chapter 8

Chapter 25

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Shuffling on her unmade bed, she groaned as she faced the window, looking for her misplaced phone. The sky is dark now, and the wind is cold. Still, gone were the snowflakes she once entertained herself with.

While bickering with him, of course.

She checked her phone, it's going to turn off anytime soon. No new messages from Cheeto, which is strange. These days, he never forgets to tell her about his whereabouts and how his day went. He never misses. That guy was still living without a care in the world, or at most human beings. He even pigged out on two boxes of pizza with her two days ago, and it resulted in drunk nights, the usual. Nothing fishy at all.

What's the matter, then?

It wasn't normally like this. 

Blowing raspberries, she decided to call her brother. Andrea couldn't come today since it's pretty hectic at work so there's no one to bother, although she would face another round of sermons and the never-ending life lessons 101 by the great Ethan Marx.

Still, it's way better than dying of starvation, so she decided to press the call button either way.

"Maru! listen here, you little piece of poop, if you get sick again, I swear I'll tell it to dad."

She rolled her eyes and jumped back on the soft bed. "Whatever." Sighing, she bit her lip and frowned. "Where are you?"

"I'm near your favorite restaurant. Want me to order anything? I can make a quick stop for some penne pasta."

she hummed in response, already savoring the nonexistent food in her mouth when she stopped daydreaming and put the phone near her mouth again. "Marx, what day is it today?"

"It's Wednesday. Why?"

Oh, he'll prepare our dinner for sure.

"Then don't buy the pasta, kuya," she shook her head, silently cringing when she realized her brother couldn't see her. "It's on Cheeto."

"You guys still hang out?"

"Yup," she chirped, popping the p. "He's in charge of our dinner every Wednesday night."

She heard him laugh on the other line. "And you're telling me you guys aren't dating?"

"Mhm. He doesn't see me that way, and I respect that." She looked up to the ceiling, then to the window. "It doesn't make much of a difference in my own feelings, though."

"You still like him?"

She smiled to herself and stayed silent.

"It doesn't matter, as long as we're fine."

"You're too kind and stupid at the same time, Maru."

"Shut up, I'm just amazing."

"Whatever," he laughed again. "Call me if you need anything, I'll be there."

"Tch. Tell Drea she's so lucky." She sighed softly, bidding her goodbyes and ending the call. Just as it was about to turn off, her phone's screen lit up, revealing a text message.

Finally. She huffed, rolling her eyes, and unlocking the screen. At least he's alive.

From: Cheeto ;-;

Hey, mind if I ask a rhetorical question?

She rolled her eyes for the nth time, quickly typing in a reply and hitting send.

To: Cheeto ;-;

You're seriously gonna text me with this message after not showing up for almost 24 hours? Fine, shoot.

From: Cheeto ;-;

Thanks. So, if you were to choose between the person who you love and the person who loves you, what would you do?

Okay, that was so random. Her fingers grazed on the surface of the dimly lit phone screen before typing in a quick, honest reply.

To: Cheeto ;-;

I'd pick the latter.

From: Cheeto ;-;

Why? Isn't it better if I would just pick the former?

Megan sighed after seeing the response she received. Rhetorical question who?

To: Cheeto ;-;

Well, if it makes you happy, just go to her. Love her like you used to before.

A few seconds later, Aster's name popped up on the screen again, requesting a call. She shook her head and pressed the decline button. Of course, it's a battle of pride now. If she accepts the call, he's going to take a hint that she really knew something she shouldn't. If she declines it, their friendship may have to play on thin strings now.

Giving up, she answered the call after his 15th try. "Are you home now?"

"What was that? I was asking a rhetorical question, Spencer. And you never declined my calls before. Is something bothering you?"

Yes, you. "Nothing." Nothing much, your reply just gave it away when I told my answer to your ridiculous question.

Silence ensued for a good three minutes, with them only exchanging sighs and shaky breaths. At this point, both of them knew that things are going to lead southward, and Megan isn't sure if she's ready for it.

"Spencer..."

"Hm?"

"Can you explain the reason for your answer?"

"Nope."

"Please? Enlighten me." She bit her lip, hearing the pleading tone laced in his deep, addicting voice.

"It doesn't matter, Aster Clyde. Someone is going to get hurt either way."

"I told you, it's just-"

"It's not, you can stop lying now," she smiled, imagining his face, imagining what the ending would be like if he chose the same option. "Look, Aster, if your love for each other is worth fighting for, then just go back. If you're hesitating because you think that falling in love is wrong, then throw that thought away. It's useless. Do what makes you happy. You can leave if you're happier that way. Just," she wiped her tears and tried to sound indifferent. "Just go back. It's okay not to stay."

She would be lying if she says that the thought of him leaving never crossed her mind. She would be lying to herself if she would continue denying the lingering feelings she has for the guy. She would be lying, and she doesn't want that. But for the sake of the man her heart beats for, a sacrifice like this is worth trying. Heck, it's worth every damn thing.

"What if I tell you that my home feels foreign now? What if things are different now?"

Her legs weakened as she bit her lip in confusion. "What are you saying?"

With a low voice, he replied. "Megan, there's a reason why I'm holding back on Xyrill."

"Eh?"

"Open the door."

She stared at the direction of where the entrance is and massaged her temples. "Let's skip dinner for tonight, Cheeto. I'm not in the mood for—"

"Spencer, open the door or I'll barge in."

She widened her eyes and stood up, not minding the sudden headache she got from her abrupt act. "Wait a second."

The call ended and she scurried off to the living area and glared at the closed door, still upset about the guy on the other side. Shaking her head, she turned the knob and looked up, meeting his eyes. His dark, unreadable eyes. Unknowingly, both of them did nothing but to feel each other's presence, looking for the warmth one longed from the other.

"Cheeto, you need to rest, you look tired. Let's talk about this tomorrow."

"No," he croaked. "Would you believe me if I say that I blame you for making me hold back on Xyrill?" He cut her off, his face getting cold, emotionless, strangely intriguing with every passing second. But his eyes remained the same. It's radiating an unfamiliar warmth that seems to pull her in.

Her body weakened at the sudden statement so she leaned against the door. On instinct, Aster pulled her body close to his and supported her lower back. 

"Let me go."

He shook his head, refusing to loosen his tight grip on the flustered woman. "Forgive me."

"I still don't understand—"

Slowly, he leaned in and brushed his lips against her soft ones, cutting her off. It was brief, all done in an Augenblick, but was enough to send her sanity towards nowhere.

Aster just gave her a chaste kiss, and unbeknownst to the woman, he can feel his heart doing somersaults. His wordless confession made his hands shake, and she can feel it on her skin. With tears on her eyes, she let it flow like a broken dam as her palm came in contact with his right cheek.

"This is wrong," Megan forcefully let go of his hold and turned away, wiping her wet face. "Go back to Bliss, Aster. It's either her or me, but this time," she held back a sob as she avoided his eyes. "This time, I beg you to just choose the former."