Chapter 15

Here you can have my handkerchief. In the midst of the buzzing crowd, Umi daw someone hand her a handkerchief.She looked up, her eyes blurred with tears. She took the handkerchief from him and turned to leave however she stops and tunes to look at the person again.

For a second she was shocked however she lost her rationality when she saw Chantel who was being chased after by Eugene.

Umi is that you....mmm

Magnus could only let out a muffled voice as he was suddenly kissed by Umi. He looked beyond shocked when he met Eugene's glaring eyes from the exit of the bar. He tried pushing Umi away and yet she didn't budge. Eugene only gave them a disgusted look before turning to leave with the picture he had taken secretly.

Umi only stopped after she saw that Eugene had left.

What was that for?! Magnus said quite annoyed. He really didn't want this to be how he reconciled with his friends.

Don't you remember what the rule was Umi? We are not allowed to mingl with each other's love lives.

Umi saw how angry Magnus was and couldn't help but snare.

Humph! They had broken the friendship rule and nit us!

Come I have something to tell you. She didn't wait for Magnus to say anything he only pulled him out of the clubhouse forcefully.

They had always loved each other Magnus. They never really loved us so we are the victims here.

Why do you think I'm crying huh?

I saw both of them upstairs and they were so close. sob!sob!

You know what Eugene told me when I found out?

He said I should thank Chanty for her kindness for she had allowed him to be with me. Which means Chantel loved him too and she knew he'll probably never love me back.

Maybe she wanted to prove that she iwned his heart all she wanted to say how better she was than I am.

But did she have to go this far? She made me look like a puppet!

Umi's lips twitched as she knew part of what she said was a lie but at this time she only wanted Magnus to see Chantel how she saw her.

However Magnus didn't react at all.

Is that why you kissed me? To make Eugene jealous? Umi looks at Magnus' unbothererd expression and asked; you knew?

The truth was Magnus had no idea about Chantel and Eugene's relationship however he knew Chantel never liked him and she never will. That day at the hospital he realized that Chantel's claim of love was only out of helplessness.

He knew at that time she felt traped and that he was the only one she could trust hence she mistook gratitude for love. He liked the fact that she trusted him however he didn't want to take advantage of her situation hence he let go. He realise they both do not know what love really was so it's good to be apart to figure out they really wanted.

But now Umi is in the same situation he was in.

Her eyes were clearly filled with infatuation and obsession.

Umi can we were take a stroll together.

B..but aren't you going to stop them?

We will, just after the stroll.

I know where they are going. He lied.

They started along the lone streets towards and ice cream shop.

Umi why do you like Eugene. Magnus suddenly asked.

I Like Eugene because...because

Umi really hadn't thought of this question. She never knew she'll stumble when she was asked the most obvious question about couples. In her mind she had countless reasons why she loved Eugene. However at this time they seemed to ha disappeared.

I..I she was speechless and only managed to say; he's handsome.

So that's why you "want" him?

Yes. Umi answered the question without thinking twice and realised what Magnus was implicating.

No..noway I'm not obsessed with him. It's not an infatuation it's really love. I love Eugene!

Ok fine you don't have to get angry. Trust me I understand. Magnus'voice was calm and very gentle.

He walked towards a couple who lovingly sat in the ice cream shop eating ice cream. They looked around mid forties however vtgey looked as lovely as a newly wedded couple.

Magnus brought Umi and the sat next to the couple. The shop wasn't a plush one however it looked beautiful and very welcoming. Magnus ordered some ice creams and started a conversation.

You both look wonderful together I wonder what your love story is.

The couple he was referring to turned to look at him and after some time they gave a pleasant smile.

They didn't really look so rich however they carried a very small tinge of elegance.

After a while the couple had already finished the narration of their sweet life. They had met in a very worrying situation however in a funny way they fell in love and didn't hesitate to get married.

As they narrated their feelings towards themselves Umi kept wondering if that was how she felt about Eugene? At this time her determination was dwindling as she was forced to repeatedly doubt her calimed love for Eugene.

Magnus saw her wondering gaze and parted her softly as he said; it's okay to be infatuated. What's bad is to drug on when you figure it out. You'll one day be as happy as they are and all you have to do is to let go.

Umi's head was in chaos all these years she had stayed with Eugene she had fought to gain his attention and love yet it was all an infatuation?

She didn't know how to feel however guilt gnawed at her heart.

Magnus saw the daze she was in and couldn't help but say;

Hey it takes time okay you really can't get rid of this at once. It took me months to accept this reality.

You ...you also..

Magnus didn't let her continue as he nodded to confirm her guess.

Before he realized Umi hugged him firmly.

I'm sorry she said.

It's fine. I missed you guys too.

Really?

Yeah very much. Chantel did too.

She will always talk about how you acted childish and how they wasted money fetching toffees for you.

At this point Umi felt miserably guilty and tightened her hold on Magnus.

Magnus could only return the same affection after all he missed this...