Because Bai He wanted to go bowling, we went bowling. I tried to call Cherry while he was busy paying and checking his shoes but she wouldn't pick up. I left her a quick message before Bai He arrived briefly telling her what had happened and what she must do urgently.
I really hope she sees my message and finishes the task. I still don't understand how mom misunderstood Bai He for Kai…I can't help but think that maybe it's Cherry's fault for not showing the "right" guy.
But when I asked her last night she told me that she was certain she showed Kai's pictures…She also promised to talk to mom but I have a feeling she either must have forgotten about it or she must be busy with her broken-hearted friend who keeps calling her and asking her for advice on how to get her ex jealous.
Like Cherry would know something like that. She doesn't even have a boy--
"Ari, let's go?"
"Yeah…"
Well, now that he paid for it with his own money, why not play a game or two?
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[A few games later]
We came out laughing and arguing on who won the game but clearly, it was I, The Great Bowler, Ari Heart, who won.
Though, Bai He was just a point away from winning. He still insisted that he won because he played my ball by mistake, which was true but, in the end, the scoreboard justified our argument.
"Okay, let's do it a tie."
"What? No, it's not a tie. You were just a point away from winning, Bai He."
"Then should we go and play another game?"
"If you don't mind my arms breaking, then sure." I smiled sarcastically.
"I understand…" He sighed and he certainly seemed to have given up on snatching my point. "Let's get something to drink."
"Great idea."
There weren't any cafes near the bowling alley, so we took an Uber and went to the nearest Starbucks.
"What would you like to have?" He asked me.
"Coffee," I said.
"Got it."
"Wait, are you paying?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"Don't. Let me."
"Why?"
"Because you already paid for breakfast and bowling." I walked to the counter and took out my card which was fortunately in my pocket the whole time. That is why I love pockets so much.
"No," However, he unexpectedly grabbed my arm and pulled me back gently. "You're not paying. Today is my treat." He smiled.
"But--"
"Let me." He urged.
I felt a bit uncomfortable by his request, but given that he wanted to spend today with me because he was eventually going to tell the truth to mom, I had to reluctantly agree with him.
I sighed and took a step back. "Go ahead."
"Coffee, right?" He asked.
"With two shots of almond milk and sugar."
"Got it." He marched to the counter and ordered our drinks. I heard him ordering an iced coffee and a cookie.
While Bai He was away, I once more attempted to call Cherry. The phone rang, but she didn't pick up. She saw my message but didn't reply.
What's wrong with her?!
What's wrong with everybody?!
I miss Kai…I wonder what he's doing now. He must be busy in his shoot, right? Now that I think about it, doesn't Bai He has his shoot today? I should ask him…
After a while, Bai He returned with our drinks and his cookie and we sat at the chairs near the window that had the view of a graffiti wall and some boys and girls recklessly skateboarding.
"Bai He, don't you have a schedule today?" I asked before he even bit into his cookie.
"No." He said plainly and gestured me if I want the cookie.
I shook my head and sipped my coffee.
Bai He swallowed his cookie and looked at me. "I had a lot of fun with you today, Ari."
"Yeah?"
"Be honest with me, did you?"
I hesitated for a minute. Should I lie or should I tell the truth? If I tell the truth then he would have other thoughts in mind. "Hopeful" thoughts. But if I lie, then he will be sad…I don't want to see him sad. At least not when he looks so happy.
That would be cruel of me.
"I had fun," I said.
He grinned broadly. "I'm glad."
For some reason, comprehending the situation that will take place in another few hours is making me feel nauseous. Although I want Bai He to settle this matter once and for all, I feel bad for him. Is it right for me to feel this way?
But on the other hand, he brought this upon himself, didn't he? I shouldn't pity him. He should have calculated before writing the answers.
He continued eating his cookie and I continued watching him.
"Bai--"
"Ari, I will tell your mom the truth. I promise. No jokes this time." He cut me off and stated firmly.
"Yeah…" I breathed hopefully.
We drank our drinks and then headed straight home. Strangely, we didn't talk the entire Uber ride. We just stared outside the window as if we didn't know each other.
I wish he could talk to me.
I wish he wasn't hurting.
After the half-hour ride, we got out of the cab. Bai He paid the driver before I could and we stepped onto my threshold.
I was about to ring the doorbell when suddenly, the door flew open. Startled, I took a tiny step back and looked up, only to have made eye contact with Kai.
My heart jumped to the throat. My body froze and my mind went completely blank.
What is he doing here…?
"Ari." He said my name softly and I saw his lips curve upward slightly, but when he looked at Bai He, his gaze turned rough and angry. As if any moment now, he would jump on him and rip off his heart.
"Kai, what are you--?"
"Oh," A familiar voice hummed from behind Kai. "You both are finally here."
Kai looked back and stepped aside. It was Cherry. She stood in the hallway with her arms crossed but her face was as composed as ever. A can of Fanta was in her hand. "You three, in the living room, right now."