The stunning man who had come out first said, "Charles, you two go ahead and chat. I'll just go grab that for you."

Charles gave him a nod and a smirk. "Thanks, Laird, you're best!"

Laird Borden rolled his eyes, turned on his heel, and headed downstairs, leaving Charles and me in an awkward silence.

I wondered, "What's he going to fetch?

It can't be...

I don't even want to know.

My mind's already in the gutter."

Charles leaned in closer, studying my face with an amused look. "Hey, Lillian, you're making some pretty strange faces. What's going on in that head of yours?"

My face flushed uncontrollably, and I stammered, "Nothing, nothing! Just, uh, stay away from me."

I pushed him away, my mind momentarily drifting into a different scene.

Charles squinted at me, observing my behavior closely. "Lillian, something's definitely off. Wait a minute... are you actually into me?"

My eyes widened in shock, and before I could deny anything, I saw Laird walking back up the stairs.

I thought, "Oh no, he definitely heard that. Please don't let him think I'm some kind of third wheel!"

"Here."

Laird reached Charles and handed him a cylindrical object. I didn't dare to look closely, but it seemed like some sort of tube.

3.

"Hey, Lillian, why are you covering your eyes?!"

I was trying to adhere to the principle of seeing no evil, so I kept my eyes shut. But when Charles asked his question, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

I thought, "Seriously, could you not be so open about everything?"

I said, "It's nothing. I just accidentally left the key to my room's drawer here when I was at your place. Have you seen it?"

I kept my eyes covered, not daring to look at them or the thing Charles was holding.

Despite his puzzled expression, Charles answered, "Yeah, I saw it. You and your forgetfulness—when are you going to fix that? I've put it away in my room. Come with me and I'll get it for you."

I quickly protested, "No, no need to go to all that trouble. Just bring it out to me."

Charles frowned deeply. "Lillian, have you hit your head or something?"

"Huh? What? No... not at all..."

I lowered my hand, looking at him in confusion. He laughed softly and said, "Then why does it seem like your brain's on the fritz?"

Seriously... whatever. I decided not to argue and focused on getting that key and getting out of there.

I was worried that if I stayed any longer, I might start tearing up.