Silent Strangers

NINE

Chapter NINE:
Tobias

I leaned against the elevator, the ding of its arrival pulling me back to reality. Watching her apartment door close felt like a scene from some cheesy rom-com. Me, the guy left standing in the hallway. I'd always been the one doing the leaving, not the one left behind.
Okay, fine. Not always.

The night air was a shock to my system. I needed to clear my head, so I headed to my usual Chinese takeout spot. Spicy noodles and a mountain of takeout always seemed to solve everything, or at least temporarily numb the pain.

As I pulled into my spot, I saw Kai's car.

Ugh, not him. He's like a human bloodhound when it comes to drama. 

He stepped out, that annoying smirk plastered on his face. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Mr. Mysterious," he drawled.

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Kai," I muttered, trying to sound casual.

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? 'Cause it looked like you were about to sweep her off her feet," Kai teased, that annoying grin plastered on his face. I wanted to punch him. "She wasn't well, okay? I was just being a decent human being," I grumbled.

Kai's expression softened for a second, but then that mischievous glint returned. "So, Mr. Good Samaritan, what happened after you played nursemaid? Did you recite poetry, or maybe serenade her with your amazing vocal talents?"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, Kai. It was nothing."

"Nothing? Come on, spill. Did you get her number? Or maybe a kiss on the cheek for your troubles?" He was practically vibrating with excitement.

I took a deep breath. "Look, we went our separate ways after the club. I saw her later today because she wasn't feeling well."

Kai's eyebrows shot up. "Oh, so you two were destined to meet again? Sounds like a classic rom-com plot."

I groaned. This guy was impossible. "It was pure coincidence, I swear. She fainted at the grocery store."

"And you, the gallant knight, swooped in to save the day?" Kai's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

I glared at him. "Something like that." "Leni was at the same grocery store as her. She called me to help. It was both coincidental and unexpected" I concluded.

Kai's expression softened a bit. "You care about her, don't you?"

I froze. Care? Did I? I mean, she was kind of cute, and she's definitely got something about her. But care? I shrugged. "She's just someone I met," I mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant.

He gave me that knowing look. "Uh-huh. Sure."

I opened my takeout and ignored him. I needed to focus on the food, not whatever weird feelings were brewing inside me.

"So, tell me about her," Kai pressed, not letting it go.

I groaned. "There's nothing to tell. We met at that club last night."

Kai's eyes lit up. "The one you were at with that hottie? The one you were totally drooling over?"

I choked on my food. "That was you, not me."

He laughed. "Right, right. You were just being a good friend."

I glared at him. "Exactly."

"So, what happened after the club? You two just magically ended up at her place?"

I choked on my food yet again. I held up my hand to signal him to stop talking as I downed a glass of water. "Let me remind you, you will get no details if I die after choking on this."

Kai grinned. "So, you're telling me that you, the notorious player, are suddenly playing the concerned boyfriend role?"

I choked on my food again. "I am not playing anything. I'm just being a decent human being."

"Sure, sure," Kai said, clearly not buying it. "But let's be real, there's something going on here. You're acting all weird and protective."

I sighed. "Look, I don't know what you want me to say. She's just a girl I met."

Kai leaned in closer. "Or is she more than just a girl?"

I shoved a mouthful of noodles into my mouth to avoid answering. I couldn't believe I was actually having this conversation. 

Kai leaned in even more and I snapped at him. 

"Are you planning on sitting on my plate now?" I barked at him. 

"If it makes you admit.", he rests his face on his propped up hands now, "yes, I will." His eyes sparkled with humor.

I sighed. For the love of God, this man is resilient. I groaned.