Somewhere Only We Know

01: Last day on a cruise ship

I stood by the window reflecting through what I have said last night.  No matter how I try to rationalize my outburst, I can only conclude that I made a huge mistake of venting my frustrations out on Bamboo when aside from his straightforward offer of camaraderie, he didn’t do anything inappropriate towards me.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to the direction of the door.  I am so not ready to go out today but as much as I want to, I can’t just stay inside the cabin.  I still have lots to do on my last day at the cruise.

Before heading to the door, I took my phone and checked my notes to see my remaining activity list.  There's not much left so I'll be able to finish early and rest before I finally leave my haven for the past six days.

As soon as I was out, I saw Bamboo leaning on the wall beside my door.  Judging from his grin on his face as soon as our eyes met, he seems to be purposely waiting for me.  I’m so embarrassed to even look at him so, I immediately looked down and walked the other way.

“Carmen, wait!"  He ran after me and grabbed my hands, making me face him.

"Bamboo, let's just forget about what I did last night.  Okay!?"  I said straightly not trying to sound pleading.

"Aren't you gonna say sorry before I do that?"  Bamboo asked with his demanding yet playful tone.

I couldn't answer right away as I was having an internal battle with my pride. I should simply apologize but I couldn't bring myself to say it in front of him.

"You don't look like you're sorry, Carmen.  Are you?"  Bamboo added so casually that I felt the need to defend myself.

"I am, okay!  I am sorry.  I know I've gone overboard last night but you pushed me to my limits."  I said but immediately bit my lips preventing me from exploding further.

"You sounded very sincere, Carmen.  I really appreciate the effort in apologizing even though it seems to be my fault."  Bamboo taunted.

I glared at Bamboo, red with anger.  He made me feel jealous without any reason and that's what made me mad.  However it's not just with him, it's more of myself.

"Can you just shut up?!  Please?."

I tried to just walk away but Bamboo held my arms preventing me from doing so.

"You're so cute when you're mad."  He said as he tried to pinch my cheeks.

I tapped his hands away maintaining my glare while Bamboo just laughed at me.

"Actually, it's fine with me Carmen, you don't need to apologize if that's what you really felt.  I also said things last night and I do hope you don't take that against me."

"Are you playing with my emotions right now?"  I asked with my brows furrowed.

"No.  I just wanted to fix things between us.  We are both wrong at some point."

I agree with what he said.  I just couldn't understand how Bamboo was able to dig into my emotions.  He's so good at getting reactions from me like he knew me since.

"So now that we've sorted this out, can I go?  I still have lots to do on my last day here.  Excuse me."

"I thought we're okay already?  Why don't you want me to join you?"

"Seriously?  Don't you have other things to do aside from pestering me?"

"I don't.  But as far as I remember, you seem to enjoy my company, right?"

I stared at him with open mouth.  I don't know where this guy gets his overflowing self-confidence.

"Close that mouth or else I'll kiss you."  Bamboo threatened.