Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday - Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Her Comfort Place

Another Shadow Rain?

Grace thought as she stared at the news headline that was from the previous day. If Country K indeed faced a Shadow Rain recently, then it might help her new mission of finding more of those mutated plants.

She quickly opened the article and read through it, getting surprised when the article said that the Shadow Rain in Country K lasted for half a day.

She closed the tablet and set it aside on the coffee table next to her now empty tea cup. Her mind was racing with the possibilities and also casualties that this long Shadow Rain might have caused.

The sound of the doorbell pulled her out of her thoughts. Not really knowing who might be looking for her, she made her way to open the door.

“Oh?”

Grace blinked at the unexpected sight of Dr. Kian standing outside her door. A faint smile was tugging at his lips as his gaze met hers. He was still in his usual attire – a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark pants, giving him an effortlessly charming look that made her heart skip a beat.

“Kian,” she said while leaning against the doorframe. “What brings you here?”

“Grace,” he began in a calm voice, yet it was filled with an undertone of warmth. “Do I really need an excuse to check on my girlfriend?”

She tilted her head and found her lips curving into a soft smile at the word ‘girlfriend’. “Checking on your girlfriend? I think she’s perfectly fine.”

“Really?” he asked while stepping closer and it made the gentle scent of his cologne fill the space between them. “Because I know that look on her face right now. She seems to be overthinking again.”

Grace’s defenses faltered finally and she let out a sigh. “Well, maybe just a little.”

Dr. Kian gave her a knowing glance, and before she could have said another word, he interrupted her – “Can I come in?”

“Of course, you can.” Grace immediately pulled the door wide open and stepped aside to let him in, and once he did, she closed and locked the door behind them.

As she turned to face him, he reached out and took her hand in his. “Come on,” he said while guiding her back into the living room. “You have been working too hard. It’s time to take a break.”

“Kian-” she started, but her words trailed off as he pulled her toward the couch.

“Sit,” he instructed, his tone soft but firm. She complied, watching as he disappeared into the kitchen for a while. When he returned, he had a fresh cup of tea in hand.

“Here,” he said while offering it to her. “Drink this. It’ll help you relax.”

Grace accepted the cup, causing her fingers to brush against his as she did. The brief contact sent a pleasant warmth through her, and she found herself smiling despite her earlier tension.

Dr. Kian settled down on the couch beside her, close enough that their knees were touching. He leaned back and draped his arm over the back of the couch, casually settling it behind her. “So, what’s been on your mind?”

Grace hesitated and her eyes flickered to the tablet on the coffee table. “It’s nothing,” she said as she didn’t want to burden him with her unproven theories. She was sure that he already had enough for the day.

But Dr. Kian didn’t buy her lie at all. “Grace,” he said in his deep and soothing voice. “You don’t have to do everything alone. Talk to me.”

Something in his tone made her defenses crumble. She sighed again and set the teacup down. “I just found that a Shadow Rain happened in Country K,” she admitted. “And it seems to have lasted for half a day. If that’s the case then…”

Dr. Kian nodded, but instead of diving into the topic, he shifted closer. His hand found hers and his thumb gently brushed over her knuckles, grounding her in the moment. “If you want, we can check that place out to see if we will find anything,” he said softly. “But not right now. Right now, you need to stop overwhelming yourself with all these matters.”

His words were like a balm to her frayed nerves. Grace glanced at him and her gaze softened. “How do you always know what to say?”

“It’s a gift,” he teased, his lips curving into a playful smile.

She chuckled softly, feeling herself actually relaxing. His proximity was intoxicating, and she was feeling how the warmth of his presence was wrapping around her like a cocoon.

She didn’t even realize it that while staring into his eyes, she had inched closer. But once she did, she was ready to straighten. However, he reached out and cupped her cheek before she could have moved, his thumb gently brushing against her skin. “You work too hard, Love,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let me take care of you for once.”

Her breath hitched as he leaned in to close the remaining space and his lips brushed softly against hers. The kiss was tender, unhurried, and filled with a quiet intensity that made her heart flutter. She melted into him and her hands found their way to his chest as he deepened the kiss, his other hand slipping around her waist to pull her closer.

When they finally broke apart, Grace’s cheeks were flushed, and her heart was pounding in her chest. “Kian,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Hmm?” he murmured while resting his forehead gently against hers.

“I think you are better at this ‘relaxation’ thing than I am,” she admitted as a smile stretched on her lips.

He chuckled, the sound warm and comforting. “That’s because you are always so busy saving the world. Someone has to make sure you take a break.”

Grace smiled, her fingers absently tracing patterns on his chest. “Thank you,” she said softly.

“For what?”

“For being here. For knowing exactly what I need, even when I don’t.”

Dr. Kian pressed another kiss to her forehead, his arms wrapping securely around her. “Always,” he promised.