BEYOND THE LOVE

CHAPTER 17:

Juan immediately chimed in, "Wait up, Nara. I'll come with you."

I flashed him a grateful smile. It was always comforting to have Juan around, especially in moments like this.

We both headed for the exit, and as the door closed behind us, Juan suggested, "I'll get the car. Just give me a minute."
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But a couple of minutes later, he returned, a frustrated look on his face. "The car's not starting. Must be some engine trouble."

I sighed. "Just what we needed."
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It was then that Suha, Ji Woon, and Kyoto emerged from the Neon Nectar. Spotting us, Suha approached with a wide grin. "Car trouble? No worries. We can hitch a ride with Rein."

My eyes widened in surprise, a sinking feeling in my stomach. Rein? Again? Before I could protest, Rein walked out, a smug smirk on his face.

"Looks like we're traveling together" he said, his voice dripping with amusement.

Suha giggled. "Isn't that just perfect?"

Juan, always the peacekeeper, stepped in. "Thanks, Rein. We appreciate it."

Rein simply nodded, his eyes locked onto mine. The tension was palpable, yet beneath it all lay a myriad of emotions, unsaid words, and memories.

Judging by everyone's reactions, I was certain they had hatched this plan together, Suha most likely being the mastermind. I exhaled deeply just as Rein approached. Suha, Ji Woon, and Kyoto swiftly occupied the back seats, making their intentions clear.

Juan chimed in, "I'll get the car fixed and join you guys later." His evasion made me suspicious. If Juan was in on their scheme, he'd regret it.

Shooting him a stern look, I said, "I can't believe you guys." Climbing into the front seat beside Rein, I fastened my seatbelt, bracing myself for the ride ahead.

Rein turned the ignition, and the low hum of the engine came to life. I stole a quick glance at him; his profile was lit by the streetlights, highlighting his sharp jawline and the scar that ran across his cheek - a memento from our previous encounter.

As we drove through the dimly lit streets of the city, the sounds of the nightlife filled the atmosphere. Suha, Ji Woon, and Kyoto chatted animatedly, their voices sometimes drowning the melodies playing softly from the car's radio. I could feel Rein's eyes on me every so often, but I focused on the world outside, watching as the lights blurred past.
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Suha called from the backseat, "Why don't you guys put on some music?"

Rein pressing play on an song . The tune wafted through the car.

Suha, unable to contain her mischief, leaned forward, her eyes twinkling. "So, Rein," she began in a deliberately casual tone, "Is there anyone special in your life now?"

I shot her a warning look, but she only grinned wider, clearly enjoying herself.

Rein's eyes flickered momentarily towards me, but he took his time answering. "Always on that front,"

Rein's response left me reeling. "Always on that front"? Did he mean what I thought he meant? My thoughts raced, but I kept my face impassive.

Suha's curiosity, ever insatiable, prompted her to probe further. "Oh? Do tell."

Rein shifted in his seat, choosing his words carefully. "Someone cherishes me."

Ji Woon, picking up on the intensity, tried to lighten the mood. "Oh come on! A guy like you? I bet there's a line of girls waiting for you."

Kyoto laughed, "Yeah, probably around the block."

I felt a prick of annoyance. "Can we just... not right now?" I interjected. Suha pouted, clearly disappointed, but decided not to push any further.

Rein took a deep breath, casting his eyes out onto the road ahead.

The car fell silent, except for the hum of the engine and the soft tune playing on the radio.

I looked out of the window, processing their words, the streets bathed in the soft glow of the streetlights. Rein's vulnerability was palpable, and it was hard to deny the feelings that had always existed between us, buried beneath layers of pride, anger, and hurt.