The Pendant

Jason: Here we are.

He puts me down and I take support of a nearby desk.

Mia:... Thanks for dropping me off.

That was beyond embarrassing..! Everyone was looking our way as he carried me home.

Jason: Are you going to be fine from here on? Do you need any help?

Mia: I'll be okay. I used to twist my ankle all the time during my martial arts classes so I know how to treat it.

Wait,... I knew how to treat it all along! Why didn't I do it?! It could've saved me from all that embarrassment!! Why am I always so scatterbrained?! Hahh, it's no use to think about it now though. I inwardly sigh to myself.

Jason: Okay, take care then.

Mia: Mmhm, I will.

I nod and he casts me a slightly worried look before turning around and walking away. Somehow, I feel that I'm forgetting something important. What could it be? I wrack my brains to think about it but nothing comes to mind.

I walk towards the elevator, staggering and press the button. I made a fool of myself infront of him and let him carry me.. My cheeks are practically on fire thinking about it.

It's not the first time Jason has been so close to me (except for the time we shared the couch). When we were little, I often tripped and fell while playing. He would put my hand over his shoulder and help me walk home.

But now, we're both adults. This kind of intimacy is inappropriate. As I'm thinking this, the elevator door opens and out steps...

???: You!

Mia:..!! Mr. Qin?!

.. My landlord..!! Wait, don't tell me I forgot to turn in the apartment rent again!

Mr. Qin: Finally got a hold of you. When are you planning on paying your rent?

Mia: Er.. I'm so sorry! I'll give it to you by.. the day after tomorrow!

Mr. Qin: You were supposed to pay it last week. I'll throw you out if you don't pay it on time.

He glares at me and I gulp nervously.

Mia: I promise I will do it soon!

Mr. Qin:.. Fine, stop showing me the puppy-dog eyes.

Mia: Thank you!

I beam at him and he sighs. I get inside the elevator and as soon the door closes, all my relief vanishes. I somehow was under the impression that I'd paid all my bills and so, I spent most of my money. How the hell did this slip my mind?

When I first moved into the city, I had initially rented a room with a roommate but... it didn't turn out that well. That guy was a total psychopath and living with him was a nightmare. Since then, I've been living alone in this building. The rent is lesser here but... I've gotten myself into a very difficult situation here.

I have a day off tomorrow so I won't be earning anything. Plus, even if I go there, Ethan would make a fuss about me not adhering to the schedule. How am I supposed to give him the money?

The elevator door opens again and I step outside and start to walk towards my apartment.

Should I borrow it someone? Ugh, money wouldn't be a problem right now if I had gotten that job two years ago.

That time, I was interning for 'KocoNut', a very reputed sweets company, in the brainstorming department but, I couldn't get a job because one of the other interns made a mistake and framed me for it. I didn't even have evidence to prove my innocence so, they threw me out.

I reach my door and am about to insert the password in its lock when I notice something. What's this in my hand? A little pendant charm? How did.. Wait....

A few minutes ago...

Mia: I'm so sorry! I didn't mean it!

Jason:... It's okay.

I take another look at the broken chain in my hand, feeling guilty. I can't believe I broke his pendant while clutching onto his shirt. Is he mad? I look at him but he doesn't show even a hint of anger.

Mia: I'll fix this for you!

Jason: Don't bother. It's only a safety charm from someone. Just hold onto it for the time being.

Even as he says this, I feel his grip on me tighten slightly as he carries me. He IS angry. This must be important to him. It looks very familiar though. Maybe I saw this at a store or something..?

Mia: Okay.

I have no idea what his personal life was like other than his illness and job. This must have been given to him by someone who really means a lot to him. Is it a woman?

My heart feels slightly uneasy as this thought crosses my mind but I dismiss it immediately. It has nothing to do with me anyway....

He broke my heart and I broke his chain, something that clearly was important to him. However, it still feels as though we're uneven. I'm not the best in reading expressions but, he really looked really hurt.

No, he lied to me first. He deserved this, I shouldn't feel sorry for him.

I open my door and step inside with several thoughts plaguing my mind. The bills, how are they going to work out...?