I found myself lying on a soft couch, warmth spreading all over my body. I looked around and noticed that the place looked somewhat familiar.
"You awake?" someone said on my left.
I looked at him and smiled. Ren.
"Yeah. How did I – "
"You passed out after crying. I brought you here to warm; you were out there so long in the cold."
I smiled gratefully at him, "Thank you." I looked down and noticed that the shirt I was wearing was different. "Uh, you changed my dress?"
He sighed, "I'm sorry. You were soaking wet so I have to."
I nodded, not caring if he saw whatever he saw. At least he helped me.
"Here," he gave me a cup of warm drink. "It's ginger tea, to help you keep warm."
I took the cup and smelled. "Ah~ ginger, just like the good old days."
"You have been drinking that before?"
"Yes. My grandfather would concoct this one for me after training outside during the early mornings."
"Training?"
"Yeah. My grandfather was a legendary swordsman in his time, and I found it good to train with him. Aside from swordsmanship, he taught me some martial arts too."
"You know how to fight? Why did you run away from those thugs last night?"
I pouted, "Of course I should. When you find you're at a disadvantage, the only thing to do is to escape. They were too many for me! And besides, I was drunk."
He chuckled. Wow he could do that too. "Right, you should remember that. Stay here, I'll serve dinner."
Okay, I find this whole charade weird. "Uh, don't you think I'm overstaying?"
"No," he said as he stood up. "I'm renewing your stay."
"Oh," was all I could answer. That's really logical and well-thought out.
He came back bringing with him a steaming pot. He served me in a small bowl of what I couldn't deny was chicken soup.
My eyes sparkled, "Chicken soup – my favorite!"
He smiled, "Dig in."
And yes I happily did. I was at my fourth round when I noticed he was looking at me. My face scrunched up in thought. Why are the tables turned? Earlier, I was the one stealing glances, now he's the one doing it? I am rather confused with this guy.
"Why are you always looking at me?"
He sat up straight immediately, "Ah, no. I was just checking if you liked the soup."
I raised my brow, "Well of course I like it! I'm at my fourth serving already, can't you see? And if you really wanted to know, you could have asked me."
"Yeah," was the only answer.
Yeah, whatever pretty boy.
We finished eating then and he cleared the plates. As I waited for him to finish, I watched the world outside. The rain has stopped falling, leaving tiny pools on the ground. I should probably ask him to lend me a car or something. I needed to go home and I have a lot of things to do.
I remembered our conversation earlier; he wasn't curious why I practiced swordsmanship when that art has only a few audiences now. My exes always mocked me for doing that, not realizing how good it was that I still do that. They are just so naïve to appreciate the best ones.
Maybe it's not a bother to him or maybe he knew someone that does it too. I sighed. If only there are a lot of guys like that. Sadly, the world is such a cruel place.
"Nina?"
I heard Ren call me from behind. I turned around and asked immediately, "Do you have a car?"
His brow raised but still he answered, "Yes."
"Could you lend it to me today? I promise I'd return it tomorrow. I just need to go home."
"You're leaving? But you're not yet okay."
My eyes watered. This was the first time someone was worried for me, well aside from my maids and butler at home.
"No," I pushed the tears back – no crying Nina. "I just wanted to go home."
Ren's lips formed a thin line, clearly against my decision. But he can't do anything about it, he's not my guardian.
"Okay, but I'll drive you home."
I smiled, a tear escaping my quivering eyes. "Thank you."
"Wait here."
He came back and gave me a sweater. I was about to refuse but he said that I need it because it would probably be very cold outside.
I reluctantly agreed and together we rode his Bentley. Well, I'm not so good at identifying car models but I could clearly recognize the logo.
His house was just two blocks away from my village, so the journey was rather short and uneventful. Before I got out, I asked him one final question, "Would you like for me to help you in your move?"
He smiled, "No need. I have some help in that aspect."
"Then, can I help you in arranging the bar?"
"Why would you do that?" he asked.
"I just wanted to," I replied with a shrug.
"Okay," his answer came out unexpectedly that my heart started thumping so fast. "I'll get you here two days from now."
In my elated moment, I didn't notice that I grabbed his face and kissed his cheek.
"Oops~" I immediately got out and ran towards my gate. I waved at him to signal that I'm okay.
Well, this Christmas holiday would be really fun.