CHAPTER 09 - A relationship with flaws is better

She felt out of breath as tears took control over her. Shawn stood beside her and could feel her pain. After all, he had also gone through this heartbreaking breakup. Even though he wanted to hug her, his hands hesitated to do so.

The hands stopped in a way. One hand took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. The wisdom of his words automatically dragged her attention.

"It's just a myth about love. Not all first love comes to a happy ending. Some just shattered in their way. I shared a similar experience as you."

"For one, I was ready to fight with the whole world, hooked up with someone else. 

Behind my back, she promised someone else the same promises she did to me. Hmph! But I caught her red-handed."

*FLASHBACK*

The naive Shawn had fought with everyone he could to protect the love of his life. Many told him about what she did behind his back. However, he was not ready to believe anyone, not even his own parents.

Of course, the young love flowing in his heart was like a blindfold that didn't want to see the reality.

One such day, fate finally gave him a reality check. As he entered the business world, he came to meet one of his investors in the hotel.

Wearing a dashing suit, he was standing at the Recipient Center, asking the room number of his investor when his eyes fell on his girlfriend, Lara.

But she was not alone. 

Her hands were clinging around someone else's arms, which made him question himself.

It can't be true, right? She only loves me.

Finally, he accepted the chance God gave him and followed them to a booked room in the hotel. 

Afar in a corner wall, he peeked at them and saw them going inside.

His hands trembled, sweating to open the door. He was afraid of people's words. What if their words came true? What would he do then?

Taking a deep breath, he held the handle of the door as his eyes automatically closed. 

His heart was hoping for something different from reality. But as it said, "It's better to know the reality soon than roaming in the dark path."

He snapped on the handle and the door opened with a reality check for him. The one he loved the most was making love with someone else.

What could be worse than seeing it with your own eyes?

They were busy sucking each other and didn't even have time to glance at this heartbroken guy.

There was a storm, but in his heart, only he could feel its disaster.

The innocent heart finally decided to break down. 

In a few minutes, his innocence flew far away from him, leaving a cold shoulder for him to cry on.

"L-Lara..." His cracked voice called out her name for the last time when she immediately turned and dressed again. 

The fear was coated with strong glue on her face as if she knew tomorrow would be the worst day for her.

The money machine would no longer be by her side. 

"Honey, I can explain."

"No need! My eyes had enough drama." A tear fell on his cheek when he had to say those words he never imagined to utter. "Let's not contact each other anymore. I don't want to see your disgusting face again."

*Flashback ended*

"At that time, I felt like everything was finished for me. I argued with my parents, and my dad kicked me out. I got cheated by my ugly love, lost my friends because of her too." He then smiled, considering how stupid he was back then. "I healed myself, telling me a person is waiting for me to love me for real. That person might care about my feelings, affection."

His wet eyes then met her, who was staring at him, pitifully, maybe.

"Therefore, we should not give up on love. I believe a person is waiting in this crown to love you. So, don't lose hope, Selena."

Uncanny how his thoughts started giving happiness to Selena from inside. As if those words had awakened a new hope in her heart.

A beam of comfort was giving a new glow to her face. 

"You're right! We should look forward and wait for the perfect ones."

"Not perfect as there is no perfect love in this world. Everyone has flaws in them. If I wish for a relationship, I want not to be afraid of our flaws. And keep loving each other without changing each other."

"Indeed." Her eyes shined as the rays of hope coming from him fell on her. "Wait for a second."

She turned around and walked away while he left behind, confused about her actions.

Where did she go?

He was thinking about her when she arrived, holding a tiny bottle. 

"What is it?"

"Say nothing! Bend a bit. I can't reach your face."

As she urged him already, he instantly bent to her height, and she moved her hand closer to his mouth, treating his wound.

"Is it hurting?" 

Staring at her, he happily refused. "It's not."

All her attention was on his wound. On the other hand, Shawn's eyes couldn't seem to move away from her face. He closely studied her face. 

She had saccharine sweet lips. They were blossom soft. 

Her shaft-thin eyebrows slid down gently to her black, long catchy eyelashes. 

Even an artist could not create such perfect ears and a sharp nose.

Her beauty amazed him, attacking his heart like before.

Her Vanilla scent freshened him once again, but this time, he could see her too. 

Pity for him, her lips were inches away, yet he couldn't taste them.

"Okay, it's done." She put the bandage on his wound and glanced at him, who was too busy staring at her. 

Their eyes met along with a spark held in their hearts. 

The closeness between them made her uneasy. She wanted to hide somewhere where no one could find her. The red glow brightened up for Shawn to see it clearly. 

The flow caught him in the trap as his fingers followed her coral-black hair moving in the air, caressing her hair strand back.

He wanted to say something, but his lips were soundless. Like they were in doubt to say it or not?

"S-Selena... I..." The cold sweat on her face stopped his true feelings and he changed his words. "It's late already. Let me drop you home."

She breathed a sigh of relief, and didn't know why her inner soul signaled as if he was about to say something else. Was she aware of his actual words?