PAPARAZZI

Nineteen

It's raining outside as you stand in front of the window.

It seems like it won't stop and will probably become worse over the next few hours, which makes it extremely difficult for you to return to the hotel where Jay was staying.

When you first arrived at the condo, Ikeu allowed you to clean up first since it seemed like you were getting sick from the rain outside. He also allowed you to borrow some of his extra clothes.

When you asked him to lend you his sister's clothes instead, he told you that his sister had brought all of her clothes with her when she left for the school dormitory, so you had no choice but  to take Ikeu's shirt instead.

"I don't have anything in the fridge right now, but if you want anything to eat, I can order it."

When Ikeu talks to you, your thoughts instantly stop. You turn to face him.

His hair is still wet, but he already changed into new shirt, he seems like he was fresh from the after bath.

"Did Jay reply?" you ask.

It was off topic, but you are curious and afraid that Jay will be worried, So, even when you're hungry, you lose the desire to eat.

"Wait, let me check," he adds before taking his phone from his pocket. He lightly bit his lip while scrolling before handing you his phone.

"There's a message."

You assumed Ikeu had already opened the message, but as you received it from his hand, you realized it was merely a notification.

[Is this a scam?] Jay text. Which caused your brows to furrow.

In your thoughts, you wonder what sort of text you sent to him that caused him to think that way. When in real terms, you just tell him where you are.

[No, it was really me, I forgot to tell you that my phone went missing while Ikeu and I were running towards his condo, so I used his phone instead.]

[Ikeu? Is this the same person as yesterday?]

[Yesterday?]

At first, you don't understand what Jay is saying in the message, but after some thought, you realize that Jay presumably remembers Ikeu since he helped you get into the clinic.

[Yes, he is.] you replied.

After you sent it, it took a few minutes before Jay responded

[Send me the address and I will get you there.]

"Jay," you say as you open the door. Jay was soaked. His hair was down due to water in it.

Earlier, you assumed he was joking when he stated he would go to Jake's condo, so you were taken aback that he actually did it.

"Let's go," he says.

"Uhm.." You cast a quick peek to the back and notice Ikeu, who is already in your back.

"We're going," Jay stated to Ikeu before taking your hand in his.

"Wait-" you say.

You were taken aback by Jay's quick grasping, which is why you did not properly say goodbye to Ikeu.

"Thank you, Ikeu." you remark before waving goodbye to him. Ikeu appears to be bewildered as well, yet he manages to wave back at you.

Jay remained silent as you both walked down the hallway, his hand tightly gripping yours as if he was frightened to leave it.

"Jay, I didn't know you're really coming."

"Did I state that I'll pick you up in the text?"

He gives you a quick glance before examining your body.

"The fact that you're wearing someone else's clothes doesn't look good."

His voice is mad, but his expression is serious.

He taps the elevator and waits for it to open before you both enter.

"Next time, don't leave alone with yourself."

"I simply don't want to bother you, so I go alone." You say.

"Then, starting now, you're free to disturb me, just tell me where you want to go."

You roll in your bed, embracing the pillow next to you. Until now, you haven't gotten over what Jay says when he picks you up from Ikeu's condo earlier.

"What does he mean by that? Did he just warn me that if I leave alone, he'll be scared of what happens to me?"

You can't help but smile again as you place the pillow on your face.

You want to yell out happiness because even though Jay didn't say it that way, it appears like it was the intent of his words to you. That he was concerned with you.

Until now, the only thing that has been obvious is that your connection with Jay is purely work-related, but you have a feeling that this may become a reality.

You're kind of delusional about that thing, but you can't control it.

You take the pillow off your face and softly smack it.

"Stop thinking too much and simply be pleased that Jay is concerned," you tell yourself while the smile on your face remains.