Chapter 43: Won't Stop

*“Why did it take you so long inside?” Ate Kate asked, sitting down.*

*I blushed, knowing what she was implying, and shook my head repeatedly. “It’s not what you think…”*

*“It is what you think…” Fire teasingly interrupted.*

*“Don’t believe him!” I scolded, glaring at Fire, who just gave me a knowing smirk.*

*But he quickly leaned closer to me, making me stop and stare at him.*

**Chapter 43**

I smiled as I watched him walk toward the middle of the stage. His gaze remained on me until he started speaking in front.

"Good evening, everyone!" He flashed his boyish smile, causing the girls to scream for him.

"Missed me?" he teasingly asked the crowd.

Ate Kate beside me chuckled softly while I stayed quiet. The people inside the bar went wild, especially the girls who seemed like they were only wearing panties just to catch his attention.

"You did miss me," he said, laughing softly. "I can say that this night is the most special night for me... and that's because of the queen." He glanced at Fire, the director, to direct the crowd's attention back to me.

I felt so shy because of the way he looked at me and what he just said. My cheeks burned as if they were about to explode like a tomato when hit by light. My hands instinctively went to my warm cheeks.

"This song is for the queen of my heart, My Solene Ramirez..."

I felt like hiding under the table because the crowd became noisier inside the bar, and almost everyone was staring at me. I couldn't handle the embarrassment, so I just bowed my head.

"Just like the title of this song, I won't stop loving you. So hear me tonight."

When I heard the strumming of the guitar, I instinctively looked up. Our eyes met at the perfect moment, and he smiled at me. I smiled back. His smile was contagious, and I felt like he was a killer smile's real deal.

He started singing "Won't Stop" by One Republic.

His voice was so beautiful. I would never get tired of just listening to him. His voice makes me happy, and every time I hear it, I feel hypnotized and calm.

He walked down the stage while staring straight at me. My heart raced as he got closer to where I was sitting. He looked like an angel in my eyes. His eyes were glowing, and his smile was killing me. Everything about him is breathtaking—his hair, his lips, and that smile plastered on his face.

He knelt in front of me and held out his left hand. Memories of my cousin's party flashed back, and I smiled. This was exactly like that moment.

I took his hand gracefully and stood. He led me onto the stage again, and the crowd cheered louder. The entire time he was singing, I just stared at his gentle face. He looked so happy while singing, and seeing him like this flutters my heart. I want nothing more but for him to be happy and forget all the hatred living in his heart.

He smiled at me as he sang every line of the song. He never looked away from me the entire time. His gaze was melting me, and I could feel my tears threatening to fall. But I couldn't let myself cry in front of this wonderful moment.

He continued singing while holding my hand. The way he held my hand made me feel safe. I felt like nothing and no one could hurt me as long as he held my hand.

We were dancing together in the middle, and I didn't care about anything else. As long as I had these moments, I was so happy that I wished it would never end. I wished time would stop so we could stay like this forever.

He pulled me closer to him. My chest almost touched his chest. We were so close that I could clearly hear every beat of his heart as he sang.

"I swear it’s you that my heart beats for…" he almost whispered the last line of the song.

I smiled and closed my eyes. Then, he leaned in quickly and kissed me on the lips.

\---

I stretched my arms before entering the bathroom. It was still too early, and I could feel the coldness of the water. I was smiling while taking a bath, and that smile stayed even as I stepped out.

"Girl, you could totally compete with the Joker with that wide smile," Lillian teased, but I ignored her as I continued fixing myself.

"Why are you smiling like that?" she asked.

Last night, Lillian gave me a ride to an apartment closer to the bar where Fire was performing. I didn’t want to ask Fire to take me to the apartment because it was nighttime, and we had finals the next day. I wanted him to rest.

"Where did you come from last night, Solene?" she asked again.

"From the bar," I replied.

"And who were you with?"

"With Fire…" I smiled awkwardly as I answered because Lillian raised an eyebrow at me. She grabbed a comb and slowly brushed my hair.

"Are you two officially dating now?"

I nodded. "Since the other day." I never lied to Lillian , even if I wanted to, because she would know right away.

"Are you serious about him, Se?" She took my comb and started fixing my hair herself.

"I love him, and he said he loves me too."

"Oh, what else can I do? I just want you to be happy. Just remember…" She became serious, and her frown deepened as she continued, "…forever doesn’t exist!" She laughed after her comment.

"I could punch you," I joked.

"Kidding aside, just don’t always let your heart decide. Use your brain, too. I don’t want you to get hurt again, and you're my best friend. Don’t be dumb, okay?!" She hugged me from behind, making me smile. I had no family, but I was lucky to have people like her in my life.

"Thanks, Lee," I said. "Because of that, I’ll formally introduce you to Fire."

Her smile faded, and she didn’t say anything.

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"I already know him, so no need."

"I know you know him, but not like I do," I teased.