In all of Lola’s life, she hadn’t met anyone who could see through her as much as Atlas. Perhaps Amala could sense when something was wrong, but Lola had become an expert at putting on a good front lately. People took her at her word when she said she was fine, and she preferred it that way. No one bothered her. Yet, for some reason, no matter how well she hid, he just knew.
And... I’m starting to get worried that he might...
Lola quietly snuck a look at him. Atlas was watching the movie with her as promised, although this time, she wasn’t focused at all.
I’m worried that he might read more than he should.
Yet, despite that lingering worry, she felt... comforted. Someone could see through not just her lies, but her pain, and the things she wanted—perhaps, even needed.
Another shallow breath escaped her as she sulked in her spot, hugging a cushion. She snapped her eyes back to the television, but her mind was too distracted to enjoy. She touched the top of her head and smiled subtly, only to wince quietly.
God... why did it have to be with him?
Minutes passed with Lola mentally beating herself up for letting her heart skip a beat over a simple pat on the head. Eventually, her mind gave up, and sleep slowly crept in. Before she knew it, she was out.
When the film ended, Atlas clicked his tongue.
"What a horrible film," he whispered, finally peeling his gaze from the screen to her. "Don’t pick next time."
She didn’t answer or move.
"Lola."
Still, nothing.
"Did you fall asleep?" he asked before moving closer to check. Her eyes were closed, and she was sleeping peacefully. "No wonder I had to watch all of it."
He believed that if she were awake, she would have shared the same sentiment. Unless she had such horrible taste, which he doubted. Atlas glanced at the empty wine bottle, which she had downed almost all by herself.
Another short breath escaped him as he gazed down at her. "Don’t sleep here, Lola." He shook her shoulder mildly, but got no reaction.
Atlas tried a few more times, but nothing. He considered just letting her sleep on the couch, as she had done his first night here. However, he also recalled how she had woken up with a stiff neck.
"If you’ll excuse me," he whispered, standing beside her. He bent over, slid his arms under her neck and legs, and in one swift motion, he lifted her into his arms.
"Mhm..." she grunted, adjusting in his arms until her head rested on his chest.
Atlas paused, peeking down at her. A subtle smile appeared on his face as she fell back into sleep. Without a word, he carried her toward her bedroom. His steps were slow and careful, making sure she wouldn’t wake up.
But before he could even reach her room, he paused and turned his head in the direction of his own.
"..." Atlas gazed down at her again, spending a few seconds weighing his options.
The second he made his decision, he resumed his steps and took her to her bedroom. Even if he was tempted to take her to his room, he could just imagine her accusing eyes the next day. It didn’t take long for them to reach her bedroom.
Atlas carefully put her down on the bed, cautious not to wake her. Once he was certain she was deep asleep, he easily pulled his hand from her legs. He was about to carefully pull his other arm from under her neck when she suddenly turned on her side, facing him.
Again, he paused before he continued. Only then did he realize he had a new problem.
"I’ll wake you up if you don’t move away," he said flatly, but what did she do?
She hugged his arm like a head pillow, locking him in.
"Lola," he called, but his voice was somehow quieter. "My arm."
If one had heard him, they would wonder if he was even trying. For the next few seconds, Atlas stayed bent over, his arm trapped, her arms wrapped around it.
He lowered his head until it was a palm’s length away from her. Slowly, the corners of his mouth hooked up.
"... Okay."
****
The next morning...
"Hmm..." Lola moaned, pulling her firm pillow tighter. Her mind was slowly gaining consciousness, but her body had melted into her pillow. She hugged her pillow tighter. Despite its firmness, it was warm and comfortable—perfect for a cold morning.
I don’t want to get up yet, she thought, keeping her eyes closed as she rested her leg over her firm pillow. So warm. Smells so nice...
Her thoughts trailed off as she thought of her pillow.
Hang on... Her brows knitted as she ran her palm over her pillow. I don’t have a hug pillow as firm as this.
The second that thought crossed her mind, her entire body froze. Her heart thudded in her chest, scared to open her eyes. But then, a warm hand slid onto the exposed part of her waist.
Lola’s eyes snapped open, almost popping out of their sockets. Lying right in front of her was... him.
Atlas.
Her mouth fell open, dumbfounded by this dream-like morning view.
Am I... am I dreaming? Please... somebody, tell me this is just one of those dreams.
But amid her mental panic, Atlas calmly opened his eyes. He kept them partially open, just enough to meet her gaze.
He smiled very subtly and pulled her closer. "Good morning."
And just like that, her hope that this was just a dream was shattered mercilessly. It wasn’t a dream. It was...
"!!!" Shocked to her core, the first thing she did was gaze down under the blanket. "Oh, god..."
Seeing herself still clothed felt like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Lola clasped her chest, heaving a sigh of relief. Once she recovered, she cast him a death glare. He was now propping his head on his knuckles.
"Atlas, what in the world..." she trailed off as she noticed the door.
Slowly, she turned her head, just in time to catch three figures peeking through the small gap before they quietly closed it. As if that would make her unsee them.
She gasped in dismay. "I saw you, you guys!"