His Getaway Car

Prologue

Looking back, I can pinpoint the exact moment when my infatuation fizzled out—it was shortly after our high school graduation ceremony. It struck me as absurd, to harbor feelings for someone at such a transitional period in our lives, especially when my peers were eagerly stepping into adulthood, forging paths toward their futures. Yet, despite my best efforts to move on, I found myself tethered to the memory of a high school crush, whose presence lingered long after we tossed our graduation caps into the air.

"Thena, I'm out for the day. Just wrapped up those company entries," Stella's voice pulled me from my thoughts, signaling the end of another workday. With a nod of acknowledgment, I watched her gather her belongings and bid farewell.

Left alone in the office, I lingered at my desk, the glow of the computer screen casting an ethereal light in the dimly lit room. Though my work for the day had been completed hours earlier, I found myself idly scrolling through emails, an attempt to distract myself from the gnawing sense of restlessness that had settled in.

Eventually, I decided to call it a night. Glancing at the clock on my phone, I noted the lateness of the hour—it was already 10:00 pm. Despite the late hour, it felt oddly early for me. Gathering my things, I made my way out of the office, the click-clack of my heels echoing in the empty hallway.

As I stepped out onto the bustling city streets, the aroma of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter. Instinctively, my feet led me to my usual haunt—Jollibee, a familiar sanctuary in the midst of the urban chaos.

Seated in a quiet corner of the bustling restaurant, I placed my order and settled in to wait. With nothing but time on my hands, I allowed my gaze to wander, observing the diverse array of patrons bustling about, each lost in their own world.

And then, amidst the sea of faces, I saw him—my high school crush, his presence unmistakable even after all these years. His tousled hair and trademark glasses were a stark contrast to the polished professionals and weary commuters that surrounded him.

"God, he's still as charming as ever," I murmured under my breath, momentarily captivated by his presence.

Our eyes met, and a familiar flutter of nerves danced in the pit of my stomach as he flashed me a casual smile and wave. Startled, I quickly averted my gaze, feigning interest in the menu as I struggled to compose myself. When my order finally arrived, I wasted no time in retreating to a secluded corner of the restaurant, eager to put some distance between us.

But fate had other plans. As I settled into my seat, I noticed him making his way over, a determined glint in his eye. My heart quickened as he approached, his voice breaking through the din of the crowded restaurant.

"Are you Delythena?" he asked, his tone tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

For a moment, I hesitated, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. But then, with a forced smile, I nodded in affirmation.

"Yeah, it's me," I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within. Deep down, I knew that encountering him after all these years would dredge up memories I'd long buried—a reminder of a time when I was little more than a passing fancy, a fleeting distraction in his otherwise busy life.

His Getaway Car..