Kiss Me if You Can

A faint ringing echoed in Chase's ears. The sound, gradually rising and lingering, became more grating, causing him to furrow his brow and let out a soft groan. Almost immediately, someone grabbed his arm and began shaking him.

"Chase, can you hear me? Chase!"

The frantic voice calling his name was unmistakably familiar. As soon as he recognized who it was, the ringing faded like magic.

"......"

Slowly, he lifted his eyelids, though it took more effort to focus. After several more attempts, the heavy eyelids finally lifted enough for Chase to realize where he was. His gaze shifted to the plain ceiling, with its regular lines, and there, looking down at him, was a familiar face. Chase felt a smile tug at his lips as he opened his mouth.

Joshua.

He wanted to call out his name, but the words wouldn't come. Without thinking, Chase furrowed his brow, and Joshua, as if sensing his discomfort, lightly patted his arm, reassuring him.

"You’re just coming to. Want some water?"

Chase nodded, and Joshua promptly stood up, heading toward a small fridge nearby. Moments later, he returned with a glass of water.

"...What?"

After drinking the entire glass, Chase turned his head to see Joshua wearing a strange smile. Suspiciously, Chase asked as he glanced at the water.

"You couldn’t even go get water before. Just came to mind."

Chase remembered that moment too. Embarrassed, but also aware that he could always suspect and hold Joshua back again if need be.

Taking the empty glass from Chase, Joshua asked, “Another?”

Chase shook his head.

"Where am I?"

With a tired voice, Chase asked, and Joshua gave the answer he had anticipated.

"Hospital clinic at the mall. You just passed out, so we moved you here."

Chase paused before asking again.

"How did you know?"

"The head of security contacted me."

Joshua added in a neutral tone.