A Tapestry of Secrets

**In the Library**

Ember whispered under her breath, "Why did he do this...?"

A hand gently rested on her shoulder.

She quickly turned around. "Who?"

"It's me," Adrien said softly.

"Oh, it's you..." Ember let out a huff, still feeling uneasy.

Adrien raised an eyebrow. "Yes, it's me. But why do you look so scared? Why is your face red? And what were you saying—'Why did he do this'? Did something happen? Did he hurt you?"

Ember sighed, flustered. "Stop. Too many questions. How am I supposed to answer all of that at once? Or... why would I even tell you about my situation?"

Adrien's voice grew firm but caring. "You better tell me."

Ember hesitated but gave in. "Okay..."

In her thoughts, she considered this might be the perfect opportunity to ask about what happened between Adrien and Dylan.

"Come sit," Adrien offered, motioning to a nearby chair.

"Hm..." Ember nodded, sitting down beside him.

Adrien leaned in. "Now, tell me."

Ember hesitated again before asking, "I have a question for you too."

"Okay," he said, intrigued. "But you go first, then I'll answer."

She took a deep breath. "Ask."

"Why is your face so red?"

"It's just... the weather," Ember said, trying to brush it off.

Adrien didn't buy it. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"Yeah, just a bit cold."

Without a word, Adrien removed his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Don't even think about taking it off. If you do, I won't answer your questions."

Ember blinked at him, feeling both cared for and slightly embarrassed. "Alright, fine."

Adrien's gaze sharpened. "Now, why did you say, 'Why did he do this'? Tell me."

"It's nothing," Ember muttered, avoiding his eyes.

Adrien wasn't convinced. "Did Dylan do something to you?"

She swallowed, her voice dropping. "No..."

Adrien studied her for a moment. "Your expression says otherwise. What did he do?"

Ember hesitated, her face flushing again. "He... he kissed me, and..."

"And?"

"I..." Ember's voice trailed off.

"You..." Adrien encouraged.

"I just got scared," she finally admitted.

Adrien clenched his jaw, his voice filled with quiet anger. "That jerk! He forced himself on you, didn't he? That's why you're so shaken up?"

Ember nodded silently.

Adrien reached out and gently patted her head. "It's okay. Don't be scared. You're safe now."

The silence between them grew, but this time, it felt comforting rather than tense.

After a few moments, Ember broke the quiet. "Now it's my turn."

Adrien smirked. "You're really desperate to know about me, huh? How about you admit you like me, and I'll deal with Dylan for you? Then I'll take you with me."

Ember rolled her eyes, managing a small smile. "Stop dreaming."

Ember leaned in, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What's the relationship between you and Dylan?"

Adrien hesitated. "Can I skip that question?"

"No," Ember pressed. "I want to know."

Adrien sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Why don't you just ask him?"

Ember shook her head. "If I ask him, and the fight between you two is something sad, it'll make him upset. I don't want him to feel bad."

Adrien looked at her incredulously. "He just scared you by kissing you, and yet you're worried about making him sad over his past?"

"Yes," Ember replied softly. "So, please, just answer me."

Adrien studied her for a moment. "You really want to know?"

Ember nodded. "Yes."

"Then... prepare yourself. I don't want to break your heart."

Ember rolled her eyes. "Stop with the nonsense. Just tell me."

"Alright, alright," Adrien began. "Back when we were in school, it was me, Dylan, Emir, and Lai. We were best friends back then. But some misunderstandings happened, and after that, Dylan left and came here. I tried calling him, but he wouldn't pick up. That's why I came here—to clear up those misunderstandings."

"Just a misunderstanding?" Ember asked, her voice laced with doubt.

Adrien nodded. "Yeah, that's all."

Ember hesitated before asking her next question. "Can I ask you something else?"

"Of course," Adrien said, his voice softening. "Feel free to ask anything."

She took a deep breath. "Can you tell me what that misunderstanding was?"

Adrien paused, lost in thought. **I can't tell her the truth now**. **She's already scared, and if she knew... it would only hurt her more. I want her to come to me, but I don't want to see her in pain.**

"Adrien?" Ember's voice broke through his thoughts. "What are you thinking about?"

**The Tension Between Them**

Adrien blinked, coming back to reality. "Actually, it was because of a girl..."

Ember's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes," Adrien confirmed.

"So that's why you and Dylan had a fight?" Ember asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Adrien hesitated. "A fight..."

"Yeah!" Ember continued. "I heard you two had a big argument, and that was the first time Dylan ever got drunk. I think he felt guilty about the fight—that's why he drank."

Adrien seemed surprised. "Drunk?"

"You didn't know?" Ember asked.

Adrien shook his head, clearly lost in thought. **So, that time when I told him to leave and never come back... he must have been too drunk to even pick up my calls. All this time, I thought he was just ignoring me...**

Ember interrupted his thoughts. "Hm... so, the girl—it's 'Lai,' right?"

Adrien's eyes met hers, impressed. "Yes..." he admitted with a small nod. **She's sharp.**

Ember leaned forward slightly, pressing him. "Can you tell me what the fight was about?"

Adrien's expression tensed. "It's... it's just that I..."

Before he could continue, ember's phone rang, breaking the moment.

"Excuse me," Ember said, pulling her phone from her bag.

She answered, "Hello?"

Butler Feng's voice came through the line. "Madam, Dylan is still busy with work, so he might be late and won't be able to pick you up. Let me know if you need a ride home. I can come get you."

Ember sighed quietly. "Okay..."

"Then I'll take my leave for now," Butler Feng added politely.

"Wait!" Ember said quickly.

"Yes, madam?" Butler Feng responded.

