25. HAZEL

Caelan moved through the kitchen with deliberate ease, his hands finding the familiar rhythm of brewing tea and clearing the dishes from last night. The steam rose gently from the kettle as he set it aside, the scent of freshly made waffles mingling with the morning air. He was just about to take a sip of his tea when the sharp ring of the doorbell cut through the silence, making him pause.

Who could be here so early?

Caelan placed his cup down, wiping his hands on a dish towel as he made his way to the door. He opened it to find a burst of color, flowers, their delicate petals spilling out of a bouquet that nearly hid the person behind them. A slight tilt of the flowers revealed Hazel’s bright, beaming face.

“Hey,” she chirped, her grin widening as their eyes met.

Caelan felt the warmth of her smile draw one from him as well. “Morning,” he replied, reaching out to take the flowers. As his hand brushed against hers, Hazel's eyes sparkled with something familiar, something that always lingered between them.

Without needing an invitation, she bounced inside, her energy filling the room. Caelan watched her, a small smile playing on his lips as memories of the years they’d shared flickered through his mind. He had seen her grow from a spirited child into the confident young woman before him, and despite the strange circumstances of their connection, she had remained steadfast by his side.

His thoughts drifted back to that day years ago, the day she had walked in on him, tears falling silently as he clutched an old pendant. He had been too overwhelmed to hide the truth from her, and at just twelve years old, she had come to know the reality of his existence; a truth she had held close, trusting him in a way that no one else ever had.

Caelan set the flowers on the counter, turning back to Hazel with a soft smile. "You always know how to surprise me."

Hazel laughed, her voice bright and melodic in the quiet kitchen. "It’s a gift, you know. I’ve been practicing for years." She glanced at the flowers, then back at him with a mischievous grin. "Do you like them? I picked them out myself."

"They’re beautiful," Caelan replied, his tone warm. "You didn’t have to, though."

"I wanted to," Hazel insisted, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, your place could use a little color." She tilted her head, eyes narrowing playfully as she looked around. "Still the same old bachelor vibe going on here."

Caelan chuckled, shaking his head. "Some things never change, Hazel."

"Clearly," she teased, stepping closer. "But seriously, how are you? Really?"

Caelan paused, considering her question. Hazel had always been able to see right through him, and he appreciated her for that. "I’m alright," he finally said, his voice even. "Just the usual, I suppose."

Hazel studied him for a moment, her expression softening. "You know you don’t have to keep everything to yourself, right?"

"I know," Caelan replied, his smile turning a little wistful. "But you’ve got your own life to worry about. I don’t want to burden you."

Hazel shook her head, stepping forward to place a hand on his arm. "You’re never a burden, Caelan. You should know that by now." Her voice was gentle, but there was an edge of firmness to it.

Caelan looked down at her, touched by her sincerity. "Thank you, Hazel. You’re too good to me."

She flashed him a bright smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Of course, I am. Someone has to keep you in check."

Caelan chuckled again, a deep, rich sound that seemed to resonate in the small kitchen. "And you do a good job of it."

"Naturally," she quipped, her eyes dancing with amusement. "So, what’s on your agenda today? More mysterious business dealings?"

He raised an eyebrow at her teasing tone. "Nothing mysterious, just routine work."

"Routine?" Hazel scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You, Caelan, are anything but routine."

He smiled, shaking his head at her antics. "Maybe not to you, but it’s not as exciting as you make it sound."

"Maybe," she conceded, shrugging. "But I still think you could use a little break. How about a walk? You haven’t left this place all morning, have you? Just the business and you. Aish, what would you do without me?"

Caelan considered her suggestion, then nodded. "A walk sounds nice."

"Great!" Hazel beamed, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the door. "Come on, let’s get some fresh air before you turn into a complete hermit."

Caelan let her lead the way, her infectious energy pulling him out of his thoughts and into the moment. As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted them, and Hazel looked up at him with a contented sigh.

"This is nice," she murmured, squeezing his hand briefly before letting go.

"It is," Caelan agreed, glancing at her with a smile. "Thanks for dragging me out."

"Anytime," Hazel replied, her tone light, but her eyes lingering on him with a softness that hinted at her deeper feelings. "I’m always here for you, Caelan."

He smiled down at her, grateful for her presence, though he remained blissfully unaware of the love she carried in her heart. "And I’m here for you too, Hazel. Always."

Hazel’s smile faltered just for a second, a flicker of something unspoken in her eyes. But she quickly masked it with her usual brightness, nudging him playfully. "You better be. I’d be lost without my big brother figure."

Caelan chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "And I’d be lost without you keeping me on my toes."

They continued their walk, the conversation flowing easily between them, a comfortable rhythm they had perfected over the years. Yet, beneath the lighthearted banter, Hazel’s unspoken feelings lingered, known only to her and hidden behind her playful smiles.

As they neared the street towards the bus stop a voice grabbed their attention making them turn towards the source.