RUNAWAY | Ran Haitani

08

"How are you?"

I smiled at Koko who's sitting on one of the tables inside the cafe. They're visiting me here often but he is not present. I appreciated that they didn't told him about me.

"I'm fine. How about you?" I glanced at the beautiful man across him.

"Good. Although, you don't look like okay with that dark circles and droopy eyes. Have you been sleeping?" Koko sighs. Probably thinking that Ran won't like that.

A sad smile find its way to my lips. It's been three years since I last saw him. I've been miserable after that. I didn't know that losing him will make my life in blue. I continue living with my sister with Mochi who's always visiting her. She changed for the better and I was happy for her to finally find someone to love.

However, there are times that I want to go back to him. The vivid image of the house burning down in front of us...it makes me feel at ease. The darkness of the past burns and turned to ashes.

"Well, sometimes I don't feel like sleeping." I chuckled to ease the pain. Koko and the man is not buying it. "I'll be back with your orders." I bowed before walking away.

My sister didn't want me to work since she managed to take control of the family's company. A friend of our parents take control of it after they died. And...I gave birth to our first child. So, my sister didn't want me to leave him. But, I was thankful that one of the loyal maid of ours were kind enough to look over for him whenever I go out. I want to distract myself so I won't be able to think of him. But, I made sure to make time for our baby.

I got pregnant and gave birth to a handsome boy. I remember crying while shouting Ran's name because he's not with me. It's my fault for not telling him. He deserves to know the truth. But, I don't want him to get involved in whatever he's doing.

"Here's your order." I smiled at the two before placing their orders on the table.

"Thank you." the man says, I nodded.
"I'm Inupi, by the way." I was surprised that he actually wanted to know me. All I thought while looking at him is that he's uninterested.

"Inui Seishu." Koko scowled. "He's my fiance." He said proudly.

My lips parted. "Wow..." I can't believe this! "I mean, congratulations! I'm Reine Estelle, uh..." I don't know what to say!

Inupi gave me assuring smile. "Nice to meet you, Reine."

"Nice to meet you too!" I smiled.

"Reine! How about you sing again, huh?" My eyes widened when the owner of the cafe came to me smiling while pointing at the small stage near Koko and Inupi's table. I faced her, my lips parting.

"Madam, I'm sorry but that just one time! The customers were bored that's why I did that." I bowed lightly to express respect.

"Come on! I didn't know you're good at it!" She slapped my back making me hiss. That hurts! "Aren't you guys bored?" she turned to Koko and Inupi to ask.

"Well, we could watch a little entertainment." Koko smirked. I gritted my teeth, they didn't know that I know how to sing back then and I also didn't know that I can sing until now.