My Baby Daddy Isn’t Human

Raelynn and Elion exited the examination room, leaving Sloane behind to her notes and instruments. The corridor outside the room was quiet with Raelynn felt the faint echo of her own heartbeat, which had only recently settled after the check-up. She was relieved that everything was fine with the baby, but the memory of the awkward incident in the library lingered in her mind, her cheeks still slightly warm.

Elion, ever the gentleman, placed a steady hand on her arm, guiding her down the hallway with an air of protectiveness that was hard to miss. "You don't have to hover, you know," Raelynn teased, glancing up at him with a playful smile. "You're acting like I'm made of glass."

Elion didn't even pause before responding, his tone as dry as ever. "Well, you do have a talent for falling."

Raelynn rolled her eyes, though the corners of her lips twitched. "That was one time—"

"A few times," he interrupted, raising an eyebrow in correction.

"Fine, just a few times," she admitted, huffing in fake annoyance. But the teasing lilt in her voice gave her away, and her laughter bubbled softly in the quiet hall. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Not a chance," Elion replied, his lips curling into a rare, boyish grin.

As they walked side by side, a comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the faint sound of their footsteps. Raelynn felt the tension from earlier starting to dissipate. But then, as if drawn by some invisible force, her gaze drifted toward Elion. He looked calm, his sharp profile illuminated by the soft light. Her heart gave a little flutter, and she quickly looked away before he could notice.

Elion must have sensed her gaze, though, because he turned his head toward her, his golden eyes catching hers. The air between them seemed to shift, though he couldn't figure out what was causing it. Their steps slowed, and before either of them realized it, they had stopped walking entirely. Their faces were closer now, the space between them shrinking as if the universe itself was nudging them together.

Raelynn's breath caught in her throat. The warmth radiating from him was almost tangible, and the intensity of his gaze made her feel like her legs might give out. For a fleeting moment, she thought he might lean in—his eyes flickered to her lips before darting away again, his expression a mixture of hesitation and something deeper.

Realizing the tension building between them, Raelynn took a deliberate step back, breaking the spell. She cleared her throat, her cheeks flushing. "I think it's better if we don't get too close like that," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Otherwise, accidents might happen again."

Elion blinked, as if startled out of his own thoughts. He straightened, his composure returning almost instantly. "Yeah," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "You're probably right."

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but it was thick with words left unsaid. Raelynn fiddled with the hem of her sleeve, her mind racing. She wanted to address what had happened earlier, but the words felt stuck in her throat. Finally, she gathered her courage and spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "About… earlier," she began, glancing at him nervously. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen."

Elion turned to her, his expression unreadable. "You don't have to apologize," he said after a pause. "It was my fault too. I should have moved my head."

Raelynn couldn't help but laugh softly at that, the tension breaking just slightly. "So you would have preferred if I kissed the chair instead?"

Elion's eyes widened slightly, and for once, he seemed at a loss for words. He opened his mouth as if to respond, then closed it again, his brow furrowing. Raelynn smirked, enjoying the rare sight of him flustered. She folded her arms and tilted her head.

For a long moment, Elion said nothing. His gaze flickered down to the floor, then back up to meet hers. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, almost hesitant. "I didn't mind," he admitted, the words hanging in the air between them. "I didn't… hate the accident."

Raelynn's breath hitched, her heart skipping a beat. The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard, and the way his silver eyes held hers made her chest feel tight. He wasn't teasing or trying to deflect—he was serious.

For a moment, she could only stare at him, her mind reeling. "Oh," was all she managed to say.

Elion took a small step closer, his expression as serious as she'd ever seen it. "I just thought you should know," he added, his tone steady despite the vulnerability in his words. "In case… in case you were wondering."

Raelynn's heart thudded in her chest, her thoughts a chaotic swirl. She didn't know how to respond, but the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her feelings. She quickly looked away, focusing on the intricate pattern of the floor tiles as she tried to gather her composure. "I—um," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you for… clarifying."

Elion tilted his head, a hint of amusement breaking through his serious expression. "Clarifying?" he repeated, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"Yes," she said firmly, her voice gaining strength. "It's always good to have things… clarified."

Elion chuckled softly, the sound low and rich. "If you say so."

Raelynn dared to glance at him again, and the sight of his faint smile made her heart flutter all over again. She quickly looked away, muttering something about needing to get back to her room. Elion didn't stop her, but as she turned to leave, she could feel his gaze lingering on her, warm and unwavering.

"See you later, Raelynn," he said softly, his voice carrying through the hallway.

She paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "See you later, Elion," she replied, her tone quieter but no less sincere. Then, without another word, she walked away, her heart still racing as she disappeared down the corridor.