The Lonely Hearts

Chapter 15

Later that day Zoyee was waiting in the parking area for Archie after their classes were over. She was waiting there for 10 minutes but there was no sign of Archie, she texted him but there was no response from him. She shrugged it off thinking maybe he is busy in rehearsal as the orientation program is heading closer and he will perform like always. She kept waiting but soon she realized almost everyone left the campus, as it was almost 40 minutes after the classes finished. She tried to call him twice also in the meantime but there was no response as well. Soon she started to get worried and dialed his number once again but to her surprise, she heard his phone ringing behind her. As she turned around she felt relieved seeing him coming towards his car. "Where were yo..." "If I wasn't replying to your text or receiving the calls, there must be some reasons,  right? But you kept calling again and again. Don't you have the basic common sense?" Archie cut her off while raising his voice. She became surprised and murmured a sorry while avoiding his gaze. Seeing her like this he cursed himself mentally to vent his frustration on her. He didn't say anything and sat in his car along with her. The whole ride was silent as no one said anything. From the peripheral vision, Archie could see the tears that Zoyee was wiping silently. He bit on his lower lips feeling guilty. Soon they reached near her house. She was about to leave the car when Archie pulled her back. She didn't look at him which made him more guilty. Gently cupping her face he closed the distance between them, "I'm really sorry. I know I shouldn't have shouted at you like that but I was frustrated because of the rehearsal and all. Please forgive me." She didn't dare to look at him as she knew if she looked at him she wouldn't be able to control her emotions. "I was just worried about you as it didn't happen before. But yeah you were right. I had to understand. Sorry for not having enough common sense. It won't happen again, I'll keep that in mind." "No, no. Please don't say that. Sorry for being a jerk. I know I shouldn't have said those things and I'm really sorry for that. Now please look at me." Zoyee slowly looked at him. The moment her deep brown teary eyes met his, Archie's heart sank a little. He leaned closer placing soft kisses on both of her eyes, then pressed a long one on her forehead mumbling sorry. Taking a deep breath Zoyee replied, "It's okay but if you are stuck in some works at least try to send me a text and don't shout at me like that." Archie's heart melted listening to her complaining like a baby. Archie smiled softly cupping her face in his hands, "I promise I won't shout at you again and I'll make sure to text no matter how busy I am. Okay?" Zoyee nodded slightly her cheeks still damp from the tears. But before she could pull away Archie leaned in and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. This time it wasn't rushed or impulsive. Rather it was slow, apologetic and full of emotions. Zoyee melted into it her fingers gripping his shirt lightly as if to hold onto him. When they finally pulled apart both of them were slightly breathless. Archie rested his forehead against hers, their noses brushing lightly. "I can't bear to see you upset because of me," he murmured. Zoyee chuckled softly her voice barely above a whisper, "Then don't give me a reason to be." He smiled, "I won't. You have my word."

Breaking the tender moment Zoyee gently pushed him away. "Alright, we should go before mom starts wondering why I'm not home yet. I remember her mentioning about coming home early." "Okay let's go." When they reached her home Archie looked at her with his mischievous smile, "Should I come in and explain myself to her?" She rolled her eyes, opening the car door. "No, thanks. You've already done enough today." Archie laughed watching her step out. "Text me when you're inside, okay?" "I will." Zoyee paused, looking back at him. "And Archie?" "Yes?" "Goodnight." "Goodnight, Zoyee." 

As she walked inside Archie leaned back in his seat letting out a deep sigh. He couldn't believe he had let his frustration get the best of him earlier but he was determined to make it up to her. 

The next day, Archie decided to surprise Zoyee after her morning classes. He waited outside her lecture hall with a small box in his hand. When Zoyee came outside with her friends she was taken aback to see him standing there leaning to the wall. "What are you doing here?" she asked raising an eyebrow yet an amusing smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Archie grinned pushing himself off the wall, "I came to see you and to give you this." He handed her the small box. Zoyee opened it to find a box of her favorite chocolates which she once mentioned to him along with a few red roses. "Archie…" "Shh. I wanted to apologize properly for yesterday," he said, with sincerity, "I hate the thought of upsetting you. This is just a little something to make you happy." Zoyee's heart swelled, "Thank you."