Page 46 of Our Final Game

“Nothing,” I mutter.

Why do I get the feeling he cares about me lately? I keep thinking about how mad he was at the boss battle. I have no idea how I’m supposed to feel about that. About any of this, honestly.

“Then why can’t you sleep?”

“I wanna get out,” I say, my voice cracking.

“Of the game? Or this map?” he chuckles.

“The game.”

Away from you.

“Don’t worry. We’ll be out soon,” he whispers, his brows pinched.

My breath catches in my throat and threatens to stop my heart when Tyson reaches over and tucks one of my curls behind my ear, out of my eye. I swallow hard, frozen in place.

“I wanted to tell you something else earlier…” he starts. I bite my lip, hoping that whatever he’s going to say won’t make me spiral even more than I already am.

“Yeah?”

“It’s funny, really, but I wanted to say I started playing Seeker because of you. Probably wouldn’t even have the job I do if not for…” Tyson says, staring directly into my eyes.

“Ty … stop telling me shit.”

“Why?” he chuckles.

“I don’t know … I don’t like it.”

You’re making me like you.

“Well, it’s true. And I’m sorry I got in the way,” Tyson says.

“Stop…” I whisper, burying my face in his chest. I don’t want him to see me like this. I hate it so much.

I’ve already had to give up one thing to him that meant a lot to me.

This is something I can control.

Right?

* * *

We make it back to the town again and head to Leon to give him this stupid fertilizer that almost cost us our lives. Well, mine, but we don’t know what will happen if one of us dies. We’re not trying to find out anytime soon. Tyson’s hand brushes mine when we’re walking through the garden, making me snap my head towards him.

“Relax, I’m not gonna hold it or anything,” he says, tilting my chin with his knuckle.

“I don’t care if you did,” I snap, pushing his hand away.

“So, you want me to?”

“Want you to what?!”

“Hold your hand,” Tyson smirks.

“Yeah, so I never said that,” I say, crossing my arms.

“I’m starting to figure you out,” he laughs.