CHAPTER 14 - Something About Her II

After thinking for a little while with her limited power of memories, she finally remember the person. It was a mysterious dude she met at Rou’s home the other day. No wonder the strange and scary aura feels more familiar.

“Yo!” Suddenly he voiced as he lift his palm as a greeting gesture. Maeve jumps a bit.

“Err... H-hi..” She hesitantly replies to the greeting.

“Care to join me?” He asked. He stopped about a meter in front of her.

“Join you? Maeve was confused.

“I’m hungry, let’s grab a bite, shall we? I would appreciate it if you can be a company.” He stated.

“Eh?” That was all she could respond.

“Be at ease, it would be my treat.” He assured.

‘It’s not the problem…’ She thought.

The guy smirks and lets out a small chuckle.

“My name is Trápaga Kai. I’m Edward’s big brother, Rou’s uncle.” He suddenly introduced himself.

Maeve lifts her brow. That makes sense. Just look at his dark raven hair. It was the same as Mr. Edward and Rou.

“Rou is not his real son, though.” He added.

It does ring a bell. Rou once mentioned about lost his parents back then. So Mr. Edward is not his real dad. Maybe adopted since he uses the same surname.

“Oh..” Maeve responded.

“Now, you know me, any problem left?” He continued.

Maeve didn’t give any reaction.

“Let’s go!” He just take it as yes.

Maeve just coming along wordlessly.

They stopped at a cafe. After ordering what looks fit for their appetite, they start talking.

“So, what can you tell about yourself?” Maeve brings her attention to him when suddenly he broke the silence.

“What..? My name is... Maeve.” She gave him one basic thing about herself.

“I see, nice to meet you, Maeve.” Kai politely responds.

“Y-yes... Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Kai.” She returned. Still stammered.

“Don’t tell me, you still afraid and feeling awkward toward me?” Kai guessed.

“Eh?” Maeve jumped.

“I told you no need to worry. I’m not a bad guy.” He proclaimed.

“Yes, I’m sorry..” Maeve muttered. Kai chuckled.

“No one ever teaches you not to apologize without context, Maeve? Ah, how about I called you Maevy? Isn’t it cute?” He proposed.

“Ah, as you wish…” She won’t argue.

“Alright, then. Today is a nice day, right Maevy!” He chirped with a wide smile on his face.

Maeve returned the smile and finally feel at ease a bit.

“Is Rou your boyfriend?” Suddenly he changed the topic quicker than the wind gust.

“N-no, he is an old friend. We still talk by the way.” She stammered.

“I see. Academic and the future is the main priority for you kids but sometimes we just can’t deny the beauty of teenage love.” He explained.

“Is that so?” Maeve was unsure.

“That’s right!” He enunciated.

“I see..” She breathed.

“Well, did you finish planning about your future? I believe that was the most important among the rest?” He mentioned.

“My future?” She repeated.

“You know, about your dream college or something? Or are you planning to work after high school?” He stated.

“Take it easy, I’m still in the 3rd year. Too early for everything.” She exclaimed. Awkwardly smiled.

“You’re already in 3rd year. 2 or 3 years will feel like a blink of an eye. It’s not wrong to start planning at your age.” He objected.

Maeve started talking in her mind.

‘What’s with this guy? Somehow I feel bad for his child. If he got one, though. He is way too straightforward. Can’t one slow down a bit?’

“I… prefer to just go with the flow. Everything will fall into place when the time comes. I don’t have that much energy to plan everything way too early.” She emitted.

“A carefree type, huh?” He supposed.

“Who knows…” She grinned.

“Too bad, living without setting a goal tends to make you stumble and take a longer time to get up.” He let out his opinion.

Maeve digs her fork into her spaghetti and gently twists her fork to catch a few strands of the pasta before bringing it to her mouth. Their food was served about a minute ago.

“Everyone will stumble and fall. That’s what I can tell.” She responded.

Kai left silent for a moment. Maybe take a moment to fulfill his appetite with the food.

“Do as you like. I wish the best for you.” He finally responded.

Did their conversation go intense?

Maeve wasn’t a fan of serious conversation, though.

“Don’t worry, Rou is not like me. He is a very intelligent and hardworking student. He cares a lot about his studies and future. Your niece is the best.” She assured.

“I knew.” He stated with a smirk on his face.

They continued eating and call the day.

Maeve sense that this guy loves money and statuses so he didn't like to keep procrastinating. While Maeve didn't really care about her future but she completely understand if one was so obsessed and thoughtful about it.

Nothing happened in particular, but for her, Kai is someone who she going to say hello to if they meet later.

“Thanks for the food, Mr. Kai.” Maeve politely thanked him.

“Don’t mention it. Take it as appreciation for your time to keep me company today. I just thought I need a little break today, so I came here. I will go to my brother’s house now, what about you?” He shared.

“I’m planning to go back home as well.” She replied.

“I would like to send you back but unfortunately, I came here by walking so I have nothing to offer.” He regrets.

“No problem. I prefer walking. It would be a good exercise after I came out this full.” She quickly declined.

“I see. Well, see you later, take care.” He agreed.

They were about to part away when Kai suddenly called out her name again.

“Be sure you’re not stumbling somewhere.” He reminded.

Maeve just let out a smirk. They parting away.

***

On Monday at lunch break,

“Brie, do you like Shun?” Maeve, who is always so straightforward about feelings and emotions suddenly began.

Brie didn’t say anything but a pink flush hinted on her face told her the answer.

“I’m not allowed to have such feeling for Shun. It will be illegal.” Brie covers her face shyly.

“Ohh… I see…” Maeve commented.

“It’s a good thing isn’t it since that guy is always desperate for girls.” Herwin voiced.

“Good to you, Brie, Shun.” Asfar congratulated.

“T-there is no waaay~” Brie blushed.

Maeve averted her gaze to Demi and she just form a small smile and dropped her gaze.

Surprisingly, Shun was quiet. As if the thing everyone believes wasn’t true.

It grows concerned in Maeve what probably happened between the two. Her theory won’t be wrong this time.

***

“Demi, wait!”

After school, Maeve called out Demi’s name before she went straight to her part-time work. Demi stopped. She turned around and wait for whatever Maeve had to say.

“What’s happened?” Maeve went straight to her inquiry.

“That’s my line,” Demi proclaimed.

“What’s with the strange atmosphere? What’s wrong with you and Shun?” She continues with her mountain of questions.

“Nothing happened,” She calmly answered.

“There’s no way nothing happened. It must be about Brie, right?” She was still so certain that she was right.

“Nothing. What’s up with them two anyway?” Demi marks it as wrong.

“They’re going out. Can’t you see Brie’s embarrassing face earlier? ” Maeve stated.

“It’s a good thing, then..” Demi responded.

“And you suspiciously quiet. You’re unhappy, aren’t you?” Maeve guessed.

Demi sighs and places her palm on her forehead.

“I have no idea how to make you understand anymore. Shun is not my boyfriend, I’m not jealous and their relationship has nothing to do with me. Got it?” Demi asserted.

“He’s not your boyfriend doesn’t mean nothing wrong going on you.” Maeve won’t stop pressuring her to admit it.

“If you didn’t have anything important to talk about, then excuse me.” Demi decided to end the argument and continue with her original plan.

Maeve didn’t respond.

“I can’t be late for my part-time job. See ya tomorrow.” Demi turned around and began walking.

Maeve didn’t have another choice just to let her go. She started making her way to Coffee Stop as well.

- CHAPTER 14 ENDS -