DEVOTION | L. FORGER

CHAPTER 3

I reach my company the next day, trying hard to wash off the remains of Hatake after yesterday. As I reach my office, I see a parcel covered in red paper with a stamp on top of it saying CONFIDENTIAL. On cue, Miwa, my assistant walks in.

"Good morning Miwa, do you know who left this parcel here for me?"

"He refused to give his name, but I saw an officer badge on him, so I'm wondering, the government"

I knew it. Parcels like these have had frequent visits in the past couple of weeks. They ask to be posted personally under me as if they want to keep all of this a secret. Kind of fishy if you ask me.

"Thank you so much Miwa, before you leave can you-"

"Your schedule is printed on your desk, I have sent your meeting via mail and your coffee is on its way" she cuts me.

"Remind me to give you the world"

"Oh Ms. l/n, that's too much to ask for. Although a bonus would suffice" she winks at me before leaving.

I smile knowing at least I am lucky enough to have a friend. Just as I was about to begin my day, my phone vibrates.

Hatake

Good morning Darling

I have personally sent you your favorite hot coffee,

along with your favorite dessert.

I hope you see you frequently now

Me

I hope you choke on your coffee.

Plus you could have poisoned it for all I know

Hatake

I love it when you talk dirty to me

I wouldn't waste food like that

see you and don't miss me too much

I cringe as I read those messages. I need to make something of my life. I ignore Hatake's words and continue working. Desperately trying to finish my work so I can go home and rest.

My mind wanders back to Loid's message yesterday. I am curious to know why he wanted my number but rather keep my hopes down than face disappointment again. My heart races every time I think about him and those 23 minutes of our time together at the ball. I dislike this feeling he gives me. I slowly open my phone to text him back.

Me

Hey sorry I was busy yesterday so I couldn't text you back

Loid

It's okay.

I texted to ask whether you were free this weekend or something?

I just wanted to treat you to dinner you know

I am stunned. Shocked. Surprised. I keep re-reading the message just to make sure if it's true or not.

Is it a good idea to get involved with him? How do I know it won't end up the same as everyone else? Can I protect my heart this way?

Just as I was about to text him back, the door opened suddenly.

"I am done with my work, I sent the important dates and stats, am I free to go?" Miwa asks.

"Sure, even I'll be on my way out since I have to send this parcel" I stand up sighing to myself, putting my phone away briefly forgetting about him.

I pack my stuff getting ready to leave. I grab the parcel and make it out of the building where I see Hatake in the distance. He slightly waves my way with a sly smirk adorning his handsome face. I sit in my car ignoring him driving to the main post shipping company to deliver the mysterious parcel.

"I want to ship this parcel please," I tell the serviceman standing there.

"Sure may I know the address?" The guy in his uniform, short with curly black hair and thick square glasses.

I search for an address on the parcel. It's an international address. That's weird.

"Uh yes it's written on the parcel," I say giving the parcel to him.

He studies the parcel, writing something on a piece of paper and putting it in his pocket. He scans and weighs the parcel, putting a price tag on it. I pay him and almost take my leave until-

"L/n?" I in the direction of the familiar but distant voice.

"Mr. Forger?" I say surprised.

"Nice meeting you here. What are you doing here?"

"I have come to give out a parcel. What about you?"

"Same. A patient of mine required certain medical files so I have come to ship them to him"

"That's very thoughtful of you" 

"So you never texted me back, I was getting worried you just might hate me now," he says rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh I'm so sorry I was quite busy so I couldn't text you back. I'd love to get dinner with you" I say softly.

"Great. I'll see you then. Have a nice evening"

"You too" with that I take my leave.

A date with him couldn't possibly be that bad right. It's not that anything is gonna happen. Right? The walls I have so desperately built, soring high up in the sky, couldn't possibly break down. Right?