La Pâtissière's Limerence

Chapter 3: Regrets

Chapter 3: Regrets

"Haist... Tomorrow is going to be my last day here yet they haven't sent me any email." She blew the strands of her hair that was blocking her eyes. After she inserted her phone back inside her bag, she stood up and left. It's already past nine yet she chose to saunter for her to feel her last night stay since the next night will be her flight back to Manila. She dawdled the hours away. She stopped by the Huangpu Park. Still, many people were strolling around. The night was alive. She nailed her eyes on the yacht in the river and by that very moment, she's lost in thoughts. She let her hair flew with the evening wind as she was grasping at the hem of her dress. Will there be a time for me to experience that? She lamely smiled then stepped backward and when she swung around, she bumped into somebody. "Ow!" she yelped. "My apology, I didn't look my way." she said while rubbing her forehead.

The guy massaged his chin. "I am at fault too. I was absent-mindedly walking forward. Sorry."

She lowered and raised her head quickly acknowledging his reason. "It's okay. Sorry again." then bowed and turned away.

"Uhm wait!" the guy called her attention back.

Wondering why he has to, so she faced him back. "Y-yes?"

"You're also in the cafe a while ago, it's you, right?" he asked.

"Ugh, yes." then she remembered the guy who was seated next to the table she had occupied. She sensed her cheeks was becoming red. Good thing it wasn't obvious for the dim street light yet she became anxious and trying hard not to be obvious. "W-why?" she timidly asked.

"Nothing, I just asked." Then something on her bag strap caught his eyes. "You're a Filipino too?"

She gulped as her eyes widened a bit. "H-how did you know?"

"That pin button." pointing on her strap, the one with the Philippine flag.

"Ah..."

"Sights are ravishing, aren't they?" the guy faced the other side of the river then turned back to her.

"Mm..." she agreed. "Uhm, I guess I have to leave now."

"All right, be careful especially it's already late. You don't know what's on mind of everyone who will pass your way." he warned.

Perplexed by what he just said, she raised a brow. "Are you scaring me?"

He was shocked that she misunderstood. "No." followed by an uneasy short laugh. "I didn't mean that way. I was just advising. I'm just being concerned."

"Oh, is that so? Sorry to misinterpret. Thanks anyway." she pressed her lips and gave him a tight smile.

"Where are you heading? That might also be the place I'm going to."

"Back to my hotel."

"Ugh, you weren't in Hyatt On The Bund or at least in this area?" referring to the road along The Bund.

"Hyatt On The Bund is too expensive. I can't take spending too much when there are many hotels to choose from at low prices."

"So where you exactly at?"

"Along Wusong Road." then suddenly she got alarmed on why she kept on answering this stranger. She became suspicious. "Wait, w-why you k-keep on asking? Why you want to k-know?"

"You wouldn't be concerned if you see your compatriot strolling alone at this hour? I don't like to say this to scare you but I heard some tourists were held up few days ago."