Chapter 25: Lovely

I got three books. I wanted to read it while killing time and in case I can't finish it today, I'll just borrow it.

As I was still searching on some books, I saw a note. "Pierre's invites you to Pierre's Universe where the stage is opened for poets out there. We will be glad if you share us your masterpieces with the open mic during Friday afternoon, 3PM onwards." It says. So that's why there was a stage nearby. I wonder if Allanis knows this place?

I ignored the busy place as I scanned "The Sun And Her Flowers" by Rupi Kaur while climbing up the stairs again.

My whole attention was all on my books even though the whole place sounds so busy. I approached my chair and brought out my journal and ballpen. I want to make a piece while attempting to read. Multi tasking. Reading while writing.

I can't help but be amazed with the author's pieces. They are really good at writing and it kind of inspired me to do better. They know how to place words in a beautiful way.

I also studied her way of writing in hoped that I may adapt the poets' style. I wasn't just entertained with the books but I also used it as an instrument to learn and improve writing.

I kept on reading until I didn't noticed that I finished it already. I think I finished that within an hour and a half.

Because I was inspired, I tried to make a poem. A poem about the night I cannot forget.

The cold wind kissed my face

As I sat down under the cold night.

I looked above and saw the moon in grace,

Reminding me that life is still bright.

But you were there and sat beside me

And we talked about the things we knew.

Your expressive eyes twinkled for me to see

The sorrow that tells me what you've been through.

Tell me, darling, what's bothering you.

I want you to feel warm with me under the cold.

Because the dark night just iced me too,

Seeing you weak until things unfold.

Life stays beautiful even in darkness, I say.

But this night told me that it won't always be that way.

When I was satisfied with it, I rapidly opened my laptop so I could type it in.

"Busy?" I lifted my eyes when someone behind me said.

My eyes widened and I immediately closed my journal and laptop.

"Lucas!" my voice volume up out of surprise and nervousness. God! I hope he didn't saw what I was writing. If even he did, I just hope that the soil will eat me up right now!

"You're here!" I added the obvious. He laughed and walked past me to sit on the couch in front of mine.

"Two hors ago. We were actually making a group project," he pointed his fingers to the other corner of the place. I turned my gaze to it.

There, I saw his friends Theo, Aljhun, Xavier, Scott sitting on a big sofa set. They also have three girls with them whom all are glaring at me. My brows furrowed at that.

"Y-you were here hours ago?" I returned my attention to the guy in front.

"Yup," he said. "I didn't want to bother you so I decided to just approach you after we finish school works so here I am," he chuckled for no reason.

I nodded as my answer. I didn't know what to say. I am totally nervous and a bit happy that after five days, here we are, talking again.

"So what's new in the journal?" he casually slipped his hands on the table towards my journal but before he even had contact with it, I already snatched it and hid it inside my bag.

"No!" I said as he only laughed at my reaction. He pinched my cheeks. I even got more irritated by it and brushed his hands away from my face.

Because I hid my notebook, he just checked the books instead. I shook my head and let him do what he wants and carefully opened my laptop again. It wasn't facing me so it's okay.

"What did you said to the boy?" he said out of the blue.

"Who?" I asked. His eyes were still scanning the book so I wasn't sure what he meant by that.

"The boy who tried to hit on you while getting this?" he waved the book he was holding.

My eyes narrowed, trying to remember what he might've saw a while ago.

"Ah," I snapped. "He just asked my name," I shrugged my shoulders, not bothered by any of it.

Our eyes met. His were unreadable and his jaw clenched. I saw his fist that was resting on top of the table balled too.

"And what did you said?" His brow raised, anticipated.

"Uhh… Nothing?" I said using my small, confused voice. His expression remained the same and seconds have passed and he was still staring at me. My heart pounded and my face heated. His eyes were always intimidating.

I avoided his gaze and just continued typing even though every letter didn't registered on my mind. I heard him sigh and continued scanning my books.

"You're really fond of making poetries, huh?"

""Hmmm. I guess so," I answered shortly, not tearing my eyes off my laptop.

"Why?" I raised my eyes to him because of his question.

"To express my feelings"

"About love?" he added to my answer. I rolled my eyes at that.

"Not all of my poems are about love," I returned my attention to my laptop.

He always sound so bitter whenever the word 'love' is mentioned. As if he hasn't moved on from a tragic break up from his last girlfriend.

We remained silent for a moment. If it wasn't for some people who approached our table, I would be hearing crickets by now.

I looked at Lucas' friends when they told us that they were leaving. The guys smiled at me as I smiled back at them. The girls are giving me death glares, though.

"I guess we'll be heading now, bro," Theo said as he tapped Lucas' shoulder.

"Alright, bro. Stay safe!" he joyfully said. It remained that way until all of them were gone.

My eyes once again narrowed when I realized something. "Aren't you going home too now?" I asked.

"I'll drive you home," he said. I silenced and just nodded and as if one cue, Joaquin called.

I answered it and I think I already know what he was about to say. I looked at the glass window and realized it was already dusking.

"Hello, baby. Our practice just finished. Am I going to fetch you now?" he asked.

"Uhhh… Actually, I'm with Lucas. He said he'll take me home instead," he was staring at me with adoration in his eyes while I answered my brother.

"Oh, is that so? Invite him to dinner, then,"

"Okay,"

"Okay baby. Take care. I love you," he said with his usual sweet self.

"I love you too," I said and I ended the call. Then the guy in front of me raised his brow.

I started to fix my things. He stood up and neared me to help me with it. After, I wore my backpack and stood up. He brought my laptop first so I decided to bring the books instead. I was planning to borrow it to read it at home.

He faced me and eyed me head to foot. I blushed profusely and felt a bit shy.

I just started walking when I felt his hand slipped on my waist. My system was a mess and I stiffened a bit from the contact with my bare skin. I almost celebrated because I am wearing a cropped shirt!

"You look lovely, Ji," He whispered. And it was the last thing I heard before I hyperventilated.