Chapter 19

chapter Eighteen

Tristan let out a heavy sigh, his face filled with regret. "I'm really sorry, guys," he began, his voice tinged with guilt. "I knew you would be coming over, Tessa, and I wanted to prepare something special for you. So, I went out to buy groceries and started cooking. But while I was slicing the vegetables, the knife slipped, and I accidentally cut my hand. It started bleeding, and I had to rush to the nearby pharmacy to get it treated."

Lucas, feeling the weight of Tessa's worry and frustration, chimed in with a mix of irritation and understanding. "I tried to tell Tessa that you had gone out to get food and that you'd be back soon. But she got really worried and even shouted at me," he explained, shooting a quick glance at Tessa.

Tessa's face flushed with embarrassment as she realized the impact of her overreaction on Lucas. She turned to him, her voice filled with genuine remorse. "Lucas, I'm so sorry for shouting at you. I let my worry get the best of me, and I should have listened to you. Please forgive me," she pleaded, her eyes reflecting her sincere regret.

Lucas, recognizing Tessa's genuine remorse, nodded with a forgiving smile. "Of course, Tessa. I understand. Let's just be glad that Tristan is okay," he replied, his tone reflecting his forgiveness and relief.

Tessa's attention returned to Tristan, her concern shifting to his injured hand. Her voice softened, a mix of worry and scolding lacing her words. "Tristan, you shouldn't have gone through all that trouble. You're still unwell, and cooking was too much for you to handle. We could have easily gone to a restaurant or ordered something to eat instead," she said, her voice filled with concern for his well-being.

Tristan winced as Tessa touched his wounded hand, a pained expression crossing his face. "Yes, it hurts. Please, leave it," he groaned, his discomfort evident.

Meanwhile, Lucas couldn't help but observe the interaction between Tessa and Tristan, feeling a twinge of jealousy rising within him. He struggled to understand his own emotions, questioning the dynamics of their friendship and the reasons behind his jealousy.

Inwardly, Lucas pondered, "What do they think they're doing? Shouldn't they be more aware of my presence? Why am I feeling this jealousy? Hmm..."

Sensing the tension in the room, Tessa gently withdrew her hand from Tristan's wound, her concern still evident in her eyes. "Okay, Tristan. We won't touch it anymore. But please, let us take care of you. You're not in a condition to cook or take care of yourself completely," she pleaded, her tone filled with genuine care and worry.

Tristan's eyes softened, appreciating Tessa's genuine concern. "Thank you, Tessa. I didn't mean to worry you both. I'm sorry," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude for their friendship and understanding.

Just as they began to ease the tension and move past the incident, Lucas couldn't resist interjecting with a touch of humor. "So, guys, what are we eating? I'm really famished," he exclaimed, trying to lighten the mood.

Tristan chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "You and food, Lucas. You'll never change," he remarked playfully, appreciating the lightheartedness Lucas brought to the situation.

The trio shared a moment of laughter, the tension from earlier dissipating with each passing moment. Tessa couldn't help but smile, grateful for the harmony that was restored between them. "Alright, alright. Let's figure out our next move," she said, regaining her composure.

Lucas, still playfully bantering, responded, "Fine, I would love to help prepare something, but someone might starve to death waiting." He glanced at Tessa, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Tessa rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please, don't pretend like you didn't understand what I meant," she retorted, joining in on the banter. Their laughter filled the room once again, the tension now a distant memory.

Breaking the lighthearted moment, Tessa turned to Tristan with a more serious expression. "Alright, jokes aside, I think we should go out to eat at a nice restaurant. It's a way for us to celebrate your return safely and make up for the whole ordeal," she suggested, her eyes filled with warmth and sincerity.

Tristan, grateful for their concern and feeling a sense of responsibility for causing the commotion, nodded in agreement. "You're right, Tessa. I appreciate your understanding and forgiveness. Let's go out and enjoy a good meal. Consider it my treat," he said, mustering a smile.

With their plans settled, the trio gathered their belongings and made their way out of the apartment. As they walked down the hallway, their conversation filled with laughter and anticipation, they were unaware of a mysterious figure observing them from a distance.

Just as they reached the building's entrance, the mysterious figure suddenly materialized for a brief moment before vanishing again. The sight was fleeting, and none of them noticed, their attention consumed by the excitement of their evening plans.

As they stepped out into the evening air, ready to embark on their dinner outing, none of them could predict the twists and turns that awaited them. Their journey was about to take an intriguing and unforeseen detour, forever altering the course of their lives.