It Feels Strange

The following day, Vince found Hailey placing food boxes in a gray lunch bag. He wondered why she made him lunch. He remembered her mentioning yesterday that she had to be at school at seven o'clock, but it was past seven now.

'Could it be that it was a peace offering lunch bag?' Vince mused.

Last night, he looked upset after she refused to be his date at the Class Reunion. And knowing she made lunch, her technique is working on him.

Vince glanced at his wristwatch. His gaze turned then to Hailey, scanning her entire get-up.

She was wearing the University T-shirt and Jacket provided by the school, paired with blue jeans. She tied her hair into a ponytail that emphasized the shape of her face. As usual, she only applied light makeup, but this time she applied red lipstick, which is rare for her to do unless he brought her to a dinner meeting or business party. 

Hailey quickly raises her head upon hearing the shutting door from Vince's bedroom. She saw him walking toward the staircase.

"Hi, good morning!" she greeted instantly. "Breakfast is ready, and your lunch. I have to go now. The bus will leave by 7:30!"

"You're not taking the car?" he asked, eyes didn't leave staring at her face. The first thing that captures his eyes is the red lipstick on her lips.

To be honest, he hates looking at women who wear too much makeup and wear funny color lipstick. But it seems even more beautiful on Hailey wearing a red one.

Hailey blushed when Vince's eyes glued to her face, particularly to her lips. She already guessed it must be her wearing lipstick this time. She usually wears red lipstick at work.

But not when she is going to school, even if the University mandated their female students to practice wearing makeup and applying lipstick to train them on how to look pleasing when they look for a job and start working. 

Pursed an awkward smile, she explained. "No need! The school bus will take us there so that I will take a taxi to the University..."

Hailey was now changing her slippers into a pink Converse shoes. When she finished, she bid goodbye to Vince. "So, I'm leaving first!"

"Okay." Pulling the dining chair, Vince watched Hailey step out the door.

It was the first time Hailey had left the house ahead of him. And it feels… weird? Or maybe he was used to going first every day?

Shrugging his shoulder, Vince sat down and began eating his breakfast. However, he still feels bizarre. No. It was more like emptiness…

He was used to having breakfast and dinner with Hailey in these passing months. And eating alone this morning felt strange.

Watching her disappear through the door felt like a fraction of his heart escaping from his chest.

Is Hailey feeling this way, too, every time he leaves home first? He mused. Later his head makes a counter to his thought.

'Why would Hailey feel it, anyway?' It's not like they were in a real relationship—his reason to himself.

Vince shook his head with the thoughts. He continued eating his breakfast but suddenly lost his appetite. Thinking Hailey woke up earlier than usual to prepare his breakfast and lunch, Vince finished all the food in front of him. Afterward, he washed the plates and utensils he used and put them into the dishwasher.

Hailey mentioned to him that their field training would be the entire day. It means she will be home late. And by then, she's tired already but needs to make dinner for them. So then, he washed the plates he used this morning. Not to give Hailey more work when she's back home.

Vince is now ready to leave the penthouse; a smile appears. He picked up the gray lunch bag and proudly carried it toward his car. 

When he woke up this morning, he had already lost his appetite, thinking that he had to eat a take-out or go to the nearby restaurant around his company at lunch.

It's one thing that is strange. Before, he was happier sharing a table with his business partners or company executives having lunch or dinner meetings.

But now, those times have become boring, and the food has become less pleasing to his mouth.

After his work time, he wanted to go home and anticipate what Hailey had prepared for dinner.

'Is this even normal for him to feel?' Also, he could not stop thinking about her even though he was in the middle of work.

Vince heaves a long sigh. He forgot that he was now inside his office, and Tim was waiting for his instruction.

'Why does the boss acting weird again this morning? Not to mention he's always glancing at the lunch bag on the coffee table. Did the two have a misunderstanding again?' Timothy mused.

He coughs to remind his boss he is waiting. Tim opens up a subject to wake up his boss when there's no response.

"Ahem! President Shen, about your upcoming Class Reunion. Should I book a shop for Miss Hailey to try on her dress that night?"

"She declined," Vince replied flatly. 

"Huh?" Tim's eyes flicked as he pushed a smirk. 'Oh. You felt rejected, boss. Hehe...' No wonder he is wearing a long face. And that lunch bag is a peace offering. 'Heh. When did they make their relationship real? They've already acted like one!' 

Tim quickly hid the smile playing across his face when Vince lifted his head and raised a brow. 

'Damn.' Is his boss able to read his mind?