whispers in the night

Chapter:2 whisper in the night

*The Dream...*

Sao, please Sao run away from here

A frantic male voice whispered urgently in my ear

No I can't leave you! I cried out in the dream.

No Sao listen to me! Run away or they will catch you... now hurry up they're here

My heart raced as I turned to run – legs pumping wildly.

The voice faded into darkness "...I'm coming after you..."

**Suddenly awake...**

Gasping for breath, I sat up in bed my heart still racing from the dream.

My room came into focus morning light streaming through curtains.

Mary's voice outside my door broke the silence

Sao, wake up and get ready for school! Everyone's waiting for breakfast 15 minutes

I threw off covers rubbing sleepy eyes

Coming, Mary in 15 minutes!

Still trying to process the vivid, haunting dream.

I walked into the kitchen bracing myself for

Thyme's smirk

His teasing comments

My inevitable eye-rolling

Morning everyone Momo chimed saving me temporary distraction.

Uncle Smith and Aunt Sharlin greeted me warmly Kavin jumped in

Sao, you look cute and pretty today

Thyme snickered behind him – I shot him a warning glance

But Thyme couldn't resist

"Really, she looks... duck-like, Kavin.

MY. FACE. BURNED.

Aunt Sharlin intervened laughing

Stop now, kids! Sao, hurry up school awaits. Thyme, drop Sao off please.

Thyme grinned mischievously

Why not I'd love to chauffeur thisshorty around

I rolled my eyes dramatically Aunt Sharlin chuckled

Okay okay off you both go! Bye everyone

We headed out just Thyme and me oh joy

In the car Thyme started the engine and turned to me with a sly smile

So Shorty morning dreams pleasant or featuring nightmares like me?"

HOW DID HE KNOW ABOUT MY DREAM?

What are you talking about Thyme I don't know anything about this ahh phone ringing Thyme I think your phone is ringing I know Sao you don't need to tell me.

Thyme ended his call and glanced at me

We're arriving in 10 minutes, Sao.

I asked casually trying to sound uninterested

Who called you Thyme?

He smiled slightly. Just a friend, Sao. Okay we're here you go.

Bye Thyme. Thanks...

I stepped out of the car and saw Chang waiting for me

Hey Chang, how are you?Chang replied

"I'm fine, Sao. I Missed you you're my friend right?

Thyme's eyes lingered on us I could sense his gaze even as he started the car.

He drove off slowly, glancing back at us through his rearview mirror a soft smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Thyme picked up his friend Jack

"Hey Jack, finally came bro!" Jack replied

What were you doing Thyme? Everyone's waiting – and Lily was asking about you,I thinks she like you.

Thyme's expression turned guarded. Stop talking about Lily right now. who's that with Sao?

Just her classmate I think. but jack hey Thyme, you seem distracted by Someone

Thyme quickly intervened Nothing, let's go.

Thyme hastily ended conversation with Lily

Lily, I really have to go – pickup at 2:00 PM was just dropping by for a minute.

Lily pouted. Who's the pickup for, Thyme?

Thyme glanced at his watch. Just someone... later, Lily.

He rushed off coincidentally towards Sao's location!

Meanwhile, Chang was questioning Sao

That person who dropped you off this morning who was he?

Sao played down relationship. My cousin Jane's not even the right name Thyme.

Chang raised an eyebrow. Jane He's handsome you're lucky Sao!

Sao laughed and say Jane Distance yourself from that thought, Chang

Chang teased back. "Am I jealous of Thyme's good looks? Never... or maybe?

Their banter ended as Thyme pulled up Sao's cousin arrival announced

Sao, come – Thyme's here to pick you up!

Sao got into the car introducing

They're my friends Chang and Jane

Thyme nodded curtly at Chang before looking at Sao. Ready to go? Your Mom wanted me to pick you up.

Chang called out before stepping back. Later,Sao talk to you tonight!

Thyme's eyes narrowed slightly at Chang's farewell

IS THYME FEELING A TWINGE OF JEALOUSY TOO?

Thyme's casual question broke the silence

How was your daySao?

I replied lightly Fine Why ask?

Thyme shrugged. Nothing Just asking.

Another moment of silence then I spoke up

Wait, I need to buy ice cream Thyme now's a good excuse

Thyme smiled slightly. Right now? Sao, yes okay I will go wait here for me Sao okay I'll wait here.

Minutes later, he returned Thyme handed me the ice cream he'd surprisingly bought

Take your ice cream Shorty.

MY. HEART. SKIPPED.

Wait what did you call me? I laughed nervously.

Thyme grinned mischievously. Just handing over ice cream, Sao of course.

As I took a bite and eyes widening at the delicious taste Thyme's gaze locked onto mine

His smile slowed, intense I felt fluttering in my chest.

Sao... why are you staring at me?" Thyme asked softly but he was staring too.

THIS MOMENT BETWEEN US FEELS DIFFERENT.

I rushed out of the car and towards the house trying to escape Thyme's lingering gaze

Aunt Sharlin! I exclaimed, hoping distraction would help.

Aunt Sharlin smiled warmly. Sao, how was your day? You look tired.

I'm fine, Aunt I'm just tired, I replied quickly glancing back at Thyme who was approaching.

But then Aunt Sharlin noticed something else

Sao, what's going on? You're blushing!

MY FACE BURNED EVEN MORE.

No, I'm not! I denied hastily – but Aunt Sharlin called Thyme over

Thyme, really look Sao's face is pink!

Thyme's eyes sparkled with amusement as he drew closer

Actually, Mom Sao's face is more than pink it's glowing.

I wanted to melt into the floor this was humiliating

Aunt stop them I'm going to my room!I declared turning to escape.

Aunt Sharlin laughed. Okay, sweetie take a rest. Thyme, let her go for now.

Thyme chuckled softly as I hurried away his whisper carrying behind me

Until later, Sao

MY HEART IS STILL RACING WHAT JUST HAPPENED.

I leaned against my door, still trying to calm my racing heart Thyme's whisper echoing in my mind

Until later Sao

Suddenly a gentle knock on my door my heart skipped another beat

Come in? I called softly already knowing who it was

Thyme opened the door slowly leaning against the frame his eyes crinkling at corners

Later's here, Sao he said with a soft smile.

I rolled my eyes playfully trying to hide my fluttering heart

Thyme what do you want? I'm trying to rest.

Thyme pushed off the door and taking a step closer his voice low and gentle

Rest later Sao. I wanted to know why were you blushing earlier?

My face warmed up again Thyme's eyes sparkled with amusement

See you're doing it again he teased softly.

THYME'S CLOSE PROXIMITY IS MAKING MY HEART RACE EVEN FASTER.