GAME 5: JEALOUS

Raising his brows, Ryu held my arm until we reached the parking lot where his car was. I'm very irritated, especially now that he showed up after five years. Then it went like this?

"I said it hurts, Ryu!"

He immediately let go of my arm as he realized what I had told him. I probed my arm. The redness was bright, and I could feel the pain in the part he touched.

I looked at his face and immediately found his eyes. His hooded eyes were dark and cold. Like I pushed his patience to the limit as I saw how his jaws struggled to clench.

After five years of not seeing, texting, or even calling, he's going to face us—me—like this? I guess I should be the one to act like that because, in the first place, he never finds a way to communicate with me! To ask how I am after leaving me without his words!

I was very worried about his sudden disappearance. Then, I find out that he is already in another country? Am I not a worthy friend for not letting me know that they were leaving? Because me? I treasured every moment that we'd shared before.

"When did you come back?"

"That's it! That's what you're busy with when I'm not here!"

I raised my eyebrows. "W-What are you talking about—"

"Get in."

My jaw dropped at what he said, and I unbelievably looked at his car. In front of us was a black Montero, the front door was hanging open. I didn't move a muscle, so when he faced me again, his eyes became even darker.

I avoided his gaze and crossed my arms on top of my chest.

"I said, get in the damn car, Akemi!" he screamed.

I jumped. My heart started to race. Scared and shaking, I get into the car. He was ruthless! The Ryu I knew is gone. He’s here with me—arrogant and full of danger!

I was looking straight ahead when I was sitting in the front seat, but I could see from the corner of my eyes that he had been staring at me for a long time. I looked at him, but he immediately closed the door. Without knowing, my eyes followed when he turned around and got into the car.

He didn't start the engine right away when he sat down. Silence suddenly enveloped us in the front seat.

After minutes passed, he sighed.

I sighed too!

"You should---"

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Sorry?" I turned to him and saw that he was looking straight ahead. "Don't apologize to me, Ryu! It should be Ren! He's the one you punched out of nowhere!"

He looked at me in disbelief.

But I avoided his gaze.

"I'm sorry. I can't control my anger, that's why I punched him."

"Anger? Anger?" I mumbled. "Why? For what? Is that reason enough for you to do that to a person? Even worse, you left him there! Not even an apology, nothing! You even threatened him!"

I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath to calm myself down. He didn't move, so I turned around. Suddenly, a gasp escaped my mouth at our close distance. My heart pounded slowly. And with my eyes wide open, I then saw the longing and sorrow in his narrowed eyes.

My world stopped spinning.

The time.

And whatever is around us.

His eyes narrowed even more when they came down and focused on my lips. His Adam's apple moved up and down. He slowly brought his face closer to mine.

I closed my eyes nervously. My body seemed to know what would happen next, but a few seconds passed and my thoughts never came.

His playful giggles ate the silence between us. "Put on your seatbelt... or... if you want to... I'll fix it?" he teased.

"I-I will..." I opened my eyes in a panic and quickly reached to the side for the seatbelt and then fastened it.

"Why are you closing your eyes?" he asked, teasing me again.

My cheeks were heating up as I turned to him. "N-Nothing... Nothing," I stammered.

"Tell me... What do you think I should do, Mademoiselle?" He smirked.

I shyly looked away. My God, Akemi! What are you thinking? After you yelled at him, did you really think he would do that? You're embarrassing!

I took a heavy sigh. “Nothing.”

He didn't speak anymore.

I closed my eyes when he started the engine.

That's it, just pretend to be asleep so you won't be embarrassed, right?

I felt the car running. I opened my eyes. I just focused all my attention on the outside of the window. Fake to enjoy the rapid change of scenery.

I was silent the whole trip. I filled myself with thoughts about Ren's condition. El Sandra was there, and I knew she wouldn't leave Ren behind. But I'm really disturbed by what this one did to him.

We have no idea; this one will just show up to punch him? The worst was that after punching Ren's face, he left him with his warning instead of his apologies.

He's crazy!

"I'm sorry. I really do," he said, breaking the silence. "It's my fault. Yes, I admit it."

The car stopped.

