From Villain to Virtual Sweetheart: The Fake Heir's Grand Scheme(BL)
Chapter 82: This Is Fine. Everything’s on Fire, but Fine

Chapter 82: This Is Fine. Everything’s on Fire, but Fine

Micah’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the new message on his phone. He straightened his back, suddenly alert.

Why did big sister send him this message out of the blue? His fingers tightened around the phone. And what did she mean by "visit"? Did she know where Leo lived? How? Why!!

Micah’s mind buzzed with endless questions. Did she suspect something? Why ask him of all people?! For God’s sake, he just joined the fan group two weeks ago!

No, no... he shook his head, trying to clear the panic from his mind.

He needed to focus.

The real problem was how to ditch Darcy right now and go back to his hotel to disguise himself as a girl. But he peeked over his shoulder at Darcy, busy making dinner.... No, he couldn’t do that.

Yes, he should refuse! He almost typed one, his fingers hovering over the screen.

Then he reread the message. Ah. There was no mention of time. He facepalmed at his stupidity. Why did he think she meant right now?! Look outside! It was night!

Micah’s body relaxed visibly. He leaned back into the couch.

He began to ponder seriously. If he hadn’t interfered in Leo’s recent scandal, he surely would not step near Leo until he had devised a new plan.

But now...

What if Leo did remember something? What if he had even the smallest clue that connected Micah to that night when he saved him?

Wouldn’t it be smarter to show up and gather intel? Yeah, SugerPlumFairy could act cute, and poke around for information, making sure Leo didn’t have any leads to catch him.

It was a risky action, but he had to take it. Micah took a deep breath and typed.

SugerPlumFairyIsLeo’sWife: Really? Can I? That would be great! What time?

LioNessQueen: Tomorrow around noon. I can pick you up.

Micah’s stomach dropped. No way! No way was he letting her pick him up. The last thing he needed was her knocking at the hotel room and finding Micah instead of "her."

SugerPlumFairyIsLeo’sWife: Ah, I am with my friend. Just send the address. Thank you.

He hesitated, then added two kiss emojis for good measures. His facial features turned comical.

LioNessQueen: oh, you can bring her.

Micah’s eyes widened. No! Imagine bringing Darcy...wait, like hell he would let Darcy know he was dressing up as a girl! He shook his head quickly as if to shake the mental image away.

SugerPlumFairyIsLeo’sWife: No, she is a fan of Mani!

There. Good save. He remembered Nora was a Mani fan and used it as a pretext!

LioNessQueen: Right! Okay, I sent it to you.

Micah sighed in relief as the address came through.

Just then, the rich scent of frying chicken wafted through the air, warm and savoury, making his stomach grumble. The sizzling sound of oil in a pan spread from the kitchen. Micah’s nose twitched, his mouth already watering. He glanced at the two packs of snacks on the table, but he dismissed them.

He stood up and followed the aroma as if enchanted.

Darcy stood by the stove, focused as he carefully flipped a golden breaded schnitzel into the pan. He glanced at Micah out of the corner of his eye. "What? Are you hungry?"

Micah stepped closer, inhaling dramatically. "I wasn’t until I smelled this..."

"Here, one is ready. You get a preview," said Darcy with a smile, pointing to a chicken schnitzel on a paper towel where it cooled.

Without hesitation, Micah darted into the kitchen, grabbing a knife. He cut a piece and popped it into his mouth. The taste of lemon and parsley exploded in his mouth, with the juicy chicken and the crunch of the crispy panko crumb, it was heavenly.

"Mmm," Micah half-closed his eyes and moaned in pleasure.

"Don’t exaggerate! Like you never have tasted delicious food!" rolling his eyes, Darcy said pointedly.

"What are you talking about? This is so good!"

Micah disagreed, grabbing another bite.

Darcy shook his head and turned back to the pan to flip the next piece.

"I am serious," Micah said, stepping closer and tugging on the back of Darcy’s shirt playfully. His unexpected action made Darcy’s hand slip.

"Hey... careful..."

Darcy turned his head abruptly to warn him about flying oil, but it was too late.

The oil hissed violently as the chicken fell abruptly into the pan, and a hot splash of oil leapt from the pan.

Micah instinctively stepped forward, pulling Darcy back protectively. The oil hit the back of Micah’s hand with a sharp sting.

Micah winced but kept his face composed, hiding the burned hand behind his back. "Are you okay? I am sorry, it’s my fault.... I distracted you."

Darcy’s jaw tightened. He snapped. "Don’t ever do that again." he pushed Micah away. "I can protect myself." his eyes flashed with emotion.

Micah blinked and stepped back, his expression falling. Without a word, he turned and walked down the hall to the bathroom.

Once inside, he put his hand under the cold water. As ran it over his burn, he hissed, gritting his teeth.

He stared at his reflection, lips pressed tight.

Idiot. Why would he mess around near the stove? Didn’t he know better? He had put Darcy in danger.

Meanwhile, Darcy quickly took the final piece from the pan, turning off the stove.

He ran his hand through his black hair in frustration. He didn’t want to snap at Micah. But the sight of Micah jumping in again to help someone else, even if it was himself, disregarding his own safety without hesitation unnerved him.

It was the second time.

What was the reason for his behaviour? What was his deal? Shouldn’t be the opposite? A rich kid was supposed to bolt at the sign of danger, right?! Not come forward to shield it.

The problem was he didn’t need protection. He was used to taking care of himself.

He exhaled slowly and walked out of the kitchen. He found Micah just as he was drying his hand, wincing.

He quickened his steps and yanked Micah’s wrist. "Why didn’t you say anything?"

Darcy said, noticing a red blister on the back of Micah’s hand.

Micah sheepishly blinked at him. "It is minor... and besides, it doesn’t hurt much..."

"Really?!" Darcy asked, pressing gently on the side of the blister.

Micah flinched.

Darcy snorted and turned. "Stay there."

He came back with a first aid kit.

"Sit," Darcy said, patting the seat beside him.

Micah obeyed, sinking onto the couch. He watched silently as Darcy placed his hand on his own palm, applying antibacterial ointment to the burn carefully. Then he wrapped it with moist gauze and secured it with dry bandages loosely.

When it was done, there was an awkward silence between them.

Finally, Micah glanced at Darcy. "Thanks," he mumbled.

Darcy hummed and stood. "Let’s eat."

They sat at the table, the schnitzel golden and crisp, but neither of them spoke.

Micah’s gaze flickered toward Darcy multiple times.

"What?" Darcy asked, without looking up.

"Are you... still mad?!"

"Do you even understand why I am mad?!" Darcy replied.

Micah hesitated, then looked down at his bandaged hand. "Yeah, because I am an idiot. I don’t think and put others ...."

"That’s not it!" Darcy barked. "You... you don’t care about yourself! Like when you shielded Nora with your arm! You just throw yourself in the way without even thinking, like your life and body don’t matter!"

Micah was taken aback. He had heard plenty of criticism about his impulsive and careless behaviour from others, but never for this reason, except maybe from his family who cared about him. Yeah, usually, the complaints were about how he put others in danger.

Micah stared at Darcy.

Then, slowly, the corner of his mouth stretched upward. Darcy saw him as family. And that made him... happy. Yeah, simply happy.