Ch-7 Iven Yang

"Um,mmm yes , i'm absolutely fine was just looking around " Iven said furtively as he glanced at Lina and hided his emotions.

Lina squinted her eyes but didn't pry any further "ok then, I think we should go back now it's almost 2:30 am".

"mhm, it's better I drop you home it's too late now, not safe for you" Iven offered .

"Ah don't worry about it cap , i've been living in the alley right next to this one temporarily. I can go home alone and I know some martial arts as well",

replied Lina proudly .

"Ok, then I'll take my leave first" Iven didn't force her and glanced at the back alley with resurfaced emotions and left on his bike.

Lina took a look at alley obliviously and left as well.

As the city slumbered and was wrapped in the darkness of the pre-dawn hours, Iven pulled up to the grand entrance of the 5-star hotel, its sleek glass façade gleaming like a beacon in the night. The clock on his motorcycle's dashboard read 2:35 AM, the numbers glowing with a soft blue light. He brought his sleek, black bike to a smooth stop, the engine purring softly as he kicked down the stand. 

On the ride over, Iven's mind had been a jumble of conflicting emotions. 

Shaking off the lingering unease, Iven handed the keys to the waiting valet, who yawned discreetly as he accepted the responsibility of parking . " parking, please," Iven instructed, his balanced voice firm but polite.

The hotel's lobby was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant rumble of the city's nightlife. Iven nodded to the doorman, who stood watchfully by the entrance, his eyes red-rimmed from the late hour.

Iven strode towards the elevators, his footsteps echoing off the marble floor. The soft chime of the lift announced its arrival, and Iven stepped inside, his fingers drumming a staccato beat on the polished wood paneling as he ascended to the presidential suite.

The doors slid open with a soft whoosh, revealing the sumptuous interior of the suite.

Iven's gaze swept the room, taking in the plush furnishings, the sparkling crystal chandelier, and the breathtaking view of the city skyline, twinkling like stars in the darkness. He felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him as he stepped inside, the soft click of the door closing behind him a reminder that he was finally home.

Sighing tiredly he took off his chest holster,throwing it on sofa with his phone and took his tired legs towards bathroom,

As Iven stood before the mirror, his gaze drifted to the ear stud on his left ear, and his eyes clouded with a deep longing. His face softened, and his breath caught in his throat as memories came flooding back. The ear stud, connected by a delicate little chain, seemed to gleam with a poignant light, as if they held the essence of a treasured moment, a cherished love, or a lost connection.

With tender reverence, Iven reached up and gently removed the ear stud, his fingers brushing against his skin with a soft intimacy. The little chain sparkled in the dim light, its delicate links glinting like tiny diamonds. He cradled the single ear stud in his palm, his eyes drinking in the sight of it, as if he feared losing it, or the memories they held.

The air seemed to vibrate with Iven's unspoken emotions as he stood there, suspended in a sea of longing. 

Finally, with a quiet sigh, Iven opened the velvet-lined box and carefully placed the ear stud inside, the little chain curling around it like a tender caress. The soft click of the lid was a gentle reminder that some memories, though precious, must be locked away, waiting for the day when they could be revisited, and the longing could be set free once more.