I turned to him. I'm calm now, but I still feel a short streak of irritation. "Why did you do that—"

I trailed off when I heard a violent reaction from him. I frowned, looking at him. Is that his belly?

"Are you starving?" I asked, surprised.

He flushed. "W-We're here. Grab some food at least..."

I wanted to burst out laughing, but I just hid it with a mocking grin. I am angry with him. I shook my head and walked the entire restaurant outside. It was a five-star Spanish restaurant on the island. Many famous and influential socialites eat here.

"I'm sorry. I'm just really hungry..."

I couldn't stop laughing because of his face. It looks like he hasn't eaten yet. Maybe since last night.

"Okay." I shrugged my shoulders like I didn't care.

Ryu came down to open the door for me. I looked at him with a frown when I got down. His lips were slightly parted. He looked very manly now. But, his hooded brown eyes were dark with the same intensity as before. His towering height was still so intimidating.

I grew taller, but not as high as he was. I almost only have his chest, even though I'm the tallest in our class.

Guiding me entering the restaurant, I saw a few women who craned their necks to watch Ryu walk. Irritation started boiling up again inside me as I witnessed how Ryu drew attention in the restaurant.

I bowed to follow him and silently imitated the rude greetings of the employees.

A woman got in the way, causing us to stop. I think it was a waitress, and I could hear the strain in her voice when she asked if the man in front of me had a table reservation. Why do the employees here flirt? Did the restaurant owner convince them to flirt? Maybe... yes, to attract more customers.

"Akemi..." Ryu whispered.

I jumped in shock, so I suddenly lifted my face. I then saw the smirk of the lady waitress at my sudden reaction.

It seems mocking!

"W-What?" I asked, referring to the waitress.

"Come on."

The waitress guided us to our table, and she almost wrapped her arm around Ryu's body. I just let it go and quietly followed them.

Ryu and I have a two-seat table. He motioned for a chair for me before he sat down. The waitress stayed on the side, and, at any moment, I felt like I was going to kick her. Because she keeps glancing at me and hissing! Can I poke her eyes?

"What do you want to eat?" Ryu asked me after closing the menu book.

I closed the menu book too after scanning it. To think that the food here will cost a lot, I think I will regret eating here! I have savings, but I won't spend them just because of a meal that, for sure, is not filling.

"Just you. I'm still full. Actually, I had breakfast before leaving the mansion," I said with a smile.

With narrowed eyes, he turned to the waitress as he opened the menu book again. The waitress approached him with a sweet smile and bowed behind him, almost to the point of losing her soul.

Ryu said his order, and the girl mostly just nodded in response. As much as she loved it, could she have memorized it? She forgot to write!

Letting my lips slightly part, my shoulders slumped due to the flirtatious behavior of the waitress.

I then made a note to myself that I would never enter this restaurant again.

Never again.

"Is that enough, Ryu? Are you not done?" I stopped him because it looks like he will finish ordering later.

"It's for us."

"Huh? Didn't I say I would not eat anymore. I'm still full!"

"I will lose my appetite if I eat alone." He just glanced at me for a moment before returning his attention to the menu. "That's why I brought you here to accompany me."

"B-But..." I thought about the big price he would pay because of the amount he ordered.

"Please, I want you to be with me today. Because I---"

"I said I was full---"

"Whether you like it or not, you will eat," he said emphatically. "The conversation is over."

Annoyed, he turned to the waitress to finish ordering. The sweet smile was still plastered on the woman when she left the table, even though Ryu said his order almost casually.

I swallowed the defeat. No way, I'm not going to win this one. He was so efficient with anything. It seems that he knows everything. While I know nothing at all in front of him, I am completely ignorant.

That's how I feel about every detail of his movements. His frugal demeanor screams intelligence, power, and ferocity. So this is how I obey his commands.

Before, I also wished to stand up against him. I even studied hard while he was in Spain. I was valedictorian both in elementary and high school. I also did my best to prove to myself that I could be like him. Can match or even exceed. But here he is in front of me, full of authority in his every move.

Even by simply holding and sipping a glass of water, I still notice him. His black T-shirt and jeans made him even darker. I looked at myself. With my white T-shirt, I looked like an angel seated in front of the devil in this restaurant.

