Chapter 22

Ivan's pov
I went to the kitchen to allow El and Jas some space to talk, but the pain in my chest didn't disappear. I'm not sure why, but I get the impression they're more than friends. Even though they said they were only friends, I'm not sure why I feel this way. I have a suspicion that Jas is the reason I saw El in such a condition, but I don't have the valid right to ask or hit that man for hurting El because I lack sufficient evidence and because I am not El's boyfriend for jealousy. I'm not sure if we're friends, so I'll remain silent for the time being. Also, it appears like El and Jas are getting along, because if my suspicions are accurate, she will disregard and be upset with Jas. I'm confident that El will not allow herself to be hurt, and that she will forgive those who have.
I'm thirsty, so I drink some water. They converse for a long time, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I am here. I have a distinct impression of Jas, and our worlds have never met during my time here. I believe we are all of the same age, and I'd like to know where Jas is studying. I'm not sure, but I became keen to know more about him because the term "just friends" bothers me.
I walk out of the kitchen and then into the living room. When Jas noticed me, he rose up and returned his gaze to El.
"I have to go home, El," he said calmly. "Take a rest, and I'll come back here tomorrow to see if you're okay."
I gulped and diverted my gaze from them. It's like I want to tell Jas that I'll take care of El because I was able to help her earlier. I'm not sure why, but something makes me want to tell him about El's recent breakdown and how I was the only person who could help her. I wanted to know where he was at those times and if he knew who was responsible for El's suffering. If they were friends, he would have known who that guy was, and if I were in his shoes, I would have sought him out sooner and made him experience the agony he deserved.
El agree with what Jas stated, which irritated me even more. What about myself? What else am I going to do here if Jas is already here? I'm irritated; I'm here because I can manage to help El.
I didn't avoid glancing at Jas, and he didn't avoid gazing at me. That's the same expression I gave him, as serious as he is. I couldn't dispute his coolness, the whiteness of his skin and the coldness of his gaze. He has the appearance of a vampire, although I am aware that no such creature exists.
When he began to walk, he said nothing and averted his gaze. He walked past me, and my gaze trailed behind him until he reached the door. When he disappeared from my sight, I turned to El who was already bow on her knees. I immediately approached her and touched her forehead as I knelt in front of her. Her fever is too high again and she really needs a break. I hope Jas doesn't just come here so she can rest earlier after our dinner.
"El, your fever is high again. Let's go, I'll take you to your room. Just lie down there and go to sleep," I said and she nodded.
When she stood up, she said, "I'm dizzy, Ivan." I quickly supported her around the waist, sensing her frailty as her body sagged.
What did Jas do and did El look like this? El was feeling a little better earlier, and she was taking medicine as well. Why did she revert to her previous state, rather than being healed? Is it true that they are friends? Jas was completely unaware that El was ill, and he was only able to depart while his friend was in this situation. I wouldn't be able to do nothing in this case if I were Jas.
"Hold me tight, El," I whispered as I began walking toward her chamber.
She instantly laid down and searched for the blanket when we arrived. She couldn't seem to fix her blanket, so I took it and draped it over her.
"I-Ivan, please go home; it's a-already late," she sputtered.
I did not respond and simply stared at her. I don't know if I can leave in this situation just like what Jas did. El has no other companion and she has nothing to rely on but herself. Where are her parents? Does she no longer have a family? Where does she get the money to live alone?
I have a lot of questions for her, and I'd like to get all of them answered. I like her and want to learn everything there is to know about her. Hopefully, after this, we will be able to learn more about her and she will allow me to prove that I am worthy of her.
"I'll be back, El," I promised as I exited her room. I prepared again a lukewarm water and a face towel and then brought it to her room. I sat on the side of the bed and placed the container I was carrying with only lukewarm water.
I start to wipe her face as she closes her eyes. She let go of what I was doing and I wanted to believe she was awake. After wiping her face, I followed her hand and I didn't expect her to open her eyes.
She softly said, "I told you to go home."
I merely smiled and went about my thing. "Can I stay here tonight? Promise, I'll be home by 5:00 a.m., and I'll stay in the living room."
"Why are you doing this?" she asked, staring back. "It's not necessary, but thank you."
When I heard those unexpected words from her, my heart melted. I had to put down what I was doing because I couldn't look her in the eyes. I scratched my nape, unsure what to say to her.
I respond, "I don't know what to say, El."
"It's fine. I'm fine, you can rest," she replied, closing her eyes once more.
"Is it ok with you if I stay in your living area?" I hesitated and asked.
