Akira

My mouth decides to blurt out before I could stop it, "You remember that?"

His eye flashes and lips thin in angry line but he replies passively, "Yes. I remember everything." Emphasizing on everything.

How can he be angry, calm and severe at the same time?

I can't decide whether I should be happy that he remembers everything or angry that he still left after 'that everything' because I know that was kind of special and those moments mean something to me, although I whole heartily want to deny it.

But I can't, it's memorised in my brain.

"Why did you leave?" I ask, wanting to know the answer of the question that has me stressed since yesterday morning.

He eyes twitch a little, a sign of hesitation, I assume. I'm quite sure he hasn't seen this coming but composes himself as quickly, "I thought you wouldn't want me there." It does not sounds like a lie but I can't help and think there is more of it than he is telling me.

'Why' word is on tip of my tongue begging to come out but I let it go and I don't think he'd tell me even if I asked him.

Anyway half truth is better than a lie.

No, it's not.

"Uh, how is your hand? Does it still hurt?" I try to ask in a normal voice and succeed. I point down, watching his hand which is now bandage free showing just horrible swelling.

I fight back a wince at the site.

He looks down to his hand before shrugging carelessly, "Nothing that I can't handle." He says in his low husky voice that always manage to weaken my knees.

Christ!

Okay.

Damn.

I need to leave.

Like right now.

He's getting in my head again and I don't think it'd be best to grant him that permission.

I nod evenly. "That's great, I guess. I gotta g-"

"Ray."

He interrupts me from further speaking, staring deep in my eyes with an unfathomable emotion burning behind those grey eyes.

Oh I like it when he calls me Ray!

My inner self grunts in annoyance.

I look at him in confusion, silently asking question through my eyes.

As though reading it, he clears his throat and gaze around, looking momentarily uncomfortable as speaks, "Go out with me."

What?

I think I'm hearing things.

Or did I hear him correct?

Did he really just ask me out?

Order! He does not ask, he just gives order.

Go out? As in date?

Feeling shocked, stupefied I ask dimly, "What?"

At my shocked and dumb question, he slightly regains his demeanor, standing straight. Once again trying to appear like cocky, confident and arrogant King but there is still a glint of fear behind those grey orbs.

I realize he probably thought I'd decline his offer and that has him nervous.

Oh Romero.

I would have said 'no' considering his past humiliating insults but I don't think I could say 'no' to him after yesterday.

I know I should refuse him. I should just walk away from him and never look back. I know I should listen to my brain that is showing me big sign red painted 'danger', not to my thumping heart, which is all but ready to jump out.

But against all odds I don't think I have it in me to say no to his expectant unsure face. I can't just say no and continue my life.

Not after I saw his vulnerability, susceptibility and loneliness. Not after he asked me to stay and certainly not after he begged for forgiveness. Knowing he remembers everything gives me an upper hand that he know I saw him in his undefendable state.

He lips lift up in a breathtaking smiles as he observe my tongue-tied expression. "Have dinner with me, Ray."

Oh my!

A smile.

A beautiful smile, that throws me off completely.

It's is first time I am seeing his smile.

It's not sneer or smirk.

But a real smile.

And I think I stop breathing at the sight of it.

It is beautiful.

He is beautiful.

I can't believe he has such an ethereal smile. With dimples on both side he looks angelic while smiling and I can't look away from it, from him. Right now, I am oblivious from anything else. I wish I was in a different world with just him where I could stop this moment.

God!

Those dimple!

My heart starts pacing almost painfully and I feel my stomach bubbles up and my knees turn into jelly.

Like a compelled victim, I pop my head up and down in agreement.

His smile widens a little and fear vanishes in dust. My heart is about to explode.

Breath in.

Breath out.

Breath in.

Breath out.

I repeat this mantra in my head to retake my breathing when my vision start to get blurry.

Damn him and damn his stupid astonishing smile, for making me loose breath, for making me forget everything and for making me feel alive.

"Perfect. I'll see pick you at six." This is first time, I have seen him wearing any emotion other than anger. His eyes are twinkling with glee and it's exhilarating to see.

It's a sight I don't think I could ever forget.

But six?

Oh no!

I'd be at library till seven and I can't even leave early because new stock of book is coming today and Mr. Jacob can't handle it alone.

Crap!

"I...I have work today." I inform him gulitly, hesitant of his reaction.

And There!

His expression changes in a sweep. From happy to emotionless within a second, the shimmering in his eyes dies instantly and his mouth form a jeer.

"Alright." He snips coolly and with that he steps back.

No!

Don't go.

"Wait! I...I can meet you after work. I'll be free by seven." I rush hurriedly.

Please consider it, I pray inside.

Stop being child!

Go away, you stupid conscience.

His expression doesn't change but eyes shows a little hope as they search deeply in mine. He is suspicious to show his true feeling.

Does he think I'm rejecting him intentionally?

Or I'm taking some revenge on him?

It's disturbing how easily his mood changes. He can easily become unreadable and I'm not really fan of it, infact just opposite.

"Yeah cool. I'll see you there," He speaks passively before giving one final look, he turns around and paces back toward parking lot with his back stiff and hand clenched.

I can't help but think he is not happy at all or maybe he has changed his mind.

Maybe he has realized I'm not good enough for him.

Or maybe he doesn't want me.

Stop this nonsense!

How can I?

His indifference is like a thorn piercing my heart. I'm not as glad as I was before about this date.

Is it even date?

Sighing I gear up to move toward my room, feeling lost. The eagerness I was having strayed away in vain.

Halfway through my way, I feel ting from my phone. I stop to take it out. I check it and it shows a text from unknown number.

I frown, not recognizing the number as I open it.

My stomach does a flip-flop and heart swells with happiness when I read it.

Oh my god!

I smile like a lovesick idiot and read it again.

And again.

'I will fetch you after your work.' Romero.

Damn, if this doesn't make me feel happiest in so long.