Part 19

"Yes. You were right. We went and shopped together."

Athena, who was at a loss for an answer, was surprised when Grey answered. Grey then walked towards them, standing beside Athena. "Just show him the shopping bag. What's wrong with shopping with me?" Grey then looked at Noah and smiled. "It's okay, right, Noah?"

Noah, who was surprised, came to his senses and nodded. "O—of course it's okay. It's just that you and Athena have always been enemies, everyone knows that. You don't want to be with Athena for a while. Why are you shopping with Athena this time? Athena wants it too. You're not messing around, are you?" Noah asked seriously.

Grey smiled asymmetrically. "Yes. That's right. We were enemies. But, I'm trying to get close to her. You will go on duty later. If we continue to be enemies, how will I keep my promise to look after her?" Grey replied, making Noah unable to answer.

"Yes. That's right. We're fine, Noah. I was just helping him with some shopping. He wanted to buy some men's accessories. I helped pick them out. It's not good to keep fighting, is it?" Athena added.

"Helping with the shopping? That's not really you, Grey. You're usually the laziest to shop with."

Shit-Grey cursed inwardly. Athena wasn't helping, but making his work more difficult. However, Grey tried to calm down and smiled.

"Yes. I just had a sudden urge to go shopping. This woman is also better off buying some clothes. I bought her some too. So, fair."

"You bought her too?" asked Noah in surprise and Grey nodded.

"Athena, come with me, I want to ask you to look at some of the things I should give to Ocean. I'm confused."

"H-huh? Choosing what you mean? Didn't you just—"

Grey deliberately cleared her throat, inwardly cursing because Athena's brain was really stupid. Athena only realized afterwards that Grey was about to help her.

"O-oh, yes. That's right. I want to help him. He chooses two random items constantly, he wants to give them to Ocean, I'll help him choose the right one. You just go back to your room, Noah. You have to leave tomorrow, there's a lot to prepare, right?"

"I—"

"When you're done cleaning up, you'd better take care of your work. Someone already called," Grey interrupted, pointing at Noah's pants pocket. There was a phone call. "Just take care of it. I'll bring Athena."

"Alright. Don't do anything, Grey."

"Calm down. I won't shoot her. Let's go."

Grey then carried Athena's grocery bag with one hand, the other hand he used to pull Athena's hand away from there. It did not escape Noah's sight.

***

"Athena has been in Mr. Grey's room since she came home."

Noah clenched his hands into fists to vent the uneasy feeling he had been feeling ever since Karin had told him that information - to be precise, ever since Grey had taken Athena away. Noah had been in Athena's room, waiting for her, but she still hadn't returned. From the afternoon until now Athena had been in Grey's room.

This was the first time they had such an intense interaction. However, they were already this close. Noah became restless.

He hadn't left yet, Grey and Athena were already this close, what if he left? Actually it wasn't a problem, the problem was what if before he came back and got Athena officially engaged, Athena already liked Grey?

"Noah!"

Noah woke up from his reverie and Athena was already in front of him. Noah smiled. "Athena." Noah then immediately pulled Athena and hugged her. Athena was surprised. "You're finally back," he said with relief.

Athena frowned. "Of course. Where could I have gone? What's wrong with you, Noah? I've been calling you, too, but you didn't answer me."

"Really? I didn't hear it."

"Yes, you were daydreaming. What were you thinking about? Are you okay?" Athena asked worriedly.

Noah smiled. "Yeah. I'm fine. Where were you? Have you been in Grey's room since earlier?" Noah asked for confirmation.

"Before I answer that, try looking to the side, Noah."

Noah frowned. Noah then followed Athena's instructions. Noah was surprised to see a gift box. "Gift box?" asked Noah and Athena nodded several times. "For me? Why, it's not my birthday, Athena."

"It's not just the birthday person who should be given something, right? Here. You open it first."

Athena sat down next to Noah, then handed the box to Noah. Noah followed Athena's request to open it. Noah smiled to see that there were sweaters, clothes, hats, lipbalm, and so on.

"This is for you. Supplies while you're there. Surprise! How was it? Do you like it?" asked Athena.

Noah immediately nodded. "Yes. I like it. But, when did you buy it? When you were with Grey earlier? Then, what did you use to buy it? Grey's money?"

"Yes! That's why I went with him. To buy all this for you. I didn't tell you right away because it was a surprise."

"Oh, I see. But, Grey agreed to give you the money? He didn't ask for anything in return, right?"

Athena was silent. It wasn't just Athena who always thought badly of Grey, Noah too. As evidenced by Noah looking at her suspiciously. However, Athena couldn't let Noah know about the deal. Athena didn't want to worry Noah.

Athena smiled and shook her head. "No. Never mind. It's better to talk about yourself. Noah, promise me that you'll come back as soon as the business is done."

Noah smiled, his attention finally distracted and he nodded. "Of course. Athena, you'll wait for me to come back, right?"

"Of course. I'll always wait for you, Noah."

Noah only forced a smile at that. That was not Noah's only intention. Noah also hoped that Athena's heart was also waiting for him.

Noah hoped that Athena wouldn't love anyone else until he returned. However, Noah certainly didn't dare to say it.

***

"Athena, don't cry."

Noah tried to calm Athena, who was now crying because she was afraid Noah would leave. Grey who saw it shook his head. Spoiled - Grey thought. Today Noah had to leave immediately and they were at the door to send Noah off on duty.

"Already, don't be spoiled anymore." Grey pulled Athena's hand away from Noah. "You've been like this for half an hour. Noah won't be able to leave later. If he misses the bus, will you take responsibility?"

"Grey."

Noah gave Grey a stern look, then Noah held Grey's wrist that was holding Athena, letting go.

"Grey, I'll be leaving soon. You promised not to bother Athena. Take care of Athena. I hope, don't break your promise, even on the first day."