Chapter 24

Several weeks have passed, Dei still ignores Richard until many graduation requirements comes his ways. He was unable to check on Dei's activity regularly. He seldom went to the rooftop of the Engineering Building.

But when he got a chance, he will sneak on to the pool area. The favorite hang-out of Dei and Dwayne. He cannot deny that Dei was really been taken cared of. He started believing that this guy was seriously into her. Though he misses Dei, her happiness is the most important thing for him. That is why he decided to keep his distance.

One day, after finally completing all his graduation requirements he decided to chill and visit his favorite place in the campus. When he opened the door to the rooftop, he saw someone sitting on the floor. Dei's eyes were close, but he knows that she was not asleep. In fact he saw her holding an unopened can of beer. He was having second thoughts whether to approach her or not, because up to that moment she was not speaking to him still. He was uncertain if Dei would like spending some time alone or not. After awhile, though hesitant, he decided to just leave her alone, but when he was about to leave he heard her say "So you are leaving me, too?"

When he turned around, Dei was looking at him and sadness is all over her face. He runs to Dei then he sat beside her "What is this for?" He asked then got the can of beer that she was holding. "What is happening? Are you alright?" He asked further.

Dei smirks before she speaks "How about you, what are you doing here too? I've been here for several days, but you never showed up. Where have you been?" She asked.

"I was so busy attending to my graduation requirements. Finally, I was able to complete it today, so I decided to relax here." He said.

"Is that so? Okay, I think I should be the one to go. I guess my problem would not give you the relaxation you want." Dei said and stood up to leave. Richard quickly stood up and grabs Dei's hand and pulls her out of the rooftop. While going down the stairs, Richard was not letting go of Dei's hand. "Where are you taking me?" Richard did not say anything until they reach the parking lot.

"Is Dwayne taking you home?" Richard asked.

"Nope, he's been missing his classes for two days already." Dei replied. Richard opened the car door.

"Get in." he commanded.

"Wait, where are you taking me?" Dei asked.

"I do not know what is happening to you but it is very obvious, you are not in good shape today, your highness. The way you behave earlier, I can sense, you want a drink and I am not letting you to do it alone. Therefore, hop in, we are unallowed to drink at the rooftop." He firmly said.

Just like the old-time, if Richard uses that firm tone in her, she just gives in. When they finally settled in the car, Richard drove as fast as he could to his condo.

When they reached his place, "In here, nobody will stop you to drink as much as you want. Don't worry, I will not ask anything. I will just let you do what you want to do, you may drown your self with beer as much as you like. I promise not to say a single word if you do not want to talk about it." Richard said. "The important thing is I know you are safe. Go ahead, just like before, the fridge is all yours. I'll just change." He added and went to his room.

When he came back from his room, he saw Dei sitting on the couch holding a can of beer while watching TV, also munching on the chips she grabs from the cupboard. When she saw him, she opened another can and gave it to him without saying anything. He took the drink then he sat beside her on the couch and watch whatever Dei was watching. He knows something was really wrong. That was the first time Dei watches a Korean show, and the worst thing is, it does not have a sub-title which obviously they both could not understand. Richard remained mum. While Dei was all eyes to the TV screen, Richard was all eyes to Dei.

After consuming almost four cans of beer Dei looked at him as if waiting for him to say something." I promised I wouldn't ask, but I just want to make sure you are still alright. This is your fourth can, are you sure you want to do this?" Richard asked.

Dei turned off the TV. She then took a deep sigh and asked "Why are you still here with me?"

"Excuse me, you might be forgetting that you are in my place. It is normal that I stay here. Unless you want me to leave you alone, I can just stay in my room." Richard replied.

"You know that's not what I mean." a tipsy Dei said.

"I do not know, tell me then, exactly what you mean." Richard asked.

Dei shrugged off her shoulder, "This, after I walked out on you last time, ignore you every time we bump with each other and seen zoned all your messages, you are still here." She said.

"Why are you saying that? Is our friendship already over?" Richard asked.

"No way, you have no idea how much I miss you." Dei replied.

"Then why were you ignoring me these days?" Richard asked.

"I was hurt, and I believe you are aware of that." Dei replied.

"I'm Sorry." Richard whispered on Dei's ear.

"Let's forget about it. The important thing is you are back." Dei said smiling then she puts her head on his shoulder. Dei noticed that Richard would like to ask some more but he remained mum since he promised he will not ask her anything. "Go ahead, your highness, ask me anything." She declared smiling.

"Are you sure?" Richard asked and Dei nodded. "What is this drama is all about?" Richard seriously asked, "It is not an ordinary issue for you to consume three cans of beer that fast."

"Dwayne will be migrating to California. His whole family will be leaving in three to four months." Dei sadly said. "They are just waiting for her sister to finish her college by June."

"Seriously, on that small thing, you are overreacting? Also, that will happen in three to four months pa yon, you are unsure if you and Dwayne are still together after two months." Richard said.

"You really are so insensitive Richard, you know it will hurt me and yet you still prefer to say it." Dei said.

"Which part of my statement is hurtful to you? Was it when I said you are full of drama in such a small thing or the part that you and Dwayne will break-up within two months?" Richard asked.

"Both!" Dei exclaimed.

"For heaven's sake, your highness, you are so impossible. But seriously, I don't see anything wrong if he migrates in U.S. You can use the technology. You have a mobile phone, email, etc. Do not act as if this is the end of the world. Besides I am here, I will not leave you." Richard declared.

"What are you saying, you are just here? In a few days you will be graduating, you'll be leaving before Dwayne. You will be busy with your family business, and I doubt if we can see each other as often as before." Dei replied.

"At least I'll be just around. I can reach you as fast as I can when you need me. I will never leave you Dei, I promise you that. I love you so much Dei. I even love you more than myself." Richard declared which made Dei stare at him and say."You are out of your mind Richard, and please, stop fooling around. I am already drunk. I might believe and put malice in everything that you say."

"Then believe me. I am not taking it back anyway." Richard seriously said.

"Since when?" Dei asked, in a very serious expression.

"Since day one." Richard quickly replied.

"So everything we had has malice on you?" Dei asked.

"That is the reason when I choose not to tell you my feelings for you. I know you will react this way. I did not befriend you just because I like you, but I want to take care of you. Everything I do for you, your highness, I am not asking anything in return. I am fine with just seeing you as often as I can. I am happy in times when I make you happy. And much more, I can take care of you." Richard honestly said. "I do not intend telling you what I feel. But, I just do not know what else to say for you to believe me. I will never leave you, that is my promise."

"I will appreciate if you tell me what's in your heart." Dei said.

"I got scared breaking the friendship, that's the only thing I have from you." Richard said.

"We almost lost the friendship when Dwayne became my boyfriend." Dei said. "But we could have at least given it a try."

Richard could not believe hearing those words from Dei. "You are already drunk. You are saying nonsense things already. Are you crazy ...." Before Richard finishes his sentence Dei grabbed his collar and gave him a kiss on his lips, a deep kiss which he can't help but to kiss back.