Chapter 10: Wierdos

It was already past twelve when Fire drove me back to my apartment. I was screaming and kicking in my bed as I reminded myself with every sweet and gentlemanly action Fire made to me tonight.

*How could he be so sweet?* I rolled above my bed while hugging my pillow and grinning like a fool. I smiled and giggled as I lost track of time and fell asleep.

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I was awakened from my deep sleep the next morning thanks to Shan who was already knocking at my door at seven. I groaned in annoyance as I went out of bed thinking that I didn't achieve my eight hours of sleep.

“Good morning sleepyhead!” Was the first thing he said to me when I opened the door for him. He didn't even wait for me to let him in before he removed his slippers and went directly inside my living room and sat on the couch.

“What's wrong with your face?” He asked me while I’m cooking his requested menu for today's meal. I’m glad that he has already brought the needed ingredients so there's no need for me to scourge the market early in the morning for them.

“What's wrong with my face?” I blandly asked and looked at him from the kitchen. He’s sitting like a king at my newly upholstered sofa feeling like it's his own throne.

“You look ugly.” He said and smirked.

It took a great effort for me not to roll my eyes at him. I just continued pouring my attention to what I’m cooking, making sure the meat will turn out well-cooked as well as the vegetables.

“Solene, are you angry?” Shan asked when he noticed my expressionless face.

“Don't be mad, I was just joking.” He said in a serious tone when I didn't answer his question.

I don't feel uncomfortable or awkward when I’m around Shan. I don't know why, but I’m relaxed even if we were joking or bantering like siblings do. I also feel good about him joining me for meals. It's been long since someone have joined me to eat ever since I moved into this apartment.

Shan must have noticed that I’m not in the mood for a kids’ quarrel with him right now that he stayed silent until I served on the table his requested braised pork. The aroma enveloped the air in the kitchen waking my sleepy senses.

“I waited outside of your gate last night.” He suddenly said after sipping some soup form the bowl I placed beside his plate.

I lifted my chin to observe him. I noticed that his eyes were gloomy and the tone of his voice was different from its usual playful vibe. The atmosphere between us seemed to change because of how bleak he sounded.

“But guess what? I waited for nothing.” He added.

My chest tightened and felt a pinch in my heart. I bit my lower lip and looked at his eyes straight.

“I’m sorry, Shan. I was out last night. I’ve got some important event to attend to.” I forced myself to smile to make things lighter between us but I think it didn't work.

“I know.” He said and swallowed. “I saw you with your boyfriend last night. I saw him drop you home.” He smiled. It was a smile, but something was off with his smile.

“H—he’s n—not my b—boyfriend.” I stuttered as I corrected him. I felt like my heart is being squeezed right now.

*Did I assume that Fire is my boyfriend just because of the things he does to me? Or am I wishing that he is my boyfriend? Did I already fell that deep for him? Is there no redemption for me at this point?

“Really?” Shan asked me after hearing my reply.

I just nodded slowly as I was unable to speak. I feel like my chest might actually explode if I continue to hurt myself more in this conversation. I just continued to eat and gobbled a spoonful of rice topped with meat. After that I saw Shan’s face suddenly become brighter.

“So that means that I can . . .”

“What?” I asked him because I didn't hear what the last word he was saying because my phone suddenly buzzed. But Shan just proceeded to gladly eat the food in front of him, not minding my question.

My brows furrowed at him and just decided to ignore what he said earlier that I didn't understand. *This one’s weird too. Shan and Fire can pass as siblings with their level of weirdness. They should meet sometime. They might find many things in common between them.

I picked up my phone that's lying on the table, just beside my drinking glass. When I looked at the notification, my eyes flew open when I saw whose name was written on the screen. I opened Fire’s text message.

**Fire Callante:** *Good morning, Solene! Did you sleep well? Have you eaten breakfast already? I’ll drop by later to get you.

And the smile on my face widened as I read his message. *I don't know if he's really concerned for me or if he just needs something from me. Nonetheless, it's sweet of him to check up on me this early in the morning.

“Your face is red as a tomato.” Shan said that made the smile on my face fade as I realized that I’m not alone and that he’s still sitting in front of me.

“W—what? I t—think I’m n—not.” I pressed my palm against my heating cheeks and knew from its temperature that my face might really look like a red ball right now.