It's Your Turn To Cry and Beg, Dear Uncle
Chapter 36: Rely On Me

Chapter 36: Rely On Me

As soon as they were left alone, Oliver felt himself getting restless. It wasn’t because he didn’t feel comfortable or guilty for not being here soon enough for her, but he simply didn’t know how to begin the conversation. He wanted to talk about the incident, however he didn’t want to upset the girl, especially not in her current condition.

Hence, the man felt his palms gradually becoming sweaty. His heart pounded as he approached Kyra, while hoping that his note didn’t strike the wrong note. As he took a seat by her bedside, Oliver linked his fingers on his lap.

On the other hand, Kyra had long noticed the man’s awkward behavior which made her unconsciously pursed her lips in nervousness. All of the sudden, the air of tension thickened within the room.

Kyra could clearly sense the seriousness on the man’s face despite his slightly lowered gaze. It made her all the more hesitant to start the conversation. There was only one logical explanation for Oliver’s current demeanor. It wasn’t hard to guess.

If James knew, there was no way Oliver wouldn’t know. When Kyra reached that conclusion in her mind, she bit her lower lip. In the end, their silence slowly grew colder as though a line had been drawn between them.

While Kyra had been defiant and indifferent in front of James, she now felt guilty in Oliver’s presence. In her heart, Oliver stood on equal ground with James—perhaps even higher—because she saw him not just as a close friend but as an older brother figure.

His presence was a cornerstone of her life, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.

She was afraid he would look at her differently now that he knew her darkest and ugliest self. So, without them realizing it, both of them cared about each other’s feelings and neither of them was willing to start because they were afraid of saying the wrong things.

But as the minutes ticked by, Oliver finally broke the stillness.

"Why?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with sadness as his eyes gazed at Kyra. "Why were you so reckless, Kyra?"

Kyra pressed her lips together, her heart breaking at the sight of Oliver’s sorrowful expression. She wasn’t sure if she had seen wrong, but she seemed to have caught a glimmer of disappointment in his eyes. However, she had quickly averted her gaze.

Oliver reached out and held Kyra’s hand. He gripped it tightly, not giving her a chance to pull away.

"When I said I’d always be by your side and support you, I didn’t mean like this!" Oliver exclaimed, his tone tinged with suppressed anger.

Hearing this, Kyra’s head turned back towards him, her pupils trembling as she met his gaze. Her mind immediately jumped to the worst conclusions. In her panic, she forgot she was under medical care.

She instinctively grabbed Oliver’s wrist with both of her hands, causing her body to lean forward. As a result, the IV in her hand shifted, and blood began to seep out. The sudden movement caused sharp pain all over her injured body, making her wince and groan in agony.

Oliver panicked immediately. He stood up and gently helped Kyra lie back down. "What are you doing?! Are you trying to make me worry myself to death?!" he exclaimed.

Kyra froze. Her heart leaped in her chest. This was the first time she had ever heard Oliver sound so angry. No matter how much mischief she had caused in the past, Oliver had always scolded her lightly or pretended to be upset. Never had she seen him genuinely furious like this.

"I-I’m sorry..." Kyra murmured weakly, her voice sounded as if she were on the verge of tears.

Oliver froze as well, his body stiffening at Kyra’s apology. He had always spoiled her more than James ever did, so hearing such a serious apology from her left him utterly shocked. He let out a heavy sigh, then moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Carefully, he pulled Kyra into his embrace.

Kyra’s eyes widened. The hollowness in her heart as well as the suffocating feeling in her chest instantly melted away in his arms. Without warning, tears began to stream down her face, soaking Oliver’s shoulder.

"I’m sorry..." she whispered again, this time accompanied by sobs that tugged painfully at Oliver’s heart. He gently stroked her hair, his touch filled with tenderness.

"I know," Oliver murmured softly. "It must have hurt so much."

With just those words, Kyra buried her face deeper into Oliver’s shoulder. Her tears flowing without restraint, soaking his shirt. Her sobs grew louder and more intense, but Oliver didn’t pull away.

Instead, he tightened his hold on her, his arms encircling her fragile body like a protective shield. At the same time, he continued to stroke her head in an attempt to soothe her.

"Don’t do that again," Oliver warned, his voice firm but gentle. "Even if it’s effective, it’s not worth risking your life. To me, you’re the most important one, Kyra"

Kyra nodded slowly, keeping her face buried against him. Finally, a faint smile appeared on Oliver’s lips.

"There are other ways to handle things without hurting yourself. Remember, Kyra, even if no one else does, I’ll always care. I’ll always worry about you."

Kyra nodded again, and this time Oliver loosened his embrace. He cupped her tear-streaked face in his hands. A bittersweet smile crossed his face as his eyes lingered on the bandage on her head. Gently, he used his fingers to wipe away her tears.

"You still have me, Kyra. When you’re cornered, think of me." Oliver pressed his forehead against hers. With both of them closing their eyes, they could feel each other’s warmth.

"Rely on me. Use me," Oliver whispered softly, his voice tender and indulgent, lulling Kyra into a sense of comfort. "I don’t care if the other person is my best friend. Haven’t I already told you I’ll always take your side? So trust me, and let me help you."