I restlessly followed him for some time but he kept ignoring me. He went to a mobile repair shop and talked to the owner for some time. After receiving a receipt and handing over his phone he left the shop. He was still carrying that laptop and that bag.
''I know you're angry but could you please stop for a moment and listen to me?' I tried again.
'I am not angry.' He didn't stop walking.
'You are.' I started to walk beside him.
'No.' He was looking everywhere but me.
'Yes.' I wasn't going to back off.
'Tay....'
'You're not thinking straight because of your anger New. P Waii is coming and you are still carrying those things. What if he asks about it? What are you gonna say to him?' Don't know why but despite being in this situation my head was very clear.
This made him stop abruptly. He turned around slowly and looked at me with eyes full of surprise.
'I totally forgot about it!' He tilted his head and looked at me.
'It's okay. Don't worry. Give me those. Let me carry them for now. You can collect them later.'
'But....'
'Do you have any other option?'
'Hm. Okay..' He reluctantly gave me everything.
'I will keep them safe. Don't worry.'
'Thanks.' He mumbled looking a bit absent minded.
'Will you be alright? P Waii....'
'I'll manage.' He gave a forced smile.
'Don't do that.'
'Hm? Don't do what?'
'You don't have to pretend in front of me. If you are feeling stressed share it with me. If you are unhappy, let me know about it, if you are angry, yell at me. You don't have to suppress your emotions when you are with me.' I've wanted to say all these for a long time.
'Is that how friendship works?' The corner of his mouth slightly curled up.
'No. This is how our relationship works.' I answered looking straight into his eyes.
'Huh?' It caught him off guard.
'New.....I....I...' I braved my heart.
'Hm?'
'About June and Ton...' I chickened out at the last moment. I wanted to tell him that I like him.
'I am not mad at you Tay ....I am worried. I don't like to involve innocent people in this mess. I have already involved you by letting you know the actual situation....about the Khemwaen family..... about their business.....now that June and Ton know about it too .... it's getting more and more complicated. I am concerned about your safety.'
'I am really sorry......I will be more cautious..'
'Hm.'
'Are we good now?'
'Hm. By the way, did you find a suitable name for me?' He finally smiled.
'I did.'
'Really? And what's that?'
'Let's talk later. P Waii is here.' From the corner of my eyes I saw P Waii and Mint entering the mall. New also noticed.
'I'll call you tonight.' He said.
'Promise?'
'Promise.'
'I'll be waiting.' I nodded.
