Lucian's return

Hazel stepped quickly into Leo's apartment, a nervous look on her face. Leo followed her, "Sarah's here?"

Leo shook his head, "You couldn't be reached. So, I brought her here. Probably, she's already asleep. Sarah is in my room," he explained.

With careful steps, Hazel entered Leo's room. The room was decorated with small touches that reflected the owner's personality. Amidst the silence, Sarah sat on the side of the bed, her gaze blank, as if trapped in her world.

"I kept you waiting, huh? Nothing happened, right?" asked Hazel softly, trying to find the answer behind Sarah's facial expression.

Sarah nodded slowly, but her eyes still looked blank. Hazel sat beside her, trying to understand what was happening in her best friend's mind. The silence that permeated the room was broken when Hazel decided to open the conversation, "What's wrong, Sarah? You look worried."

Sarah sighed deeply, trying to string together the right words. "I'm fine, Hazel. What happened to you? Leo and I came to your house earlier, but you weren't there."

"Sorry, I was on a date. I forgot about you. I forgot to pick you up. Let's go back to my house now," Hazel replied.

Leo added, "Why don't you stay here too?"

"Stay here? Good idea. Is that okay?" Hazel asked.

"If I've said it, it means it's okay."

Hazel's arrival made Sarah feel a little calm. By then, Sarah was fast asleep on the sofa, and Hazel and Leo were still deep in conversation. Leo then told Hazel what had happened to Sarah.

"Looks like I won't be making her work again tomorrow," Leo said.

Hazel looked at Leo in surprise. "Why, is Sarah's performance not good?"

"It's not that. But I think she has a fear of people," Leo replied.

"What fears?" asked Hazel curiously.

"Sarah was so scared when some big men came to my cafe. She even hid in the toilet. When I asked her why, she chose not to answer. Did you know about that?" said Leo.

Hazel shook her head, her expression reflecting disbelief. "I didn't know about it at all. What happened to her? I'm sure Sarah is hiding something from me."

Leo took a deep breath before continuing his story. "When we were at the cafe earlier, there were a few men who came over and it seemed like they knew Sarah. She immediately panicked and tried to get away."

Hazel took the information seriously. "Could there be a dark past or a traumatic event that made her this way?"

Leo nodded. "That's what I thought. I tried to ask him more, but he shut down. It's like she doesn't want to share about it."

Hazel pondered momentarily before saying, "I think we need to give him time. Maybe someday she'll feel comfortable telling me. In the meantime, we should support him."

Leo agreed with Hazel's suggestion. "Right. I'm just worried that this is affecting his work and his daily life. She could even lose her job if she works at someone else's place."

Hazel nodded in understanding. "We can talk more about her job later. For now, let's give Sarah some support. She needs friends who care."

They then sat together, thinking about how they could help Sarah face her fears. Hazel felt responsible for supporting her friend, while Leo promised to provide as much support as she needed.

The next day, Sarah woke up first. She cleaned Leo's dirty apartment. Leo, who also woke up, greeted Sarah.

"Hi, Sarah. How are you feeling now?"

Sarah gave a small smile. "I'm fine. Thank you, Hazel."

"Why are you bothering to clean my apartment? Don't do that Sarah. I often have someone clean my apartment every day," Leo said.

"It's no trouble at all Leo," said Sarah.

Leo quickly made breakfast for Sarah and Hazel. Leo woke Hazel up.

Hazel decided not to discuss the incident at the café right away.

They spent time together, joking and laughing. Hazel hopes Sarah will feel more comfortable discussing her fears in the warm atmosphere. Leo joins in, trying to distract Sarah from her problems. Hazel and Leo commit to supporting Sarah, while Sarah still keeps the secret behind her fears a secret and feels grateful to have friends as good as them.

Leo looked into Sarah's eyes, his concern evident. "Sarah, I want you to feel comfortable first. could you stay at Hazel's house? I for tonight and the next nightdon't work in my cafe anymore. I'm sure you need some time," he said softly.

Sarah hesitated momentarily before replying, "I can't just stay. I don't want to burden Hazel. I want to have money from my own hard work."

Leo nodded understandingly. "I understand what you mean, Sarah. But, seeing your fear yesterday, I'm not sure you'll feel comfortable."

Hazel, listening attentively, also commented, "Sarah, what Leo said is right. We want to make you feel comfortable first. You're not burdening me at all. I'm glad I could help you, Sarah."

With a thoughtful expression, Leo continued, "Sarah, I only want the best for you. You don't have to face everything alone. Living with Hazel isn't a burden; it's a support system. Trust me on this."

Sarah sighed, torn between independence and the comfort offered by Leo and Hazel. "But I feel like I should be contributing, not just depending on others."

Leo placed a supportive hand on Sarah's shoulder. "Contributing doesn't always mean financially. Right now, your well-being is the priority. Let us help, Sarah."

Sarah nodded, her expression filled with a burden that was difficult to express. Together with Hazel, they walked back to Hazel's quiet home. Inside the house, Hazel looked into Sarah's eyes with concern.

Hazel took Sarah's hand gently. "I don't know how long you're going to keep it all bottled up. I just want to help you, Sarah. I'm sure, if you tell me your difficulties, Leo and I will definitely be with you through it all."

Sarah released a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I believe you can help me, Hazel. However, right now, it feels so difficult to express everything. I'm sorry if I'm making you worry."

Hazel smiled gently, trying to offer support. "There's no need to apologize, Sarah. We're friends, and friends help each other. Just tell me if you're ready to share. I'm here for you."

Lucian opened the door to his house. All the guards and servants panicked because Sarah was not at home.

"Bring me a cup of tea!" he begged one of the servants.

"Saraaaaah!"

Lucian shouted. He rushed to Sarah's room.