A split second decision leads you to go to Rafayel's place 💜 (inspired by true events)
"So all I'm hearing is that you hate me, don't you cutie?" Rafayel pouts.
You pinch the bridge of your nose, sighing heavily. "No, you big baby," you say, tilting your head so that your phone is cradled between your ear and shoulder as you type out a report. "It means that it'll be very late by the time I come home, so I'm heading to my apartment tonight."
If anyone were to ask whether you regretted moving in with Rafayel, the answer will always remain an earnest no. Even before Rafayel officially asked you to move in with him, two blissful years into your relationship, you had practically lived at Mo Studio - your clothes stacked next to his in his wardrobe, your skincare and makeup on his vanity table, even your toothbrush and your favourite toothpaste brand next to his.
But to Rafayel's utter dismay, you renewed your lease for your Hunters Association issued apartment that was pretty close to your workplace. He huffed and puffed and claimed you hated him, but he never pushed you when you explained why you still wanted to retain your apartment deeds, and even offered to pay the lease (and pouting even more when you gently refused the offer).
"...ah," he sighs on the phone, dropping his theatrics. "Another long day, huh?"
You nod, typing rapidly. "Very. Probably may leave super late tonight. Sorry Raf."
"It's ok, cutie," your boyfriend reassures you in a soft tone. "This is why you have your apartment, after all. It's nearby, there's always people around and it's safe 24x7." While Mo Studio itself was pretty secure, thanks to its owner being an evolver and a secret assassin, and despite Linkon City itself being pretty busy no matter what hour it was, the distance between the association and Rafayel's house was very long, with the area around Whitesand Bay basically lonely and unsafe for anyone - let alone a young woman relying on public transport - after sunset. And as much as Rafayel yearned for your presence, he would never toy with your safety or want you to take a three-hour long commute every single day.
You sigh in relief, glad Rafayel understood. "Thank you, Raf. I promise I'll leave super early on Friday. That way, we can have a longer weekend."
"I'll hold you to that, cutie," he chuckled. "Now go eat, it's almost lunchtime. Love you!"
"Love you too Raf! And you should eat too, don't skip lunch again!"
"Sure thing!" The line cuts, and you slide the phone from between your shoulder and cheek, placing it on the desk. You save your work and head to the cafeteria, and back to work, momentarily forgetting the conversation and you plan to head to your apartment.
You're waiting at the terminal, hours later, when you remember. You head to platform D-2, waiting for the train that'd bring you to your apartment complex. A mere 30-minute commute, even counting the walk from the station to the apartment. You look at the time. 17:00. You'll be home long before dusk. You can take a long nap, even head to the new restaurant down the block for a nice dinner. You wouldn't have to endure a two-hour long commute, and you wouldn't have to navigate the dark, lonely commute between Whitesand Station and Mo Studio.
"Attention to passengers: The next train heading to Whitesand Station will depart from platform D-1 in two minutes."
The automated voice snaps you from your internal monologue. Platform D-1. It's just right across from where you're waiting. And sure enough, the train had just arrived, and passengers had de-boarded. It'll leave anytime soon. Commuters waiting for that train had already started to board.
"The next train heading to Whitesand Station will depart from platform D-1 in one minute."
The train was right there. Only a few more steps - seven, to be precise, and you'll be in front of the train.
You look at the time again. 17:02. You know this train route enough to know that it'll take two hours solid. It'll be really late, as Whitesand District basically shuts down after dusk. You will have to wait for a really long time to catch a cab from there to Mo Studio.
You look back at the train. It is about to depart.
Your body acts before your brain could rationalize. You take the seven steps to D-1, step into the car, scan your commute card, before settling into an empty seat by the window. You lean your head against the glass and the train departs. A million curses form in your head at your illogical decision, but one word from your heart drowns it all.
You will deal with the consequences of your actions later. For all of it would be worth it, if it meant you get to go home to the love of your life.
