I bolted upright, gasping for breath. The soft patter of rain against the window was the first sound I registered, grounding me in the reality of Josh's house. My hands clutched the blanket, trembling as I struggled to slow the frantic pounding of my heart. It was a dream. Only a dream.

But it didn't feel like one.

I squeezed my eyes shut, taking deep, measured breaths. My body still buzzed with the raw, visceral emotions from the dream—the confusion, the shock, the betrayal. I could still feel Nick's arms around me, the warmth of his embrace, the innocent eyes of the two children looking up at me, and the hollow pain of hearing the word father.

As I lay back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling, I couldn't stop my mind from replaying every moment, every word. Was it really just a figment of my imagination? Or was it something more—a warning, a vision, or perhaps my subconscious trying to make sense of the uncertainty surrounding Nick?

My heart clenched at the thought. I'd started having these kinds of dreams ever since Nick's disappearance—dreams that felt more like memories or glimpses into a reality I wasn't yet meant to see.

It seems like the curse of the essence connection, I thought. The closer I was to someone, the more likely I was to feel their emotions, their fears, and sometimes... their future.

But was that what this was? A vision of what lay ahead if Nick chose not to return? If he had built a life elsewhere, leaving me, leaving us all behind?

I buried my face in my hands, the chill of the room seeping through my thin nightshirt, grounding me in the present. I wanted to believe it was nothing more than a nightmare—a manifestation of my deepest fears. But the clarity of it, the aching detail of every sensation, every expression, made it feel like something more.

"I can't deal with this right now," I whispered into the quiet of the room, my voice barely audible over the rain. For now, I needed to push it aside, to focus on the day ahead and the comfort of the familiar. But I knew the echoes of this dream would linger, like a shadow cast long before sunset.

I tried to keep myself busy while waiting for Josh to wake up. I scrolled through social media, but my mind kept drifting back to the dream. I hesitated, then sent a simple Hi message to Michael. I wasn't sure if I should tell him about the dream yet, or if I even understood it enough myself to share.

The rain outside had turned into a light drizzle, and the soothing sound against the windows was almost enough to lull me back into a state of calm. Almost.

I was still curled up on the couch in the living room when Josh finally emerged from his room, looking fresh from a shower, his hair damp and sticking to his forehead.

"Good morning, babe," he greeted me with a wide smile, throwing himself onto the couch beside me. He looked effortlessly put together, as always, while I was still in my pajamas, hair a tangled mess.

"Morning," I mumbled back, offering him a small smile as I set my phone down on the table beside me.

Josh stretched out, glancing at me with a mischievous grin. "Sooo... how are things going with you and Diarmid?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity, practically vibrating with excitement.

I raised an eyebrow at him, frowning slightly. "What do you mean?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"What do I mean?" Josh scoffed playfully, his voice rising in mock indignation. "Arwen, you two were out for hours last night. You can't just say nothing happened. Spill! What did you two talk about?"

He turned to face me fully, his mouth forming an exaggerated pout, like a kid denied a treat. I couldn't help but smile at his theatrics, rubbing the back of my neck as I tried to find the right words.

"Well," I began hesitantly, "we just walked around their garden. I thanked him for his help, we talked a bit about... stuff." I shrugged, trying to sound casual, but I could feel my face warming as I remembered the kiss—the way Diarmid had looked at me, the rush of emotions I'd felt. But this morning's dream had cast a shadow over those memories, dampening the flutter I'd felt last night.

Josh's eyes narrowed slightly, and he tilted his head, studying me like he was trying to read the fine print on my face. "Just stuff? That's it?" he pressed, his tone skeptical. "You're telling me you two had nothing but small talk after disappearing for almost the entire evening?"

"Yes, and what do you expect me to do, Josh?" I asked, feigning a serious expression, raising an eyebrow at him.

Josh burst into laughter, pushing me playfully. "You're too much, Arwen," he chuckled.

I couldn't help but smile, then added, "On a serious note, babe," my voice softened. "It's just... it's been a long time since I've felt anything like this for someone."

Josh's face immediately shifted into a more concerned expression. "Hey, I'm just messing with you," he said, his voice gentle. "I told you before—take it slow, enjoy life. There's no rush."

