I Categorically Deny

Chapter 6

Third Person POV

Mean woke up the next day with the grim determination that he was going to eradicate whatever feelings he had for Plan. How he was going to go about it, he didn't know yet, but he was going to find a way.

He made his way to the bathroom and stayed longer in the shower than he normally would. The warm and strong steady spray of water hitting his face and flowing down the rest of his body somehow seemed to soothe him.

He stepped out of the shower feeling a little better. He had to get ready for a live televised interview with the rest of the Love By Chance four main pairings today.

He prepared himself a light breakfast. He was never a heavy eater. He placed a slice of whole wheat bread into his toaster and poured a cup of green tea from his electric kettle which was always plugged into his kitchen outlet, always ready to pour tea from.

He sipped the tea feeling some kind of comfort as the warmth of the liquid went down his throat. He vowed to himself that he was going to have a good day ahead of him.

When he reached the interview room, he greeted the host and the rest of his group. Wait, Plan wasn't there yet.

"Where's Plan?" he asked Saint as he took a seat beside him.

"He texted me that he's on his way," said Saint, looking at Mean as if wanting to ask if he was alright but refraining from doing so.

"Oh, okay," Mean said, "how are you doing?"

"Not bad at all," Saint said with a smile.

Just at that moment, Plan walked in and greeted the host. Then he walked towards the group who all greeted him with a wave and a smile.

Plan stopped and hesitated. Mean was sitting beside Saint but there was no space to sit beside Mean. The other empty seat was beside Perth.

Plan walked over to Perth and asked him if he could move to the empty seat and Saint automatically moved to sit beside Perth. That left the seat between Saint and Mean empty, and Plan took it.

"Hey," Mean smiled at Plan.

"Hi, how's it going," Plan smiled back.

So far so good, thought Mean.

The host, who was a pretty lady in her mid thirties announced to everyone that the show was about to start.

When the TV director gave the cue, the On Air sign went on, and the host greeted the viewing audience and the live audience on the set. Then she turned to the eight young men, Perth, Saint, Plan, Mean, Mark, Gun, Earth and Title. All of them bowed and waved to the audience.

The host asked them to introduce themselves to the audience and to let her know whose character in the series they were playing.

The audience had a lovely time interacting with the group, especially with Perth and Saint and Mean and Plan.

After the show, Plan approached Mean.

"I had to come by taxicab today because I was having some engine trouble yesterday and had to leave my car in the shop," he said to Mean. "You think you could give me a ride?"

"Of course," said Mean, ignoring the warning signs that were flashing through his brain.

"Please ignore the clutter in my car," said Mean as Plan climbed into the passenger seat beside him.

"No problem," said Plan.

Mean bent to pick up a thick fashion magazine for men that was lying on the floor by the passenger side where Plan was sitting.

"Here, let me throw it to the back seat for you," said Plan but Mean was already leaning to throw it to the back and their faces came dangerously close to each other, their lips almost touching.

Mean drew back sharply, holding his breath.

Plan laughed out loud. 

"You're looking so horrified as if we had never kissed before!" he teased Mean.

He had no idea what turbulent thoughts were going on inside Mean's brain.