Chapter 11

I woke up with the sunlight shining brightly on my face. I opened my eyes and saw that the window was not closed. It took me a while to figure out where I am. My pillow feels different as I try to get more comfortable around it but was stopped by an arm.

Wait. Arm?

My face is deep in Mason's armpit and I was using his arm as a pillow. His other hand held me tightly around my waist. I tried to stand up and the movement must have woken Mason because he groaned, using his hands to block the sun. We stared at each other in silence.

Something stirs deep inside me as I stare at him, but it feels so complex that I can't even explain what it is.

“Good morning.” He said after some time and I muttered a reply. There's a look on his face but it was gone before I could place it.

“What time do you have class today?”

“10am.” I answered still staring at his face, trying to keep my eyes off his naked chest. I didn't notice he was shirtless last night.

He turned, reaching for his phone on the table beside his bed. “Should we order breakfast? Or you want to show me more of your skills in the kitchen?” He smiled.

“Let's order. What's the time?” I propped my elbows, and tried to sit up on the bed.

“Okay,” He replied standing up. “What would you like? It's past 7am.”

“Anything is fine by me.” He sat down beside me, and gently caressed my face.

I feel my cheeks getting hot with that gesture.

“About last night, I am sorry about what happened.”

“It's okay, I'm not offended. I want to freshen up. I'll be out by the time breakfast is here. Aren't you leaving for work too?”

“Not now. I have some mails I have to attend to, and I'll be going to the field later in the day.”

“Okay.” I nodded then left his room to freshen up.

By the time I came out of my room, the table was set, and Mason was sipping his coffee. We ate in silence.

As I reached for a piece of toast, I could feel Mason’s gaze on me. It was unnerving but not in a bad way—it felt like he was studying me, as if trying to figure something out. I busied myself with buttering my toast, pretending not to notice.

“You’re quiet this morning,” he said after a moment. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of curiosity in it.

“I’m just thinking,” I replied, avoiding his eyes.

“About?”

“Nothing important,” I lied, biting into the toast. The truth was, I couldn’t stop replaying the way I woke up in his arms last night or the way his fingers brushed my cheek earlier. His actions have unleashed feelings in me, feelings we're both not ready for the consequences.

Mason leaned back in his chair, his coffee mug cradled in one hand. “You know, for someone who says ‘nothing,’ you seem pretty deep in thought.” His lips quirked into a small smile, the kind that made it hard to tell if he was teasing or being serious.

I rolled my eyes and reached for the juice. “Not everything is worth sharing.”

“Fair enough.” He chuckled softly, but his expression grew serious. “But if you ever feel like talking, I’m here.”

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. I nodded, not trusting myself to say anything else without my voice betraying the emotions swirling inside me.

The rest of breakfast passed in relative silence, though the air between us felt heavy with unspoken words. Once we were done, Mason began clearing the table, and I joined him, grateful for something to do with my hands.

As we worked side by side, I couldn’t help but notice how easily we fell into sync – him handing me the dishes, me rinsing them. It felt comfortable. Too comfortable.

“Do you always do this?” I asked suddenly.

“Do what?” He glanced at me, his brows raised in question.

“Make people feel like they belong here.” I gestured vaguely to the apartment. “Like they’re part of your world.”

Mason’s expression softened, but there was something guarded in his eyes. “Not everyone,” he said simply. “Just the ones who matter.”

His words hung in the air between us, and I wasn’t sure how to respond. Before I could overthink it, Mason spoke again, breaking the tension.

“You should get ready for class. I’ll drop you off if you want.”

I nodded, grateful for the excuse to escape. “Thanks. I’ll just grab my stuff.”

As I walked away, I couldn’t help but glance back. Mason was leaning against the counter, his arms crossed, a thoughtful expression on his face. It made me wonder what he was thinking—and why it felt like he was trying to figure me out as much as I was trying to understand him.

When I returned back to the living room, Mason was waiting by the door, his keys in hand. The ride to campus was quiet, the kind of silence that wasn’t necessarily uncomfortable but felt charged, as though words lingered just beneath the surface, waiting to be spoken.

