7

Hopefully, I make it to the cafeteria without knocking over other doctors and nurses. I search around the room and my eyes settle on the familiar figure. Taking in a deep breath, I walk towards him.

"Abryl?"

He turns around and smiles upon acknowledging my presence. I take a seat opposite him and he pushes a bowl full of red strawberries towards me.

"Fresh and tasty," he says and I pick one popping it into my mouth," so what did you want to ask?"

I swallow the strawberry in my mouth and focus on his now serious face," Have you by instance ever visited a forest?"

"Forest?"

He rubs his chin lost in thought.

"Maybe I crossed our boundary by asking that," I think to myself as I pop another fruit into my mouth.

After a few minutes of nerve wrecking silence, he finally looks into my eyes and I marvel at his beautiful mischievous eyes.

"I've visited a lot of forests," he says drawing me from my imagination.

Placing his elbow on the table and hand on his cheek, he eyes me a mysterious glow in his eyes.

"Which forest are we talking about?"

I recount the dream I had avoiding the mysterious guy. Once I finish, his eyes grow dark for a second and back that I think I imagined it.

"Oh, those are the so called 'cursed woods of Teran'," he says and I shiver at the ominous name.

"C- Cursed?"

He studies my eyes and lets out a laugh not quite calming my nerves.

"Don't look so pale all of a sudden Nine, it's just a rumoured myth," he says and I raise my brow in confusion," it's all folktale and stories. I've been there on a visit twice and it's nothing compared to what the rumours state."

I nod slowly still unable to find my voice. Abryl grabs my hand squeezing it gently.

"Do you want to go visit the forest...," he says and hesitates before looking away from my eyes," with... me?"

"Like a... date?" I ask and he shyly nods his head.

My jaw drops at the thought of going on a date with him to an assumed 'cursed forest.' The thought makes me have mixed emotions and I reluctantly pull my hand from his grasp.

"Sorry but I don't fancy going to a 'cursed forest' thank you very much."

His face drops but he immediately collects himself and nods.

"Hope my information was helpful," he says and I smile.

"Very helpful. I'll be sure to treat you to a nice dinner."

His playful smirk is back on his face instantly as he gives me a wink.

"I'll be waiting then."

He looks at the clock and back to me worry creasing his brows.

"Am sorry Nine, but seems my break is over."

"Hey. Don't worry I enjoyed this little talk with you," I say as he stands up from the chair.

He flashes me his genuine customer smile and walks away from the table leaving me to my racing thoughts. Hard I try, the day goes by slowly as I try to keep my mind off the 'cursed forest' thing but it's just proving worthless. Grabbing a glass of cold water from the dispenser, I lean against the wall sipping from my glass. My gaze travels from the doctors bustling about before landing on a familiar figure. The man waves in mock hello and I turn my back to him heading back to my desk.

"Oh Nine, there's been a message that the boss got his son to stand in on his behalf," Luna says and I sigh taking my seat.

"Is that so."

"Is that anyway to greet your new boss?"

I look up and my eyes lock with the guy from before. Luna squeals excitedly and pulls me to stand beside her.

"Isn't he the guy who helped carry you?" she asks and the guy smiles.

"That I am. She clumsily fell at my feet like a damsel in distress," he says and I can feel my anger and rage boiling inside me.

"Damsel in distress huh?" I ask and Luna nudges my ribs with her elbow and I scoff.

"How long will you be here?" Luna asks and the guy takes her hand planting a kiss on her knuckles.

"As long as you want me to, darling," he says and Luna practically fans her face using her free hand as she savours the affection act.

"Disgusting," I mumble and force a smile once his eyes land on me.

"My name is King," he says his eyes gleaming.

"Am Luna this is my best friend Nine," Luna says and King smirks before placing another kiss on her knuckles.

"A pleasure to meet such beautiful women," he says dropping Luna's hand," now if you'll excuse me, I'll head up to the office."

He blows us a kiss and walks out of sight. I turn to look at Luna to find her staring into space her hand clutched close to her chest.

"Hey! Luna? Luna!"

I snap my fingers in front of her face and she shakes her head before her eyes settle on me.

(That look...)

Knowing what will happen, I immediately clasp my hand over her mouth and drag her out of the building and into the back compound. After ensuring we are by ourselves, my hand drops from her mouth and she lets out a scream. I cover my ears and once he screams die down, I drop my hands and look at her flushed cheeks.

"Nine... did you see... he..kis...kissed ...my..."

I grab her shoulder and motion for her to follow my every move as I inhale through my mouth and exhale through the nose. She copies my movements and after a few minutes, I withdraw my hand and she smiles gratefully.

"Thanks for that. I almost lost it for a second there."

"Almost?" I ask.

She chuckles and swings her arm over my shoulder pulling me under her armpit as she shuffles my hair playfully.