"Aside from busy flirting with that stupid, what else did you do while I was in Spain?" he asked me after our food was served.

I let go of the fork that I was turning into the pasta. Except I was full; I guess my appetite was taken away by that question. Is he accusing me, isn't it?

"Flirting?" I sneered. "You? How are your girls there?"

My eyes rolled.

I'm sure of what I said. Even here, he is drowning in attention. How is it going in other countries? As far as I know, the people there were liberated.

He laughed.

I folded my arms and frowned at him as I watched his face turn red.

"You're funny! I don't have a woman there."

I glared at him. "That's why! You don't even have texts, chats, calls, or any other way to talk to me? Are you so busy that you can't even say hello? Wonder what happened to me after you left me without saying goodbye?"

He laughed again. He didn't take what I said seriously.

I tightly balled my fists under the table. Did I say something ridiculous? The nerve of this guy! He's annoying!

"You're fucking---"

"You..." I stood up and pointed a finger at him. My blood boils for him! And still, he managed to look at me with a playful grin on his lips.

"Sorry, Baby. I mean... can you please be seat---"

"Sit your face! I'm done with this! I'm done with you!"

He stood up and approached me. I quickly turned aside and left that table. He managed to catch my arm, so I faced him again with burning eyes.

"You are acting like you are a jealous girlfriend," he said in amazement while shaking his head. He looked at me intently. He seems to be checking the expression on my face. And based on his reaction, he was more than happy with that.

I raised my brow. "No, I'm not---"

"Yes, you are."

We stared at each other for a few seconds. I was also the first to avoid embarrassment. I swallowed again when I felt that my actions obviously mirrored his accusations. I closed my eyes tightly as I felt the tears fall from my eyes.

Me?

Jealous?

For what?

I'm just too annoyed!

Yes, I was annoyed because of his arrogance.

That's right, Akemi. That's what you think.

I opened my eyes and saw concern in his eyes.

"Jealous your face! From now on, forget that we are friends, bastard arrogant!"

I quickly ran out of the restaurant and called a taxi. I left him there and ignored the smug faces of the customers who were there.

When I saw him at the entrance of the restaurant, I immediately entered the taxi that stopped first in front of me and ordered it to speed up. The driver immediately followed me and didn't ask any more questions. I have my bag and wallet with me, so I have a fare to pay for going to school.

Inside the taxi, my mind was debating whether I did the right thing with Ryu or not. Maybe, yes. After what he did to Ren, I think he deserved it!

But why did I feel sad when I thought he had a woman in another country? What do I care about?

I shook my head.

I just did the right thing.

"How are you, Akemi? Where did Ryu bring you?" El Sandra asked worriedly.

He had just arrived at the Western Eagle Cafeteria. After getting off the taxi, I decided to meet her here after texting her earlier.

After a minute, here she was. With her skyscraper confidence, she stole attention from the students inside the cafeteria. Many people craned their necks to follow her, and almost all of them were men.

"I'm fine. How is Ren?" I lost his question.

I smiled at her. I don't want to hear the name of that arrogant person, and it just disgusts me.

El Sandra sighed in relief after occupying the seat in front of me.

"He's okay now. We brought him to the clinic even if he was protesting," she said. "Can you buy me food? I'm starving."

I nodded, but before standing up, I let go of the question that came to mind.

"Where are the two now?"

"Who? Rose and Dean? My friend?" she asked, raising a brow.

My friend?

"Ahm, yes," I simply said.

"After accompanying me to the clinic, they left. I think they went home."

"Is that so?"

"Come on! Buy me food, Akemi! I'm really hungry!" She rolled her eyes.

I just stood up and joined the long line at the counter. I glanced at El Sandra, who was now busy with her cellphone.

Looking at her this far, she looked like a celebrity here in Western Eagle with her red spaghetti strap top, fitted jeans, and red pumps. The class hasn't even started yet, but she's already attracting a lot of fans.

I looked at myself.

I am very far from her, even though we are cousins. A plain lady with her plain white T-shirt, black jeans, and rubber shoes. So it's not surprising that I was ignored here, even though I didn't want that and didn't really want to. But to think that someone like El Sandra, new and not well known, can attract attention so quickly... I envy her.

