Chapter 11

I pulled the covers tighter, pretending to be asleep while struggling to maintain my composure.

Within moments, my phone screen lit up, then dimmed. I knew without looking that it was Frost trying to get my attention.

Frost: Zeke, I miss you so much. Let's video chat for a bit!

Frost: Are you working late again? Have you eaten properly?

Frost: I just made some rose tea. I wish you were here with me...

...

My finger hovered over the power button for a long time. Finally, I sighed and let the phone automatically switch to Do Not Disturb mode.

I closed my eyes, trying to fool myself, but sleep eluded me.

In my dazed state, I felt a pair of cool hands caress my cheeks.

My eyes flew open, meeting Frost's tear-filled gaze.

In the hazy moonlight, her beautiful face was inches from mine, radiating an unsettling heat.

"Y-Frost... How did you..."

I sat up in panic, my mind blank.

"Zeke..."

Frost murmured, taking my hand and rubbing my palm with her fingertips.