HIS WILDFIRE

Disclosure

Mr. Moore asked if we could meet, and in high spirits, I agreed. Without hesitation, I skipped my studies and assignments, more focused on the idea of seeing him than anything else. I picked out a pair of seaweed-green corduroy pants, a custom white fitted Henley shirt, and the platform sandals Ted had gotten me for my birthday. Laying them carefully on my bed, I rushed to the bathroom to shower. I didn't want to miss any chances, so I made sure to get myself thoroughly cleaned and well-prepared. I had to look and smell my absolute best.

After dressing up, I stood in front of my mirror—the same one Ted had cracked during one of his outbursts. I smiled at my reflection, confident that I'd be complimented tonight. My golden almond skin glowed under the bright lights, and my face shone like diamonds. I suddenly paused, realizing how fixated I had become on receiving a compliment from Mr. Moore. A small, awkward smile crept onto my face as I tried to shake off the thought.

Grabbing my crossbody bag, I unplugged my phone from the charger and walked over to Ted, who was busy preparing rice to eat with the spicy stew I had made earlier.

"Mmm, you look as spicy as the stew," Ted teased, sticking out his tongue.

"Oh, stop it," I brushed him off, grabbing an apple to keep my stomach in check.

Ted suddenly blocked my path with his arm, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to look into his eyes. His expression was unreadable.

"Are you a homosexure?" I uttered sarcastically, mimicking a TikTok trend. He let go of my chin, as if snapping back to reality. Ted had his moments—sometimes, it felt like he saw Rosette in me. But to me, he was just my roommate, a brother at most. I had never been attracted to him, despite the fact that he was hot and, admittedly, had qualities that aligned with my ideal type.

"At least offer me the courtesy of letting me know where you're off to, you unmannered meanie," Ted quipped playfully.

"You gotta check my location," I muttered before making my way out.

I took a cab to the location Mr. Moore had sent me. When I arrived, he stood next to his car, legs and arms crossed. He looked undeniably attractive in fitted black trousers, a coffee-colored fluffy jacket with white stripes, and a pair of sleek black ankle boots. The colors weren't as dull this time, and a subtle bracelet peeked out from his wrist, alongside a large watch.

I approached him, feeling both confident and shy at the same time. He spread his arms open for a hug, and without thinking twice, I stepped into his embrace. There was something about the way he held me—light yet secure, like I belonged there. When he pulled back, he took a moment to observe my appearance.

An exaggerated gasp escaped his lips. "You look like an angel—beautiful, fine... like the key to heaven's gate."

I felt flattered yet slightly overwhelmed. With a shy smile, I lowered my gaze. Compliments weren't new to me—at 5'8 with a conventionally attractive face and a soft, delicate figure, I was used to people calling me things like squishy ball or adorable. But this? This was different.

He opened the car door for me, ushering me inside before moving around to the driver's seat. Once settled, he glanced at me and smiled slightly before starting the car.

"Feel comfortable," he said, sensing my tension. His words soothed me a little, and the familiarity we had built over text gradually eased my nerves.

"So, where are we headed?" I asked, adjusting my top.

"Somewhere I can have the best time with you," he smirked.

There was something about him that intrigued me—something I couldn't quite put my finger on. His usual intimidating aura had completely faded, replaced by a warmth I hadn't expected. He laughed often, and his energy made me feel lighter, happier.

"I was in my final year when I first noticed you," Mr. Moore admitted as we sat across from each other at a beautifully set table. "You were retrieving your stuff from your sister's car, I think. At first, I told myself I was staring at your sister, but no... it was just you."

I laughed. "Why didn't you approach me earlier? You can't admire someone from a distance for so long. Humans are meant to interact, right?"

He paused, looking straight into my eyes for a good ten seconds. In that moment, it felt as though the entire universe had come to a halt. A strange, almost electric silence settled between us.

Then, finally, he spoke. "Some things just don't work the way we want them to. We all analyze ourselves, recognize our weaknesses, and choose our battles. Back then, it felt like I was at a crossroads—two separate, unknown paths in the middle of nowhere. I had to make a choice. I had a girlfriend at the time, and I didn't want to create a mess, even though..." He trailed off.

"Even though what?" I pressed, curiosity piqued.

He exhaled. "Even though you had already stolen my heart."

I gasped. "Wait, what?!"

He reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "It was like love at first sight—a feeling that broke all bounds and connected our souls..."

I gasped again, louder this time. Love? Love? I had spent my whole life avoiding anything remotely romantic, and now I was sitting here, hearing confessions like this? My reactions seemed to amuse him.

I should have picked up on his intentions earlier, but I had dismissed every sign as mere coincidence. As someone with a soft, gentle aura, I was used to men holding doors open for me, treating me delicately—it was just how the world worked. Masculine energy was naturally drawn to femininity, and vice versa. Even though there had always been a spark between us, I had never imagined it ran this deep.

"So... you didn't genuinely love your girlfriend?" I asked cautiously. "What happened to her? Don't tell me you broke up."

Mr. Moore sighed, picking up his glass of pineapple juice. He took a slow sip before responding.

"I wouldn't be here with you if I didn't," he admitted. "Her name is Jane. She moved to Asia after college and is now engaged to a baron. She was always after material things, and I guess she found someone who could give her more of what she wanted."

I tilted my head. "And if she had stayed?"

"You're quite invested in my past relationships," he chuckled. "I want to talk about us, you know."

"Us?" I repeated in amazement.

"Yes. Us," he emphasized. "Back in college, I was just a naive guy with childish ideas about love. I hadn't taken over my father's company yet, and I wasn't as open-minded as I am now. But despite everything, I knew what I felt for you. It's been two years, Grandee. And you're still the only person on my mind."

I stayed silent, his words replaying in my head. I had seen him around campus before—noticed him, even thought he was cool—but I had never once imagined he had felt this way about me. It was only during our recent interaction that I truly took note of him, that I found myself developing a crush. But now? Now, things were spiraling faster than I could process.

"Grandee," he called softly, giving my hand a light shake. I met his gaze, completely dazed. I felt like a doll in that moment—stiff, unmoving, unsure of how to react.

"I want you to be my sweetheart," he said sincerely.

My heart pounded wildly in my chest. He leaned back into his seat, calm and composed, while I sat there in complete turmoil.

I liked Mr. Moore. He was just my type of man. But was I ready for this?

"Grandee, I want to have a future with you."