detachment | amour

9.

Serena was surprised how fast the time passed by. Its almost been one and half year since they started dating, her feelings for Ash kept on growing more and more. But she did sense something was wrong━ with Ash. He stopped playing with her short hair, he stopped complimenting her cupcakes, he stopped cracking jokes.

Or he was completely normal maybe Serena was just thinking too much; but all she wanted was words of affirmation. She wanted to hear all the sweet things from his mouth, from time to time. She always shrugged as she was too afraid to be one of those people who complain for every thing. Plus Ash has gone through alot.

Exam season was coming and they both started studying separately, she didn't want that. She wanted to spend time in library together, she wanted a cute study date but Ash didn't want that. And the excuse he came up with was that Serena was too pretty that he always got distracted. being a smooth talker Ash got away with that.

One after another exam, thesis, projects kept them both engaged in their courses and particular activities. They would call from time to time to catch up or ask doubts as they both were in same major- the small talks and late night phone calls brought Serena butterflies. Just hearing his voice made her feel giddy, his sleepy morning voice was way too much for her to handle.

The last day of exam and Serena saw everyone celebrating as soon as the college was dismissed. Everyone were just waiting for the results and graduation day right now. Serena was feeling anxious. What will she do next? Where will she be? Will she earn money or be homeless? All these thoughts were running inside her head as she stared at the text she sent Ash who didn't reply for two days.

You: Hey let's hang out tomorrow! I have a date planned <3

She bit her lip, as she felt someone wrapping her waist from behind. She just turned back to see Ash smiling widely and she was glad to see him. Very much so.

"Why didn't you reply?" She asked showing the text to Ash who didn't let go of Serena. Her cheeks started turning red because of the back hug which Ash didn't break at all.

"Sorry. ." He said and then let go of Serena. She just left it at that and then smiled, ready to ask him out on a date.

"So. . Ash ketchum will you go on a date with me-" she was cut by Ash who just held her hands.

"Serena let's go Gary's House. He's throwing a party. ." With a hopeful eyes. Serena disliked parties. The only reason was because it was too overcrowded, she feels claustrophobic in between people.

She was disappointed that Ash cut her off but shrugging those thoughts she nodded her head. With a uneasy smile she said "O-okay?" And then Ash jumped in joy.

"I promise you'll have great time there Serena!" He said.

"Cheers!" As everyone raised their glass filled with beer Ash however didn't drink much as others. They were successful in debugging a game that nobody could━ yes and develope some more additional characters with permission of the creator who agreed.

Ash couldn't believe its been two days since Serena joined as they just had short conversations which were less awkward than their first meeting after years. He stared at Serena who was talking non stop, with a flushed face. He needed to stop her from drinking too much but he didn't want to cross the line either; she had a boyfriend after all.

After everyone went, except Ash and Serena, who passed out from drinking too much. He paid the bill and then went over to Serena, to wake her up.

"Serena. ." He said hesitating. "Wake up, we should get going." He continued. She just smiled after waking up.

"I'm sowwy Ash. ." And he was taken aback.

"I'm sowy fur everyyyythingg." She said smiling and the tears were visible in her eyes. Ash bit his lip. Why was she apologising?

He should be doing that instead.

"I should have held onto you. I let my temper get in the wayyyyyy!" she said her eyes still closed. Few strands were stuck on her temple and he looked at her phone which was ringing.

'Camel♡' to which Ash assumed to be her boyfriend. Ash was perplexed whether to answer the call or not. In the end he did answer the call and heard a monotone voice.

"Hello? Serena?" He asked and Ash could feel that her boyfriend was very worried about her.

"I uh I'm her team leader. . Don't worry she's safe here would be best if you come as soon as possible looks like they're closing here. ." And the person on the other line thanked Ash and told he would try his best to come as soon as possible.

Ash sighed many thoughts running on his mind.

Didn't her boyfriend feel anything at all? Serena with her team manager. . On top of that Ash was her ex.

He made Serena stand up as she walked with big messy steps here and there. Ash just supported her by gripping serenas arm so that she wouldn't fall down.

Ash wanted to say he was sorry but the words never escaped his mouth.

A car came infront of them as a tall, long haired beautiful man stepped out of it. His eyes were directed towards Serena and then carefully leaded her towards the seat. She just followed and sat down eyes fully closed. He adjusted the seat pressing a button that just shifted at the back and Serena looked more comfortable than before.

"Thank you so much for taking care of Serena." He said flashing a smile and Ash could notice a sharp canine teeth infront, he legit looked like a vampire.

"I'm calem." He said extending his hand and Ash shook it introducing himself.

"I'm Ash."

"I know," calem said smiling. "Serena said things about you. She feels responsible. . . for everything . ." He said with a soft smile and I was taken aback.

Ofcourse it's Serena. She must've told calem about me being her ex, and he too doesn't mind. I'm happy that she found someone she deserved.

"Please take care of her at the office!" He said and ash nodded giving a smile for this man.

He was about to leave and then Ash just wanted to say a word.

"I- I like someone else. ." He said and then calem smiled before getting into the car.

"Well, all the best!" He said and then waved at Ash driving away from there.

I'm sorry for any grammatical mistakes and yk haha I lost the habit to write lol.

Thanks for reading ^^