CHAPTER 345: WHEN FATE GIVES YOU BISCOTTI, TAKE AN ANTACID

Darcy pushed back his chair so suddenly that the wooden legs scraped across the polished floor. His chest tightened at the sight of Micah leaning forward, hand covering his mouth, skin paling by the second. "Micah? What’s the matter?" Darcy’s voice broke with alarm as he hurried around the table, gripping Micah’s wrist before tugging his hand away from his lips. "Is it because of that biscotti? How many did you have?" His forehead wrinkled as he searched Micah’s face.

Darcy remembered how violently he had reacted to the biscotti earlier. Yes, he hated sweets, but maybe it hadn’t been his dislike. Maybe they really were spoiled. And now, Micah was paying for it, pale and nauseated.

Seth stood up as well. "Let’s go see a doctor," he said firmly, stepping toward them. He couldn’t let the boy who had once saved his brother collapse in front of him.

Micah’s eyes flashed between the two of them, feeling more nauseated. One of them would get hurt emotionally because the other one perished under questionable circumstances in a future no one knew. The pressure of both fates pressed in on him, leaving him dizzy.

Swallowing hard, forcing down the bile rising in his throat, Micah lifted a shaky hand in dismissal. "It’s okay. I should just take my antacid pills and I’ll be fine," he said, fishing out a blister pack from his pocket and popping one pill into his mouth.

Darcy watched him in worry until the colour returned to Micah’s face a little. "Alright. Let’s go back to the dorm then." He straightened slowly, though his hand brushed Micah’s shoulder, unwilling to let him stand alone.

Seth stood where he was, broad shoulders tense, his eyes shadowed with worry and something more complicated. He knew Micah had no idea he was Leo’s older brother. So his reaction was expected. But what he couldn’t understand was why he seemed terrified.

"Are you sure?" Seth asked, his voice doubtful.

Micah gulped down a mouthful of water. Then, he stretched out his hand, returning the wallet to Seth. His lips lifted into a strained smile that barely reached his eyes. "Instructor, I’m sorry," he said softly. "I can’t agree to your request. But if there is something else you need my help with, I’ll be happy to assist." His fingers curled against his palm. He paused before he spoke again, voice trembling. "And please be careful not to get hurt..."

Micah bit inside of his cheek immediately after, forcing himself not to reveal his emotion more than he did already. He couldn’t pry into the military missions. And truthfully, he couldn’t tell Seth that danger lurked somewhere in his future. He had no proof, no concrete knowledge, just his assumption. Maybe Leo in the book was just sick in his head. Still, the warning slipped out before Micah could stop it.

Seth’s sternness softened at those words, though his eyes still filled with disappointment. "Sure," he said, lips pressing into a faint line. "My little brother is under too much pressure. If you couldn’t see him face-to-face..." His gaze met Micah’s again, unflinching. "Could you at least let him text you? I know I am being shameless, but his state is not good. He had locked himself in his room, not talking to anyone. Before, he at least had a fire in him, fighting back against the people who tried to drag him down. Now... he seemed to have given up entirely."

Micah turned his head instinctively to Darcy as if searching for permission. He didn’t owe Leo anything. He wasn’t under any obligation to help him. But he was afraid. Afraid Leo became twisted and projected all his unhealthy traits on Darcy again like in the novel. He couldn’t let that happen.

"Mr McKay," Micah said finally, voice firmer this time though his eyes avoided Seth’s. "I don’t want to have any form of connection or communication with him. No calls. No texts. But I know the general situation he is in. I’ll see if I can help him with his contract."

Seth’s expression dimmed. But he didn’t press. He had expected this answer. Still, hearing it aloud stung. He opened his mouth, prepared to ask why, why Micah refused Leo so coldly, but the intensity of Darcy’s stare stopped him. The younger boy’s eyes were sharp, hostile even, like warning him not to step closer. Seth stilled, then shook his head inwardly.

"Thanks," he said instead. "I appreciate it. Our family is in your debt." He smiled, hiding his frustration and grabbed his cap, adjusting the brim and tipped his head in a crisp nod. "I’ll take my leave. Please enjoy the meal. It’s my treat." With that, he returned on his heel and left the private room.

Micah remained standing beside Darcy in silence. He shifted uncomfortably before murmuring, "Should we leave or stay?"

Darcy finally released Micah’s shoulder. "I’m fine with whatever you decide," he said gently, though his brows knit with lingering concern. "But are you really alright?"

Micah nodded once, though the tightness around his mouth betrayed him. His appetite had long since vanished. "Let’s pack and go back. I promised Nick and Eddie I’d treat them tonight and tomorrow as an apology."

Darcy pressed the small bell on the side table. The faint chime carried through the door, summoning the waitress.

As they waited, Micah ran a hand through his white hair. He hadn’t even asked Seth how he found out he was the one who had helped Leo. Honestly, what did it matter? The cat was out of the bag. What unsettled him more was the risk hovering over Darcy. At least, for now, Seth seemed not to recognise him as a kid from their old neighbourhood. Otherwise, he would have used it to get close to him. Right?

He turned his head toward Darcy. "Hey," he asked after a pause, his voice low. "Did you know what we were talking about?"

Darcy shook his head.

"I thought so..." Micah mumbled, eyes narrowing. "Then, why did you go against him?"

Darcy tugged at his collar, eyes darting away. "I know who his brother is."

"You know?" Micah asked incredulously.

"Mm. He’s that famous star. Leo McKay. We lived in their neighbourhood when I was a kid," Darcy said.

Micah’s pupils trembled. So Darcy had known all along who Leo was? And even who was Seth? Then why? Why had he never sought them out? Why was he cold instead of eager? When the novel painted him otherwise, when Darcy had been as happy as Leo to get reconnected with his childhood friend. When he had called him brother with warmth and joy. Then what was with this cold attitude and even hostility toward the McKays?