Monday.

First day of school. I was indeed right. On the first day, many people knew my cousin. El Sandra became the talk of every corner of the university. Even in engineering, which is a little far from the main building, her name became the stuff of mouths.

"Really? You mean, El Sandra Concepcion studying here?" asked Mara.

I was just at the door of the E-4 room for my first subject that morning. I had already heard the conversation of my old classmates in senior high, and now it looks like I will be my blockmate this school year.

"Really? The Queen B of Stanley U?" Mean asked.

"Yeah, right, gays!" Jay-al almost fell off the armchair he was sitting on. "I saw her in the main building. Gosh, the woman is beautiful!"

"Main building? So, I conclude that she's a Business Ad student?"

Mean nodded at what Mara said. "Their family has many businesses. Maybe she will also take over and inherit LEC."

“She’s so very lucky! She's beautiful, and at the same time, she’s a heiress!"

Heiress?

Who are they referring to?

Me?

I am the heiress, not El Sandra.

I grinned bitterly. I let Aunt Ingrid take over the companies because I don't have the skills yet. But that doesn't mean it's theirs. Yes, they have been part of LEC and Leesteel's growth before, but that doesn't mean they owned it.

I am the heir to that company. Not El Sandra. But can I run those companies? Or maybe they were right? After all, El Sandra is smart and knowledgeable. If she replaces Tita Ingrid, companies will surely rise and grow even more.

Brushing the negative thoughts from my mind, I let out a huge sigh. I am the only daughter of Engineer Lee and Architect Lee. I will inherit the treasures they left behind. I will do everything to prove my worth as Lee's heiress.

"Akemi?" a familiar baritone called.

I turned to him.

Ren, with his cute big glasses, walked attentively towards me. His eyes were burning with concern and controversy. It seemed like a burning fire, ready to consume the lies revealed.

"How are you? Are you okay?" I asked as soon as he got close to where I was standing.

"Can we talk a bit?"

I remembered what happened last week. The blow he received from Ryu was gone. Good.

"Is your bruise okay?"

There was no trace of the punch, but I still touched the side of his lip where I remembered seeing the bleeding to probe.

"I’m already fine," he confirmed, avoiding my face.

I sighed. "I'm sorry about what happened---"

"You don't need to. You are not to blame for what happened," he said with a tired smile on his lips.

He took my hand with his finger on his lips and gently closed it. Just like his face, Ren's personality is also very soft.

I don't regret it when I approached him and joined him for lunch at the Western Eagle Ground, back when we were senior high school students.

Ren has all the soft features of his father; I'm just not sure because I've never met his mother. As an attorney, I don't know where Attorney Renato Agoncillo gets the strength to fight for the truth.

Ren was the same, behind the meekness of his face, courage was hidden. One day, I know he will be as successful as his father as a well-known lawyer in the country.

"Akemi!" another deep baritone thundered in the hallway.

I lowered my hand, and Ren and I turned to the end of the hallway together. And there he was, Ryu and his grumpy face. He trudged towards us like a frowsy bull. His step was big and heavy, like a Jew's.

This is the second time I've seen him so angry. His eyes were dark, staring at me, and his jaw tensed. He looks like a hungry tiger, ready to pounce on his poor prey. He was scarier now than before.

"R-Ryu, Akemi and I need to talk---" Ren wanted to start, but his friend immediately cut him off.

"I told you to not butt in your ass, Ren!" He pointed a finger to Ren. "That's your problem, Stupid!"

"Hold on!" I faced Ryu with a surprised look on my face. "What are you talking about, huh? You. Do you know anything about what Ren is saying?"

They both looked at each other and neither wanted to speak. I shook my head in disbelief. Now, the conclusion played in my mind that the cause of my parents' deaths was not a simple accident. Who would have done that then?

As far as I know, Mommy and Daddy have never had enemies. If there is, I'm sure it's a secret, and it's because of business.

My parents are kind. Even though they have many rivals in business, they are admired for being professional. So I a wonder if that wasn't a simple accident.

Who did it then?