"There's an extra pillow and blanket in the cupboard," she said, nodding. I wanted to shout and hug her for laughs, but I knew I'd seem ridiculous. My emotion was controlled, yet it burst in my heart.
I returned the towel I used to her to the kitchen and went back to her room to get the extra pillow and blanket that had been placed in her cabinet. I got it right away and then I look at her. She was sound asleep and when I approached her to check her temperature, and I smiled because what I did to her worked; her temperature dropped.
"Good night, El," I said as I walked out of her room and switched off the light.
I instantly positioned my pillow on the sofa when I entered the living room. I also went to sleep after turning out the light. I couldn't help but smile as I lay there staring at the ceiling. I took out my phone and went to Facebook. I know I won't be able to sleep till later, so I'll use social media to pass the time.
I instantly type El's name into the search box after logging in. I sent her a friend request, and I'm hoping she will accept it. I have a strong feeling she will confirm me this time, and while that may be a little matter for others, it brings me great joy.
This is a memorable night for me, and I'm not sure when it will happen again, so I turned on the light and returned to the sofa. I take a selfie with a blanket covering part of my face and notice that the blanket she provided me has a Doraemon drawing on it. It's incredibly cute, and the blanket smells so good. It appeared that she had set it aside for me, which made me smile enormously.
"I felt enthusiastic! Good night everyone!" I captioned my picture on Social media. It was only four minutes ago, but my post had a hundred reactions and comments, and when I read one, I couldn't help but respond to a girl. I'm not used to responding to their comments, but I can't help myself now. Because of the joy, I feel as if I'm floating, especially because this girl has found out why I'm so pleased.
Kimmy Gregor: maybe your crush noticed you.
I mention her in my replied at her comment.
Ivan Gil: Kimmy, keep quiet!
Many reacted to Kimmy's comment but more reacted to my reply. They react wow" and many also reply. They were all interested to know who I was referring to the woman I liked. They all inquired and stated that she was extremely fortunate to have me. I'm not sure how they'll react when they find out who I like. They will accept El, and they will be perplexed as to why I prefer the simple woman. They believe that because of the situation of my life, I will seek and like someone on my level, but my heart is unsure how to choose. You can't control who you fall in love with and you can't choose because you just feel it.
I saw my friend comment on my post and I couldn"t help but laugh.
Teren Hunt: where did you sleep, broww? O_O
I react HAHA" on his comment and type a reply for him.
Ivan Gil: broww, don't litter here! Mom might see! HAHAHAHA
I am free to post on my social media what I wanted to post because I blocked my mom as well as my family. I have one account for family and they don't know that I have a second account where I am free to post.
Many people were startled by my response to Teren, just as I had predicted. Some of them guessed where I now slept. They knew I was in the house of the woman I liked so they were even more intrigued.
I turned off my data as well as the ceiling light. I smiled as I imagined what would happen next as I looked up at the ceiling. I'm hoping that the joy I'm experiencing will last, and that El and I will become closer in the coming days. Every break, beginning Monday, I shall go to her room and invite her to join us. My friends are already familiar with El, but I still want to give her a formal introduction.
When I got a text message, I went straight to my phone.
I picked it up from the table and looked at where the message came from.
From Baki: tell El that I greet her.
I frowned in astonishment, but I managed to reply her.To Baki: are you drunk? Why should I tell her? You only know her, but she does not know you.
Sometimes Baki is really assuming. She thought maybe all the students at CU knew her. El didn't know me before and i an sure she didn"t know Baki.
She responded a few seconds later. It's nothing short of a miracle! This woman took a long time to respond. Baki was the most difficult of our five friends to reach. She appears to be quite busy with her life, but she is also very serious about everything. I'm not sure why she became one of our friends. Also, she is the only girl among our five. She isn't lesbian or bisexual, but she has a guy's style. We don't know if she is lying that she is not lesbian or even bisexual, but just like what I"ve said, she"s seriously in everything.
From Baki: just tell it to her. She knows me. Just say my name.How did they meet?
Baki won't lie so tomorrow when El is well, I'll ask if she and Baki have ever meet.
To Baki: she"s already sleeping. I'm curious, Baki.
How did you meet El?She replied immediately.
From Baki: ask her tomorrow :))
I don"t know why but an idea entered my mind and I was even more nervous when I received her text again.
From Baki: do you sleep next to her?
Why she is asking me this kind of question? Are she jealous that I'm here? Did El and Baki gas a relationship? Are they dating?
To Baki: wtf !!! Of course not!!
I will not allow! I will not allow Baki to take El away from me! She said she neither Lesbian nor bisexual! She will not fool me! That's why she just stared at El when she saw it in the locker area of CU.