Love Encounter

Chapter I

"Well, welcome to my house."

Ethan scanned the whole house from the living room, to the dining area, kitchen, and everywhere else. I can tell that he is astonished.

"Woah! You own this house? It huge!" He said and I nodded. "And you're only eighteen?" I nodded. "And... you live alone?" I nodded again.

"I bought this house few months ago. My parents and siblings live in my previous house. I want to have my privacy. Privacy is very important to me just so you know." I said.

"But, don't you ever feel lonely?" He asked.

"Umm... no. Not really." I answered. "I'm better this way."

Ethan continued mesmerizing. For minutes, I watched him.

"Come. Let me show you your room. You may also use the bathroom there to take a bath and get yourself dressed up."

He followed me upstairs.

"That room is for storage of unused items. It's like an attic but on the second floor." I said as I pointed at one of the six rooms. I pointed at another room located in the middle. "That is the master's bedroom, MY bedroom. I really hate people barging in without knocking first. So I ask you to knock before entering, okay?" He nodded. Lastly, I pointed at the last four rooms. "Those are guest rooms. You can choose any of these rooms to stay."

"Why have so many rooms when you are the only one living here?" Ethan asked.

"I always hold a party/sleepover here with my friends." I explained. "So which room would you choose?"

It took him some seconds to choose. He pointed at the room closest to my bedroom.

"Well then, you may enter the room. Take a bath, get dressed, and meet me downstairs, get it?" I said and he nodded. "There are towels inside the cabinet. There are clothes as well. I hope it fits you."

He went to his room. I stared at the door of his room and smile. What is happening today? Why does this day seems so bright?

I entered my room, changed clothes and went downstairs to the kitchen. I laid out the barbeques on one platter and served rice in a bowl. I took out two plates and two pairs of spoon and fork outside the cupboard.

As I was preparing the table, the sound of footsteps going down the stairs caught my attention. I quickly turned around and was... mesmerized. Ethan walked down the stairs with his shirt hanging on his shoulder and has only his shorts on. His six-pack abs are visible. His muscles are all exposed. Him rubbing his wet hair with a towel made him even look hotter. Everything seemed to slow down. What am I feeling right now? Why do I feel nervous suddenly?

"Drew, Drew!"

I snapped back into reality.

"I am the one who must be doing that right?"

Dumbfounded, I look at the plates he was pointing at. It took me some time to process what he is talking about. But before my mind could gather the puzzle pieces, Ethan dashed towards me and took the plates in my hands.

"This is my job, right? I should do it myself. That's our agreement." He said while laying down the plates and utensils on the table. "You should just sit down. Let me do everything else."

He led me to a chair, pulled back the chair, and then I sat. He took the rice bowl and started to put rice on my plate. I cannot stop looking at him. He still hasn't put his shirt on. I'm so distracted by him.

"Drew, hey Drew!" He called out.

"Y-Yes??" I startled.

He let out a big sigh.

"Do you want more rice?" He asked.

"Ahh umm no." I replied.

He put down the rice bowl and picked three sticks of barbeque leaving only one on the platter. He was about to pit the barbeques on my plate when I stopped him.

"No." I said. "I'm fine with two only. Please take the other one."

He stopped and stared at me. His stare is melting me.

"Okay." He said.

He put two sticks of barbeque on my plate and sat down on the chair nearest to me. He finally put on his shirt and hung his towel on another chair. *sigh* Finally. I can be more focused already. I looked at him and he hasn't started putting anything on his plate.

"What are you waiting for?" I asked. "Come on. Don't be shy." I smiled.

He stared at me. This time, it was like he is feeling sorrowful. I can feel sadness radiating from within his heart.

"I am really thankful for this, Sir Drew." He said in a very sincere voice. A voice that can pierce through any heart.

"Eyy, what's with the 'Sir'?" I chuckled to lighten the mood. "Come on now, Ethan. You are welcome. You will always be welcome."

He did not change his mood.

"I have never felt like this before." He said. "I am always used to being alone and looking after myself. I didn't thought of finding someone like you who has a kind heart. After years of living on the streets cold every night, I could not believe that we crossed paths. I am very lucky to meet a person like you. Thank you. Thank you very much, sir."

I let out a shy smile. His every word pierced through my heart. I feel so vulnerable yet protected.

"I am also very lucky to have met a person like you." I said. "Enough talking. Come on. Let's eat! Im starving."

And so we started eating. I can't help but smile throughout this evening. Deep inside, I felt like this is a start of something I will not regret. Something new and something... good.