| RED'S POV |

"Why are you always here?" I uttered, sinking into the plush cushions of the living room, my gaze fixed on the man standing in the kitchen. He effortlessly maneuvered a spatula, flipping a stack of perfectly golden pancakes, their tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, beckoning me closer.

Dressed in a layered ensemble of a blue shirt over a crisp white one, he exuded an air of casual elegance. His hair, once a light blond, had transformed into a darker shade, yet his inherent charm remained unchanged. Despite my attempt to appear unaffected, I couldn't deny the undeniable cuteness that emanated from his every pore.

With the culinary masterpiece complete, he gracefully balanced a plate piled high with pancakes and made his way toward me. The chair creaked softly as I shifted my weight, preparing to receive the much-anticipated breakfast offering. As he placed the plate before me, a warm smile graced his lips, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of appreciation.

"Thank you," I murmured, my voice laced with gratitude, mindful of the importance of manners even amidst my curiosity.

Seating himself on a nearby stool, he settled beside me, his gaze unwavering and fixated upon me as I indulged in the feast spread before me. The sizzling sound of silence hung heavily in the air, a reminder of the unanswered question that lingered between us.

"You didn't answer my question," I gently prodded, my voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

He remained silent for a moment, his eyes searching mine, as if seeking solace or understanding in the depths of my being. And then, with a touch as gentle as a whisper, his hand found its way to my hair, delicately toying with the curls that framed my face. His focus shifted to my hair, as though it held the secrets of the universe, captivating his attention in a way that enthralled me.

"Why?" he finally spoke, his voice infused with a subtle melancholy. "Have you grown tired of my company? Perhaps you've found another friend?" There was a hint of vulnerability in his words, and I struggled to discern whether he was upset or merely disappointed by my inquiry.

"I would never," I gasped, the words escaping my lips with an air of melodrama. The sincerity in my voice was unmistakable, the shock at his suggestions evident in my wide-eyed expression.

In an instant, his furrowed brow transformed into a hearty chuckle, revealing the dimples that adorned his cheeks. The rosy hue of my own cheeks deepened in response, a silent testament to the power of his infectious laughter. My gaze drifted from his face, tracing the curve of his mesmerizing Adam's apple as it rose and fell with each delightful outburst. I couldn't help but stare and listen to the beautiful sound he made.

"I didn't mean it in that way, I just..." I trailed off, my gaze retreating to the unfinished pancakes before me. To meet his eyes for too long felt like baring my soul as though he could read me like an old favorite book, pages memorized to heart.

"You just what, hmm?" he prompted, his fingers tenderly tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, igniting a flutter within my chest. "Remember, sweetie, you can tell me anything."

I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper as I voiced my confusion. "I just don't understand why you would want to spend time with me. You should be with people your age or someone special," I confessed, the words hanging delicately in the air, vulnerable yet genuine.

His gaze remained unwavering, his playful hair twirling coming to a gentle halt as he cupped my face, guiding my attention toward his penetrating eyes. "Who is to say that I'm not with someone special right now, hmm?" he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to my doubts.

"But I'm not your age, " I protested.

"Am I complaining?" he questioned, a wry smile playing upon his lips.

"But-"

"But nothing, Red. I enjoy spending time with you. In fact, you are more fun to be with than my so-called friends," he declared, his words laced with unwavering certainty. His eyes, like a pair of windows into his soul, bore into mine, conveying an unspoken truth that resonated within me.

"Really?" I questioned, my voice carrying a mix of hope and disbelief.

"Really," he replied, his smile radiating with genuine warmth, a testament to the depth of his sincerity.

"I can prove it," he proclaimed, his tall frame kneeling down, his presence still towering over me. With a gentle motion, he extended his hands, his pinky finger raised, a gesture both innocent and profound.

"Do what?" I asked, my head filled with a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity.

"A pinky promise, Red," he encouraged, his eyes alight with a playful glimmer.

"Aren't you a little old for that?" I couldn't help but tease, finding amusement in the sight of an eighteen-year-old guy making a pinky promise with little me.

"No one is ever too old for anything, dear. Now, it's your turn," he insisted. I mirrored his gesture, intertwining my small pinky finger with his, a tangible connection formed between us.

"What are we promising?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability.

