5 second rule

They said it only takes five seconds to fall in love. If only Lewis realized that, that fifth of a second, when he heard his heart pound so loudly it echoed in his ears… he wouldn't be in trouble.

No. Even if he realized that, he'd still be in trouble.

*

"Uh…" He breathed, rocking his head back and forth lightly. "Is that so?"

Lewis could feel his heart pounding against his chest. His breathing constricting as he tapped his fingers on the table.

'Am I having a heart attack?' He wondered, as his heart felt like it would explode.

His blood rushing through the ends of his nerves. For a moment, his mind buzzed, and he didn't know what to do.

"Are you alright?" Devon asked out of pure concern. "Do you have a fever?"

She added, about to stand up and go over to him. But before she could, Lewis raised his hand.

Fortunately, he did, and she stopped in her attempt. Because if Devon stood up and touched him, he might've lost it. He would… definitely lose it.

"I'm okay." He was just a bit flustered.

"Are you certain?" Not buying it, Devon furrowed her brows.

In her eyes, his face was redder than ever. It was as if all his blood shot up to his head. His breathing also grew heavier, making her worried even more.

"Yes." Yet his answer this time was firm. "Don't worry — I mean, don't mind me. Just eat."

Even when he attempted to act normal, Lewis failed miserably. Still, he resumed on eating just to make her stop from asking.

"Alright then…" Devon bit her inner lip, a bit frustrated she couldn't help him. "Tell me if you're in pain."

Lewis didn't answer. He just nodded. Hence, their dinner ended in silence.

*

When their meal ended, Lewis was the one who volunteered on doing the dishes. He planned to teach her earlier, but with his current state of mind, he postponed it.

He only asked her to put her plate on the sink. Fortunately, Devon behaved and listened to him. Devon placed her plates in the sink and went back to the living area.

'Damn… what's wrong with me?' He wondered, letting the water ran straight to the plates.

His hands propped against the edge of the sink counter, staring at his distorted reflection on the running water. The image of Devon smiling with teary eyes, speaking words of pure gratitude, flashed before his eyes.

'Sh*t…' He shut his eyes, gritting his teeth tightly. 'Why would she smile like that?'

He didn't even have the pleasure to misunderstand her words. It was clear that Devon was only grateful for his help.

Lewis knew that. He was aware of that. Yet, his stupid heart was racing abnormally. It affected his clear train of thoughts, filling it with the images of her.

He hated it, not her. He just hated this feeling of not knowing and not having control of his emotions.

'It's just a fleeting emotion. I'm just flustered that she seemed to be an entirely different person, that's all. Right… that's all.' He convinced himself, nodding as he was somehow convinced at this argument.

After all, it only came to him he's actually sleeping with a real woman. Not a witch wannabee, but a woman.

Lewis repeated that reasoning inside his head until he was entirely convinced. When he gathered his thoughts, he realized the water was running, and he had to do the dishes.

"Wait…" He muttered, furrowing his brows. "… I never washed the dishes in my life."

*

While Lewis was struggling to keep himself together, Devon frowned. She glanced in the direction leading to the dining.

"Was he truly alright?" She wondered with a sigh.

Of course, she's worried. She just agreed to leave him alone, out of respect for his wishes. But if he didn't ask her, she would accompany him.

Lewis had been helping her. Therefore, she wanted to assist him to the best of her abilities. She might lack knowledge in this world, but she could nurse him if he fell ill.

"I hope he is fine." Devon whispered, as her eyes fell to the remote control on the small table before her.

In her mind, she would check on him if he didn't join her after some time pass. For now, she'd wait. She could wait. She's used to waiting. She had waited until this day. Hence, she'd wait for him.

With that in mind, Devon reached for the remote control. Since it looked almost similar to the remote control in the hospital, Devon knew what to do.

Pressing the red button to turn it on, the television immediately showed a drama.

"Oh…" Her brows moved up briefly. "They are also here."

She smiled as she considered the actors of the drama her friends. Friends who never spoke to her, sadly.

Before Devon knew it, she was once again engrossed in the drama. It was the part where the father of the child was revealed. However, just as it was revealed, the mother and father received a phone call.

Their child went missing. He was abducted.

Now, they were finding their child who was abducted. Just when the female lead and male lead reconciled, they were in this problematic situation.

Devon held her breath as action ensued. Unconsciously, she was covering her lips with her palm.

"No… quick! Don't cry yet. Escape first, then cry when you're safe!" Devon hollered, hoping the actress would hear her. Alas, the drama continued at its own pace.

"Listen to me! You're putting yourself and your child in danger!"

She added in frustration. Just then, Lewis returned to the living area. The second he did, his eyes immediately landed on her, and then shifted towards the television.

'She really like dramas, huh?' He muttered, shaking his head as he wanted his hands off of this habit. 'Is there a popcorn in the fridge? Should I make her?'

Suddenly, Devon gasped in disbelief as the show ended on a cliffhanger once again. As soon as she did, she turned her head in Lewis' direction. The latter flinched, seeing the determination in her eyes.

"My friend!" She called up, sprinting towards him. Lewis didn't have the chance to even run away as she clasped both his hands up.

"Wh — what?" He asked, stuttering as he drew back.

"My friend, my friends, and their child are in danger! We must aid them!" Devon exclaimed in panic. Even her grip around his hand trembled.

"…"