I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth from his words. With a sigh, I leaned into him, placing my head on his shoulder. "Thanks, Josh. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He pulled back slightly, giving me a reassuring smile. "You'll never have to find out," he said, his voice playful but his eyes serious. "Now, go take a shower. I'll make us some breakfast, and then we can figure out what to do with the rest of this rainy day."

I nodded, feeling a little lighter than before. I stood up and made my way toward the bathroom but stopped in the doorway, glancing back at him. Josh was already bustling around the kitchen, humming to himself as he prepared breakfast. His presence was like a constant, grounding force in my life, something I didn't realize I relied on so much until moments like this.

For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to believe that everything would be okay—that, no matter what the dream had meant or how tangled my feelings for Diarmid were, I wasn't facing any of it alone.

As the days passed, Leroy joined us at Josh's place, and we ended up having a cozy Netflix binge session. I managed to convince them to watch the K-drama I was currently obsessed with—The King's Affection. Rowoon's smile is simply too charismatic to resist; I couldn't help but swoon every time he appeared on screen.

"You know what, Arwen," Josh started, smirking as he tossed a handful of popcorn into his mouth, "if I didn't have to look at those pretty faces of your BTS posters all over your room, I wouldn't even let you play their Korean songs."

His comment earned him a deadly glare from me.

"Oh, shit!" Josh yelped, immediately sitting up straight and pretending to hide behind Leroy, who just laughed at his antics.

"Don't you ever say that again, Josh!" I warned, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Come on, I'm just kidding!" Josh said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "You know I love BTS! Even if I don't understand all of their lyrics, I can't deny the beats are catchy!"

"Then don't joke about it," I shot back, still glaring at him. "You know how serious I am about them."

Leroy chuckled, patting Josh's shoulder. "You walked right into that one, babe," he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Josh pouted playfully, leaning closer to Leroy for protection. "It's not fair," he whined. "I swear, Arwen loves those guys more than she loves us!"

I crossed my arms, giving him a smug look. "Maybe I do. After all, Rowoon and the BTS boys don't sass me like you do."

Josh and Leroy burst into laughter, the sound filling the room and blending with the background music of the K-drama. For a moment, everything felt normal—no dreams, no lingering shadows of uncertainty. Just the three of us, sharing a moment of lighthearted banter.

Leroy reached over and offered me the bowl of popcorn. "Here, Arwen, maybe some popcorn will help you forgive him."

I took a handful, still eyeing Josh. "I don't know, Leroy. It might take more than just popcorn."

Josh grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about a truce? I'll make your favorite pancakes tomorrow morning."

I pretended to consider it, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "Fine, but only if you promise to play BTS on repeat while you cook."

"Deal!" Josh agreed quickly, flashing a thumbs-up.

"Good boy," I teased, finally breaking into a smile.

Leroy shook his head, chuckling. "You two are impossible. It's like watching a married couple bicker."

Josh winked at me. "Well, if I can't have BTS, at least I have you, babe."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help laughing along with them. The rain outside continued to drizzle softly against the window, but inside, it felt warm and safe—like a bubble of comfort we'd created together.

We decided to have dinner out tonight, so I started getting ready while Jungkook's "Yes or No" played softly in the background. I couldn't help but smile at the song—Jungkook's voice sounded so lovely, and his slight accent made the lyrics even more appealing to me. His voice has this way of making everything feel light and sweet, and it was the perfect soundtrack to set the mood as I prepared.

Since it was still showering lightly outside, I opted for a practical yet cute outfit: high-waisted light-wash jeans and a blush pink sweater. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, smoothing down the soft fabric of the sweater. It was one of my favorites, knitted with tiny, raised polka dots that added a playful, textured look. The fit was just right—cozy and slightly loose, but still flattering enough to keep me feeling put together without sacrificing comfort.

I paired it with my jeans, which hugged my waist snugly, highlighting my figure and giving my legs a nice, elongated look. The faded denim had that perfect worn-in effect, making the whole ensemble feel casual yet stylish. It felt like me—simple, a little playful, and definitely comfortable enough to handle whatever the evening had in store.

The song dipped in volume as a notification buzzed on my phone. I glanced one last time at the mirror, smoothing a strand of hair behind my ear before picking up the phone. It was a message from Michael.

Michael: I received your message. Is everything okay?

I took a deep breath, feeling a flutter of hesitation. Should I tell him now, or would it be better to talk in person? After a moment of deliberation, I typed back.

Arwen: Is it okay to call?

