28: Rejection

"I miss you already!"

I let out a small laugh when Zed seemed so pissed just by hearing his voice from the other line. Yeah, he just can't wait. There are remaining three days. He is getting so impatient. I understand him, though. I also miss him and I wanted to hug him already. I miss Zed.

"I am having a good time here," I said as a tease at him. That's the truth, though. I am having a good time here with Kiel. "I miss you too, but we have to wait. Are you happy there? Aren't you bored or something?"

"I am bored as hell. But hey, I am also helping you with the case so yeah, I'm waiting for you here and discuss what I knew."

My brows creased and my eyes darted to the wall. "What the hell? Why did you mess with the case? Zed, I don't even need your help -"

"I know, I know. Tal, I am doing this to entertain myself, okay? You did not ask for my help with this. I just want to do something."

I hissed at him. "But make sure you are doing good. Your life might be in danger if you get involved with my parents' case."

I am safe to discuss these things with Zed since I am here inside my room, alone. I am sipping on my tea while I am in my bed, facing my laptop to check my work, and not so suddenly, Zed called just to tell me that he miss me already.

"It's fine. I am willing to risk myself."

"And why?"

"Because I want you to get the justice you deserve, Tal. I don't want you to just risk yourself alone with this. I am with you, okay? I am with your long run."

"Thank you," I said with a small smile on my lips. "I am lucky to have you, Zed. You are a true friend."

"If you need anything, I am just here, hmm?"

I nodded my head even though he would not see me. "Why are you doing this though? I mean, you have helped me a lot. You can't just tell me that you are doing this because I am your friend."

He sighed from the other line. "I am doing this because I don't want to see you in pain, Tal. I want you the happiest. It breaks me whenever I see you hurting. I promised myself that I will protect you more than I can."

"Why?" my voice lowered when I asked again. "Why, Zed?"

"Tal -"

"Why?"

He hissed, now don't have a choice because I sounded so serious when I repeated my question. I just wanted to know. "It is because I love you, okay? You are my friend, my very best friend."

I nodded my head and licked my lower lip. Good thing he disappoints my expectation.

"I never had a friend that stayed longer, Tal. I treasure you the most. You are the one I only have and I am willing to risk myself for you," he added which made my lips curve into a genuine smile.

"Thank you, Zed," I thanked him again. "I love you."

"Wait - did you just -"

I chuckled. "I love you because you are a true friend, okay? That's it."

"Wow, a friend gets an I love you, huh?"

"No malice, Zed. Shut up, okay?"

He also chuckled. "It was just that, I feel like you are my girlfriend. I mean, not that what you are thinking, Tal. Best friends, man, and a woman saying I love you is not normal because it sounds like lovers."

"Woah, don't think like that."

"But really," he sighed and now sounded serious. "Since you do not have a boyfriend, can I ask something?"

"Hmm, what is it?" I anticipated and leaned against the headboard of my bed. I waited for him to say something just like what he said that he is going to ask. But before he can utter it, someone called his name which made me laugh.

"I am sorry, someone's calling me. I will just hang this up, Tal. See you when I see you! Take care! Bye!"

I was chuckling when he turned the call off. I just shrugged it off before I put my phone down. I focused on my laptop again and as usual, I checked my inbox. I responded to some emails and noted schedules. And then after that, I proceeded to search for information about Hanz Xiro Ramirez. Since I have so much time to waste, why not use it for the killer?

I mean, I am not yet sure if he is the killer. That he was the one who killed my parents but I doubt it. I just know this by myself and I do not have to worry because no one can read what is inside my mind. What I am thinking is just mine alone. There is a boundary that no one can get in other than I have permitted to.

I was drowned reading something on my laptop when my phone rang again. I expected Zed but my brows raised a little when I saw that it was Kiel calling. What does he want? It is already evening. Yeah, we just finished our date at 6 PM and I found our date nice. But then, the thought that we ended up talking about my mother and fair justice is making me the happiest. He is on the side of the poor. I did not expect that his mind still works even if money surrounds him.

"Hey," I answered his call.

"Hey, Tal," he greeted back. "What are you doing?"

"Hmm, just nothing."

"Aren't I bothering you?"

"No, not really. Why?"

He groaned from the other line. "I want a cuddle."

My lips pursed in surprise when he said that. Cuddle? What the fuck? "Wait, cuddle? Are you requesting for a cuddle, Sir Ramirez?"

"Kiel," he corrected and answered my question. "Yes, I am requesting a cuddle."

"Mind you that you are just courting me."

He sighed like he just failed. "I know, I know. Yeah, tsk, sorry. I just need a hug from you. Alright. I will end this call already. You have to sleep now."

"You too "

"Good night. Have a good sleep. Wake up early because I will drag you to another date."

I chuckled. "What if I will refuse that date?"

"You can't, Talia. You know who I am -"

"I don't care about who you are, Kiel. You can't force a woman to date you, okay? Especially when you are courting them. That sounds so rude of you. Maybe you just have to respect an opinion and set aside your goddamned ego."

"Yeah, I get it."

I grinned. "Alright. Good night."

I already turned the call off before I shook my head. That man just got a big ego that his being cannot swallow rejection and refuses.

Hmm, what if I will prank him someday that I don't like him and he will get a rejection from me? That sounds so exciting, isn't it?