My Stepbrother, My Enemy {BL}-Chapter 85: Long Awaited Reunion (BC)

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The moment I heard Mom’s voice say, "Ethan’s here," a tight knot formed in my stomach. I didn’t stop to think—I just rushed to find a mirror, desperate to look at least somewhat presentable after a day spent in PJs, my shirt was all wrinkled, and my heart was racing way too fast.

By the time I made it downstairs, it felt like my heart was about to jump out of my throat.

Ethan was in the living room, chatting politely with Keith. Seeing him after two weeks hit me harder than I anticipated. His dark hair was tousled, sleeves rolled up, and there were dark circles under his eyes—like he hadn’t been sleeping well. But when his eyes locked onto mine, the weariness vanished from his face.

"You’re actually here," he said, almost in disbelief, a small smile creeping onto his lips. He let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I thought you’d disappeared completely."

I froze for a moment, torn between laughing or apologizing first. "There was no signal," I blurted out, guilt rising in my chest. "I wanted to tell you, I swear, but—"

"I know," he interrupted gently, his voice calm and steady. "I figured that might be the case. I’m just... really glad you’re okay."

There was something in the warmth of his tone that hit me deep. I’d replayed this reunion countless times in my head, yet now that he was actually here, everything felt different.

Before I could find the right words, Ethan closed the gap between us and hugged me tight. His arms wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. I could barely breathe, but I didn’t want to pull away. His scent, clean soap, a hint of cologne, and just him...wrapped around me, familiar and grounding.

"I missed you," he murmured into my hair, the words muffled but clear enough to make my chest tighten.

My hands rested on his back, and I let myself sink into his warmth. It felt safe. It felt right.

But beneath that comfort, something else stirred within me—something small and uneasy. I couldn’t quite name it, but it weighed on my chest. Maybe it was guilt for not telling him about the trip. Or perhaps it was the memory of a pair of green eyes looking out for me when I was unwell, the sound of a voice I shouldn’t have grown so accustomed to.

"I missed you too," I whispered, and even though the words trembled, they were sincere.

When Ethan finally let go, he looked down at me like I was the brightest thing he’d seen in weeks. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something between us had changed, even if I couldn’t pinpoint why.

Maybe it was that silence that had stretched on too long. Or perhaps it was just me.

Mom’s grin was a little too playful when she noticed how Ethan and I were still lingering near each other in the living room. "You two must have a lot to catch up on," she said, looking between us with way more enthusiasm than I was comfortable with. "Let’s go, honey."

"Keep it PG," Keith chimed in with a teasing smirk as they left the room.

"Keith!" I groaned, mortified, but they were already gone, their laughter echoing down the hall. Ethan chuckled softly beside me, his thumb brushing against the back of my hand, as if to calm my embarrassment.

"Your parents got some weird ideas about us, huh?" he said lightly.

"Unfortunately," I muttered, heat rising in my cheeks.

Ethan didn’t let go of my hand as he led me toward the couch. His touch was warm and grounding, making it hard to focus. We sat close, probably too close—his thumb tracing slow circles on my skin.

For a moment, the room was quiet. He was just looking at me, and the weight of his gaze was soft yet searching, tinged with a hint of sadness. It made my stomach twist oddly.

"You seem different," he finally said, his tone gentle but straightforward. "I can’t quite put my finger on it, but you feel a bit distant."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Distant? No, I’m just—" I hesitated, biting my lip before letting out a sigh. "Okay, maybe I am a little off. It’s just been a lot—schoolwork, makeup assignments, projects... I guess I’m still trying to catch up mentally."

Ethan tilted his head, looking unconvinced but kind enough not to push. He had that calm patience that always made me feel both guilty and thankful. "You don’t have to justify yourself," he said softly. "I’m just happy you’re here now."

The warmth in his voice made me look up at him, and for a moment, all the tension faded. I reached out and brushed my fingers along his jaw, where a bruise used to be. "You’re healing quickly," I said with a slight smile. "Guess you really are tougher than you look."

He grinned, his eyes crinkling in that way that always made me smile. "Yeah, I bounce back pretty fast. I had to—don’t want my boyfriend thinking he’s dating some weak guy, right?"

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Weirdo."

"But you like me anyway."

"Unfortunately," I said, but the teasing warmth in my voice gave me away.

He chuckled, then brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear. The simple gesture made my heart flutter. His thumb lingered on my cheek as he studied me.

"Seriously though," he said softly, "I was really worried, Noah. Not hearing from you for that long—it... it messed with me a bit."

I swallowed, guilt pricking at me again. "I know. I should’ve told you before I left. I’m really sorry."

His smile was small but genuine. "Just don’t pull a disappearing act like that again, okay? I don’t think I could handle it."

I laughed quietly, but the earnest look in his eyes, warm, full of affection—took my breath away for a moment.

He leaned back, still holding my hand as we sat there in the quiet of the living room. Sunlight streamed in through the curtains, soft and golden, wrapping us in a calm I hadn’t felt in weeks.

For just a moment, it almost felt like everything was as it should be.

Almost.