Part 5: Stuck With You

Zayden took the bag on the bed and put it over his shoulder. He then took a step outside and made his way to the kitchen. He saw his grandmother was busy preparing the breakfast.

Zayden: Good morning, grandma.

Grandma: Where are you going? You told me that you didn't have morning class, is it?

Zayden: I want to do some revision at the library since the final exam is coming soon.

Grandma: Really? Goodluck, Zayden !

Zayden: Thank you, grandma. What are you doing?

Grandma: I am preparing your breakfast. Wait...I need to check your body temperature.

Zayden's grandma put his hand on Zayden's forehead to check his temperature.

Zayden: I'm okay, grandma.

Grandma: But your temperature is high. Are you sure you are okay? If you are not okay, take a rest for a while before you go to your class.

Zayden: I'm okay. Don't worry about me, grandma.

Grandma: Are you sure?

Zayden: (Zayden laugh)....Sure.

Grandma: Then, eat your breakfast. After that eat some paracetamol.

Zayden nodded. Then he sat on a chair. He ate the chicken porridge in front of him.

Zayden: Oho...this is delicious ! As expected, your porridge is the best in the world !

His grandmother always made porridge for him but the taste of the porridge this time was different. It's like it have a taste of love.

Grandma take a sit beside Zayden.

Grandma: Nathan make them for you this morning. Last night you have a fever. That's why he make this chicken porridge for you before he went back.

Zayden still in shock. Nathan make him a porridge? This morning?

Zayden: Did he slept over last night?

Grandma: Yes. He slept with you in your room.

Zayden: How can? He already went back, right?

Grandma: Ask yourself, Zayden. You told him not to leave you last night. You can't remember?

Zayden: ....

Last night's flashback...

He lied down on the bed after changing his clothing. He feels as if he have a fever. His body temperature is also unusually hot. He felt weak as well.

Suddenly he heard a knock on the door. He saw his grandmother step into his bedroom. Then, his grandmother sat on the bed next to him. She give him a sweet smile.

Grandma: See? You have a fever. What happened actually? Hmmm? Can't you tell me?

Zayden: Nothing, grandma. I'm okay. I was missing Ma so I went to visit her.

Grandma: You are lying to me, Zayden Evander.

Zayden: .... (He sighed)

Zayden: I was arguing with Papa.

Grandma: I knew. Is it about the same thing?

Zayden nodded his head.

Grandma: Don't worry, Zayden. I've already talked to your father about this. I think maybe he will give a chance to you.

Zayden: What do you mean by giving me a chance? He never give me a chance, grandma.

Grandma sit closer to Zayden and put his hand on Zee's shoulder.

Grandma: Stop thinking about this. You should take a rest. Plus, you have a fever. I'm afraid that your fever getting worst.

Zayden: ...

Grandma: Sleep well, Zayden.

Grandma put the blanket on Zayden. Then, she kiss Zayden's forehead.

Zayden: Grandma...

Grandma: Hmm?

Zayden: Thank you, grandma. Thank you because you always by my side.

Grandma just give him a smile.

Then, she get up from the bed and turned off the main light switch so that Zayden can sleep. Only the night light is on.

Zayden: Grandma...

Grandma: Hmm?

Zayden: ....Where is Nathan? Did he go back already?

Grandma: Why?

Zayden: Nothing. (Zayden also don't know the reason he search for Nathan)

Zayden then close his eyes. Actually after he changed his clothes just now, he can't fine Nathan at his room. That's why he asked his grandma whether he already go back or not. Maybe he already go back home because he can't see Nathan's car at the garage.

Nathan's POV:

Nathan was looking for his smartphone but he couldn't find it. He searched every corner in his car. Then, he tries to recall where he last saw his smartphone.

In Zayden's bedroom !!!

He sighed. He drive back to Zayden's house. He need to take his phone. He worried if his mother or father is calling him on his way back home. As soon as he arrive, he going up to Zayden's room. He knock the door and suddenly the one who open the door is Zayden's grandma.

Grandma: Nathan? Didn't you just went back just now?

Nathan: I forgot my phone on the table, grandma.

Grandma: Ohhh I see...

Nathan saw Zayden already fast asleep. He face looks pale. Maybe he have a fever.

Grandma: He just sleep a few minutes ago. He have a heavy fever.

Nathan: Really? Do you want me to send him to the clinic?

Nathan asked grandma while he puts his hand on Zayden's forehead. It's hot. But, suddenly Zayden's grab his wrist and Nathan turn his head towards Zayden.

Zayden: Ian...Is this you?

Nathan: I'm sorry, Zayden. Did I wake you up?

Zayden: It's really you.

Nathan: Err...Zayden...are you okay? Do you need anything?

Zayden: Can you just stay here tonight?

Nathan was shock. In fact he really want to approach Zayden but this is too early and he know this is the best chance BUT THIS IS JUST TOO EARLY ! He look at grandma and grandma nodded his head as she give the permission.

Nathan: ....but...

Zayden: I need someone right now...

Nathan: Errr...someone? (Nathan still confuse)

Zayden: I need you tonight. Can I have you?

Grandma walked closer to Nathan and she whisper, "He really need you, Nathan."

End of the flashback...

Grandma: He really care about you, Zayden. I don't know whether he have a feeling towards you but I clearly can see his sincerity for you.

