Chapter 6: Confessions and Connections

Derek sat down and gently asked, "What's wrong?"

His voice was soft, drawing me back from my spiraling thoughts. I wanted to tell him everything, but the words just... wouldn’t come.

I bit my lip, looking at him eagerly.

My eyes burned, and I pressed my hands together, hoping he’d just understand without me having to explain.

Derek glanced at my ear. "Does it hurt?"

His concern was real, the question so mundane it almost made me laugh.

Actually, it didn't hurt much.

But I nodded.

That feeling of being unable to speak... was really too much.

My throat felt tight, like I’d swallowed all my confessions and they were stuck, just out of reach.

"Then I'll be gentler."

Derek's movements after that were very gentle.

He barely touched the sore spot, his hands sure and kind. The tenderness in his touch almost made me cry.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him restraining the urge to blow on my ear, my heart a mess.

I watched him fight back a smile, his lips twitching. The moment felt both too intimate and not enough.

"Derek."

I said his name like a prayer, hoping he’d hear what I couldn’t say.

He looked up: "Hm?"

His eyes were soft, waiting, willing to listen to whatever I needed.

"Nothing, just wanted to call your name."

I smiled, shy and a little sheepish, but also proud. It was the smallest act of rebellion, but it made me feel brave.

Derek suddenly let out a heavy breath.

He ran a hand through his hair, shoulders relaxing as if he’d just let go of a burden.

His chest heaved noticeably.

He quickly screwed on the jewelry, then avoided my gaze, tidying up his tools.

He fumbled with his tray, focus slipping for just a second. I pretended not to notice, heart racing.

"Alright, be careful when you go home. Don't get it wet, avoid smoking, drinking, and greasy food until it heals."

He paused, as if remembering something.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, hiding a smile. He sounded like a worried parent, but his eyes told a different story.

"Don't let it get inflamed again, okay?"

His words were half-teasing, half-serious. I nodded, making a silent promise.

"If you have any questions, you can message me."

His eyes flickered, just a hint of hope shining through. I bit back a grin, feeling lighter than I had all week.

Derek took out his phone, pulling up his Venmo QR code, his eyes showing a hint of hesitation.

He tapped the screen, making sure I saw it. I wondered if his heart was racing like mine.

Afraid he'd change his mind, I quickly scanned it and added him as a contact.

My hands shook, but I made sure to double-check that the contact saved—just in case. My pulse skipped as the app pinged me with his info.

Explaining things over Messenger works too, hehe.

I allowed myself a tiny, secret smile. Suddenly, the world felt a little brighter.

My mood instantly brightened.

I hopped off the chair, stuffing my phone into my pocket, feeling bold.

"Then I'll go now."

He looked up, a little sad, a little hopeful.

"Mm, take care."

After I left, I saw the barrage: *[Derek's heart is breaking, sitting alone in the back room, afraid to hear anything he shouldn't.]* *[He finally convinced himself not to fight for her, but as soon as the girl called his name, his feelings all came rushing back, LOL.]* *[Derek still doesn't know the engagement is fake. If the girl says anything soft, he's afraid he'll convince himself to be the backup guy on the spot.]* *[No way, our devoted tattooed guy is just that humble—insecurity is a man's best offering.]*

I blinked, walking out into the New York dusk, feeling like the city lights were a little softer than usual.