FATED TO BE YOURS

Chapter 16: Blossoming Sparks

As the group finished their dinner, they made plans to head home, each carrying memories of the night. "I'll take Yuki home, and Kade will drop off Jim," Tee said, turning to Sam. "Could you give Mon a ride, Sam?"

"Of course, no problem," Sam replied.

As the group dispersed, Sam and Mon headed to the parking lot where Sam's car awaited. "Thank you, Mon," Sam said once they reached the car.

"For what, Sam?" Mon asked, curious.

"Well, firstly, for giving me the chance to extend my lifespan, and secondly, for agreeing to let me take care of you," Sam added with gratitude.

"Well, Sam, I have to say, this is the first time in six months that I've felt happy. You and your friends have been a huge help," Mon said happily, while Sam leaned against her car, listening attentively.

"Why were you so hard on yourself, though? I understand how painful it is to lose someone, but you didn't give yourself a chance to breathe after it happened. It must have been exhausting," Sam replied with concern.

"I loved him so much, Sam. I was just so hurt that all my plans and dreams shattered before they even began. I always imagined a future with Nop. But it won't happen now," Mon replied sadly.

"Well, maybe tonight will be the start of your healing," Sam replied hopefully.

"Yes, I think you guys came just in time. And thank you. Thank you for holding onto me earlier. If you hadn't, I might still be lost in my grief," Mon replied gratefully, taking Sam's hand.

Returning the gesture, Sam replied, "Well, with that being said, I hope you'll give us a chance to get to know each other better."

"You can count on it, Sam," Mon agreed.

Sam nodded, opening the car door for Mon. "Thank you!" Mon exclaimed before getting in. Sam closed the door and made her way to the driver's seat, accelerating the car to take Mon home.

The following day, Sam finds herself still caught up in the sense of connection she feels towards Mon. She remembers the sensation in her chest the first time she saw Mon that night she assisted her.

"What's happening to me? I can't help but keep thinking about her. The feeling from that night is still so vivid, just like when I saw her again last night," Sam's internal musings trouble her.

"I must see her again," Sam muttered to herself. "But how should I ask her?" she whispered.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone ringing. It was Kade calling.

"Yes, Kade?" Sam answered the call.

"Sam! I need your help! I'm struggling to pick out a dress for a party. Could you assist me? Meet me at the mall later after your work?" Kade requested.

"I can't, Kade. I'm planning to meet someone," Sam refused.

Confused by Sam's hesitation, Kade replied, "Come again, Sam? Meeting someone? This is the first time I've heard you willing to meet someone other than us."

Realizing something, Kade added, "Wait a minute, can I assume this 'someone' is Mon?"

Avoiding the question, Sam replied, "It's not your concern. I can't come with you, okay? Bye."

"I have to see her again. I need to understand this feeling that's consuming me," Sam muttered to herself, just as her phone rang once more.

Without checking the caller ID, Sam grabbed her phone and said, "I already told you I can't come with you. I have to meet Mon. Is that clear now?"

"Did you want to meet me?" Mon's voice came through the line.

To her embarrassment, Sam's knees weakened, and she sank onto the couch.

"Mon? I'm sorry, I thought it was Kade," Sam explained.

"It's okay, Sam. Actually, Kade asked me to call you. Do you have something to say?" Mon confirmed.

Moments later, Mon stood at a bus stop, waiting for Sam to pick her up. A familiar car pulled up in front of her, and Sam leaned down, rolling down the window. "Hop in, Mon," Sam said, unlocking the door from the inside.

As Mon settled into the passenger seat, she asked, "So where are we heading?" Sam hovered close to Mon, their faces inches apart. Startled, Mon shifted slightly as Sam reached for the seatbelt beside her.

Noticing Mon's reaction, Sam asked, "What's the matter, Mon?"

"Oh, nothing. Where are we heading?" Mon asked again, trying to regain her composure.

"Let's grab some dinner first. I know a place," Sam suggested as the car accelerated.

At the restaurant, as the food was served in front of them, Mon couldn't contain her excitement.

"I wish I had discovered this place when Nop was still alive. It's very romantic here, Sam," Mon exclaimed, snapping photos of the food on the table.

"You love taking photos, don't you?" Sam noticed Mon's passion for photography.

Mon nodded with a smile, capturing the plates from every angle.

"Why though? I mean, these dishes won't change their appearance if you order them from somewhere else. They'll still look the same, except for the plating," Sam asked curiously.

"For memories, Sam. While the dish might look the same, the memories associated with this exact plate will be different from others," Mon explained as she continued taking photos.

As Sam watched Mon, she asked, "Mon, if you don't mind me asking, how long were you and Nop in a relationship before you got engaged?"

"Hmm, we were high school classmates, and we became a couple in our Junior Year. Actually, it was Yuki who had a crush on Nop, but unfortunately for Yuki, Nop had a crush on me," Mon chuckled, reminiscing about the past.

"How about you, Sam? Any boyfriend?" Mon inquired.

"Nah, it's not on my priority list," Sam replied, sidestepping the question.

"Nop was your first boyfriend?" Sam asked, redirecting the conversation.

"Yes, he was my first. He should have been the last, but things happened," Mon replied, her gaze falling as she sighed deeply.

"I see. That explains why you haven't been able to move on easily," Sam remarked.

Mon nodded, a small smirk on her lips. "But enough about me. What about you, Sam? You must have a long line of suitors. I mean, you have everything a partner could be looking for. You're beautiful, wealthy, and smart. Who wouldn't fall for a perfect girl like you, Sam?"

"Do you think so, Mon? Why, if you were to ask, would you fall for me?" Sam asked Mon.

Mon chuckled as she took a spoonful of salad. "What kind of question is that, Sam?"

"Of course, Mon. Why would you fall for me? We're both women," Sam replied, trying to convince herself.

"Why don't you start eating, Sam? It's delicious," Mon suggested to Sam.

Sam looked away, puffing her cheeks to hide her disappointment in Mon's response. Noticing Sam's reaction, Mon added, "But if I were to ask, Sam, and I think I am, I'm attracted to you, and I don't think it's impossible for me to fall for you." Mon bowed her head slightly, stealing a glance at Sam and giggling.

Trying to contain her excitement, Sam bit her lip, attempting to hold back her smile. She clasped her hands together when biting her lip wasn't enough to suppress her grin, looking away from Mon.

"Let's just eat, Mon. The food will get cold," Sam suggested, trying to divert her excitement.