The Traps of the Black Swan

30

Lisa used coal and log at the fireplace to warm the hut and heard her ask, "When did you see me the first time?"

Lisa didn't lie, "Nearly eleven years ago at our school." He purposefully didn't mention the café to avoid her stressing her mind and lose control unexpectedly.

Ruby Jane: "..."

She was remarkably speechless. She had thought he might have seen her pictures with Jisoo hence she had thought it might be around five years.

Lisa who closed the hatch of the fireplace turned to see her blankly looking at him. Even though he always sees her serene or aloof, it was just a façade to hide her real emotions but not the blank gaze which made him realize she was wordless to voice.

He tapped on her nose with his finger, "So you better treat me good."

Ruby Jane's lips twitched hearing it, "Were you a coward? I didn't expect you to be milksop."

Lisa's EQ about his feelings or Ruby Jane's emotions is too high. It may be eleven years back or now. The moment he had realized she was the one he wanted, he had told her the same movement. 'Ruby Jane, you will know if I was milksop or not when you remember everything.'

Lisa teased instead, "I didn't know you wanted to date me at the age of thirteen and fourteen." Ruby Jane found it reasonable and asked back, "What about when I was sixteen?"

Lisa looked away from her carrying a frown, "I was attacked..."

She asked the very next second she heard it without letting him continue, "Why? Were you injured? Who was behind it?"

Lisa sighed hearing her worry so quickly for the past, "No, I wasn't injured. Somebody saved me. Dad had received a threat and the same group attacked me. So he moved me forcibly to country U then the military wiped off the gang members. Hence I failed to be in your life for such a long time."

Ruby Jane understood the flow of events and flung his hand from pinching her cheek. "If Jisoo had mentioned my name instead of 'Little heart', would have met me or chickened out?"

"I would have kidnapped you." He said as if he could have really done it. Ruby Jane continued to ask and he responded until she dozed off on the couch.

Other than mirth, lightheartedness, and amusement, he didn't see disappointment or annoyance in her. He was glad she didn't laugh at him instead she tried to perceive and understand him better.

Ruby Jane got to know why Jisoo and Zain wanted her to be with Lisa but she was afraid if she would be able to reciprocate his feelings. She was scared to be judged by him if he knows about her.

Instead of her usual nightmares, she was ensnared in a dream about Lisa. She was living happily with Lisa but he gets to know what happened with her, how she had struggled. Even though she hadn't done anything wrong and became prey, he said something about his prestigious family and left her alone.

Being alone isn't difficult when you have nothing to lose, but giving hope and snatching it away would definitely break the confidence.

Lisa who was sitting on the same couch noticed her curling up. He thought she might be cold or she was again getting her usual haunting dreams. Covering his white coat and his jacket on her, he gently rubbed her brows seeing her sad and scuffling face.

Except during day naps, he never saw her peacefully sleep for even an hour.

He checked if they could leave but the night was colder and a snowstorm had started. He started to feel cold when the logs were burnt to ashes. He wanted to be fine to look after her than for himself.