We pulled up to the front entrance, and I reached for the door handle, hesitating for a moment. “Thanks for the ride,” I said, glancing at him.

His gaze flicked to me, sharp and unreadable. “Happiness,” he said, his voice softer now.

“Yes?”

He opened his mouth as if to say something, then shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Never mind. Have a good day.”

I stepped out of the car, feeling the weight of his unsaid words follow me.

The day dragged on, and by the time I got back to the apartment, exhaustion clung to me like a second skin. I dropped my bag by the door and made my way to the kitchen, hoping for a quick snack before retreating to my room.

I wasn’t expecting to find Mason sitting at the counter, a drink in his hand and an expression that seemed both pensive and troubled.

“You’re back,” he said, his voice low.

“Yeah. Long day.” I set my bag on a chair and hesitated. “You okay?”

The rest of the evening passed in uneasy silence, both of us retreating to our respective spaces. I tried to lose myself in a book, but the words blurred together. Mason’s words kept echoing in my head.

“Just the ones who matter?”

I sighed and tossed the book aside, grabbing my phone. A few texts exchanged with my friends later, I had a plan for the night—a much-needed distraction. Thinking about my Dad's reaction to this party, I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Don't worry Dad. It's just a party. I won't touch any drink.

I won't let any guy touch me inappropriately.

I'll stick with my friends. We'll look out for each other, and we'll protect ourselves.

I stepped out of my room, dressed in a simple black dress and boots, and Mason was sitting on the couch, typing on his laptop. His eyes flicked up when he saw me, and for a moment, I thought he might say something.

“You’re going out?” he asked instead, his tone neutral.

“Yeah,” I replied, keeping it casual. “Just meeting some friends for drinks.”

He nodded, but something in his expression tightened. “Do you need a ride?”

“No, thanks. Ash and Martha will be picking me up.”

He nodded, going back to his laptop. “Be careful.”

“I will.” I grabbed my purse and headed for the door, but his voice stopped me just as I reached it.

“Happiness.”

I turned, my hand on the doorknob.

He looked like he might say something more, but then he just shook his head. “Have a good time.”

“Thanks,” I said softly before slipping out.

“Happy.” Martha’s voice snaps me out of my daze.

I blink, realizing that Ash has parked the car.

“We've arrived.” Martha stares at me with concern. “Are you okay? You seem to be deep in thoughts.”

Ash glances back at me and smiled. “This is your first party, isn't it? Don't worry, it's going to be fun.”

We got out of the car, and I gazed at the house in front of me. It's huge and loud. Deep thumping music echoes in my ears. The porch and garden are packed with people. I can only imagine how it's be inside.

I swallow hard, my hands sweaty all of a sudden. I've never been in this kind of place before. I feel like an alien.

“Ready?” Ash bumped her shoulder with mine, and her warm smile makes me feel better. I nodded at her.

We walked in together, holding hands. We settled at the table on the back patio of the house, overlooking the pool.

“Let's go dance, shall we?” Ash asked, shaking me, and pulling us to the dance floor.

“No,” I started but she's not hearing any of it. She leads the first move, and I follow her. We dance to the beat of the music.

“Should we get off the dance floor?” Martha asked us after some time, and I nodded in agreement. “I feel thirsty. We should get some drinks.”

“I need to go to the restroom,” I said. Martha turned to follow me, and I waved her off. “It's okay. I can go alone. Get the drinks, we'll meet at the table.”

I can't hear Martha's voice, but I see her nodding with worry. I proceeded to the hallway leading to the restroom. Some people come out of the hallway, but I noticed how deserted it is when I walked furthermore.

I'm about to walk back outside when someone pushed me against the stall. I tried pushing him off me but he wouldn't budge.

“Being a tease on the dance floor?” He slurred. I could feel strong liquor on his breath. His eyes ran down my body.

“I don't know you.” I stuttered. I can feel my heart thumping wildly in my chest. My body goes numb because of how frightened I am. “Leave me please.” Tears threatened to spill out of my eyes when he pushed into me more.

“Such a pretty thing. I'll make you feel better.” He ignored me, then went to lay sloppy kisses on my neck.

I freeze on the spot.