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

Michael: Of course.

I dialed his number, the phone ringing a few times before his deep, familiar voice came through. "Arwen, are you okay?" His voice was filled with concern, and just hearing it made me feel a bit more at ease. A small smile tugged at my lips.

"I'm good, Michael. How about you?" I replied softly, trying to sound casual despite the nerves twisting in my stomach.

"I'm okay, just a little busy with work," he answered, the baritone of his voice strangely comforting, even though we rarely spoke on the phone like this. He paused for a moment, then asked, "Anyway, what happened?"

I bit my lip, glancing down at the floor. This wasn't easy to explain, and it felt even harder over the phone. "Is it okay if you drop by here tomorrow?" I asked slowly, choosing my words carefully. "And please, don't mention this to my parents."

Michael's voice sharpened with worry. "Arwen, are you sure you're not hurt? Where are you right now?"

"I'm fine, I promise," I assured him, trying to sound as calm as possible. "I'm with Josh. It's about a dream I had, and I'd rather explain it in person. It's... complicated."

I could hear him exhale, the sound of his relief almost palpable through the phone. "Okay," he said, his voice softer now. "I can come by tomorrow night. It's the weekend, so you don't have classes, right?"

"Yeah, that works perfectly," I said, feeling a little weight lift off my shoulders. "I'll be expecting you tomorrow night."

"Alright," Michael replied, sounding a bit more relaxed. "But if anything changes or you need me sooner, just call, okay?"

"I will," I promised. "Thank you, Michael."

We exchanged a few more words, mostly him making sure I was really okay and me reassuring him that I was. Finally, we ended the call, and I set my phone down, taking a deep breath. I glanced back at my reflection in the mirror, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

Tomorrow night couldn't come soon enough. I needed to get this off my chest, and Michael was the only one I trusted to help me make sense of it all.

I grabbed my phone and slipped it into the back pocket of my jeans before heading out of the room. The familiar sound of laughter echoed from the living room, where Josh and Leroy were waiting for me. As I stepped in, I saw them huddled together, already bickering over what restaurant to go to for dinner.

"Hey, we could go to that new place by the waterfront," Josh suggested with a mischievous grin. "They've got killer cocktails, and I'm in the mood for something strong tonight."

Leroy rolled his eyes playfully. "You just want an excuse to flirt with the cute bartender again, don't you?"

Josh gasped in mock offense, pressing a hand to his chest. "How dare you expose me like that!"

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head at their antics. "Why don't we just go somewhere cozy and quiet? It's still raining, and I'd rather not get soaked if we have to wait for a table outside."

"Good call, babe," Leroy agreed, grabbing his coat. "How about we go to Rosie's Diner? It's close by, and they have those amazing grilled cheese sandwiches you love."

Josh's eyes lit up. "Oh, yes! I'm craving their sweet potato fries too. Let's go before the rain gets heavier."

We all grabbed our jackets and umbrellas, stepping out into the misty evening. The light drizzle made the city streets glisten, reflecting the warm glow of streetlights. It felt peaceful, like the world was wrapped in a gentle haze. I linked arms with Josh as we walked, while Leroy held his umbrella over both of us, making sure none of us got too wet.

When we reached Rosie's Diner, the familiar bell above the door chimed as we stepped inside. The place was warm and inviting, filled with the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling food on the grill. The red leather booths and checkered floors gave it a retro feel, and it was the perfect spot for a rainy night like this.

"Let's grab a booth by the window," I suggested, eyeing an empty spot that gave us a view of the rain-soaked street outside.

We slid into the booth, Josh immediately reaching for the menu even though we all knew it by heart. "Alright, I'm definitely getting a burger and a shake. What about you guys?" he asked.

"I'm going for the grilled cheese, as usual," I replied with a smile.

"Same," Leroy added. "And a side of onion rings. We need something crunchy."

Just as we were settling in, I felt a shift in the atmosphere. The doorbell chimed again, and I looked up instinctively. My breath caught for a moment as I saw Diarmid walk in, flanked by his friends—Finn, Brigit, and the twins, Roisin and Rhyian. They were laughing and chatting amongst themselves, looking effortlessly charismatic and at ease.

Diarmid's eyes swept across the diner before they landed on me, and a slow smile spread across his lips. He looked effortlessly handsome tonight in a dark button-up shirt that fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders. I felt a rush of warmth, the memories of last night's kiss flooding back, making my cheeks heat up involuntarily.

