ᴇQᴜᴀʟʟʏ ᴅᴇʀᴀɴɢᴇᴅ

𝟴

3rd Person

Kai walked out of Desiree's apartment, fists clenched in frustration. His anger bubbled over as he kicked his car tire repeatedly, his frustration with everything mounting. He shut his eyes, trying to calm himself, counting to ten, the cold night air offering little comfort.

He went back inside, his gaze falling on the Xxtra Flamin' Hot Crunchy Cheetos he had brought earlier, intending to share them with her. Shaking his head at the thought, he walked past the couch. But as his eyes caught Desiree on the floor, unconscious, panic surged through him. He rushed over, dropping the Cheetos, and began shaking her body gently.

"Des, wake up. Des!" Kai shouted, pulling her unconscious form into his lap.

His hands trembled as he unlocked his iPhone, dialing 911. But before he could explain the situation, Desiree stirred, mumbling from his lap.

"Kaito... I'm sorry," she whispered, her arms wrapping around his waist. "I didn't mean it..."

"I know, baby," he whispered back, rubbing her back soothingly, trying to calm her.

Just then, Kai's phone rang, cutting through the tension in the room. He glanced at the screen, then answered quickly. "Yeah, I can't come right now. I'm busy with..." His voice trailed off.

"Fine," he muttered, hanging up and pushing the phone back into his pocket. He shifted Desiree so that she was straddling him, wrapping his arms around her, holding her tightly.

"I have to go soon," he whispered against her hair. "My dad... he found out we're together. He's been making things harder for me. I have to leave in two days... for a month."

Desiree tightened her arms around him, her voice small. "No."

"I don't have a choice," Kai replied softly, his voice tinged with frustration. "Please, promise me you'll wait for me."

Desiree hesitated before turning away, mumbled, "Whatever."

"Kai," he pleaded, pulling her face back to him, gripping her jaw gently, "I need to hear you say it."

"Fine... I'll wait for you," Desiree replied, though her fingers were crossed behind his back.

⸻

Desiree POV

I never meant to hurt him. I didn't want to be like this, but I knew I wasn't good with commitment. And the truth was... Kai was going to leave. He always would, when he found out who I really was.

I lay on the couch, resting my head on his lap, popping popcorn as we prepared for a sleepover with my friends. The doorbell rang, and I rolled my eyes, knowing it was time for Kai to go.

"You sure I can't stay?" he asked, his hand gently grazing my bottom lip as he pulled me into his lap.

I smiled, kissing him gently before pulling away. "You gotta go now. They're almost here."

"Promise me no boys will be over?" he teased, holding out his pinky.

"It's a girls' sleepover," I laughed, shaking my head. "You gotta go."

He nodded, giving me one last kiss, pulling me close as I grinded against him. "Des," he moaned, pulling back and holding me at arm's length.

"You don't know what you do to me," he whispered.

The doorbell rang, and I pushed him off playfully. "That's your cue."

He laughed, holding me in place as we walked to the door, only for Tia and Mauri to greet us with smirks.

"Where you taking my best frann, boii?" Tia shouted.

"Walking him to his car," I said, rolling my eyes as I clung to Kai.

"Nice to meet you," he said, flashing his million-dollar smile.

After saying our goodbyes, he lifted me onto his car hood and whispered softly in his native tongue, "I really want you to get your memory back, baby."

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Nothing," he said quickly, kissing my neck before pulling away. "Take care, baby."

I watched him leave, a smile on my face as I turned to go back inside, only to collide with a tall, attractive stranger. He apologized profusely, but something about him sent chills down my spine.

"Are you sure you're okay? I can take you to the hospital," he offered, gripping my hand.

"I said it's fine," I replied, pulling away as quickly as I could. I walked inside, locking the door behind me, breathing heavily.

Inside, I found a familiar face—someone I didn't want to deal with. "What the hell are you doing here? Get out!" I snapped, turning to face Megan, or as I liked to call her, Megatron.

"Is that your boyfriend?" she asked, ignoring my request.

"Yes, what's it to you?" I replied, my voice laced with irritation.

"I thought you didn't do boyfriends," she sneered, sipping loudly from her drink.

Tia, having had enough, stood up and punched Megan square in the mouth, dragging her by her hair to the door and kicking her out.

"Thank you," I said, smiling at my best friend.

"Got you, sis," Tia replied.

We settled in to watch a movie, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Megan was up to no good—she was the reason James entered my life. She was always causing trouble, and I wouldn't be surprised if she was scheming something again.

"Play the movie, sis," I said, my thoughts clouded with uncertainty.