Chapter 169: Too Much, Too Loud, Too Me
Darcy stood in front of Micah, tense, unmoving, eyes fixed on the boy like he was trying to see through him. Micah’s words echoed in his mind, sharp and clear. The pieces in his head slowly clicked together. The way Micah had acted, the way Leo had appeared out of nowhere asking about him...Micah had probably stumbled on something he shouldn’t have.
Darcy’s chest tightened. His mind, which had been filled with worry and confusion all this time, finally calmed. But only a little. He let out a long breath and dropped his gaze.
"Micah, I can’t always be there to help you..." he said quietly. His voice wasn’t harsh, but it wasn’t soft either. It was the voice of someone tired, tired and maybe a little scared. "please tone down your mischief."
Micah’s face twisted. He looked up at Darcy, and their eyes met for a second.
Darcy flinched.
There was something in Micah’s eyes that made his throat close up. It wasn’t anger. It was something worse. Raw and quiet. Something like... hurt. Disappointment.
Darcy felt like something heavy dropped in his stomach.
Darcy opened his mouth, trying to fix it, to say something, anything. "Micah..."
"You’re right." Micah cut in, lips curling into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "Sorry, I will be more careful. I won’t trouble you again."
Darcy’s eyes widened.
Micah didn’t wait. He turned around quickly. His shoulders were stiff. His steps were fast. Like he couldn’t wait to leave.