"Can you send me the address of where Dylan is working? But... don't tell him I asked," Ember said, lowering her voice.

Butler Feng paused for a moment before replying. "Would you like me to come and get you instead?"

"No, no," Ember insisted. "I'm with a friend. He'll drop me off."

"Very well, I'll send you the address shortly," Butler Feng confirmed.

"Thank you," Ember said, hanging up the call. She sat in silence for a moment, gathering her thoughts. **It's time to let go of those fearful memories and move forward...**

**The Favor**

Ember turned around, a bit hesitant. "Adrien, can you do me a favor?"

Adrien's eyes softened. "Of course. What do you need?"

"Can you drop me off at this place?" Ember asked, showing him the address.

"Okay," Adrien agreed with a small smile. "Let's go."

"Thanks," Ember said, following him to the car.

---

**In the Car**

Ember glanced over at him. "Thanks for this... I hope you and Dylan can resolve the misunderstanding between you two."

Adrien nodded. "Yeah... thanks to you too."

Ember raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Adrien exhaled softly. "Because now I feel less alone. Someone else knows about it."

Ember smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone until you sort things out."

Adrien looked at her, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks."

"So... does this mean we're friends now?" he asked playfully.

Ember tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm, let me think about it..."

Adrien's face fell slightly, disappointed.

Ember chuckled, teasing him. "I'm just kidding. Of course, we're friends."

Adrien's smile returned. "Good."

"Can you tell me how you and Dylan met?" Adrien asked, curious.

Ember shook her head. "It's a long story... I'll tell you next time."

"But—"

"No buts," Ember interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. "I'm tired of all the questions and answers for now. Let's leave it for another day."

Adrien nodded, conceding. "Alright."

---

A few minutes later, Adrien glanced at her. "Ember, we're here."

Ember looked out the window. "Okay... thanks for dropping me off."

"It's no problem," Adrien said softly.

---

**At the Gate**

As they reached the gate, the guard stepped forward. "Stop. Do you have a pass to enter?"

Ember frowned. "No, but I'm here to meet Dylan."

The guard smirked slightly. "Look around—every girl here claims to be here to meet him."

"Too many girls, huh?" Ember said, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Yes, quite a few," the guard replied.

"Let me in, please," Ember pleaded. "I'll call him if you want."

"Go ahead and try," the guard responded, folding his arms.

Ember hesitated, thinking to herself, **If I call Dylan, he'll know I'm here...** Instead, she quickly dialed Butler Feng.

Suddenly, Adrien appeared beside her and gently took the phone from her ear. "What are you doing?" Ember asked, confused.

The guard immediately straightened up. "Sir, please come in."

Adrien turned to her, smiling. "Why aren't you going in?"

Ember sighed. "He stopped me because I don't have a pass."

Adrien chuckled. "So, what's your plan now?"

"I was calling Butler Feng to pick me up," Ember explained.

Adrien raised an eyebrow, amused. "Why not just take my help?"

Ember glanced at him. "Do you have a pass?"

Adrien smirked, clearly amused by her question. **She really doesn't know who I am, does she?**

"Yes, I do," he replied confidently.

"Alright then, let's go," Ember said, relieved.

"Hop back in the car," Adrien said, leading her to the vehicle. "Dylan's set is farther away from here."

"Okay..." Ember nodded, getting in.

---

**In the Car**

"Thanks again," Ember said as the car started moving.

"You're welcome," Adrien replied warmly.

---

After a few more minutes, Adrien slowed the car. "We've reached."

"Thanks," Ember said, stepping out.

Adrien looked at her. "Let me take you inside."

"Okay," Ember agreed with a small smile, following him toward Dylan's set.

**Dylan's Dressing Room**

Ember entered the room, glancing around. "Hello, Butler Feng... where's Dylan?"

Butler Feng gave a slight bow. "Sir is inside."

"Can I go in?" Ember asked, her heart racing a little.

"Yes, of course," Butler Feng replied with a nod.

"Thanks..." Ember said, excitement bubbling up inside her as she moved toward the door.

Adrien stood a few feet away, watching her go. **She forgot about me...** he thought, slightly amused but also a little hurt.

Ember noticed how quiet it was. "Why is there no one around?" she whispered to herself. **He must be in the changing room.** A playful smile crept across her face. **Let me surprise him...**

She slowly pushed open the door, slipping inside quietly and standing behind it. Then, without a word, she embraced him from behind, her arms wrapping around his waist.

"Dylan... I love you," she whispered, her heart beating fast.

Dylan turned swiftly, pulling her in front of him, their faces close. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to kiss her, but he stopped, his breath warm against her skin. "How did you get here?" he asked softly, a smile tugging at his lips.

Ember smiled back. "I was missing you."

Without a word, Dylan wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

Ember leaned into him. "I'm sorry..."

Dylan pulled back slightly, confused. "For what?"

She hesitated, her cheeks flushing. "In the car... I didn't know what was happening to me. I couldn't catch my breath, and it was the first time I've felt something that intense, something I actually wanted..."

Dylan's expression softened. "You don't have to apologize for that, Ember. I'm sorry if I was too rough. I couldn't control myself."

"It's okay..." she whispered, looking down.

Dylan lifted her chin gently. "Can I make it right?"

Ember's voice was barely a whisper. "How?"

Without another word, Dylan leaned in and kissed her, softly but deeply, his lips warm against hers.

Ember gasped slightly, surprised, but then relaxed into the kiss. "Mmh..."

Dylan pulled back just a little, his eyes searching hers. "Is that okay?"

Ember looked up at him, her face flushed with shyness. "Hm..." she nodded, her heart fluttering.