I didn’t respond, only waited until the storm outside had calmed down a bit before gently moving Neil aside. “The balcony door won’t close, could you give it a shot for me?”
Neil nodded and went to check the door.
The rain was still pouring and the wind hadn’t stopped. After Neil finished checking and closing the balcony door, his clothes were completely soaked, and so was his hair. The sound from the storm outside significantly decreased once the door was closed. I handed Neil a dry towel, “Thanks, dry your hair.”
Neil took the towel and casually dried his hair. His shirt was mainly wet on the right side, from his shoulder to his lower back. The soaked fabric clung to his body, outlining his muscles that shifted with his movements. I silently pulled my gaze away, assuming that Neil would leave once he finished drying his hair.
“Why did you choose to live here?” Neil suddenly asked.
“It’s close to work and also close to Harold’s place.” I simply replied.
“But it’s not very safe here and the facilities aren’t great.” Neil seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the living conditions.
I was surprised, “Then why did you choose to live here?”
He paused for a moment before giving a small smile, “Same as you, it’s close to work.”
Since we had started chatting, I decided to ask a few questions I was curious about. Sitting on the sofa, I asked, “How long is your project here? When are you planning on heading back?”
Neil pondered for a moment before replying calmly, “Not sure. I suppose you're eager for me to go back, right? Don't worry, I won't be a bother.”
I couldn’t help but retort, “You used to say I was the one bothering you.”
The atmosphere instantly became awkward, and the air seemed to freeze. I hadn’t intended to bring up the past; the words just slipped out.
Suddenly Neil’s gaze fell onto a small bottle on the coffee table. He reached out to grab it, but I quickly picked it up before he could. He looked puzzled, “What medication are you taking?”
That was the folic acid I was currently taking, I had forgotten to put it away after taking it last night.
I clenched the small bottle in my hand, feeling a bit nervous myself. Then, I attempted to respond calmly, “It’s just some vitamins, prescribed by my doctor. I have a vitamin deficiency.”
“Let me see.” Neil reached out his hand.
“No need, it’s my business, you don’t need to worry about it.” I rejected him.
Neil didn’t believe me, and furrowed his brows, “Irene, give me the medication.”
I got up and started walking towards the bedroom, “I’m going to sleep, you should go too. Thanks for your help tonight.”
Neil also stood up and followed me. As I tried to close the bedroom door, he blocked it with his hand and I couldn’t close it no matter how hard I tried.
I was getting a bit angry, “Neil, let go!”
“Let me see the medication. I know it’s not vitamins. I want to know about your health.” Neil was taller than me, and he looked down at me with a serious expression.
“Why do you care about my health? Let go of me or else don’t blame me for getting rough!” I had no other way to deal with Neil, except with my teeth and nails. Once I finished speaking, I started waving my hands, ready to scratch Neil’s arm.
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