Back to Familiar Grounds

"Nothing much," Akai replied to Savannah's question, her voice laced with a hint of indifference.

"Let's get back to our houses," John suggested, his voice laced with exhaustion. "I am tired after this long journey. I can't wait to spend the rest of my time in bed." He yawned, stretching his arms above his head.

Akai raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "You're always talking about sleep, John," she said, a hint of teasing in her voice. "What's going on? Did you have a rough flight?"

John chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, I'm just not a fan of long journeys. And besides, sleep is the best, don't you think?" He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Akai shrugged, looking away. "I guess," she said, her voice noncommittal. But she couldn't help wondering why John was so fond of sleep. She had heard from Ryder that John was a bit of a sleep enthusiast, but she had never really understood why.

As they bid each other goodbye, John drove off in his car, arranged by his family. Akai watched him go, her mind wandering to the Smith family, one of the leading companies in the world, alongside the Thompsons. She had always been fascinated by the dynamics of powerful families like theirs.

"Ryder, please drop me at my house," Savannah requested, her voice soft and gentle, as she leaned forward to grab his hand. Her eyes locked onto his, filled with a deep trust and understanding.

"Okay," Ryder agreed, his voice warm and reassuring, as he squeezed her hand briefly before letting go. "I'll get you home safe and sound, Savannah."

Akai watched their interaction, feeling a pang of insecurity in her chest. She couldn't help but notice the way Savannah's eyes sparkled when she looked at Ryder, the way her voice softened when she spoke to him. It was as if they shared a secret language, a connection that excluded everyone else.

Akai stood rooted to her spot, feeling a pang of hurt and exclusion as Ryder and Savannah walked ahead without her. She had assumed she was part of the group, but now it seemed she was merely a tag-along.

As Ryder approached her, he noticed her absence and looked back, his eyes locking onto hers with a questioning gaze. "Are you not coming with us?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

Akai hesitated, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside her. She didn't want to be left behind, but she also didn't want to intrude on their private moment. "Yeah," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll come."

As they approached the car, Mr. Jack, the chauffeur of the Thompson family, greeted Ryder with a warm smile. "Welcome back, Young Master."

Akai's eyes met Mr. Jack's, and she felt a surge of warmth and familiarity. She had missed him, and it was good to see him again. "How are you, Uncle Jack?" she asked, her voice filled with affection.

Mr. Jack's face creased into a smile. "Good, miss. It's great to see you again. You look well."

Ryder slipped into the passenger seat, followed by Savannah, who sat beside him, their bodies angled towards each other in a way that excluded Akai. She felt a pang of jealousy and decided to sit in the copilot seat, away from the intimate atmosphere in the back seat.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Akai gazed out the window, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She felt like an outsider, a mere observer in a world that didn't quite belong to her. But she was determined to make the most of it, to find her place in this strange new world.

Akai's mind wandered back to the carefree days when she and Ryder would spend hours together, laughing and exploring the world around them. A soft smile spread across her face as she remembered the joy and freedom of those moments.

As the car glided through the streets, Akai's gaze drifted to the rearview mirror, her eyes drawn to Ryder's chiseled features. His eyes were closed. She wondered if he was tired, her heart filled with a gentle concern.

Ryder's angular jawline and sharp nose seemed even more defined in the dim light of the car. His hair, a rich, dark brown, fell across his forehead in a messy swoop. Akai's heart skipped a beat as she took in the strong lines of his face, the curve of his lips, and the sharp angle of his chin. He was even more handsome than she remembered, his features refined and chiseled like a work of art.

The car slowed to a stop outside Savannah's villa, a grandiose structure with towering spires and sweeping arches. The walls were a soft, creamy stone, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate balconies. The grounds were immaculately manicured, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers spilling over the edges of the driveway.

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Savannah bid him goodbye and went to her house. The car drove towards the Thompson's residence.

As the car pulled up to the Thompson's residence, Akai's heart raced with excitement and a hint of nervousness. She opened the door and thanked Uncle Jack, her voice filled with gratitude. As she stepped out of the car, the warm sunshine enveloped her, a stark contrast to the cool interior of the vehicle.

Mrs. Thompson, Ryder's mom, stood outside, her eyes shining with tears of joy. She rushed towards Ryder, her arms open wide, and enveloped him in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much, son," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Ryder's face lit up with a warm smile as he returned his mother's embrace, his eyes closed in contentment. The warmth of their reunion was palpable, a sense of love and connection that filled the air.

Akai watched the tender moment, her heart swelling with happiness for her friends. She felt a pang of nostalgia, remembering the times she had spent with Ryder and his family, the laughter and adventures they had shared.

As Ryder pulled back from his mother's embrace, , his mother smiled, her face radiant with joy.

"Welcome to Home Ryder."

Ryder and his mother walked into the living room, Akai trailing behind them, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort wash over her. The room was cozy, with plush furniture and soft lighting, and Akai couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the times she had spent here with Ryder and his family.

"Go to your room and get freshened up, then come downstairs to eat," Mrs. Thompson said to Ryder, her voice filled with a mother's warmth and concern.

Ryder nodded, his eyes smiling, and headed up the stairs to his room. Akai watched him go, feeling a pang of fondness for her friend.

As Mrs. Thompson bustled into the kitchen, Akai decided to lend a hand. She followed her into the kitchen, her eyes taking in the delicious aromas of roasting vegetables and baking bread. Her stomach growled in anticipation.

"Let me help you," Akai said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I can set the table or chop some vegetables."

Mrs. Thompson turned to her, a warm smile on her face. "Thank you, dear," she said, her eyes shining with appreciation. "You're always so helpful. Let's get everything ready together."

Together, Akai and Mrs. Thompson worked in harmony, their movements fluid and practiced. Akai felt a sense of belonging, of being part of a family, and her heart swelled with gratitude. She knew that this was where she belonged, surrounded by people who cared for her and made her feel loved.