CHAPTER 480: OFFERING COMFORT [2]

As the night deepened, Coco found herself being bored staying in bed so in the heat of boredom, she asked Zaque if she could go downstairs.

Coco, aided by Zaque, carefully descended the stairs, each step taken slowly and cautiously— the house was bathed in soft moonlight, creating shadows that danced along the walls which made the house seem more peaceful than usual.

Zaque was at Coco’s side, his arm wrapped around her waist to provide support as she made her way down.

Coco’s steps were slow and unsteady when she tried to walk on her own, her legs still weak from her extended period of unconsciousness so Zaque took it upon himself to help her get down.

She’s grateful for the help of the mediator, but..

Coco’s frown deepened, the sense of helplessness and uselessness gnawing at her.

She couldn’t help, but feel frustrated as her weakened state became increasingly apparent with each step she took while receiving Zaque’s support which only served as a reminder of her own temporary fragility.

With every strained movement, Coco clenched her jaw a little tighter, her pride taking a hit as she begrudgingly leaned on Zaque’s assistance.

She hates asking someone for help— much more now that she had to lean on the fragile and gentle mediator’s body just for her to keep walking straight without falling on her bottom and accidentally hurting herself.

I hate this. Coco grimaced, the crease of her eyebrows deepening further.

Zaque cast a glance at Coco’s face, his eyes noticing the rare sight of her expression filled with deep concentration.

Despite her frustration and helplessness, there was an undeniable determination etched in the lines of her face so he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips.

Seeing Coco like this, with her guard down and her vulnerability on display, was a rare occurrence.

It stirred different feelings within him— sympathy, protectiveness, and a strange sense of happiness, but the last emotion immediately got shaken off when he realized that it was rude of him.

Zaque sighed through his nose and continued helping Coco down the stairs.

After slowly descending the stairs, Zaque carefully guided Coco towards the living room, his supportive grip on her waist still firm and steady.

As they entered the living room, they found the magical television already turned on, casting a soft, ethereal glow in the room— the sight of it made Coco’s lips part from surprise.

Zaque carefully helped Coco to settle on the couch, making sure she was comfortable and stabilized before gently letting go of her.

However, as much as she was comfortable, Coco’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she glanced around the living room.

She had clearly stated her desire to head to the kitchen to satisfy her hunger, but here she was, seated on a couch with Zaque so with a perplexed frown on her face, she turned her gaze towards him.

"What are we doing here? I thought we were going to the kitchen so I could eat." Coco inquired, pursing her lips.

As if on cue, just as Coco pondered the question more, a sound reached her ears— the distinct sound of something being pushed out of the kitchen on wheels.

The noise immediately grabbed her attention and her gaze instinctively shifted past Zaque, her curiosity piqued.

She tried to crane her neck to get a better view, attempting to see what was being wheeled into the living room, but the source of sound got closer and closer until it finally revealed itself.

Coco’s lips parted in surprise once more as her eyes widened, catching sight of Heiren pushing a cart into the living room.

The unexpected sight prompted a startled question to slip past her lips. "What’s this?"

Coco’s curiosity was piqued, her confusion clear as she watched the cart being rolled closer, making her lean forward slightly on the couch, her gaze fixed on the unknown contents of the cart, waiting for an explanation.

Heiren’s smile radiated warmth as he addressed Coco, explaining their intentions.

"We had originally planned to watch something with you on the day before you passed out." He began, his tone carrying a hint of sadness at the interrupted plans, but he continued, his smile still in place.

"Since circumstances prevented us from doing so then, we thought that now that you’re awake and can move around, why not bring your meal to you in the living room while you watch whatever show you want?" Heiren hummed out, tilting his head to Coco.

Coco’s lips quivered and tears welled up in her eyes, catching Zaque and Heiren off guard.

Panic surged through their beings as they witnessed her emotional reaction, their concern deepening further.

Zaque’s grip on Coco’s shoulder tightened a little, his eyes wide with worry as he exchanged a quick, anxious glance with Heiren, both of them scrambling to understand what had triggered such an emotional outburst from Coco.

Then, Heiren quickly moved the cart close to the coffee table, letting go of it and dropping to his knees in front of Coco.

Concern was evident in his face as he placed a gentle hand on her knee, his voice barely above whisper. "What’s the matter, Coco? Why are you crying? Are you feeling pain anywhere?"

Zaque remained quiet, but his hand slid down to rub her back, silently comforting her as he anxiously waited for her response.

Coco sniffled, her emotions swirling within her, causing her tears to fall. "I’m sorry.. I just feel so cared for.. I’m not used to it, at all."

Heiren gently wiped away the tears that brimmed in her eyes, his touch gentle, and as he listened to her words, sadness tugged at his heart, but he managed to keep his voice steady and understanding.

"Don’t apologize." He murmured. "We all care for you deeply, my love. It’s not a bad thing for us to show our affection and care. You’re special, and you deserve it."

That only prompted her to cry more.