56 DRUNK ETHAN (2/2)

But instead of lying down, he hugged me.

”Ethan, wha-”

”I promised her I would tour her around the world. Why did she go?”

”Because she can't continue living. But I bet she's traveling around the world now.”

”But I am a doctor! How could I let anyone die! I cure the sick and not watch them die!”

”Ethan, you cannot cure everybody. And Layla... She has been sick for a time. And you know she can't be cured anymore.”

”I know. I know. But I joined that research project to cure her. But it's still too late. It has all gone to waste.”

”No. There are a lot of kids and adults alike waiting for the cure you're researching. Let's prevent them from meeting the same end.”

”But I don't want to lose her. She was like a sister to me. I should have came home yesterday to spend more time with her.”

”Yes. I do have regrets too. And I wish I had visited her frequently.”

We both became silent. But I remembered what I promised to Layla: that we would be okay and continue on living our lives, a life she wasn't meant to have.

”Ethan, remember what we promised to her? That we would be okay? Let's stop wallowing now, alright? She might get upset seeing us like this. We should go on, and think of the happiness that she brought to us and carry it for the rest of our lives.”

”Hmmmm,” he just nodded and spaced out again.

”Okay lie down. I'm gonna wipe your body.”

He obeyed and I proceeded in my task. We were both engulfed in silent. I was focused on what I'm doing, while he was still thinking.

And then I finished changing his clothes and returned the basin to the kitchen.

”Cassidy,” I heard him call from the living room.

I went back. ”What is it?”

In a slurred voice, he said, ”Could you accompany me here? Lie beside me until we can both sleep.”

I contemplated. We're both sad people right now, so what's the harm?

But would this be a form of cheating? I love Minho, and I don't want to hurt him.

Huh. ”I'll think about it. I'll just go get you some blanket and pillows.”

I ran towards the bedroom. Okay what to do what to do.

I don't want to hurt Ethan, and I don't want to cheat on Minho. Because sleeping in another guy's arm while you have a boyfriend is definitely a no-no.

But Ethan.... Huh whatever I'm just gonna reject him politely. Tell him that it's bad, that my conscience is fully against it.

I reached the living room. ”Here.”

I put the pillow under Ethan's head and tucked him under the blanket.

”Ethan, I can't lie here with you. It's not good, and I have a boyfriend now and I feel like I'm cheating. But I'll be in my room and I'll leave my door open. Besides, I only have a couple of hours of sleep.”

His eyes dimmed. ”Okay.”

I was about to rise when I was pulled down.

And our lips met.

My eyes widened. And then I heard my door opening.

I quickly withdrew from Ethan's grasp as I watched Minho standing on my doorstep.