TO END THE INVEIGLE RHYTHM '. ruler of fate series l second book

KABANATA 13

To End the Inveigle Rhythm
written by : riyanisity

A delicate touch on my cheek brought me back to where I actually was. Natuod ako sa kinakatayuan ko ng masalubong ang magkadugtong na kilay ni Asher.

"Why are you crying?"

My lips parted. I took a step back and shook my head. "I'm not." Tumalikod ako sakanya at bahagyang pinunasan ang bakas ng tumulong luha sa pisngi ko.

He held my arm and made me face him again. "There's got to be an explanation, Ivy." His voice sounded so soft, but his eyes were raging with curiosity.

I smiled at him. "It's nothing..."

Sinubukan kong bawiin ang braso ko pero hindi siya nagpatinag. "I'm fine, Asher." I made my voice sound convincing to him.

He raised his brow at me. "And what makes you think that I'll believe that?"

"It's not my problem anymore." May pwersang binawi ko ang braso ko mula sa pagkakahawak niya. "I said what I said."

Hinuli niya ang kamay ko bago pa man ako makatalikod at makahakbang papalayo.

I looked down at our hands and up to him. "I don't understand why you're so concerned."

He scoffed, irritated for I don't know what reason.

Bumuntong hininga ako, "Look..." at binawi ang kamay ko. "I'm fine, Asher."

I turned my back on him and made a beeline towards the living room area. Inayos ko ang mga naiwan na containers and cups at nilagay sa loob ng paper bag.

"I'm not someone you can deceive with that look of yours, Ivy."

I bit my lip and continued cleaning the coffee table, as if I didn't hear him. "Since when did you become so talkative?" I chuckled.

"I'm always like this—"

Kumunot ang noo ko at binalingan siya ng tingin. "No..." I shook my head. "You're like a living corpse." I pouted before throwing the paper bag on the trash can.

"What a nice way of describing me."

I walked towards him and touched his forehead. "You seem fine." I pursed my lips and held my chin. "Then why are you acting like this?"

My eyes widened when he grabbed my wrist and made me sit on the couch. Iniwas ko ang tingin sakanya nang umupo siya paharap sa'kin. "I'm all ears."

My lips parted. "That was a first..."

He raised his brow at me and licked his lips. "What?"

Tinuro ko siya. "You... Acting like this. Curious and such." Naninibago kong sinabi.

He tilted his head and cleared his throat. "I am always curious about you... And this is a first too." Namamaos niyang balik.

My brows furrowed together. "Ang alin?"

"You... Not telling me anything." He bit his lip and averted his eyes away from me. "I don't like it, Ivy."

Nabaling ang tingin ko sa kawalan. "For a past childhood friend... And an ex..." I pouted and looked at him. "This seems weird... Sa tingin mo?"

Binalik niya ang tingin niya sa'kin. "I don't."

"Hmm..?" I nodded my head, even though I didn't buy what he said. "This is more than weird."

He raised his brow at me. "No, it's not."

Pinatong ko ang mga binti ko sa upuan at hinarap ang buong katawan sakanya. "Can you elaborate on that? I was so nervous the first time..." I pursed my lips. "I saw you again... But now, all of it is gone." Pinalobo ko ang mga pisngi ko. "Like poof!"