Back In The Game

CHAPTER 24

3rd Person's Pov

Kairi gulped at the sudden question. He was taken aback because he didn't see it coming. He was debating whether he confess or not as Aleah looked straight into his eyes, waiting for his response.

"Um.." He pursed his lips. "Let me calm down for a second." He was blushing madly, although it can be vaguely seen as the screen's light reflecting on their faces.

Aleah chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not pressuring you, I'm only asking so I won't jump to conclusions." She assured him. "I was only curious why you've really put on an effort for this."

Kairi couldn't utter a single word. He couldn't think of a word he wanted to say. Aleah felt disappointed but tried to hide it as she looked away and tried to focus on the movie.

After the movie, they both feel that there are boundaries between them as they are silent as they exit the movie theater.

"Are you up for Arcade?" he randomly asked out of the blue. Aleah just nodded without glancing at him.

"We should grab some snacks before going to the arcade, I'm quite hungry." She told him.

"I recently saw a new store on the third floor, do you want to try it?"

"Yeah, sure." She replied. Kairi could sense that Aleah's tone was odd.

Aleah tried to brush off the disappointment and thought of something else instead. They walked to the shop and saw that the menu consisted of sweets. She was a little delighted as she had a sweet tooth. Kairi sighed in relief to see that Aleah cheered on the menu. They got their order and waited for it to be served.

Kairi initiated a conversation with Aleah, but Aleah gave him a close-ended answer which made it hard for him to keep the conversation going. He wanted to ask about it but was frightened by her answer.

Silence filled the atmosphere as Kairi walked her back to the hotel, they didn't manage to play at the arcade as Kairi noticed that she was not in the mood for it. They are now in the lobby and Aleah pressed the up button on the elevator.

Kairi felt wronged and couldn't stand it. "Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing. Why?" Aleah replied flatly. He was aware that it all started when he didn't answer her question. The elevator opened and Aleah got in. As she pressed the close button, Kairi moved forward to the elevator. Aleah looked at him, curious. "Why did you get in?" She asked.

Kairi took a deep breath. "I just want to clarify things. When you asked me earlier, I didn't reply because I was nervous and couldn't utter a word because I was not expecting that you would ask me that." He explained. "The thing that I want to clarify is that, yes, I like you." He confessed. Aleah's eyes widened and froze shocked.

"eh, uhhm.. When.. When did it .. start..?" She stuttered. Kairi pursed his lips, he was about to answer but the elevator opened, revealing Joanna and Maria.

"I will tell you in the morning." He told her and smiled. "Good night." Aleah got off and Kairi pushed the G button.

"Good night." She muttered, enough to be heard by him. As the elevator door closes, he sees that Joanna and Maria are teasing her. He took a deep breath.

'So, I finally confessed, huh?' he thought and laughed at himself.