KOBY’S PAST

"Can you look at that? What do you see?" Zoe pointed at the formed cloud to Koby.

Was she just imagining things? Why would she distinguish Raigon in the old buttermilk sky? 

He was not even courting her or confessing that he likes her. Her cheeks reddened. She suddenly thought of their lips almost meeting each other passionately.

"It looked like a prince statue to me."

Koby figured as he rubbed his chin and crossed his arms.

'Woah, so if truth be told, my eyes are not playing tricks on me.' Zoe muttered to herself.

She peered in wonder again at the figure of Raigon, inviting her to come with him.

The cloud was standing still on the Ball's Pyramid, which she could view from their spot.

The other clouds were moving except that one.

'Is he like the god of that island?'

Zoe's eyes widened at the realization.

'Can he be part of that legendary city over there?'

Even though it was too mind-boggling, she couldn't shake it off.

It is like there is a hidden magnet drawing her closer to it.

She was still musing when Koby called her out.

"Do you want to go back now? It's getting dark, and it will be chilly for you out here."

"Okay," Zoe answered mindlessly.

She froze for a moment and took one last glance at the prince and then at Koby.

She stepped backward and followed after the latter.

"I know an area nearby where we could have an early dinner. But if you're full…"

He was not finished with his statement when Zoe butted in.

"Great!" She grinned.

She was famished for real from all their walking and bird watching. Or she honestly just loves food.

Koby chortled and remarked. "Well, it's settled then. Hop in."

He invited Zoe as he opened the passenger door of his Subaru Forester.

While they were traveling, Zoe interrogated about his personal life.

"Are you a villager here, if you don't mind?"

Zoe inquired as she stared at him.

His features do not look like one of the villagers here.

Koby's lips twitched upward.

"No, I'm not. I was just staying here for almost two years now. But since I'm in love with the island, I pursued being a tour guide to this majestic land."

"Oh, that was quite a long vacation."

Zoe remarked as she checked out his car.

It struck her as it was well maintained and it was clean and tidy.

"I think it was enough for me to run away."

Koby chuckled as he drove on.

"Running away from what?"

Zoe probed on as she twirled her hair.

He doesn't have the appearance of being the runaway type.

"From my father."

He clenched his jaw and tightened his fist.

Koby's natural down to earth and jolly charm changed to a grim reaper at lightning speed.

Zoe held on to the sides of her seat in dread as she blurted out.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned it. But whatever it is, I know your father must have not meant bad to you. He is still the reason why you exist."

She peeked back at him and wondered what could be behind his relationship with his parents.

But she somehow felt appreciative that he shared that part of his life with her, even though she just knew her.

Unlike the other man that she knows who doesn't even let her know his name.

As rapidly as he changed his appearance, he returned to his friendly expression in a matter of seconds.

Perhaps he was comforted by what she said.

"Thank you for that one. I appreciate it. Has anybody ever told you that you're not just beautiful physically but inwardly as well?"

Zoe blushed at his comment.

She doesn't think someone has expressed that to her before.

It was always because of the physical attributes that they praised her.

"How could you say that? We just met," She commented.

Maybe he was one of those who was flowery with words but will desert somebody after he had got what he wanted from her.

She narrowed her doubting eyes at him and crossed his arms.

"I noticed that since the first day at the Reeftastic. When you risk your life to save Mrs. Gong."

He was right. He indeed regarded her efforts to rescue her.

She was still contemplating as she rubbed her chin. She didn't notice that he checked her out quickly as he was driving the car to the restaurant.

But as he glimpsed at her melting stare, he suddenly swerved to the right.

Her glare was like a clapping thunder that struck him that instant.

"Oh," Zoe lost her balance, and she flew to Koby's direction as the car skidded.

She couldn't help it but bump into his brawny arms.

In a flash, she grabbed on to the handrails and composed herself.

Koby managed to get back on track easily.

He bowed his head in an apologetic gesture and expressed her regret on Zoe.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I'm going to look straight ahead from now on. No swerving!"

He shook his head and focused on getting to their destination.

"No worries," Zoe grinned at him.

She was now feeling comfortable with him as he shared himself with her.

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Being honest may not get you a lot of friends,

But it will give you the right one.

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