightly. Kai was beside her in an instant, steadying her before she could pretend she didn't need help.

She swallowed, annoyed at the way her legs trembled beneath her.

Kai sighed, rubbing his temple. "Fine. You can go."

Hillary opened her mouth to thank him, but he cut her off with a pointed look. "But I'm keeping a close watch on you. The second you look like you're pushing yourself too hard, I'm pulling you back."

Hillary huffed. "Fine."

"So, I guess it's goodbye then." Dev said, looking a bit too relieved to be rid of them. Hillary frowned, she hadn't been up for long, but surely they hadn't been that bad guests.

Kai was already grabbing his jacket, like he'd been waiting for an excuse to leave. "Let's just get this over with," he sighed. Hillary reassessed her theory. Maybe Kai had been a terrible guest, and she just didn't know.