Serendipity

Chapter 13: Everything changed when you kissed me.

My mind went black. He looked at me worriedly. I stood up and went to my room. I sat on my bed. Was he practicing a scene from his new drama? What is this feeling? I'm confused.

Hae In knocked on my door but I didn't answer. He knew that I'm not going to open the door anytime soon so he stopped knocking. I wanted him to talk. I was waiting for him to talk but he stayed silent.

Morning came.

I slept late. The kiss bothered me so much.

I went out of the room and was still thinking about the kiss.

"Food's on the table. You should eat." It was a man's voice. Is he still here?

I went to the kitchen and I saw him sitting down and looking at me. He looked concerned.

"Why... ummm... ahhhh... why are you still here?" I couldn't believe it.

"I had to make sure you're okay. You didn't let me in last night."

"I didn't lock the door," I blurted. Then, I blushed.

Silence swarmed the atmosphere. Why did I say that? What was I trying to prove?

"I... ahhhhhhh," I need to say something quick. It is getting awkward.

"The.... ummmm... kiss." I said quietly. I avoided his eye contact.

"Was that a scene from a script you're reviewing?" I laughed nervously. I'm fidgety.

"Am I that low to you? He sounded serious.

"I'm sorry but that's all that I can think of. Why else would you kiss me? I composed myself.

"Babo." He smiled at me and stood up from his chair. He walked towards me.

"Yah, why... why... are you co-coming towards me? I stuttered. I took a few steps back.

He didn't get close. We're one meter apart.

He looked at me and said,"I like you, that's why I kissed you last night. I like how freely you express yourself. You don't hold back. Despite being fearless, you don't hesitate to ask for help. You don't pretend. You're just you. Sensible and sweet. Every time you smile and laugh makes my heart swell. Your presence alone makes my day and-" He paused for a minute. "You make me want to be the best version of myself."

I was stunned. I covered my mouth with both of my hands. I started tearing up. He looked worried. He walked closer to me.

"Don't." My voice cracked. He stopped.

Tears came running down my face. I can't stop it. I wiped them off with both my hands but it still keeps flowing.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"Yes! Yes you did. When you start saying those things to me then we can't be friends anymore! I like you so much too. I really, really do! You make me happy as well. You make me smile and I like hugging you and teasing you. Although we only met a few days ago, I feel like I've known you forever. Everything changed when you kissed me. We... we can't work out. I don't believe couples last when the gap is wide. I know it sounds absurd but I believe it. I know some people! They end up pitifully! They both get hurt! I don't want to experience my heart being wrenched and crushed." I tried my hardest to contain all my emotions but I gave in. It was too much for me to handle. I broke down. I cried heavily. I covered my face with my hands.

He went closer despite telling him not to. He hugged me. I didn't hug him back. He didn't say anything. We stayed like this for a while. He gently tapped my back to calm me down.

My tears stopped but my heart became heavy. My chest hurt so bad as if someone shot me straight in the heart. Why am I reacting like this? Why did I cry so much? Why am I heartbroken? I could have just said no. This was not necessary at all.

He was still hugging me even though I calmed down. We stayed silent. Weirdly, his hug eased my pain.

"I hate seeing you cry. I don't want you to be in pain. I'm sorry to have caused you this. I did not anticipate you being this upset." He said carefully. His hug tightened.

"I know this is hard for you too." I used all the strength I have left and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry to ask you this but can you leave?"I fought the tears wanting to come out.

He looked devastated.

I walked out on him. I walked towards my room but I stopped.

"I need time. Once I'm okay, I'll contact you and explain why I acted that way. Right now, I'm just as confused as you are. I don't want to say things I don't mean. I still value being a friend-" I stopped myself.

"Drive carefully." Those were the last words I said to him that day. I didn't bother looking back and kept walking towards my room.