Chapter 73 Fine, I'll Go!

Chapter 73 Fine, I'll Go!

Steven's POV

Hearing that question, I nodded instinctively. "I will miss it, sir."

I've always liked that kind of life where everything is arranged, that state where you know exactly what you need to do the moment you open your eyes.

When we were on missions, we'd act toward the same goal. That clear sense of direction was something I was very used to and relied on.

Everett cut in, looking a bit smug. "I don't like order. I like doing whatever I want."

I glanced at him coolly. "Liking order and being required to follow order are two different things."

He shrugged, looking completely unconcerned. "Whatever. I just don't like it."

Elsie quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, alright, you two brothers stop bickering."

She looked at Rebecca with obvious concern in her eyes. "Honey, you're so badly hurt right now. You really shouldn't be going to practice."

Barbara nodded in agreement. "Yes, Rebecca, you should rest properly first and put that so-called training aside."

Barbara and Elsie exchanged glances and smiled knowingly at each other.

At this table, it seemed only Rebecca and I didn't know what they were really up to.

Everett reached out to hold Rebecca's hand, his tone light and excited. "Honey, since you have time to rest now, we can go to the resort together for a few days."

He was way too excited when he suggested this idea. That excitement looked really annoying to me.

Even more annoying was him holding Rebecca's hand. Didn't he notice the reluctance on her face?

This so-called resort meant Everett staying out for a few nights with people from several school clubs.

I even knew there would be people Rebecca didn't like there.

Rebecca knew this too, so when Everett had mentioned similar plans before, she'd already turned him down.

But the atmosphere was different now. Both mothers were looking at her with expectant faces.

Even Johnny joined in persuading her. "Rebecca, you really should take a good trip. White snow, woods, little cabins—you'll love it."

She lowered her head without saying anything. I knew very clearly how resistant she felt inside. I really wanted to pull her out right now and tell her she could just say no.

But I knew what kind of person she was. She was so kind that she found it hard to say "no" in front of everyone.

Elsie added another line. "Rebecca, don't worry. Both Everett and Steven will be with you."

The moment she heard both our names, she looked up immediately. "Steven's going too?"

Before that, I didn't know I'd been included. But Elsie kept giving me looks.

I'd noticed already, but I didn't really want to go. Those people were strangers to Rebecca, and to me as well.

I felt Rebecca looking at me now. The unease and pleading in her eyes—I understood it instantly.

If I nodded first and said I'd go, she would agree.

But I didn't want it to be like that. She should make decisions based on her own wishes, not be pushed along because of something I said.

David also helped persuade us. "Perfect timing. You kids can spend more time with people your age. You'll definitely have lots to talk about."

Rebecca saw I hadn't said anything. She clearly realized I hadn't gotten any advance notice either. She gave me a helpless smile.

"I don't really like being crowded in one place with too many people."

Everett immediately responded. "It's fine, Rebecca. You can stay in your own little cabin. Even just looking at the snow outside the window and the scenery would be nice."

Rebecca remained silent. Even if she could stay in her own room, she clearly didn't want to go to that kind of gathering.

The four parents took turns persuading her, and even Rebecca's parents started persuading me too.

Johnny looked at me. "Steven, you're on leave now. Shouldn't you find a quiet place to really enjoy yourself? If you go with Everett and the others, it'll definitely be fun."

David looked at Rebecca, his tone full of encouragement. "Honey, you need a change of scenery. Put practice aside for now. Go enjoy nature, sleep in, look at the scenery outside, get away from the city noise."

She visibly tensed up. Everyone at this table was arranging her time for her.

Those days that should have belonged to her were now being planned out in detail by other people's mouths.

I knew this feeling too well. Time was no longer under your own control, but you were being pushed forward by a group of well-meaning adults.

The five of them were like a closing wall, trapping Rebecca and me in the middle. If we didn't agree, this topic wouldn't end.

I saw her shoulders drop slightly and knew she wasn't going to insist anymore. This girl who wasn't good at refusing others was ready to compromise.

In that case, I couldn't just stand by. How could I let her stay in that kind of place alone for so long?

I should be with her. If she was left there alone and cried secretly in the middle of the night feeling sad, what kind of situation would that be?

I took a deep breath and just as I opened my mouth, our voices collided.

"Okay, I'll go."

We spoke almost simultaneously. As our words landed together, our eyes met in the air.

Her eyes were unusually bright in that moment, with surprise in them, and a bit of disbelief. I knew very clearly how much I cared about that feeling—in that second, it was like I was the only one in her eyes.

Everett stood up excitedly. "That's great! We can finally go out and have fun together."

He turned and kissed Rebecca on the cheek. "Rebecca, you're definitely going to love it there. There'll be lots of people together. It'll be lively."

The emotions that had been relatively calm suddenly ignited. I felt an almost childish anger—why was he the one who could kiss her, and not me?

Rebecca had a forced smile on her face. I knew she didn't want to go, but she'd softened anyway. She understood everyone's intentions were good. What she was best at was sacrificing her own thoughts at times like this.

She was a very kind girl. She didn't want anyone's good intentions to fall flat.

I stuffed the last piece of beef from my plate into my mouth and quietly made up my mind. She wouldn't be alone. No matter what, I would stand on her side.

When my parents heard both of us agree, they all smiled with genuine satisfaction.

After we finished dinner, everyone moved to the living room sofas and naturally started chatting about what to bring on the trip, who should drive, how many nights to stay—details like that.

I listened to them discussing back and forth, occasionally nodding to show I was listening, but my gaze kept falling on Rebecca.

I saw her starting to yawn, her whole body slowly leaning toward Everett.

In that instant, my heart sank slightly.

If I could choose, I'd rather she lean on my shoulder. But I knew very clearly that Everett was her boyfriend. Her leaning on him—everyone would just think it was natural.

But I was still jealous beyond control. The only thing I could do now was watch her. I didn't even have the right to touch her lightly.

Her breathing became more and more steady. Her eyes had long since closed. Right now she looked like a little cat that hadn't found a safe place yet, reluctantly curling up next to Everett.

Soon, it wasn't just me who noticed she'd fallen asleep. Everyone heard her even breathing.

Barbara sighed softly. "Oh my, she's really exhausted."

Everett turned his head to look at her, lowering his voice. "She shouldn't be sleeping here. How about I wake her up and have her go upstairs to rest?"

Elsie immediately shook her head. "Wait, Everett. Let her sleep."

After saying that, she looked up at me. "Steven, can you carry Rebecca upstairs?"