Chapter 8

Once we reached the booth, I let go of Renz's sleeves which made him a little disappointed for some reason.

I excitedly walked toward the old man, leaving Renz all alone. "Hello. Where's the miniature keychains?" I flashed him my white teeth with a grin.

He turned around and looked taken back as he stared at me. His eyes scanned my face for a short moment before he spoke. "Right there, darling. Left corner." He turned his back on me and got back to work.

I followed him as I felt Renz's presence behind me. He took me by suprise when he wrapped his arms around my waist and placed his chin on the top of my head.

My eyes went wide. His arms were firmly gripping my waist. I can hear his breathing on top of me. My back was on his chest. It felt as if I lost my oxygen for a short moment. My body turned hot in a second.

His breathing felt uneven. I heard him sniffling my hair. My eyes widened at his actions.

I tried shaking him off, but he just held on tighter. "What are you doing?"

He lowered his head and whispered. "The sign say there's a discount for couples."

Oh.

That's makes sense since it's Valentine's Day in a week. And you know people are hopeless romantics.

I ignored the weird feeling my body felt and went back to the keychains. My hand softly grazed through the keychain holder, turning it around.

"Since you are a very lovely couple, how 'bout you pick something for each other?" A voice recommend. It's the shop owner.

Renz slowly backed away from me and we both turned to the old man.

I didn't wanna risk that. What if he picks an ugly one for me? He'll probably get me a poop with googly eyes. Or even worse, a fake wood with a 'Los Angeles' text carved to it.

"N- no thanks. We can only afford one." I ended with a laugh, awkwardly patting the back pocket of my pants.

"Oh that's no trouble, dear. It's a buy one take one deal for couples." He gave us a genuine smile.

I stared at Renz, winding my eyes nervously, sending him a 'help' look.

"I mean- ye- yeah! Sure!" Renz glanced back and forth to me and the shop owner.

I sighed in defeat. I walked away and smiled at the man before turning away from Renz, letting him pick for me.

When the shop owner walked away, I rolled my eyes, impatiently waiting for Renz to finish. I stomp my foot several times on the tiles. "Are you done yet?"

"Hold on," he replied.

I heard a few clacking of the keychain before it stopped.

He walked infront of me, smiling teasingly at me, while both his hand were behind his back.

"Well?" I crossed my arms, still stomping my foot on the floor.

My eyes steadily focused on his grey ones. It was so scary how beautiful it was. "You have to pick for me first." was all he answered.

I ran my tongue inside my cheek and thought for a moment.

"Okay, fine."

I walked over the stand and turned it around a few times. Renz informed me that he wasn't looking, but I didn't respond back.

What do I get him? Do I get him an ugly one?

I didn't know what to pick. My hands continued to spin the keychain stand around, until my eyes found the perfect one for him. It was pretty decent. A smile flashed through my mouth. I took it, and twirled it around.

"Okay, got it." I formed my palm into a fist to hid it from him. I turned around happily and flashed him an innocent grin.

He chuckled and spoke. "Okay. On three." I nodded eagerly.

"One." he counted.

"Two." I loosen my grip on the keychain.

"Three." We both said as we opened both of our palm.

I looked at his. A smile was able to reach my face as I took it from him hurriedly. The tip of his fingers grazed through my palm before he picked up his.

The one he chose for me was a small spray paint keychain. It was colored black. I swinged it back and forth infront of my sight.

"It's really pretty." I said. My fingers played with the keychain before dropping it back in my hand. "Thank you."

His gaze was already on me as he smiled. His fingers remained to play with the inhaler keychain before speaking. "Thanks too."

The one he picked out for me was beyond perfect. It's definitely better than perfect.

He took my arm and dragged me to the cashier. Our footsteps echoed the wooden floor before we stopped infront of the old man once again.

We handed him a couple of bucks before exiting the store.

As we were walking, I removed my backpack strap from one of my shoulders and hooked the keychain next to Koa.

"So," I heard Renz speak. I quickly placed the bag on both my shoulders. "...where to next?"

Nowhere no more. At this time, I'm usually back home. Just writing in my journal notebook while a Taylor Swift song plays in my ears.

But right now, at this moment, I wanted more. I don't know why, but hanging out with officer Samuels' son isn't so bad after all.

"Where'd you wanna go?" I asked him. "I mean, half of our adventure for the night is all my idea. I think it's your turn."

He nodded for a brief moment before his eyes lightened up, turning his head to me.

"Oh, I've got the perfect idea."