My Secret Santa [✔️]

/ F O U R T H / / C H A P T E R /

"Not necessarily like that."

"But to some extent, it was to prove a point, no?"

"It was but I-"

Once again, it all falls back to this idea that he needs to protect me because I am a woman. "I appreciate your concern for me but please don't ever do that to me again. What you caused didn't help be more cautious, but instead ten times more paranoid around men at night." I try to withstand my anger.

"Then I apologise for causing you unnecessary distress. Would it make you feel better if I leave right now?" He stares into my eyes but I can't seem to envision what kind of emotion he is evoking.

"No, that would be selfish. It's dangerous outside and I wouldn't want to let some quarrel be the reason for your death." I walk away to go and grab my glasses from my brief bag.

"I appreciate your decision but I would also understand if you would rather I leave. I don't think the snow is heavy enough to endanger my life." He sits next to after I lounged onto the sofa.

"Not risking it. If you would rather we don't speak, I would completely understand. I can stay in my room while you rest in the living room. Karina's not gonna be back til tomorrow, knowing her and Kento love to stay overnight at a hotel after their dates," I roll my eyes unintentionally.

"Let me guess, it was her who came up with that idea?"

"Yeah, she told me about the one time Kento spontaneously decided to go to the nearest hotel after spending the whole evening at a bar downtown. Since that night, she made it a rule that if they can both find the time in their schedule to do a date night, they would book a hotel." Without realising, I already tucked in my feet into my seat.

"Wow. He never bothered telling me about his date nights. I'm always stuck guessing whether they went to dinner or some mini chess tournament. Kento's a very reserved guy," his hand melts onto head as he leans onto the edge of the furniture.

"Don't have to tell me twice," I chuckle alongside him. "But in all seriously, I don't mind moving into my room so you can rest. It's not me trying to avoid you in any way."

"I think I'll decline that offer. I would much rather have someone keep me company for the time being." His stare deepens as we continue to look into each others eyes.

"So, can I offer you anything? I can order something since I haven't done my groceries this week," I offer as I break away from his sight. What I just said is lie. I always do my groceries on Thursdays so there is groceries stocked in the refrigerator. I lied because I didn't want to feel ashamed for my cooking. I am aware that I am assuming that he will dislike anything he sees from my fridge. I haven't forgotten the insults I heard in high school. It's hard to let go of.

"If you're up to it, I'd like that. Haven't eaten out in a while. What's on your mind?" He leans forward to look at my phone screen.

Scrolling onto Uber Eats, I look at what is open at this hour. "I'm thinking something warm. Maybe ramen?"

"No objections on my end," he shrugs.

"Perfect. I think...I will be taking..." I say while glancing at the menu. "The miso ramen with spicy tofu." I click onto the option and add onto the basket. "Your turn." I hand my phone.

"I'm not very particular. I'll take what you are having." He passes the phone back to me.

"You don't mind the tofu?" I question as I have not meant many individuals who would red meat for fish.

"I happen to be pescatarian, for your information."

"Really?" I sarcastically raise my brow.

"No, but you are so I figured eating the same type of food would make you feel more comfortable." He looks back at mean with a particular stare. A stare asking me if I'm going to crack at his words.

Truth is, I would not mind. Maybe just for a second. It has been quite sometime since I last spoke to someone who didn't make me feel like I was losing my self respect just conversing with them. But based on what I've seen, it would a be a disaster waiting to happen if I even attempt to look at him differently.

Just based on his physique, I am already convinced that it would not work out. He is a man with a model like face wearing a well tailored suit. He doesn't seem to worried about wrinkling it. I'm not familiar with cars but I do a Bentley isn't a cheap you just own. The fact that he can analyse me so easily tells me that he's in a higher up position.

I need to let it go. I am probably just reaching that time of the month where every man, that has that one special characteristic that makes me tick, is attractive.

"I won't even ask how you figured it out but if you continue, you will be the one paying for dinner," I warn as I click onto the beef section of the menu. "Now pick something." I hand back my phone just before I take off my blazer  and place it onto the other end of the couch.

"You don't take no for an answer, huh?" He mumbles loud enough for me to hear.

"Only when it's necessary," I joke.

"Noted."

"Do you want anything to drink while we wait for the food? I have coffee, tea, cranberry juice and alcohol." I left the living to enter the kitchen. I open all the cabinets and pull out every single liquid I could find before placing them on top of the counter. "These are all the options I have."

"If I'm taking alcohol that means I'm staying the night."

"Unless you order a taxi to go home," I interject.

"You want me to stay over? Is that what I'm hearing?" He doesn't even try to hide his smile.

"What are you so amused?" I pause to fold my arms. "Looking outside and how the snow storm hasn't improved, I wouldn't want you leave when you specifically didn't want to drive in such conditions."

"Fair enough. Then I'll a glass of gin, if you have any." He finally decides to take off his black blazer and leaves it right next to mine. "Delivery man should arrive at in an hour though may extend."

"Alright." It is at that moment that I realise that the only way he was able to know how long it would take is if the purchase is already made. He doesn't know my password so he must've used his own bank card. "Shit," I whisper to myself as I pick up the Nolet gin that barely anyone touches.

"What was that?"

"I was just saying that only you and Kento and the only ones that drink gin in this household."

"Great minds think alike."

"Sure." I roll my eyes. I pour his glass of gin then pour a glass of red wine before heading back to the living room.