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Criminal trials tend to be incredibly stressful. Not only due to the fact that a client depends on you, the lawyer, to ensure that they don't get executed, but also due to the probing gaze of the gallery inside the courtroom, and the unnecessary reporters outside of the courthouse.
You groaned as you plopped on the couch present in the defense chambers. Being the co-counsel, the client didn't pay much heed to you and went straight to Kristoph, expressing his gratitude for getting him the non-guilty verdict.
Taking out a handkerchief, you blew your nose—the minor cold you had gotten after you began working on this case had turned out to be a lot worse by the end of the third day of the trial. You were even a sneezing mess in the courtroom, making Kristoph worry if you should even be alongside him for the trial.
Nevertheless you persisted; you believed that, to be an excellent attorney, you first had to view the proceedings from the defense's side. Really note how lawyers present their case throughout the trial, and cross-examine the witnesses. Being co-counsel allowed you to add onto the trial, while simultaneously not being on the center stage.
The client and you shared a nod of acknowledgement before the former exited the defense's chambers, leaving you and Kristoph alone—besides the security guards. You stood as Kristoph approached.
“You did well,” Kristoph remarked, gesturing to you to follow him out of the room.
You followed suit, replying, “Thank you; you as well, sir.”
You kept your handkerchief with you as you walked, using it whenever a sneeze came by, and as you two approached the exit, Kristoph began. “You came to the courthouse by foot, correct?”
You nodded in response.
“Would you wish to come along in my car?” He asked, his face displaying an unreadable expression. “You may inform me of your address. I'll make sure to message you whenever I host a celebration dinner with all those who assisted in this trial.”
You sheepishly nodded again. The sky wasn't looking as well as you hoped, so it would have been the best decision to go in Kristoph's car to the apartment—what other reason could there be?
You bid farewell to him as you exited his car, although you noticed the way his gaze lingered on you as you waved. He drove off and you entered your place.
After the celebratory dinner, your condition got even worse, urging you to send in a leave for a few days to the Gavin and Co Law Offices.
Your final leave ended on a Friday, leaving you free on the weekends as well. You took some prescribed medicine and gushed it down with some water, setting the glass on the kitchen counter. With night falling, you went over to the bedroom and immediately fell into deep slumber.
The Saturday morning unfurled in a similar fashion to those of the few days that had preceded it; you awakened at around 10 am, pulling your blanket away and waking up without an alarm for once. You freshened up at the restroom and headed straight to the kitchen to prepare something for yourself.
Or at least that was the plan, until you heard a doorbell ring. It echoed in your mind as you attempted to figure out who in the world would be visiting your apartment at 10:30 in the morning.
Slowly making your way to the door, you opened to find a figure dressed in casual wear—a plain shirt alongside some trousers, with blond hair braided neatly, resting on the shoulder.
You blinked.
And Kristoph coughed to bring you out of your trance.
“Too informal, hm?”
“I.. what.. why?”
“To the clothing or the reason why I am here?”
You shook your head. “Both..?”
He gave out a laugh, and you found yourself smiling along. Then you stepped aside to let him into your apartment, to which he gave a nod and came inside.
“Uh, do you need some—?”
“No no, please, take a seat. I don't wish to exhaust you while you are already sick.”
You searched for words of protest, but none came on your tongue, so you simply sighed and took a seat on the couch, motioning him to do so as well.
Which he did; taking a seat and having a look around.
“To summarize my visit and avoid wasting your time, I only came to ensure that you're well,” He spoke, his gaze meeting yours.
“Ah.. thank you.” A bit odd for your boss to simply visit, but you didn't mind in the slightest.
“And I assumed wearing a suit would be.. unbecoming. I have come to you today as a friend, and not your boss.”
You hummed in response, taking a closer look at his outfit. Clearly your gaze lingered too long, as he leaned back and continued, “Distracting, is it?”
Your head immediately whipped to his face, which displayed a curious smile.
“No- er, not at all.” You quickly spoke, moving to another topic. “I.. was wondering how you found my address.”
He raised an eyebrow, a grin still playing on his lips. “I drove you back to your apartment, no?”
Oh.
Right.
“By the lack of your sneezes, I assume you're getting better?”
You had gotten better in the past few days, immensely. The lack of so many people at once allowed your body to heal.
“Yes, that's right.”
He nodded. “Good. Although if you require more leaves, feel free to send them to my office any time.”
It was your turn to nod.
“I'm afraid I have some endeavors to attend to, so I'd have to leave early. I appreciated the conversation.” He stood up from the couch, leading you to stand as well.
“That's fine. I had to make breakfast, anyway.”
Kristoph turned his head towards you. “You haven't eaten yet?”
“Oh, no, I was planning to until I heard the doorbell.”
Kristoph blinked for a few moments before speaking again. “Where's your kitchen?”
You were caught off guard. Slowly tilting your head, you spoke the only word that could come out. “Why..?”
“Obviously I'll be preparing breakfast for you. Now, could you answer my question?”
You pointed towards the direction of the kitchen and watched him go.
What is happening right now…??
You had stayed seated on the couch, unaware of what to do. Finally, a sweet aroma laced with a touch of malt wrapped around your body, and you turned your head to see Kristoph carrying some waffles to the living room. He placed the plates on the table in front of you and gave a small smile.
“I hope you are alright with waffles. Apologizes for not asking.”
You immediately shook your head. “No, no, they're amazing. Uh, thank you so much!”
His smile grew further. “I’d love to stay and chat more, but I really must leave. Enjoy the meal, dear.”
And with that he stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind him quietly.
You blinked and dove into the waffles, too hungry to think about the odd interaction.