Chapter 5

"Nathan......"

I was about to call out to him when a commotion of footsteps came from outside the door, accompanied by Alex's complaining voice.

"That's weird, why are the lights off?"

I quickly ducked under the covers, holding my breath nervously.

With a click, the door opened.

Alex's curious voice rang out: "Nathan, why are you in bed so early?"

My heart was racing, almost leaping out of my throat.

Nathan swiftly hid my clothes and shoes, then smoothly climbed into bed.

He patted the mattress, signaling me to hide under his covers.

His warm body pressed down, our skin almost touching.

My heart pounded like a deer, making it hard to breathe.

I sneaked a glance up at Nathan.

His face was impassive, perfectly composed, eyes fixed on the doorway, ready to handle any situation.

Alex didn't turn on the lights but fumbled his way to a chair and started making a call.

No one answered.

He let out an exasperated yell, probably trying to reach Sophie.

"What the hell is going on tonight?"I told you, Nathan, if you hadn't messed up my plans, I wouldn't have given up so easily.

"It took a lot of courage for me to finally confess my feelings."

Nathan suddenly gripped my wrist, his hold so tight it nearly crushed the bone.

"I got caught in the rain today. My head hurts. I'm going to bed early."

He deliberately lowered his voice, sending tingles up my arm from where he held my wrist. My face was almost touching his.

"Oh, alright. Get some rest then."

Alex was quiet for a moment, then suddenly laughed. "Wait a minute, Nathan. How is there a girl in your room?"

My heart nearly stopped.

Thankfully, Nathan kept his cool, casually patting the bed.

"You're imagining things. What girl would I have?"

"Come on, you sly dog. You're keeping secrets."

Alex started pulling at Nathan's pants. "Let me see. Which beauty has stolen your heart?"

Nathan froze for a second, quickly covering himself. He feigned anger: "Get off me! You really think I've got a woman in here?"

"Don't you? Why else are you going to bed so early? Who are you hiding?"Alex chuckled for a bit, then suddenly stopped. "Don't tell me you went after Lena too? But she was just giving me the cold shoulder. She even threatened to jump in the river to stop my date. They probably haven't found her yet."

I never imagined Alex would think I was the one who jumped in the river.

It's understandable though. There are only three Chinese girls in our year, and Lena's the most outgoing one.

"Not necessarily."

Nathan shot me a fierce glare. Frightened, I quickly lowered my head and bit his waist.

Nathan's muscles tensed up. His thigh pressed heavily on me, and he couldn't help but let out a hiss.

"What's wrong?"

Alex patted his shoulder, looking concerned. "Are you feeling alright?"

"It's nothing, just a leg cramp."

Nathan kicked off the blanket, bending one long leg beside him. His face contorted, genuinely looking uncomfortable.

Alex didn't think much of it and went to brush his teeth in the bathroom.

He picked up the washbasin and suddenly exclaimed, "Huh?"

"Lena, are you washing socks? It's raining today, don't you have anything better to do?"

He looked around suspiciously. "Did you really bring a girl back?"

As he was leaving, he gave Nathan a knowing wink."Stop hiding and introduce her already," Nathan said.

Nathan took a deep breath. "Screw you, man. It's late. You want to kick a girl out at this hour? Have you no conscience?"

"Well, well, hiding her pretty well, aren't you? Who's this beauty that's got you so worked up?"

Alex stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You've got a thing for her? No wonder you hit the sack so early. You were hiding someone. Hey bro, need any protection?"

Nathan's cheeks flushed bright red. "Don't talk nonsense. What will she think of us if you joke around like that with some random girl?"

Alex raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Wait, you're serious? You actually brought someone back?"