CHAPTER 5

"My instinct is functioning really well and great. I really knew I would find you here.” A man came, I felt him sit next to me. "Have you come from Miss Fiona's?"

I nodded. "You?"

"I just got back too. Where were you deployed?"

“Amana Beach and Resort.”

“Same!” He grabbed my arm. "Irene, we share the same place. I’m going to fetch you everyday at your house, so you won’t be late. How’s that sound?”

I just laughed at him before shaking my head. "It's a hassle for you to pass by our house. Your journey will take too long. I can handle myself, I'll just limit reading online books, so I don't stay up late anymore."

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me? Even going home?”

I shook my head. “Not anymore, Harold. I can handle myself. I'm sure I'm used to going home alone…”

And it looks like I'm about to get used to living alone as well.

"It's up to you," he said. "But you know, I'm excited for next week. My excitement doubled because you are the one who will be there with me," he added in between laughs.

At this time, I don't know how I will feel upon hearing the words he uttered. Will I be happy, sad or excited? Maybe because his words just make me have high hopes, but in the end... I'll be the one to cry again. Why is it so hard to detach my feelings for him after so many years have passed?

"Why?"

"It's simple... 'cause I have a friend working in the same workplace."

Yes, a friend. Why should I hope that there is something in what he said? Couple of years have passed... and still I'm a friend to him. Admittedly, I hoped that there would be a chance for us, but I almost forgot that he actually has a girlfriend.

Such an idiot, Irene!

"Are you okay?"

I came back to my senses when he spoke. "O-Of course." I pulled my lips to curve a smile. "Why wouldn't I?"

"You seemed problematic," he said. "Are you sure you're really okay, Irene?"

The only thing I did was to avert my gaze at him. Is it too obvious that I have a problem and even Harold has noticed that? I forced myself to look like I'm okay... but why do they still see the sadness I'm trying to hide?

"Nothing!" I smiled, hoping it would hide the sadness in my eyes. "How are you and Celine?"

"Huh? Going strong," he answered. "But now, we seem to quarrel again. And you know I’m used to her, being unpredictable sometimes," he laughed.

"You're such a naughty guy." I hit him lightly on the arm. "What are you waiting for there? Why don't you persuade your girlfriend and please stop talking to me about trivial things."

He shook his head. "I'll wait for her head to cool down before I make sure to talk to her. You know that, right? No problem or issue is solved if you are both hot-headed. Maybe it will grow even more if that's the case."

"Fix that while you can... before you regret not doing it." I tapped his shoulder. "You both are in love with each other, so I hope you treasure the moment you've shared together. I hope your relationship lasts longer."

"You're too serious, Irene. Why are you like that?”

"Like what?" I chortled. "Ever since you've met me, I've been like this, huh? I've been a serious type of person since I was born, right?"

"Really, huh?" He poked my cheeks. "You're so cute."

I was stunned for a second because of what he said. There are his fall words again, rousing me again to hope that there is still a chance for both of us. That's the problem with men, they don't know that with the words they say, they make women have high hopes for them. They give hope to something that, in the beginning, is absolutely impossible to happen.

He pulled my cheeks, forcing my lips to smile. "You're more beautiful when you're always smiling, Irene. Why don't you make it a hobby?"

“Are you--”

"We just had a fight, and then I see you flirting with someone else?!"

I removed Harold's grip on my cheek to make sure to quickly get away from him.

"What is it, Harold? Are you really forcing me to break up with you?!”

I approached Celine. "That doesn't mean--"

"You bitch, don’t touch me!" She pushed me hard away from her. "I thought you and Harold were just friends? Do any friends do such a thing? I still trust you, Irene! But I didn't expect you to betray me!”

"Celine, stop!" Harold weaned here. "Could you please calm down and at least hear my explanation?"

"For what?" Celine laughed, sarcastically. "Why should I listen to your explanation? To let you lie and cover up your affair with Irene?!”

"Babe, it's not what you think. I will not lie to you, so please hear my side," Harold pleaded.

I should have distanced myself from Harold long ago. I wouldn't let him get close to me anymore, I hope nothing like this happens, right? I know Celine, she is the type of woman who is very jealous. It wasn't the first time she was jealous of me… but even then, her anger subsided quickly. But now, it is different.

For fvck sake, I wouldn’t forgive myself if they broke up because of me. I can’t take it seeing them wrecking their relationship just because of someone like me.

“Celine, let me explain. You're thinking wrong--”

"You're a liar, Irene!"

She threw her hand in the air, her palm was about to land on my cheek to slap my face... yet suddenly, her hand supposedly landing on my face got interrupted.

"Let go of me! Who are you?!"

"Don't you ever dare slap her with your filthy hands, lady."

We both stared at each other as his gaze fell on me. He smiled at me as he placed his hand on my waist, pulling me closer to him. "Get your hands off my girlfriend."

I was stunned and was like… Who’s this guy?!