Kayden

Y/N's POV

"Y/N! There you are! I was looking for you!" Kayden exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency. His forehead was glistening with sweat, and he looked genuinely worried.

"O-oh, um... the washroom was crowded, and actually... Emma called me," I stammered, fidgeting slightly. "She said she's leaving with her boyfriend, so—"

Before I could finish, Kayden interrupted me. For a second, I noticed a flicker of happiness in his eyes, but he quickly masked it, keeping his expression neutral.

"Really? Oh... well, can I drop you off then?" he asked, his voice almost too casual, as if he had been expecting this situation.

"I-I mean... if you want to," I replied hesitantly, not wanting to trouble him.

Kayden stood up, slipping his left hand into his pocket. "Of course, I want to, Y/N! How could I say no to you? Let's go!" he said, reaching for my hand.

His warm grip surprised me, but I let him lead me through the crowded space. His hand never let go of mine until we reached his car. Then, just like a perfect gentleman, he opened the passenger door for me.

I hesitated before stepping in, watching his face. He seemed... happy. I wasn't sure why, but the thought made my heart skip a beat.

As I settled into the passenger seat, Kayden walked around to the driver's side and got in. But instead of starting the car, he turned slightly toward me, making me nervous.

'Why isn't he starting the car?' I thought, glancing at him.

"Y/N... do you want me to help with your seatbelt?" he asked, a playful smirk on his lips.

My face immediately turned red as I realized I had forgotten to buckle up. Hurriedly, I clicked the seatbelt into place, my fingers fumbling slightly. Kayden chuckled at my embarrassment before finally starting the car.

"So... where should I drop you off?" he asked, focusing on the road ahead.

I stiffened, suddenly remembering my tiny, run-down house. 'Oh no, if he sees my haunted-looking house, he'll probably think I'm a ghost or a witch or something… This is a bad idea, Y/N!'

"Y/N? Are you still here?" Kayden's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"I-I... um... actually, my house is a little small and old—" I began hesitantly, but he cut me off before I could finish.

"Don't worry about that," he said with a reassuring smile. "I don't judge people based on where they live. I just want to make sure you get home safely. So, tell me the address, or I'll take you to my house instead."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "No, no! I'll tell you!"

After that, silence filled the car, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Then, out of nowhere, Kayden spoke again.

"Umm... Y/N, do you have a... b-boyfriend?"

I blinked, taken aback. "What?"

"I-I was just asking! I mean—ah, never mind, forget I said anything," he stammered, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.

I chuckled at his sudden nervousness. "No, Kayden, I don't have a boyfriend. I mean, I have a best friend, but not a boyfriend."

His expression shifted slightly. "Best friend? Who?"

"His name is James," I answered with a small smile.

Kayden frowned slightly. "James?"

"Yeah. Actually, he's my bestest friend," I said proudly.

Kayden's grip on the wheel tightened slightly. "Tell me more about him," he muttered.

I nodded. "One night, I was walking home from work when some street dogs started chasing me. I was terrified, and then suddenly, someone pulled me into a small shop."

"Let me guess… it was James?" Kayden said, his tone unreadable.

I nodded. "Yeah. He asked why I was out so late, and I told him that I was an orphan and heading home from work."

Kayden stole a glance at me before turning his attention back to the road. "Oh… and then?"

"Then he walked me home. After that, we started meeting every day. He even found a job for both of us. Since he was also an orphan, we understood each other really well," I explained.

Kayden nodded slowly, listening carefully.

"He's always supported me and my decisions," I added, smiling softly.

Kayden sighed. "I'm sorry, Y/N... You're really strong. I'm proud of you," he said sincerely.

I smiled in appreciation. Just then, I noticed we had reached my house.

"Kayden, stop the car! My house is right there," I said, pointing towards it.

Kayden looked out my window at the small, slightly worn-down house before nodding. "Stay here. I'll open the door for you," he said before stepping out of the car.

He walked over to my side and opened the door with a charming smile.

"You really are such a gentleman, Kayden," I teased, stepping out of the car.

His face immediately turned red. "W-wait, are you blushing, Kayden?" I smirked.

"N-no, I'm not! What are you talking about?!" he stammered, quickly turning his face away.

I giggled at his reaction. Then, he suddenly looked at my house again, and his smile faded slightly.

"Y/N… are you sure this is your house? I-I mean, it doesn't seem very safe," he said, concern evident in his voice.

I hesitated. "It's safe… but don't worry, I'm looking for a new place to stay," I reassured him.

Kayden didn't look convinced. "If you don't mind, I could help you find a new place?"

I quickly shook my head. "No, no! I can manage. You don't have to worry about me."

He let out a small sigh but didn't push further. Instead, he pulled out his phone.

"I really want to help, Y/N," he said softly.

"Aah, why are you so kind and gentlemanly, Kayden?" I asked, half-joking, half-serious.

He smiled. "I'm not that kind, Y/N," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, I still think you're a gentleman," I said with a grin.

Kayden chuckled. "If you say so." Then, after a short pause, he hesitated before speaking again. "Umm… can you give me your number, Y/N?"

I blinked in surprise. 'He's only the second person to ever ask for my number…'

"Yeah, sure," I replied, giving it to him.

Kayden smiled. "Okay, then. I'll head home now. Take care, Y/N," he said before getting back into his car.

I waved as he drove away, then stepped into my house, exhausted. Changing into comfortable clothes, I let out a sigh of relief.

"Aah, this feels nice," I mumbled, stretching.

Just as I was about to lie down, my phone buzzed.

I picked it up and checked the screen. A message from an unknown number popped up.

???: My angel, how are you? 😘

I stared at the message, my heart skipping a beat.

'W-who could this be?'