With my jaws clenched, I tightly grip the steering wheel. My eyes keep flickering to my phone placed on the passenger seat. As I come to a halt at another red light, I swipe on the screen of my device, dialing once again Logan's phone number.
"Hi, this is Logan Cross. Sorry, but I'm currently unavailable. Leave your name and number and I will get back to you as soon as possible.", his auto message plays and I grit my teeth in frustration. He wasn't answering my calls earlier, but now he has switched off his phone, making it impossible for me to get through to him.
"Logan, it's me... Can you please call me when you hear this? Look...we can sort this out.", I add the recording to his voicemail before resting my head on the steering wheel with a sigh, "Just...call me...please?"
Horns blare, startling me out of my thoughts as I look up and notice the traffic light has turned green. I quickly press the pedal and the car speeds off. In the backseat, the targets and fighting dummy lie secured by the seatbelts. As Logan left without them, it has become my responsibility to deliver them back to Yula.
Hesitant, I still chose to go to his house before heading for headquarters. But he wasn't home. His car wasn't in the driveway either.
Letting out a frustrated groan, I slam my right palm on my forehead, "God Damn it, Collen! Why did you have to declare your feelings all of a sudden?! What the fuck were you even expecting?? Admitting love for Logan, who is not only straight but also a pure hunter at his core?? Of course he's homophobic! Here I was worried about losing my private training sessions, and now there's a chance of him never wanting to meet me again!"
Amidst me chastising myself, I hear the sound of my phone and swiftly switch my attention toward it, hoping it's a message from Logan. Within a fragment of a second, I retrieve the device and unlock it. However, the reality of it being a message in the group chat leaves me disappointed.
Jade: Guys, our morning flight got canceled so I was saddled with the responsibility of booking and boarding connecting flights during the wee hours because the headquarters doesn't give a shit about the hefty cost involved.
Jade: They simply informed me that I need to report personally at headquarters by 10 a.m. or else I will be deprived of one of the commissions I have requested. I have just landed in Hesperus.
Jade: I didn't want to bother George with the sudden changes, so he remained in Rogerdale. Can any of you please escort him to the airport for his switch flight at 2 p.m.? I do not want him to be alone there. He tends to get anxious.
George: No, I don't! I don't need any help! I'm perfectly capable of hailing a cab and getting to the airport by myself, Jade!
Jade: The last time our flight got delayed by a half hour, you were pacing back and forth near the entrance of the terminal.
Jade: I had to settle you down with an ice cream.
George: Stop saying such things!
Jade: I'm only asking the gang to help you out.
Despite the feeling of fear and regret that is weighing me down, their banter brings a subtle smile to my face. I pull the car over to the side of the road and send them a text in the group chat.
Collen: Don't worry. I'll take George with me.
George: Collen, you don't have to. I can handle it.
Collen: It's fine. I'm heading to the headquarters anyway. I'll pick you up on my way and take you to the airport first. I'm in no hurry.
George: Okay...
