It takes the both of us (PUBLISHED - WEBNOVEL)

SEVEN: Courtship (FLASHBACK)

[SHAIRA's POINT OF VIEW]

Months past already since he has been secretly courting me after work. I get to know him more; he's a caring, sincere, romantic, and thoughtful guy.

He is doing his best to show how interested he is in pursuing me while I'm deciding whether to reject or accept him. We kept it a secret from his employee since it's a part of our personal life.

I watched him welcoming the new investor. For me, he is an incredible man. He is a good-looking guy with a sense of responsibility on his shoulders. He looked in my direction, our eyes met, and nobody knew we were having a silent conversation. I didn't bother to go near him or talk to him. We are both busy entertaining visitors.

I sat next to my few close co-workers, and we're having fun at our table. When the party was over, some workers stayed, and others went home.

For those who stayed, we decided to have some drinking sessions. The bottoms-up started to rule in our table. Lisa took the first wine glass, followed by Henry.

It's my 5th turn. I took the wine glass and lifted it in the air. I'm about to drink it when someone grabs it.

I didn't see him coming. He took the glass and drank it straight. I just noticed he looked damn good while drinking. The way his Adam's apple moves is damn sexy!

He pulled the empty chair and sat beside me, so I moved myself an inch away from him.

"Are you okay, Shaira? Your face is red." Henry asked.

I touched my face. It's unfair! Why am I the only one blushing? Why am I the only one feeling so uncomfortable right now? "I think I'm a bit tipsy," I made an excuse.

"Do you want me to grab you a taxi?" Henry asked.

"There's no need to do that, but I'm grateful if you do so." I just uttered those words, it was nothing but a pure grateful response, yet Jhotam acted strangely. He cleared his throat thrice while looking at Henry with warring eyes.

"Why don't we play some games?" Cilyn broke the silence. We agreed on her suggestion which I regret afterward.

"You lose again... truth or consequence?" Cilyn asked.

"I'm tired of the consequences. This time I'll try the truth," I replied. It is my 3rd time already. My first loss; I have to do the aegyo. I had to eat the red chili for the second time, but Jhotam saved me. And now I wonder what comes next...

"Are you seeing someone?" Henry asked.

I'm running out of saliva "yes?" I bit my lower lips.

I heard a clearing throat sound beside me. I don't know how to respond. Are we officially dating?

"Yes. I'm seeing someone." I replied and threw a sneaking gaze at him. Surprisingly I saw him smiling.

"Woah! I lost the chance. I was hoping I could invite you to dinner," says Henry, followed by his loud laugh.

"Can we proceed to the game?" says Jhotam, wearing an irritated look plastered on his face. Thus, I have no choice but secretly stamp on his feet.

"Sure, sir."

I can feel heavy air right now. Jhotam can be a fun killer sometimes. What had gotten into him? He was laughing with us a while ago, but now he's in serious mode again. The bottle stopped, pointing at him. Everyone cleared their throat and took a deep breath before asking, "Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Sir? Do you have a girlfriend?"

I foolishly turned my eyes into an owl's eye because I didn't see this coming! I almost eat my heart out.

"I'm single, but I already have someone in my heart," Jhotam replied, making girls bear the disappointed look on their faces.

Is he referring to me? Why does his answer sound lovely in my ears?

I closed my eyes, hoping he wouldn't look at me, wearing such a meaningful smile. "I think I better go home. I'm sleepy. You guys have fun." said I. Then, I stood up and wore my sling bag.

"I think it's enough. I need to have some rest." He also stood up and walked out of the room.

Did he just leave the room without looking at me? I thought he would drive me home. I shook my head and whispered through the air, "I can't believe it. I'm already dependent on him."

Everyone stood up and started cleaning the mess. I feel bad leaving the place with trash. I helped clean the room; hence, we only headed out once it was tidy.

Later on, my phone rang. Jhotam's calling me right now, and before I press the answer button, I ensure no one's around. He's called to tell me to come as fast as I can.

"What took you so long?" He asked as he opened the shotgun seat door.

"I thought you went home already. I can't leave them with a messy place to clean among themselves," I replied.

"Is that even possible? How can I leave my girl behind, especially with Henry," he replied without pauses. Then, he closed the door as soon as I sat in the front seat.

"Are you jealous?" I asked, furrowing my brows as I looked for the seat belt to buckle up.

He leaned over and buckled the seatbelt for me. Then, without haste, he replied, "Yes."

I shouldn't be blushing like a teenage chick at this age, but dang! Why do you have to say it without hesitation?

"Come on. Henry was only kidding when he said those words," I replied.

Don't tell me he takes Henry's words seriously.

"I don't think so, the way he looks at you-"

I yawn to stop him from talking nonsense. I closed my eyes and rested my head on the headrest.

"Didn't you notice how he smiled at you? He—"

Jhotam failed to finish his statement as I opened my eyes and kissed him on his cheeks. Then, I mouthed, "Now, focus on the road and stop being a jealous boyfriend."

He suddenly stepped into the break. Fortunately, the traffic light is with him, or else we would have caused a traffic commotion.

"Does it mean?"

"There's no other meaning for what I've done, Mr. Chua. If you don't want an accident, don't stop in the middle of the road."

[END OF FLASHBACK]