Aftermath

The fact that the plant is watching me makes me anxious, so for thirty minutes I don't even attempt to move. I'm still sitting there, watching how quickly it moves the petals and listening to the sound of its teeth brushing against the chains. I am quite concerned for Fulvius, and the sight of so many eyes and teeth does not make me feel any better. I'm beginning to worry that we might have unintentionally created more monstrous creatures. I have had enough panicking and I pack all of our stuff into rucksacks and start looking for him.

"Fulvius, my love, where are you?" I yell as I move. I'm using my flashlight as a lantern as I go straight ahead. I keep walking until I notice Fulvius lying on the ground; he appears lifeless.

I point the flashlight onto Fulvius’ face and I am profoundly surprised to see him all swollen up and covered in blood that is seeping from his forehead. I start shaking him right after checking his pulse. Unfortunately, I don't have a first-aid kit, and I'm out of ideas.
I'm about to call an ambulance when he grabs my hand and mutters, "I'm fine. Don't worry, Hinata."

"I am sorry for keeping you waiting so long," Fulvius mumbles.
"What beast caused you harm? Tell me, Fulvius. I am very worried now," I inquire in hopes of receiving a specific response.
"It doesn't matter. Let's just go home. This is enough for me," he says.

Even though I don't like that he won't tell me right away, I believe it is better not to insist on this right now. "I will help you," I say as I assist him in standing. He is in extremely poor condition.

While I am moving slowly, he leans against my side and staggers. I'm already carrying everything we brought, so we can immediately proceed in the direction of his house. I use internet navigation to help me since I'm not precisely sure where we are.

At this hour of the night, walking through the forest is terrifying. I will have to live with this emotion for a while given how slowly we are moving. It's really unfortunate. Since I can't carry Fulvius, it is at least good that he move with my aid.

Now that we are in front of his house, we notice that the window curtains are being illuminated by the light. I ask him if he wants me to open the door and use the key I have just taken out of his bag.

"I'm sorry, but I think it's best if I go alone right now, Hinata," Fulvius says coldly.
"Are you against her meeting me?" I ask, curious as to why.

"If my mother finds me in this state, she might raise a fuss. If you two don't need to introduce yourselves, I will be able to get out of her way quickly. Plus, it's also not exactly the right occasion for that," he continues.

"I see, but why are you so cold to me?" I inquire.
"I’ve had enough of everything. All I want to do is sleep," he says as he pushes the door that I have unlocked for him.

Apparently, his mother is reading a book on the couch in the living room, which is why the lights are still on. When Fulvius' mother, Fenella, hears him making sounds in the hallway, she immediately places the book and glasses on the coffee table and rushes over to see him.

"Good evening, mom. I apologise for getting home so late." Fulvius makes an effort to remain hidden so that she won't notice his messed-up face.

She then approaches Fulvius, who is taking off his shoes at the moment and still hiding in the shadow, and asks, "Fulvius, what has happened to you?"

"I'm fine, mom. I'm going to bed right away because I'm tired." Fulvius makes his way to his room while pretending to adjust his hair, which is now keeping his face hidden beneath it.

"What are you trying to hide? Why are you coming home so late?" Fenella inquires, making it appear as though she is unaware of anything odd about his facial features.

"I don't have anything to hide. I was out with friends and we got drunk." Fulvius lies to her and climbs the stairs to his room

Before slinking back to the sofa, Fenella sneakily takes a peek in the direction of the upper hall where he enters the room. She catches a glimpse of his injured face and shouts loudly enough for him to hear from the bedroom, "Good night, Fulvius, talk to you in the morning!"

"Good night, mum," he responds in the same manner and closes the door. He is carefully observing his injuries in the mirror placed in the bathroom adjacent to his room.

He is gently stroking his swollen cheeks and upper brow with his fingertips, not believing he could have been beaten up so terribly.

He hisses, "Damn Hideki-kun, I genuinely detest that guy," and wipes all the blood from his face with a moist towel. He then removes his clothes and takes a shower because he is all sweaty and his clothes are covered in blood and muck. While showering, Fulvius is thinking about getting back at Hideki.

He sighs as he steps out of the bathroom. Before falling asleep, he decides to send Hinata a good night message and apologizes for being rude to her. Immediately after switching off the bedside lamp, he drifts off to sleep.

While Hinata and Fulvius are dozing off at their houses completely exhausted from the hardships of this day, the plant they have brought to life is making every attempt to break free from its shackles. Have they been too careless?