Chapter 5: Light's Jealousy
"Are you sure you're all right?" L asks, as I stare at the ground. A tear falls to the ground and I shake my head. Thunder rumbles outside and rain hits the window.
"You saw what happened, L… I don't understand why he decided to be so rough with me. He's normally very gentle. I used to love him, but now all I can see is a monster instead of my Light."
"I don't understand matters of the heart. I guess it might be because I do not get involved with those I work with."
"Maybe it's because you haven't found the right person yet. Who knows? They could be standing right in front of you and you wouldn't see it."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're a very sweet man, L." I cover my mouth in surprise at my boldness. I feel myself blush. L blinks at me in response and smiles.
"No one has ever said that to me before, thank you. Now, about you."
"What about me?"
"Well, thanks to you, I've released my suspicion on Light. Or so he thinks."
"So you still suspect him, even though you've told him otherwise?"
"I haven't told him yet."
"Oh, I see." I touch my arm and wince.
"What's wrong?" L lifts my face up. My eyes widen at this gesture.
"I don't know. It's probably nothing."
"Hmm… Perhaps I should take a closer look." He takes my arm in his hand. I hesitantly extend my arm to him. L gently rolls my sleeve up, staring at the bruise on my forearm. His fingers gently caress my arm, sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. He mutters something I don't hear.
"What's your verdict?"
"Besides a brilliant bruise, I think you're…" L looks into my eyes. I raise my eyebrows in anticipation.
"Yes?" I ask, leaning forward. A strand of my hair falls in my face.
"You're… perfectly healthy." He delicately brushes my hair out of my face. My heart beats faster. Why do I feel this way? I'm with someone now, no matter how Light is I can't do this to him.
"Ryuzaki, you wanted to see me? Iliana!" Light's voice cuts through the silence like a knife, as lightning makes the lights flicker. I rip my arm out of L's grasp and hurriedly roll my sleeve back down.
"Light! What are you doing here?" I say, biting my lip.
"Ryuzaki called me. Why're you here?" His eyes narrow in suspicion. Luckily, L steps in.
"She was in the neighborhood and I couldn't let her stay outside in the rain, so I let her in. She was drying off when you came."
"She doesn't look like she was standing in the rain." Light's cold tone makes me feel uncomfortable.
"She wasn't soaked and I made sure she was warm."
"Ryuzaki, I respect you, but stay away from my girlfriend! We have nothing more to discuss." Light takes my hand and marches me out the door. I look back at L apologetically. He gives me a small wave before the door closes. I turn around and Light is standing right in front of me.
"Light, I…"
"I just want to know one thing. Did you kiss him?"
"No, I didn't!"
"Then he must have kissed you! Or you're lying to me again!" He glares at me.
"Light, he didn't kiss me! I wouldn't do that to you. You're my boyfriend after all, not Ryuzaki."
"But the way you looked at him… It's how you used to look at me. I'm not so sure you are my girlfriend anymore."
"Is this your way of breaking up with me?"
"That's what you want, isn't it?" He snaps at me.
"Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
"Because I realized just now that you were never all mine. I'm done with you! You aren't my girlfriend anymore." He glares at me and then turns on his heel and leaves me standing in the rain alone. I feel hurt, guilty, and mostly relieved as I watch him drive away. I realize that I left my purse inside L's apartment. Quickly, I run back inside and find my way back to his room. I knock on the door. L opens it, looking surprised to see me.
"Miss Honda, what are you doing back here?"
"I think I forgot my purse." I shiver and he lets me inside. It only takes me a few seconds to spot it, but it's warm with a roaring fire crackling in the fireplace.
"Stay a while and warm up. I don't want you catching a cold. It would be inconvenient."
"Thank you, L, but I'm afraid I won't be of use to you anymore."
"You'll always be useful to me."
"That's very kind of you to say. Which makes me feel worse about telling you this… Light broke up with me."
"Really? For what reason?"
"For a number of reasons, all of which have to do with me." I bow to L. "Thank you for letting me warm up, but I should be getting back home now."
"All right. Meet me here tomorrow morning."
"Sir?" I ask, confused.
"You're still under my employment, even if you and Light are no longer together. I believe he still cares for you."