If I Let You Go

Chapter 29 - And all the loving

Taylor heard the doorbell.

He's somewhat pumped since he received Archer's text, a heads-up that Rain demanded his condo's address. He has informed reception that if a guest named Rain inquired, have him come up immediately.

Taylor opened the door and before Rain could utter a word, he pulled him inside his unit.

Rain pulled his arms away from Taylor's hold as soon as they entered his unit.

"Make yourself at home." Taylor gestured to the sofa in his living room.

Rain walked to the living area and sat at the sofa with legs apart and elbows on his knees, leaning slightly forward.

Taylor placed a cold bottled coffee in front of Rain.

Rain looked up and gestured for Taylor to sit down.

"Here!" Rain then placed a paper bag atop the coffee table in between them as soon as Taylor sat in front of him in the seating area.

Taylor sadly looked at the pitiful things that Rain brought back. His zip hoodie that Rain borrowed when they were in Boracay. The AquaFlask that has their company logo because it's the company's giveaway during their last sportsfest.

He realized, he wanted more of his things in Rain's possession. And in return he wanted something of Rain to be with him. If only he realized earlier how much this boy will mean to him, he would have swiped little things from him whenever they're together.

"You don't have.." Taylor immediately stopped when Rain held up his forefinger signaling him to stop talking.

"Taylor, I'd like to think that despite what happened, you at least considered me a friend in the past." Rain seriously stated.

Despite it sounding like a prelude to something that Taylor may not like, he still nodded in agreement.

"So, in consideration of us being friends in the past, may I ask you, with all due respect, to please keep away from me." Rain said coldly.

When Taylor was about to say something, Rain interrupted him, "Don't talk, let me finish."

Taylor sighed but still nodded.

"When I was away, I realized that everything happened because I was at fault. I assumed too much, expected too much and demanded too much from whatever it is that is between us at that time. I assumed that we were in a relationship, I expected that the feelings are mutual and will be reciprocated and when I did not get those, I demanded attention like a child having a tantrum."

Taylor's heart ached for pain that he can see on Rain's eyes as Rain recalled their past.

To say that I am mortified of my past behavior is an understatement. But I do believe that I assumed too much because I was given some sort of encouragement, however tiny said encouragement was. That being said, you at least owe me a tiny bit of respect. So, I hope that whenever you see me, please pretend that you do not know me. It may seem exaggerated to you, but I would like to move on from all that happened between us. And so, I am hoping that since we are at least friends before, you will grant me a dignified exit from that humiliating experience. And for that to happen, I need to not see you nor feel your existence.

I hope I made myself clear." Rain then stood up, turned in the direction of the door, preparing to leave.

"Sit down." Taylor coldly said.

Taylor furiously clenched his fist and closed his eyes for moment. He really hoped that after his speech, he can leave Taylor, and everything will end. But unsurprisingly, this dominating man will not let him have the last say. "What?" he turned back and angrily asked Taylor.