Josh leaned over, nudging me with a teasing grin. "Well, well, look who just walked in." he whispered, wiggling his eyebrows.

I shot him a playful glare. "Shut up," I muttered, though I couldn't help but smile.

Diarmid made his way over to our booth, his friends trailing behind him. "Fancy meeting you all here," he said with a smirk, his voice like smooth honey. "Mind if we join you?"

Before I could answer, Josh scooted over, making room. "Of course! The more, the merrier," he chimed in enthusiastically.

Diarmid slid in beside me, his leg brushing against mine under the table. The brief contact sent a shiver up my spine, and I tried to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. Brigit and Finn squeezed into the opposite side with Josh and Leroy, while Roisin and Rhyian grabbed chairs to sit at the end of the table.

"This place is cozy," Brigit remarked, glancing around the diner. "I've never been here before."

"You're in for a treat," Leroy said, flashing her a charming smile. "Their milkshakes are the best in town."

"Good to know," Finn replied, drumming his fingers on the table. "I could go for a vanilla shake right about now."

We all placed our orders, and the conversation flowed easily. The casual chatter filled the booth as we talked about our favorite diner foods and made jokes about the rain outside. I found myself relaxing more than I expected, especially with Diarmid sitting so close, his presence both calming and exhilarating at the same time.

At one point, Diarmid leaned in closer, his voice low as he spoke to me. "You look nice tonight," he murmured, his gaze warm as it met mine.

"Thanks," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual despite the way my heart skipped a beat. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

He chuckled softly. "You should see me when I actually put in the effort."

"Is this you not trying?" I teased, raising an eyebrow. "I'd hate to see what happens when you do."

His eyes sparkled with amusement, and he lowered his voice even more. "Maybe you'll find out one day."

I swallowed hard, feeling the air between us thicken with unspoken tension. Before I could respond, the food arrived, breaking the moment.

"Okay, everyone, dig in!" Josh declared, clapping his hands together as plates were set in front of us.

We all tucked into our food, the table filled with laughter and easy conversation. It felt strange but good to be sharing a meal with Diarmid and his pack like this—like we were all part of the same circle, even though I knew there were still so many secrets between us.

As the night went on, the rain outside turned into a downpour, but I barely noticed. The soft rhythm of raindrops against the window created a cozy atmosphere inside Rosie's Diner, where we lingered over dessert, splitting slices of warm apple pie and passing around spoons. The conversation flowed easily, with Josh and Leroy bantering with Brigit and Finn like old friends, while Roisin and Rhyian swapped sarcastic jabs in their usual twin telepathy style.

I felt Diarmid's hand rest lightly on my knee under the table—a simple but intimate gesture that sent a rush of warmth through me. It wasn't demanding, just there, like a silent claim. I glanced up at him, my breath catching at the way his eyes seemed to shimmer, reflecting the soft glow of the diner's lights. He gave me a small, knowing smile, like he could sense my nerves, like he knew exactly what his touch was doing to me.

"Did you enjoy dinner?" he asked, his voice pitched low, meant only for me.

"Yes," I managed, my voice almost a whisper. "It was nice... surprisingly nice."

His smile deepened, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features. "I was hoping you'd say that." He leaned in slightly closer, the scent of his cologne—earthy and clean—mingling with the sweet aroma of pie and coffee. "You know, I don't usually spend my nights at diners with people I just met," he added softly. "But tonight felt different."

I swallowed, feeling the intensity of his gaze. "Different how?"

His hand on my knee squeezed gently, almost imperceptibly. "Good different," he murmured, his thumb tracing a slow, deliberate circle that sent tingles up my leg. "I feel... drawn to you, Arwen. More than I can explain."

I looked down at our hands under the table, feeling like I was standing on the edge of a precipice, ready to fall. "You barely know me," I pointed out, though my voice held little conviction. I wasn't sure I believed it myself anymore.

Diarmid's chuckle was soft, almost self-deprecating. "Maybe not in the way you think. But I feel like I've known you longer than just these few encounters." He shifted, his face closer to mine, his eyes searching my expression like he was trying to read something hidden deep inside me. "Don't you feel it too?"

