CTRL+E TO BE WITH U

Ryu-hyun

Shit.

What am I supposed to do now? There's no way I can face Remi-not after that chat. He's probably pissed, and I can't blame him.

I slip into Lukas's house as quietly as possible, taking slow, careful steps. The last thing I need is to draw attention to myself.

My heart pounds as I creep up the stairs, hoping, praying, that I can make it to my room without being noticed.

But luck isn't on my side.

Remi is already there, standing right in front of my door, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. The second his eyes meet mine, I freeze.

"What the hell was that message supposed to mean?"

His voice is sharp, demanding.

"You're in love with Louis?"

I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

"It's not what you think," I say quickly.

"That message... it's from a long time ago. I swear. Let me explain."

I tell him everything-what happened earlier, how things got twisted, how that chat resurfaced.

I try to make him understand, but he just stands there, silent, watching me.

Finally, he exhales, shaking his head.

"Just make sure you're telling me the truth," he says, his voice quieter now but still firm.

"So you're saying that your computer at your house did it?"

Remi's question hangs in the air, and I can't tell if he actually believes me or if he's just testing me. My palms feel clammy, and I swallow hard.

That's exactly what happened-but even I know how ridiculous it sounds.

"I swear, I didn't mean for that message to be sent," I say, my voice is careful but firm.

"It was a mistake. I don't have any feelings for Louis."

I lowered my head slightly before looking back at him.

"I'm really sorry, Remi. But... can you help me fix this?"

To my surprise, he doesn't hesitate. He just lets out a small sigh and nods.

"Fine. But you owe me."

Something about the way he says it-the way his expression softens just a little-makes my heart race.

This feeling again.

The same feeling I had that night in the tent, when it was just the two of us, surrounded by silence and the warmth of each other's presence.

Before I can dwell on it too much, Lukas's voice calls from downstairs.

"Come down, dinner's ready!"

I don't waste a second, quickly heading down, eager to escape the tension. But just as I step into the dining room, Lukas gives me a look.

"Ano na naman yung sinend mo, Ryu?"

My stomach drops. Shit.

I glance at Remi before looking at Lukas, realizing with dread that the message was sent to him too.

Here we go again-another explanation.

After dinner, as I step into my room, I feel Remi's gaze on me. He stands just outside the door, watching me closely as he slowly pulls it shut.