A suffocating silence filled the car as Jeff sped down the highway. Alicia sat in the passenger seat, staring blankly out the window, her fingers curled into tight fists.

She hadn’t spared Jeff a single glance since they got into the car, yet her mind was consumed by thoughts of him—of heartbreak and memories that refused to fade. Her chest tightened with every heartbeat. She sniffled quietly, wiping away the tears threatening to spill over.

—

Alicia screeched her car into a bar’s parking lot. She climbed out and slammed the door shut, as if punishing it for something. Her tousled hair fell loosely over her face, brushing her shoulders. Dressed in her night pajamas and barefoot, she looked a mess—her face flushed, dark circles heavy beneath her eyes, the telltale signs of a day spent drowning in sorrow.

She dragged herself inside, the cold tiles biting at her feet. Slumping into a chair in the corner, she gestured for a waitress.

Two waitresses exchanged wary glances from behind the counter before one hesitantly approached.

“How can I help you?” the waitress asked with a polite bow.

“I need a drink,” Alicia murmured.

The waitress nodded and walked away.

—

Hours passed. Alicia rested her head on the table, belching and slurring as she clutched an empty bottle. Five others lay scattered across the table like fallen soldiers.

The waitresses, growing concerned, exchanged another look before picking up her phone. They scrolled through her contacts, found a number, and dialed.

Minutes later, Jeff strode into the bar. His eyes landed on Alicia, and he let out a deep sigh before walking over.

“What have you done to yourself this time?” he asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered for a moment, his gaze filled with concern.

Alicia lifted her teary, puppy-like eyes to meet his.

“You’re here,” she whispered, her face crumpling. A sob tore through her chest as she reached up, her fingertips brushing his cheek as if to confirm he was real. “You’re really here.”

Jeff sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. A lump formed in his throat. He recognized that look in her eyes—one he had seen before. She was drowning in sorrow again.

Tears welled up in his own eyes as he covered her hand with his, intertwining their fingers.

“The nightmares again?” he asked.

Alicia nodded, her lips trembling. “It hurts, Jeff.” Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. She clutched her chest, her sobs growing louder. “It hurts so much.”

“Shh…” Jeff pressed a finger to her lips before glancing at the staring waitresses.

They quickly looked away.

“We should leave,” he murmured.

As he tried to lift her, Alicia clung to his hands, shaking her head.

“I don’t want to go home,” she pleaded. “Just stay here with me, okay?”

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Jeff exhaled. “Then let’s take a walk.” Without waiting for her response, he pulled her to her feet. “You can’t stay here any longer.”

—

The night sky stretched above them, the milky moon casting a soft glow. Alicia teetered along the roadside, and Jeff kept a steady grip on her waist to keep her balanced.

He walked barefoot, having given her his Crocs. Alicia kept glancing at his feet until, suddenly, she stopped, pulled off the shoes, and shoved them back at him.

“Wear them,” she ordered firmly. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

Jeff looked down at the Crocs before lifting his gaze to her. Alicia, meanwhile, was placing one foot over the other, lost in thought.

Then, her eyes lit up. She spread her arms wide. “You should give me a ride!” she declared with a mischievous grin. Without warning, she jumped onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Jeff burst into laughter, the sound soft yet rich as it echoed in the still night. He put his Crocs back on, then bent down so she could climb on more easily.

“Hold on tight,” he warned.

“If I fall—” she tugged a fistful of his hair.

Jeff winced. “We’re both going down if you’re not careful.”

“Then I’ll punish you if you make me fall!” she teased, yanking his hair again.

“Gosh!”

Alicia broke into laughter, as if enjoying his torment. She tightened her grip around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“Move, Jeff, or do you—”

“No, no! Let’s go!” he cut her off, quickening his pace.

—

As they walked, Alicia rested her head against his shoulder, lost in thought. Her gaze trailed over Jeff’s profile—the sharp angles of his face, the curve of his lips. A soft smile crept onto her face, her cheeks warming.

How could he be so handsome?

Her eyes traced his brows, down to his lashes, nose, and lips. They looked soft… Her throat went dry at the sudden thought of kissing them. Embarrassed, she buried her face in the crook of his neck.

Big mistake.

His scent wrapped around her, intoxicating and warm. Her arms instinctively tightened around him as she rubbed her nose against his skin.

“Alicia…” Jeff stuttered, his body tensing. A strange warmth rushed through him, making his skin prickle.

“You smell good…” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Huh?” Jeff blinked. “What did you say?”

His voice snapped her out of her trance. Her eyes widened in horror.

What the hell did I just do?!

She quickly bit her lip and looked away. You must’ve drunk too much! Idiot! She mentally scolded herself.

“Are you okay?” Jeff tried to glance at her face.

Alicia cleared her throat. “I’m fine.” She grabbed his head, forcing him to look straight ahead. “Focus on the road. We’ll fall if you don’t.”

—

Jeff entered Alicia’s apartment using his spare key. He carried her to her room, gently placing her on the bed.

“Alicia?” he whispered.

She didn’t respond. Instead, she hummed softly, turning on her side.

Jeff smiled. He crouched beside her, pushing a stray lock of hair from her face. His fingers traced the soft curve of her cheek, his expression unreadable.

As Alicia’s brows knitted at his touch, Jeff quickly pulled his hand back. He studied her face for a moment, then stood up and covered her with the blanket.

“Good night,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. He switched off the bedside lamp and took a step away from her bed—only to freeze when Alicia’s fingers wrapped around his wrist.

“Are you leaving me alone?” she muttered, her eyes still closed.

Jeff blinked, turning back to her. “Huh? You’re not asleep?” He bit down on his lip, suddenly recalling how she had flinched at his touch earlier. A lump formed in his throat, and his knees nearly buckled beneath him.

“I… I thought you were asleep.”

Alicia gave a small shake of her head, denying the truth. “You woke me up when you switched off the lamp.” Slowly, she opened her eyes and met his gaze.

For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Their eyes locked, and something unspoken lingered between them. But Jeff was the first to look away, clearing his throat.

“Then I should go so you can sleep,” he said, pointing toward the door. “I’ll take my leave now.”

But as he tried to pull his wrist free, Alicia tightened her grip.

“Stay with me,” she whispered, sitting up. “I told you I didn’t want to come home… I can’t sleep alone. If I do, the nightmares will come again.”

Jeff exhaled slowly, his chest tightening at the sight of her teary eyes. All his defenses shattered in an instant.

“I’m here, okay?” He sat down beside her, his voice low and reassuring. “You’ll be fine, so… don’t cry.” He gave her a small, comforting smile.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, throwing herself into his arms. Her head rested against his chest, and her fingers clutched his shirt. “Don’t leave me alone here.”

Jeff let out a quiet sigh, wrapping his arms around her. He held her close, smoothing his hand over her hair.

“I won’t leave,” he whispered into her ear. “Even if you sleep and wake up, you’ll see me here. Remember what I told you?” His voice was soft, steady. “That I’ll always be here whenever you need me.”