19 : Double Date

After the ruckus yesterday afternoon, rumors about Dave and Steve starts to spread. Thankfully, the rumor just stay at the four corner of the room. It's not that alarming but still Steve can't help but to get anxious and Dave notice it. Steve's with unknown reason can't stand attention. At first Dave thought Steve is simply the typical introvert who feel uncomfortable with people. But after years of staying beside him, he notice there's more behind his social anxiety. Something happen in the past, what is it? He don't have any idea. He wanted to ask Steve but he don't want to make him uncomfortable. Because of it, the thought about asking him faded as days pass by until yesterday after what happen.

A deep sigh engulf the quiet office room and their focus landed on Chester. Leo and Chester are with them, joining the stress they felt. What's worst is the fact that Steve and him still haven't talk. He's afraid if this rumor stay any longer, Steve will pull out of their relationship. He doesn't want that to happen.

Full of courage, he stand up from his seat. He walk straight to Steve. The lad look up when he see Dave's stomach infront of him and gave him a questioning look.

"Let's talk," Dave said firmly leaving no room for declining. Steve nodded thankful that Dave made the first move.

Chester grab Leo's hand and left the room to give the two some privacy. He hopes the two will make up and find a solution to their problem. Gladly, Leo took an action before the rumor left the room. He asked the lad about it but the lad just shrugged at him. He didn't ask furthermore. Just when his ship start on sailing this had to happen, the timing really sucks.

Dave watch the two left the room before he return his attention to his man. With his surprise, Steve suddenly embrace him, press his face to Dave's chest.

"I'm sorry," Steve mumbled.

Dave's face soften as he hug him back and rub it, "I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry, Steve. I shouldn't have said that. I shouldn't let my jealousy took over me."

"You're jealous?" Steve asked with disbelief and raise his head to see his man's face. It's blushing.

Dave look away, "W-well..." he trailed off finding the words to say as he scratch his cheek but luck isn't in his side.

"Karina and I are just friend. To me, she's like my little sister. You know I'm an only child, right? I promise to her and I couldn't just break it off. Next time, I'll limit myself towards her so you wouldn't feel insecure," he reassured.

Dave nodded, "I'm sorry too. I won't put you in a situation you'll feel uncomfortable again, I swear."

"Forgiven. We're quits now," Steve showed a genuine smile.

Their happy moment soon to fade when the rumor cross their mind. Steve sighed.

"What should we do now?"

"I have an idea but I hate it," Dave said in grimace.

Idea? "What is it?"

"To erase their suspicious, we should do something the opposite of it," Dave started, careful with his words. "I'll be doing the act with Lea. I'll post some pic in social media of us. I'll divert their attention to us."

"What? Lea? As in the girl who always cling to you. Are you serious?" It's clear Steve hate the idea just by the tone in his voice, and then he break the hug.

"Isn't there any ways other than that?" Steve can't accept that.

He knew Lea very well. He hates her, she always cling in Dave and make his man uncomfortable. His face irritates him to death. That girl will use this activity as an opportunity to flirt with him. He can't let that happen.

"Okay. Let's do it together," Steve said.

"What?" Dave can't believe it.

"Don't get me wrong. I trust you, Dave. But that girl? I know her very well. I won't let her lay a hand on you," his voice is full of poison.

Dave knew it isn't a time to blush and feel all flustered but he can't help it. Now, Steve sounds so cool.

"Okay, okay. It's really so hard to be handsome," Dave said feeling down.

Steve wried, "You arrogant. I really hate you."

---

"What's with the sudden change of heart, Steve?" Karina asked.

Steve went to him before the class start asking if they can move their plan. He explained that he need to do something on Saturday so if it's okay to her they'll do it on Sunday. Karina didn't mind it but she got curious. It's rare for Steve to resched his plan. He believe it so unprofessional changing the plan. He's a man of his words, after all so it's really unbelievable.

"My mom ask me to do something. Instead of working it at my place let's do it in a coffee shop in the plaza. It's new so the price is really cheap. Besides, it's me who move the plan so it'll be my treat."

"Really Steve you don't have to do that." You're getting my hopes up.

Karina press her lips to stop herself for saying the last sentence. She hate it but he can't help to think that Steve is asking her for a date.

"No more buts Karina. I'll feel guilty if you decline my offer," Steve said trying to sound sad to convince her.

Karina sighed feeling defeated, " Yeah, fine. You really know how to play your cards, huh."

Steve laughed and about to ruffle her hair as he always do but Steve stop. His face is like he realize something and take his hand back.

"I'll go to your house on Sunday at 10 am," Steve said and went back to his seat but he stop on his track and look back, "By the way Karina Dave and Lea will company us. I hope it's okay to you."

Karina flinched feeling dissapointed. She knew it, she knew Steve will never see as a potential partner but her stupid heart still hope like in an idiot. It always happen. When will you realize you're just a friend to him, huh?

"Of course. The more the merrier!" Karina forced a smile.

"Yeah I thought so. Thank you, Karz."

"You're always welcome," she mumbled and lower his head.

She bite her lips so hard it's bleeding to suppress the tears from coming out.

---

"Really? It's like a double date then?" Lea squealed from excitement.

Dave just explain to her that they'll work the activity on the newly open coffee shop in the plaza with Steve and Karina. At last, her years of clinging in Dave will be paid off. She wanted to ask her seatmate who's listening quietly to pinch her. This feels like a dream.

Lea's voice is so loud that everyone in the room hear her. They all look at Dave waiting for the response.

"Yeah, something like that hehe," Dave awkwardly smile.

He wanted to run away from her. She makes him feel uncomfortable but he stop himself, for Steve, for their relationship.

His classmate start to murmured as soon as they heard his answer. He wanted to scowl at them for being nosy. He saw in his peripheral vision Chester jaw-dropped. The sight make him somehow relieve. He hopes this all past hastily.