Ellinor nodded, âYeahâ
Byran stared at her, his feelings a mixed bag despite getting the agreement he needed Ellinor, not wanting to talk about Theo anymore, casually changed the subject. âOh, by the way, I bumped into Balfour in K city today Byranâs pupils constricted immediately, and his water glass slipped from his hand.
Luckily. Ellinor was quick on the draw and caught the glass, saving the hospital sheets from getting drenched.
Byran swallowed hard, cautiously asking. âDid you tell him Iâm in K city?â
âNot yet.â
Ellinor put the glass on the side table, âI was about to ask if you wanted me to give your bro a heads up. He can pick you up from the hospital and take you home for some TLC Byran heaved a sigh of relief upon realizing Ellinor hadnât spilled the beans about his K city escapade, then shook his head, indicating his stand, âNo way! Donât you dare tell my brother Iâll head home first thing in the morning!â
Before Ellinor could respond, the door to the hospital room swung open Balfour strode in, exuding an air of elegance, âDid you really think I wouldnât find out about your sneaky K city trip even if she didnât tell me?â
Byran froze as he noticed the newcomer, and a chill ran down his spine.
He stammered, âBro how did youâ¦?â
Before Balfour could answer, Byran shot Ellinor a reproachful look.
Ellinor, equally surprised by Balfourâs appearance, shrugged and threw up her hands, âI swear I didnât tell him!â
Balfour glanced at Ellinor, then slowly approached Byranâs bed, âWith your survival skills, you thought you could bail on school? It hasnât even been a day and youâre already in the hospital?â
Byran defended himself, âBro. I didnât bail. I just wanted to have some fun in K city for a day. Iâll head home on my own tomorrow.â
Balfour sneered, âHow did you end up battered and bruised if you just wanted to have fun?â
Feeling wronged, Byran explained, âIt was an accident. I was trying to save a woman, and in my haste, I bumped my head. She was ill, so Balfour, running out of patience, cut him off, âHow can someone who canât take care of himself have the bandwidth to worry about others? If you want to help others, first you need to be capable! Are you trying to play the good Samaritan? Youâre biting off more than you can chew!â
Byran hung his head in dejection, not daring to utter another word.
He thought doing a good deed might earn him some points from Balfour, or maybe even a bit of praise.
But all he got was a scolding.
The tears heâd been holding back trickled down his cheeks.
He hung his head low, he didnât want anyone to see him crying. It was too embarrassing, but he couldnât help himself.
Ellinor, sitting by the side, saw Byranâs tears wetting the sheets, causing her to squint and furrow her brows.
She pondered for a moment before speaking up, âExcuse me, Mr. Howard, may I say something?â