Zayden: How?

Grandma: The way he look at you. His eyes really admired your eyes. They can't be apart. His eyes always searching for your eyes. I think he like you.

Zayden clear his throat.

Zayden: I don't think so, grandma. Plus, we rarely meet at campus and we don't event talk to each other.

Grandma: I don't know but I just can say that he is sincere toward you. I can feel that, Zayden.

Nathan's POV:

He stepped into a room next door to the sports equipment room. That is the music room, which has been unused for quite some time since a new music room has been prepared by the university. He pushed the door. How shocked he was to see a piano in the room's corner. The piano seems like still in a good condition. The room was quite messy and covered in dust.

He took a look around. More musical instruments are there, although they seem to be broken. He knew that the room has not been occupied for the past two years. There are some certificates and achievement trophies available.

*his phone is ringing*

Nathan: Hello, Nolio.

Nolio: Where are you?

Nathan: I am at the music room.

Nolio: Music room? I can't see you.

Nathan: Sorry...I mean in the old music room.

Nolio: What are you doing there?

Nathan: Hmm...I just checked the room because I think I need this room since there are many student who want to join my club. The other music room is not enough. I'll separate a room for student from semester 1 and 2, while the other student will use the old one.

Nolio: Ohhh...I see. Actually I want to tell you that I'll go home with Matthew today. So, I can't go back with you.

Nathan: It's okay. I can go back by myself. I can take taxi.

Nolio: Sorry, Nathan.

Nathan: It's okay.

Nolio: Then, I'll go first.

Nathan: Okay, enjoy your date, Nolio !

Nolio: Nathan, you are teasing me !

Nathan just laugh then he end the call.

He took a step towards the black piano. He wiped the dust on the bench.

Nathan: Oho...the dust is too thick ! (Nathan cough because of the dust)

Then he wiped the dust off the piano keyboard. His hands began to play the piano keyboard slowly. The melody start...

Zayden's POV:

Zayden: Matthew !!!

Matthew: Yes, captain?

Zayden: I think you can go back already.

Matthew turn his head to look at his friend.

Matthew: How about the list? Done?

Zayden: Yes, I already checked all of them.

Matthew: So, I'll go first. Don't be so late. It's 8 pm already.

Zayden: I'm not a child, Matthew. Just go back and have a date with your Nolio.

Matthew: Nami told you so?

Zayden: Yes and you kept on looking at your phone. Seems like you really miss him.

Matthew: A single guy like you cannot relate. (Matthew put his bag on his shoulder then leave the room)

He observed the situation around. Then, he looked at the list. It feels like everything has been checked. Earlier, his coach asked him to check the condition of the basketball equipment.

Suddenly his ears caught the sound of very melodious music. It's the sound of a piano being played with affection. The melody is beautiful. The melody will captivate everyone who hears it. He didn't know how, but he started to move his legs to check the noise.

The closer he got, he could hear a beautiful voice singing. Someone was singing Stuck with You with acoustic version.

I'm not one to stick around

One strike and you're out, baby

Don't care if I sound crazy

But you never let me down, no, no

That's why when the sun's up,

I'm staying Still laying in your bed, singing

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Got all this time on my hands

Might as well cancel our plans,

yeah I could stay here for a lifetime

He is getting closer. He was sure the sound was coming from the music room which was not far from the basketball equipment room. The door that was already wide open made his steps quicken. He wanted to see who owned the voice.

He was stunned when he saw who the person that playing the piano keyboard. Zayden take a closer step to that person and he right in front of the piano.

Zayden: Ian...

Nathan stop from playing the piano as he hear Zayden's calling. He didn't realized Zayden enter the room because he was too focus on the piano. He then looking at Zayden.

Nathan: Zayden? What are you doing here?

Zayden: Why did you stop?

Nathan: Hmm? What do you mean?

Zayden: Can you continue your singing?

Nathan: Er...

Nathan was surprised with Zayden's words. He was still confuse. What should he do?

Zayden: Ian...

He stood up and grabbed the Zayden's wrist. He give signal to Zayden to take a seat next to him on the chair. Zayden looks confused.

Nathan: How about you join me? (While smiling to Zayden)

Zayden: ....but I don't know how to sing, Ian.

Nathan: Just give it a try. I'll sing together with you.

Nathan smile sweetly to Zayden and he try to give encouragement to Zayden. He was too stunned to see that sweet smile. Every eyes that looks at it will surely fall in love. Is Zayden will become one of them?

Nathan: Ready? (Zayden nodded)

He started playing the piano keyboard. The melody is really beautiful and calm. Nathan started his singing then Zayden continued with the next lyric.

Zayden didn't know why but at that moment he felt very happy. All the problems that were in his mind before disappeared. He stuck with Nathan's adorable face. That sweet smile made him smile too. Nathan's melodious voice made his heart calm. Everything about Nathan make him uneasy. He had never felt like that before.

All this loving you, hating you, wanting you

I'm stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with

You, you

Stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you

Zayden sings the last part while looking at Nathan.

Their eyes locked together. Again...Nathan adores Zayden's eyes.

Nathan: They are so beautiful, Zayden. They are so deep until I didn't want to stop looking at them.

Zayden: You really love my eyes? (Nathan nodded)

Nathan: They are my favorite part of you.

Zayden: How about the owner?