I hesitated, biting my lip. The truth was, I did feel it. This strange, magnetic pull toward him that defied logic. The dreams, the moments when our eyes locked across a room and the world seemed to fade away—it was all part of the same inexplicable thread tying us together.

"Maybe I do," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The words felt like a confession, a crack in the wall I'd built to keep him at a distance.

Diarmid's smile softened, turning almost tender. He reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture so natural and intimate that it made my heart stutter. "You don't have to be afraid of this, Arwen," he said gently. "I'll be here, even if you need time to figure it out."

My throat tightened, a rush of emotion making it hard to breathe. His honesty, his patience—it was disarming. "And what if I never figure it out?" I asked, half-joking but half-serious.

"Then I'll just have to be patient," he replied, his tone light but his eyes filled with sincerity. "You're worth the wait."

We held each other's gaze for a moment longer, the din of the diner fading into the background. For once, I let myself believe that maybe it was okay to feel this way—to let someone in, even if I wasn't entirely sure where it would lead.

"Arwen! Earth to Arwen!" Josh's voice jolted me back to reality, and I turned to see him grinning, clearly noticing the moment I was sharing with Diarmid. "Are you ready to go, or do you need a few more minutes to make googly eyes at your prince?"

I felt my cheeks heat up, and I shot him a glare. "You're impossible, Josh."

"That's what you love about me," he teased, sliding out of the booth.

With a final glance at Diarmid, who looked amused by the exchange, I stood up as well. By the time we finished, I realized I hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time. It was like the worries and dreams that had been weighing on me were momentarily forgotten in the warmth of this unexpected company.

Diarmid stood close by my side as we all made our way to the exit, his hand finding the small of my back. It was a subtle, protective gesture that sent another thrill through me.

"I'm glad we ran into you tonight," Diarmid said softly as we stepped outside, his breath visible in the cool night air. He glanced at me, his expression softer than I'd ever seen it, like he was letting me glimpse a side of him that he didn't show to just anyone.

"Me too," I admitted, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. His hand lingered on my back, a steadying presence as we stood there for a moment, just looking at each other while the rain poured around us.

I waved goodbye to Diarmid and the others as we stepped out into the rain, huddling closer under the umbrella that Josh held above us. Diarmid had offered to drive us back to Josh's place, his voice earnest with the concern I was beginning to realize was simply part of his nature.

"You sure you don't want a ride?" he asked, standing just outside the diner's entrance, his expression half-hidden in the shadows but still managing to look every bit the protective guardian.

I shook my head, giving him a small smile. "It's just a few blocks away," I said, trying to ignore the part of me that wanted to say yes, just to spend a few more minutes in his company. "We'll be fine."

He hesitated, his eyes flicking from me to Josh and back again. Finally, he nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, but text me when you get there," he murmured, his voice low and rough, like he was holding back from insisting further. It was clear he didn't want to let us go, and something about that made my heart squeeze in a way I wasn't quite prepared for.

"We will," I promised, feeling a strange pang as I took a step back. The rain was coming down harder now, a steady drumming on the pavement, and I pulled my hood up, casting one last look at Diarmid. He was still standing there, just inside the warm glow of the diner's lights, his eyes locked onto mine as if trying to memorize my face.

"See you soon, Arwen," he said softly, his voice barely audible over the rain.

"See you soon," I echoed, my words almost lost in the sound of the storm.

Josh tugged on my arm, and we began walking, the umbrella barely big enough to shield both of us and Leroy. I glanced back once more, my heart clenching at the sight of Diarmid still standing there, framed by the light from the diner. He hadn't moved an inch, his hands shoved into his pockets, his eyes following us as we disappeared into the downpour.

"He's still watching," Josh murmured with a grin, his tone laced with amusement. "I think you've got yourself a lovesick, Arwen."

I bit back a smile, the rain masking the warmth that rushed to my cheeks. "Shut up, Josh," I muttered, but there was no real heat behind my words.

We turned the corner, leaving the diner behind, and I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder one last time. Diarmid was still there, his tall frame a shadowy silhouette against the golden light of the diner's windows. He hadn't taken his eyes off us, and it was only when we rounded the corner, slipping completely out of his line of sight, that he finally turned away.

I felt a pang of something bittersweet, an ache that was both comforting and unsettling at the same time. It was as if, in that fleeting moment, he was letting me go—but only because he trusted that I'd come back.

And, strangely enough, I found myself wanting to.