Talk To Me

12. Who is she?

Todo's patience was running thin by day, for the rollercoaster between her boyfriend and Wale was a bit to late to become suspicious.

"Tell me the truth, Kind. What is really going on? This is the third place we've moved to in the past three months. What are you running from?" Her frustration was palpable, and though she had tried to respect Kind's privacy, it was clear now that something significant was being kept from her.

Kind sighed, knowing it was time to come clean, well, partially. He sat beside Todo, taking her hand in an attempt to soften the blow. "I think it's time you knew. I'm sorry I can't tell you everything, out of respect for those involved, but..." Kind hesitated, standing up to pace the room before finally looking back at Todo. "I'm not running from something... more like someone. Someone annoying, really. Someone who won't leave me in peace."

Todo's confusion deepened as Kind continued, "It's Wale. The girl who was proposed to by Cherry, my best friend. She's the one I'm... involved with. She's the one who is looking for me."

Todo stared, processing this new information. "And that's why you didn't introduce me to her at the party? Because she has sabotaged your past relationships?"

Kind nodded. "Yeah, that's part of it. Everytime I've tried to date someone, Wale always manages to intervene and interfere. But it's more than that. I'm worried this isn't just about friendship anymore."

Todo stood up, pacing, her frustration rising. "I don't care about your past relationships, Kind. I care about why she's hunting you down, why she's hiring people to spy on us! She even managed to get through my security. Whoever she hired must be very good."

Kind tried to lighten the tension, but Todo was clearly on edge. "Does she have more money than me?" Todo asked, stopping mid-pace.

Kind rolled his eyes. "Seriously? That's what you're worried about? You two are more alike than I thought."

Todo stopped, exhaling slowly as Kind's words began to sink in. "This chase needs to end," Todo said quietly, her tone firmer now. "You're both grown adults, and running from her like this makes our relationship feel like a joke. So, she's just another woman who's in love with you, and nothing more?"

Kind sighed deeply. "I've known Wale my whole life, and I'm her only real friend. But you're right, Todo. I need to confront her. I owe you that much."

Todo's expression softened. She was relieved by Kind's resolve. "Should I worry that she's going to steal you from me?" Todo asked, half-joking but with a trace of vulnerability.

Kind pulled Todo close, embracing her tightly. "That's not going to happen. I'm with you. And to answer your earlier question, no, she doesn't have more money than you," Kind added with a chuckle.

They shared a kiss, the tension between them melting away. As they fell onto the bed, it was clear where the night was heading. Kind was happy in this moment, cherishing the love and passion Todo offered. It was a welcome change from the years of unspoken feelings and emotional tug-of-war with Wale. He felt alive, as though he had a fresh start with someone who truly cared for him.

Just as things were heating up, a loud knock shattered the intimacy.

"Ignore it," Todo murmured, pulling Kind back toward her. But the knocking persisted, harder this time.

"K! Open up! I know you're in there!" Wale's voice boomed from the other side of the door.

Kind froze, his heart racing. Only Wale called him K. Quickly, he threw on his shirt, ready to face the situation. Todo, still bare-chested, grabbed Kind's arm, confused. "Where are you going? Were we expecting anyone?"

Kind turned, his face grim. "I'm sorry, Todo, but we've been found."

Todo's expression hardened. She wasn't about to let this continue without confronting her so-called competition. "I'm opening the door," Todo said, determined.

"No, you're not," Kind said, gripping Todo's hand firmly. "I'll handle it."

Wale continued banging on the door, demanding to know who Kind was with. Finally, Kind opened the door just enough to face him. "Enough, Wale! What are you doing here?"

Wale stood there, a strange smile on her face, flanked by four men, and Cherry. Kind was caught off guard by the entourage, but his focus was on Wale. "What are you doing here?" Kind repeated, but Wale ignored him, barging into the room.

"Who's she?" Wale asked, pointing at Todo, her voice cold.

Kind's pulse quickened. "Get out, Wale! Leave her alone! You and I can talk outside."

But Wale wasn't listening. Her eyes were locked on Todo, and before Kind could react, Wale lunged at her, her fist raised. Todo, quick to defend herself, blocked Wale's punch, but Kind, alarmed by Wale's aggression, stepped between them, trying to hold Wale back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Wale, breathing heavily, was seething with rage. Kind had never seen her like this before, and for a moment, the sheer force of Wale's strength shocked him. Cherry rushed into the room, pleading with Wale to stop, but in the chaos, Wale's elbow accidentally caught him in the face, sending him reeling back.

"Cherry!" Kind shouted, rushing to him as he crumpled to the floor, blood dripping from his nose. His face contorted in pain, but his eyes were focused on Wale. "Stop her, please..." he whispered.

Kind turned just in time to see Wale pummeling Todo, who was now slumped, unconscious, on the floor. Rage boiled inside Kind. Without thinking, he pulled Wale back and pushed her away, knocking her to the ground.

Wale lay there, chest heaving, a twisted smile on her lips. "You push well, K. I like it," she said, her voice eerily calm.

Kind's body trembled with fury as he glanced at Todo, lying motionless. This is my fault, he thought, guilt flooding him. He turned back to Wale, his voice low and dangerous. "Get out, before I kill you."

But Wale's focus remained solely on Kind, her breathing laboured, her eyes filled with something far more dangerous than anger, obsession. "You're mine, K," she whispered, smiling up at him.

Suddenly, hands grabbed Kind from behind, pinning him down. He struggled, but more men joined in, overpowering him. His vision blurred, the room spinning as his consciousness faded. The last thing he saw was Wale's smirk, as if mocking him, as always.

'Why was she always mocking him?' He wondered, but before he could fathom an answer, everything went black.