—

Callistus didn't come to work the next day, and neither did Ivan. At first, no one batted an eye until one of them began to gossip.

"Don't you think it's weird?" one person said.

"What?" another replied.

"Mr. Chase asked for the boy yesterday when he didn't come, but today he too didn't arrive. Don't you think it's something?"

The other shrugged. "Maybe."

Although it started as small talk, soon the entire floor where Callistus worked was buzzing with the news.

Star overheard the chatter and decided to investigate. During lunch, she tracked down her friends.

"Myiesha, Mia, have you heard anything about Callistus and Ivan?" Star asked.

Mia looked up, surprised. "I heard the rumours. Do you know anything?"

Star shook her head. "I think I'll call Ivan and see what's going on."

She stepped away from the bustling cafeteria and pulled out her phone, dialling her brother's number. After a few rings, Ivan picked up.

"Star?"

"Ivan, where are you? You and Callistus didn't show up today," Star said, trying to keep her voice calm.

There was a brief pause before Ivan whispered, "I'm... at Callistus' apartment. I... accidentally slept here. He's sick, and I came to check on him last night."

Star's eyes widened in surprise. "You slept there?"

"Yeah, I must have dozed off. He's not well, Star. I couldn't just leave him alone," Ivan explained.

Star sighed, feeling relieved. "Okay, just take care of him and yourself. But you might want to inform the office. People are starting to talk."

"I'll handle it," Ivan replied.

After hanging up, Star returned to Myiesha. "Ivan's with Callistus. He's taking care of him. We just need to cover for them for a bit."

Myiesha chuckled. "Where are they?"

"He's at Callistus' place," Star answered.

—

Ivan put his phone aside, trying to move as little as possible to avoid waking Callistus, who was sleeping on top of his chest. With no pressing work matters to attend to, Ivan allowed himself to relax. He glanced down at Callistus, who looked peaceful in his sleep. Ivan found himself mesmerised by the rise and fall of Callistus' breathing, the soft features of his face, and the way his hair slightly fell over his forehead.

A soft smile played on Ivan's lips. "You're so different when you're awake," he thought, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Callistus' face. He closed his eyes, intending to get some more rest, but found himself opening them again just to keep watching Callistus. 

Meanwhile, at the office, Star and Myiesha decided to check on Callistus and Ivan. They were concerned, but also a bit curious about what was really going on. They agreed to visit Callistus' apartment during lunch.

"Do you think it's okay to just show up?" Myiesha asked as they left the office.

Star shrugged. "It'll be fine. Ivan's there, and he knows we're worried."

They called up Mia and soon arrived at Callistus' apartment, Star knocked lightly on the door. After a moment, Ivan answered, looking a bit surprised.

"Come in?" he said quietly and confused but brushed it off, opening the door wider to let them in.

Myiesha stepped inside, glancing around. "How's he doing?" she asked softly.

"He's resting. His fever has gone down a bit," Ivan replied, leading them to the living room. Callistus was still sleeping in his room.

Myiesha sitting on a nearby chair. "I'm glad you're here with him. He needs someone to take care of him."

Ivan glanced at Callistus' room, then back at Myiesha. "I wouldn't be anywhere else. He means a lot to me."

Star, Myiesha and Mia exchanged a knowing look but didn't press the issue. Instead, they stayed for a while, chatting quietly with Ivan and making sure Callistus had everything he needed.

Mia even made a quick trip to the kitchen to make some congee, knowing there should be something for Callistus to eat.

After a couple of hours, Callistus began to stir. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking in confusion when he saw Star, Myiesha and Mia when he walked out the door.

"What... what are you guys doing here?" he asked, his voice raspy.

"We came to check on you," Star said, smiling. "And to make sure Ivan didn't mess up taking care of you."

Callistus managed a weak laugh, then turned his head to look at Ivan. "Thanks for staying," he said softly.

"Anytime," Ivan replied, his eyes warm with affection. "You need to rest more, though. We've got everything under control here."

"I made congee. Do you want some?" Mia asked, her arms crossed on the couch. "I'll heat it up."

"Thanks," Callistus answered.

A call suddenly came for Star. She picked it up, realizing it was from her boyfriend. "I'm at my friend's place. Can you pick me and Myiesha up to meet Shantel later?" Star giggled a few times before hanging up the call. Callistus didn't bat an eye, continuing to eat while Ivan rolled his eyes.

Myiesha laughed when she saw Ivan's reaction. "You still don't like him?"

"It's not like that. He is a nice guy, but..." Ivan replied. "Every time they talk it's all lovey-dovey."

Mia laughed from the side. "I'll wait until you're in love and see what happens."

Soon, Star and Myiesha left the apartment. Callistus went back to his room while Ivan and Mia stayed in the living room, both on their phones.

"Anything from him?" Mia asked suddenly in a whisper.

"No," Ivan answered the same way.

Mia sighed. "Six more months, right?"

Ivan nodded.

Mia set her phone aside, her hands on her head, stressed by the situation. "If it doesn't work, I'm sorry, bro. I tried. I'm sorry if he can't remember."