Chapter 22: Morning Softness

Evans woke up with a jolt. His eyes flew open the moment he felt something warm on his sore butt. He blinked and turned his head to see Nathan sitting at the edge of the bed, gently massaging him with a soft towel soaked in warm water.

“Nathan?! What are you doing?” Evans asked, trying to move away, His face turned red with embarrassment.

“Stay still,” Nathan said softly, not stopping. “I need to do this! You’re hurt! Just let me help you. Okay?”

Evans was embarrassed, “I can do it myself,” Evans muttered, trying to sit up. But he yelped from the pain and grabbed the sheets tightly.

Nathan’s brows furrowed in worries. “You can’t even sit up. Stop being stubborn. Just let me take care of you.”

Evans frowned. “I said I can—”

Before he could finish, Nathan leaned in and kissed him. The kiss was soft and gentle, so different from their earlier rough moments. Evans’s anger and protest melted away slowly. He let Nathan kiss him, and his eyes fluttered shut.

When the kiss broke, Nathan whispered, “Please… let me do this for you.”

Evans bit his lip, then slowly nodded. He looked away shyly, allowing Nathan to continue.

Nathan reached for a small bottle of pain relief oil and poured a bit on his hand. The room smelled of herbs and mint. Carefully, he rubbed the oil on Evans’s butt, moving slowly, his fingers gentle and warm. Evans gasped a little but that didn’t stop him. The soreness began to fade bit by bit as Nathan worked the oil into his skin.

“You’re being too nice… it’s weird,” Evans mumbled with his face half-buried in the pillow.

Nathan chuckled lightly. “I should have been like this from the start.”

Silence fell for a moment. Only the soft sounds of Nathan’s fingers moving and the gentle oil rubbing filled the air.

When Nathan finished, he wiped his hands and stood up. “I’ll go take a shower. Don’t move too much, okay?”

Evans nodded sleepily.

After some time, Nathan returned, clean and fresh, wearing only a simple shirt and sweatpants. He sat beside Evans again, and without a word, wrapped his arms around him.

Evans didn’t resist. He leaned into the hug, letting Nathan’s warmth surround him.

“I’m sorry, Evans,” Nathan said in a low voice. “I was cruel. I should have never said those things. I don’t know why I get so angry, but I’m trying. I’ll be better.”

Evans’s eyes softened. “I forgive you,” he whispered. “Just don’t forget I have feelings too.”

Nathan held him tighter. “I won’t.”

They stayed like that for a while, in silence, letting their hearts rest. No more shouting. No more pain. Just two broken people trying to heal together.

Soon, both of them drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms a little hurt, still unsure, but closer than before.

The morning sun shone through the curtains. Warm light danced across the bed where Evans lay curled under the blanket. His eyes opened slowly. He blinked a few times then stretched gently as he let out a soft yawn.

He then turned his head and found Nathan sitting beside him, fully dressed in a black shirt and dark jeans. Nathan was staring at him with his arms folded and also wearing a stern expression.

“Good morning,” Evans mumbled, rubbing his eyes in confusion. He wondered why Nathan was looking at him this way. He felt so confused.

Nathan looked at the dazed Evans who looked so cute when he just woke up but he still kept on his sterned face. “You’re not going to class today,” Nathan said at once.

Evans was so shocked he opened his mouth in shock and then sat up quickly. “What? But I have lab work!” Why should he stay at home?! He hated missing class but now he was being told to miss one? And as important as that? Hell no!

Nathan shook his head. “No! You need to rest…You’re not going anywhere!.”

Evans rolled his eyes then shook his head, “I’m fine—”

Nathan scoffed, “You couldn’t even sit properly last night,” Nathan interrupted with a frown. “Don’t argue. I’m serious!”

Evans pouted and really wanted to argue more but saw no point in fighting so he surrendered, “Fine… then what am I supposed to do? Lie here like a sick child?” He asked with an irritated look.

Nathan’s lips curled up secretly but his face still maintained that look, “Yes,” Nathan replied flatly, then turned and walked out.

Not long after, Evans began hearing noises from the kitchen. He could hear the pans clattering, water running, and something falling. He raised an eyebrow in shock then guessed, “…Is he cooking?” he whispered, covering his mouth to hide a smile.

“Would he burn down the kitchen?!”

A few minutes later, Nathan returned, carrying a tray with a bowl of something brownish and lumpy. It smelled burnt.

Evans stared at it in shock “What… is that?” He couldn't recognize that thing that was so dark and scary. He didn't look like anything.

“Breakfast,” Nathan said proudly.

Evans was shocked by that but then when he thought about the fact that Nathan had cooked for him Evans forced a smile. “It looks… good.” Now he prays God really forgives him for Lying.

He picked up the spoon and took a small bite, then another, he ate it with a calm face but only he knew how much he really wanted to throw up. But looking at Nathan’s face, he didn't have the heart to.

Then Nathan suddenly took a piece of meat and ate it before Evans could stop him, he froze and his face turned pale, he immediately took a tissue and spat it out, “This is poison!”

Then seeing Evans still chewing, Nathan’s eyes widened. “Stop! Don’t eat that!” He then quickly took the bowl and dumped it in the bin.

Evans blinked in surprise. “Hey, I was trying to support you.”

Nathan looked at him with a dead-serious face. “I’m not feeding you poison.”

Evans giggled. “Let me cook then.”

“No,” Nathan said quickly, narrowing his eyes. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

“But I’m not sick! I just need to move a little. Come on, let’s cook together. You can stand beside me and learn.”

Nathan looked like he was about to say no again, but Evans gave him the big puppy eyes.

Nathan groaned. “Fine. But I’m still doing most of the work.” He really can't resist him.

They both entered the kitchen and Evans tied a small apron around his waist and handed one to Nathan. Nathan raised an eyebrow.

He looked at the apron with a proud face that said “I’m not wearing this.”

Evans tilted his head, then ordered “Put it on!”

Nathan sighed and muttered something under his breath

Then finally tied the apron.

Evans smiled proudly and began showing Nathan how to chop vegetables. Nathan tried it and He did, but the way he held the knife made Evans panic.

“No! Not like that!” Evans grabbed his hand. “You’ll cut off your fingers!”

Nathan glared in frustration, “This is why I don’t cook.” give him a billion-dollar deal and he would handle it with efficiency but this?! It's a no for him

They moved around the kitchen, bumping elbows, and laughing a little. Nathan burned toast then Evans dropped an egg  But they managed. The kitchen smelled good soon.

Finally, they sat down and ate together and though It wasn’t perfect, it was theirs.

Halfway through the meal, Nathan’s phone rang. He checked it and his expression darkened.

“What’s wrong?” Evans asked, eyes wide.

“They found the bastard who took you,” Nathan said calmly. Too calmly.