SIGN OF AFFECTION

**Levi**
Absent, huh?

I was overwhelmed with emptiness because I read a text from him. I really have to go in now for at least half a day, but I didn't go because it looks like we'll be here at the clinic for a long time. Today is the schedule of mom's check up. I can't let her go with my brother.
I just shrugged my shoulder and typed a text message to him.

**To Levi**
Just need to run some errands.

I pressed it hard when I sent it. I don’t know why I still feel this way, e it’s been two days since that ‘night’ happened. I’m not sure with what happened that night. All I know is that he clarified everything to me and then he introduced me to Mari. A family friend. He said her parents were friends of his parents. I just don’t know why he looks so furious that night.

**Levi**
Where are you? I’ll wait for you here at the office.

I rolled my eyes for the second time because of his awkwardness.

**To Levi**
Nevermind. I can't go there anymore because we're still at the clinic now.

That was the last thing I said before I heard mama's name called. I just followed her with my gaze as the doctor let her in. I heard my cellphone ring again so I immediately turned it on.

**Levi**
Who’s with you? Where are you?

Why is this ‘man’ like this? Didn't I say goodbye to him?
Before I could send him my reply he called so I answered it quickly.
“H-hello,” I uttered.
I heard his violent sigh on the other line.
"Where are you? I have not eaten yet. Let’s lunch together, Lumiere,” he said in his husky blurry voice.
Why does it sound like that when in person it is normal to hear? Does he mean for me to follow what he says? Does he know one of my weaknesses is his voice? Tsk!
“I can’t. I'm with mom.”
“Then, let’s have lunch together with your mom. That’s not a problem for me,” he answered me softly while his voice was still the same.
I bit my lower lip so hard to stop smiling. Korni said but I really shudder when his voice is like that. I don't know but he seems to be taking my heart by that.
I closed my eyes tightly and left the clinic for a moment.
"We're not done here yet—"
“It’s okay. I will wait. Text me the address and I’ll go there,” he declared and ended the call.
When that was over, a text message came in from him so I just nailed it.

**Levi**
I told you to stop resisting. You’re making me even crazier for you whenever you resist like that, Lumiere.

I whispered curses while typing the address of this clinic and sent it to him. When he didn't reply, I stayed outside to wait for him in case he couldn't find this clinic right away.
I kinda like it when he’s chasing me like that. This is how it feels when someone is really interested in you. This is the first time I felt this and it’s kinda satisfying but terrifying at the same time. I only write about these feelings before and I only base them on what I watch, so I know very well what kind of feeling awaits me when it’s over. What if I wake up the next day, and he’s not like this to me anymore?
I waited a few minutes until he arrived. A black Audi R8 stopped in front of me and Levi spat. I noticed that pedestrians stopped for a moment just to look at his car and because it was so proud to look at. Even its driver really cries out for being flashy in life.
I only had a palm on my face because of the embarrassment when he finally came out. I don’t know when I will get used to this. He is rich but not arrogant. I just really miss it when I think about how average I am and here he is like he’s a walking treasure towards me.
"Why the long face?" he greeted me and slightly lowered his wayfarers to see me clearly.
I just shook him and stared at him intently. He’s wearing a white long sleeve that folds up to the elbow sleeves and navy blue slacks that fit him. His two buttons were open again so I sighed violently.
I feel like I'm full.
"Why are you outside?" he asked again and instructed me to enter the clinic.
"I'm waiting for you. Maybe you won’t see it right away,” I told him, pertaining to this clinic.
We were about to sit down when mama and her doctor suddenly came out so we remained standing. I even saw mama look at Levi for a moment so I frowned.
"I told you, Rae, it's nothing. You’re so worried right away,” she greeted me and looked at her doctor.
I just stared and waited for the doctor to say something.
"It's just a simple back pain, Rae, but I've already given her medicine in case she gets sick again," she explained to me and handed me my paper.
That was the result of her laboratory and everything was normal so I could breathe easily.
She even explained to me what to do to reduce her back pain before we left. We went to a nearby restaurant to eat while she was still staring at Levi.
I scratched my forehead and looked at her.
“He’s my uhm... boss, mom.”
“I’m her suitor, Mrs. Laxamana. My name’s Levi Acuzar,” he uttered, cutting me off.
My jaw dropped because of what he said. I also saw mama pause to eat before smiling widely. It made sense to look at me before turning to Levi.
“I was right, then. Just the way you look at my daughter, I know there is something between the two of you,” she said seriously but I could see the strange joy in her eyes so I was also stunned to eat.
“It’s nice to see you, Mrs. Laxa—”
"Just call me Auntie, Ijo. Whatever my daughter has with you, I will not stop it. Just promise me, don’t ever hurt Astraea,” she continued and then looked at Levi badly for a while so I was nailed.
"Mom..."
“I was just kidding, Rae. Your boyfriend is very handsome,” she said kindly, so I was blown away.
I heard the two of them laughing so I was even more taken aback.
"He's not my boyfriend—"
"It's close, aunt," Levi exclaimed before I could continue what I'm saying.
The laughter of the two of them got louder so I was even more frustrated even though in my heart I was happy because of what I saw. Only now did I see her smile and laugh like this again. The last was when papa was still alive.
When we finished eating, Levi insisted on taking us home. I refused several more times, but I could do nothing when my mother gave him our address. I don't think it's a good idea for him to go home because of Arthur. I knew very well how that boy’s reaction would be when she saw it.
"Come with me tomorrow," he suddenly mentioned as we crossed the road home.
I raised a brow at him.
"Where?"
He tilted his head to face me. His eyes were tender and I also notice the redness in them. He seems to be drowsy without knowing it.
“It’s a social party and I want you to be my date. It will be held in the evening so we can still prepare,” he casually told me and grabbed my hand with his free hands.
I looked at mama in the backseat for a moment because of what he did. When I saw she was asleep I just breathed a sigh of relief. This one is all of a sudden!
"Is it really needed? I don't wear anything because I don't go to such places,” I told him as I felt his thumb slowly rubbing my hand.
I was just looking there. I suddenly remember our seminar last year. We have a topic discussed someone’s simple gesture and this is one of those. What if someone holds your hands and rubs your thumb, it’s a sign of affection. He could also be showing his feelings like if he was nervous or worried. But if you two are just relaxing and he rubs your thumb, it's a sign of contentment and shows that he is comfortable being with you.
I suddenly smiled when I remember that while still looking at our hands intertwined with each other. I could feel my chest pounding for ‘no apparent reason’ so I looked at him. It was only then that I realized we had stopped outside the house so I bit my lower lip.
“Stop worrying about everything while you’re with me, Lumiere. Just say yes and let me do the rest,” he said softly to me and brought my hand to his lips to kiss.
I don’t know why but I suddenly feel safe. Every time I’m with him, every time he’s close to me I feel, I’m safe. I’m no longer afraid to think about what the one-time experience will be like as long as he’s with me. So maybe whatever other people say about him I just let them. I hate to admit it but at first, I already trusted him and I don't know why.
I nodded slowly to him and then smiled. His eyes widened as he looked at me. He suddenly leaned towards me and gave me a peck kiss on my lips. He then removed my seatbelt. Before I could react to what he did, mama woke up so we went down.
I’m really not sure about this but I want to take a risk for the second time. There is probably nothing wrong. If it hurts, so be it. After all, he was the first man to make me feel all this so I would accept if he was also the first who will hurt me.