I turned off the machine and take the seatbelt off of him.

“What’s wrong? Are you hurt anywhere? Or, is it a motion sickness?”

His body is trembling like crazy. I hugged him tightly, but he started to cry.

“Hic … Sorry … I’m scared, gimme a time.”

I rubbed his hair gently. At times like this, I should use my pheromones to calm him.

“Mmhhh … It’s good, I like it.”

I smiled. “I’m good at it, you know.”

After he calmed down, I wiped the tears on his eyes. He’s not trembling anymore. I give him water that I brought before we went here.

“I’m sorry, Iori. Actually, the reason I don’t use the car anymore is because I got traumatized.” He held the seatbelt tight. “Nights before graduation, he was drinking with his friends. When his friend called me to pick him up because he was drunk, I came with this car. But the moment he entered the car, he was full of Omegas scent. I’m sure it wasn’t just one Omega, it was many of them.”

He's crying again, and without I realized it, my fists clenched.

“I know he’s been cheating even before it. Normally, I’d let it slide since I don’t care anymore, but I think I was already pregnant that day, so I couldn’t control my emotions. We had a fight inside this car, with him that was so drunk, and me who wasn’t able to control myself. Then, that night, he slapped me so hard until I couldn’t cry. I was too shocked, it was the first time he used his hand on me. I’m glad I could drive safely that day. Then, in two years, whenever I entered this car, or even just went near it, I feel so scared. That’s why I decided to avoid it.”

His hands turned red because he’s been holding onto the seatbelt tightly.

I touched his hands, and slowly bring it to my cheeks so he faced me.

“Look at me, Riku.”

With tears wetting his cheeks, our eyes met.

“We can just grab a taxi, right? You don’t need to force yourself if you aren’t ready yet. I’d even like to accompany you to see a psychiatrist if you want. What the most important is your mental health, Riku.” I wiped his tears and then hugged him. “You must be really scared, right? Especially with the Alphas. I’m so sorry I come to your life when you might actually scare of me, but you should know that I won’t let that kinda thing happen, ever again. I swear—no, I’ll prove it.”

I kissed his eyes which still wet of tears.

“No, I wanna use it. I don’t want to be trapped inside this trauma forever.”

Again, he never ceases to impress me. Just how strong you actually are, Riku?

“Mm-hm, it’s a good thing, but no need to rush. Take it easy, I’m here with you.”

I pinched his nose and then tried to grab the key before his hand stopped me. I see him shook his head.

“No, I’m alright. Let’s go.”

I forget that this guy is so stubborn.

***

We ended up taking the car. It’s good to see him smile again after those tears earlier. He seems to be calmed and aren’t scared anymore. We listened to the songs from Riku’s phone because the car couldn’t seem to do it. Now I know his sense of music. It’s really describe him.

We went to wash the car first before we go to the market. Then, he said he’s going to take it to the mechanic after we finished shopping.

“Wait, here.” I got out of the car and then opened the door beside me, so he can get out.

“Thank you.”

We walked together into the market. I’m following him from behind, with the stroller in my hands.

“You can pick whatever you like, too.” He said it while picking up sodas.

“You really like soda, aren’t you? How if you get a diabetic?”

He’s pouting again. “Still, I like it!”

“Stubborn.”

“What did you say?!”

“Nothing.”

I refused to believe that this brat is older than me.

While walking around, Riku picked literally everything. He doesn’t think much about the ingredients. As long as it’s edible, he puts it into the stroller.

“You sure have much appetite, huh. No wonder you are a good eater.”

He grabbed some bananas. “Is it supposed to be a compliment?”

“Yes, Sir.”

One hour later, we finally go to the cashier. My legs are started to hurt, but he seems just fine. I guess he likes to go shopping, since he wandered around cheerfully. Whatever, as long as he is happy.

“I’ll wait there.” I pointed to the stairs near the cashier. Better to take a seat before my legs gave up.

I can see him from here. So, he smiled like that to just everyone, huh. His smile is too pretty, I hope nobody will steal it.

Wait … steal what? His smile?

Or him?

“What kinda thought is that?! Get yourself together, you moron!”

I slapped my cheeks several times until I see there is someone with Riku right now. Luckily, it is not that bastard. However, who is he? They look so friendly towards each other. Does he Riku’s friend?

Before I knew it, I was walking towards them.

“Riku,”

He looked at me. “Oh, Iori. I’m done, let’s go.”

I took the shopping bags from him, then glanced at this guy in front of us.

He glanced at me too, so our eyes met.

His body is neither that big nor muscular. Is he an Omega? But, I can’t smell his scent at all.

“Ah, this is Kyo, my coworker. Do you remember the person who texted me about my shifts before? It was him, hahaha.”

Oh, that person.

“I’m Kyo Hasegawa, Riku’s friend, and you are …?” He smirked, then lifted his hand towards me.

I accepted it. “Iori Yamamoto. His roommate.”

We shook hands.

I can see his bitter expression. His smirk is gone and his glare pierced through me.

“So you have a roommate now, Riku?”

Riku awkwardly answered, “Ahh, umm, well, he’s my childhood friend.”

After finished talking, Riku grabbed my hand and said that he wants to go home.

“See you tomorrow!”

“Yeah, see you.”

I’m just following Riku’s steps because he kept grabbing my hand. But before it goes far, I looked at behind. That person is still there, with his scary glare.

I smirked, then I clung my other hand on Riku’s waist.

We entered the car after I put the shopping bags inside the garage. I look at Riku’s tired face. He is yawning several times and blinking his eyes, trying to keep it open.

I giggled. “Go to sleep. I’ll wake you when we get home.”

“We still have to go to the mechanic. Tomorrow’s your first day at work, you better not late and take this car.” He answered while yawning.

Sigh

Can we skip the debate, just for now?

“I’m not gonna late. In my old job, I had a very strict coworker so that I used to be a professional.”

Dear Ryuuga Nanase, may you rest in peace and forgave me.

“Ehh … is that so?”

He fell asleep in the count of three. He didn’t even wear the seatbelt yet.

After putting on the seatbelt, I put a pillow from his hands onto the window, so he would feel hurt less.

“Sleep tight, Onii-chan.”

I kissed his forehead.