"That whatever happens, we will always hold onto our special connection as Little Red and Mr. Cutie Pie forever," he revealed, his voice filled with a gentle sincerity that melted my heart. The nickname I had bestowed upon him elicited a giggle, and I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled with delight.

"Okay then. I promise," I responded, my head nodding in agreement. He crossed his pinky finger with mine, sealing our pact.

As we sat there, our entwined fingers held in a delicate embrace, he gazed down at our joined hands for a moment before meeting my eyes. In that fleeting moment, I caught a glimpse of happiness, a glimmer of contentment that danced within the depths of his gaze.

"Perfect," he declared, though I couldn't shake the feeling that his declaration was meant for himself as much as it was for me.

~~~

"Red"

"Red"

"Red, wake up," a voice broke through my grogginess, pulling me back to reality. Opening my eyes, I felt aches all over, reminders of what I'd been through. My throat was dry, a leftover from the grip that man had on me, his presence lingering like a shadow in my mind.

I found myself in the back seat of a car, surrounded by darkness. The only sound was the man calling my name, his voice familiar yet distant in the dimness.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice weak. But he didn't answer, focused on driving, leaving me in confusion.

"Sir," I tried again, seeking some clarity. This time, he acknowledged me, but his attention remained divided.

"I heard you," he replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice. In the passing lights, I caught a glimpse of him. He seemed calm, but there was something dangerous about him, despite his recent rescue.

"What did you do to me?" I asked, recalling his command to sleep, which I obeyed without question.

"I saved your life," he said plainly, as if it were routine. His casual response left me stunned, trying to understand the mystery surrounding him.

"You know what I mean," I insisted, determined to get answers. "You said 'sleep,' and I did."

He went quiet again, his eyes fixed on the road. His gaze felt heavy, like it was trying to read my thoughts.

"Who were you dreaming about?" he suddenly asked, sounding curious.

"What?" I stammered, surprised by his question.

"You were all smiles and shit like that. Who were you thinking of? 'Cause I know you don't have a boyfriend," he asked bluntly, making me blush with embarrassment. How did he know what I was thinking? Was he spying on me?

Anger surged through me. I thought of him as a creepy old guy. I didn't say it out loud, but he snapped back defensively, "I'm not a creep. Watch your words."

How could he know my thoughts? It made me want to leave even more.

"Don't try to leave. We need to get you to your aunt's," he said, as if he knew what I was planning.

"Are you a wizard or something?" I blurted out, trying to make sense of it all.

He chuckled, mysterious and light. "I don't think either of those can do what I can," With thosehe said cryptically. With that, we arrived at my aunt's house. It looked eerie in the dark.

I rushed to get out, but the car door wouldn't budge. I pounded on it, frustrated. Suddenly, it swung open, revealing him in the dim light. He looked rugged yet captivating, his gray eyes intense. There was something familiar about him, like I'd seen him before, but I couldn't place where.

"Thanks," I said gratefully as I got out of the car, eager to see Aunt May. My heart raced as I hurried to the front door, a mix of relief and nervousness driving me forward.

Finally, Aunt May opened the door, looking worried. "I was so scared! I tried calling you, but your phone was off," she said, hugging me tightly.

"I'm sorry, Aunt. It's been a terrible day," I said, tears falling onto her clothes.

"What happened, Red?" she asked, concerned. But her attention shifted suddenly, and she whispered a name, "J," like she'd seen a ghost. I turned and saw him, sadness and guilt in his eyes as he looked back at her. "Good to see you, May," he said, his voice full of emotion.

Wait, how do they know each other?

"Aunt, how do you know him?" I asked, trying to get her attention.

But she ignored me, walking straight to him and slapping him hard across the face. "Get out!" she demanded, pointing to the gate, but he didn't move.

"I can't leave this time," he said calmly.

"But you did last time," she snapped.

Tension filled the air, and I wondered what had happened between them. Maybe they used to be together or something. I was so confused.

"I don't even know this guy," I said, trying to intervene.

"J, what's going on?" Aunt May demanded angrily, leaving me even more confused. Then she dropped a bombshell. "In fact, I don't care. Just leave, J! Let your niece have a normal life without your interference!" The word "niece" echoed in my head, and I felt like I'd been punched.

"W-What did you say?" I stammered, shocked. But before she could explain, he spoke up.

"She's right," he said, turning to me. "I'm your uncle, Red. Your father's younger brother."

Well, that was a surprise.
~~~~

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