Chased by a Gentleman

Chapter 17

❝Stop with the excuses. We're eating out.❞

_______________________________________

She looked around the rooftop full of patients and medical staff spending their free time. She wondered if these people ever get sick of this place. A hospital is not a place where anyone would want to be. Being inside the building is stuffy, and the stench was nowhere near pleasant. 

Her intuition was correct. This is no longer appropriate. She can't just let two men flirt with her when none of them is her boyfriend. A disaster hasn't occurred yet, but how can she be so sure that one will not come? 

Since the two have declared their affections for her, Eloise is unable to hide her unease any longer. It was now time to take this matter into her own hands. 

As her mind briefly relaxed, she fidgeted with the hot chocolate cup sleeve. She was recently reflecting on her life. She pondered if she will get to experience the career that she has been building ever since she was a teenager. 

"Nice seeing you here," A calm but familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. 

"Brahms."

"I heard that the filming was finally finished," He stated before sipping on his coffee cup.

Eloise hummed in response. "My internship is also over."

Brahms glanced at the side of her face, a few strands of her hair covering it. "That means I won't get to see you as much."

"Have you eaten lunch?" Eloise shook her head.

"I'm just having this," She showed him the cup of her drink.

"You got to be kidding me." His face turned serious at her response.

"What?"

"You can't just have that," He scolded as he pointed to her drink.

"I'm not that hungry yet and you're literally drinking coffee right now."

"Stop with the excuses. We're eating out."

____

"Eloise, I could've brought you somewhere nicer. Why are we eating at a fast-food chain?" Brahms commented while he takes off his coat.

"I'm craving some fries. Besides, this is way more practical than those meals at fancy restaurants. You forced me to eat, so at least let me pick the restaurant."

Brahms could only sigh at Eloise's reasoning. His eyes transferred to the tray with their meals on it, he would be lying if he said these do not look mouth-watering.

Eloise immediately grabbed a french fry and ate it in her own traditional way. She dipped the fry inside her drink and popped it inside her mouth. 

She peeked at Brahms' face who appeared to be wearing a baffled expression. "You should try," Eloise offered and placed the fries closer to him.

"What is even the point?" He consciously imitated Eloise's way of eating fries. 

"So?" She stated, examining his reaction.

"I prefer eating it normally." He grabbed the small stack of tissues provided and used one to wipe his mouth. 

Upon hearing his viewpoint, Eloise's smile faded. Perhaps the action was truly strange and childish. She can't blame him.

"I was doing it to cool the fries," She muttered.

"Then, you could've waited for it to be a little colder or just blow on it if it's too hot." She looked down on her lap. She felt embarrassed. Eloise started doing this when she was six, and she hasn't broken the habit since then. Maybe this was her signal to break it.

"I'll be back," Brahms whispered before getting up from his seat. 

Eloise took her bag that was resting on top of the seat beside her and hastily fished out for her phone. Her phone automatically lit up, revealing her notifications and the time. 

12:14 PM

Even though they had just been in the restaurant for over twenty minutes, it seemed like they had been there for a long time. 

Brahms returned carrying two water bottles. "We ate a lot of junk. We need water." He placed a bottle in front of her and gestured for her to drink it. She timidly grinned at his thoughtful action and unscrewed the cap of the bottle.

"I have to be in the hospital by 12:30. Should we head back now?" Brahms stated whilst looking at his wristwatch.

"I have no business at the hospital anymore, remember?"

"Oh, right. Then can you head back home by yourself?" Eloise immediately nodded.

"Of course. Thank you for the treat."

____

Oddly, her time with Brahms reminded her of herself while taking an exam. She forced herself to be intrigued by the stories he told. But his words resembled a lullaby. 

Her legs brought her to the nearest convenience store. She made the decision to buy some snacks since she wasn't satisfied with the ones available at her dorm.

"I need to stop wasting my money," She muttered to herself.

Eloise pushed the glass door, and as she did so, the door's chimes began to ring. She walked inside the store, ignored by the employee exactly as she anticipated.

She made her way to her desired aisle and picked out the items that charmed her. Her eyes caught a familiar dirty blonde, standing near the refrigerators, except with a company—a female company.

Her legs hesitated to approach him. "Eloise?"