Wiping off the traces of water on my face, I finally realized my action of warning Aaron is a little ridiculous.
After what I've done to him, what right do I have to stop him from falling in love with someone else?
The feeling of losing Dakota still haunts me. And when I remember I was the cause of it, I felt like I've lost half the battle already. Guilt and helplessness brews in my heart. But never once, have I felt like giving up.
At first, I felt like I was only seeking compensation from Aaron for leaving me and getting married behind my back. When Devon told me to stop deluding myself, he was also referring to this feeling of mine. But I also know I can't blame him for that. I've never made a move on him anyway back when he was still Dakota in the premise of "Keeping her at a safe distance is the best for now." Thinking of Dakota's unfair death, I only have myself to blame now.
It took me forever to readjust my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I slowly made my way back to the dining room. Even if my scope of rivalry expands from the circle of men to the circle of both men and women, it doesn't matter. This time, I'll actively pursue him. Until Aaron explicitly says no, I should at least be given a fair chance to compete.
But thinking of my little flirt in the kitchen last night taken as a joke by Aaron, I can't help but feel a little shaken inside. Seems like Aaron's ability to adapt is quite high...
*****
Looking at Aaron who is still slumped at the entrance with a flushed face after being teased, I can't stop my smile from spreading wider. My apprehension for him to suddenly receive sexual calling after cuddling in my sister's bosoms can almost be ignored by now. I felt like there is some hope for me after all.
"Come on. I'll go change and get the key first." Throwing those sentences behind, I left Aaron to readjust his state of mind.
*****
I'm pretty sure I only left Aaron like 30 minutes of alone time. Never have I imagined it would result in this development.
Back at home, Aaron has been carefree and relaxed so every action of his has a little trace of femininity here and there. His hip would sway a little when he walks. And his hand would occasionally pull his hair behind his ears in a graceful manner. Giving off a ladyboy vibe.
But his actions talking to the saleslady right now left me dumbstruck.
The way he would lazily run his fingers on his hair starting from the top of his forehead and only stopping after reaching the end of the silky thread has received plenty of glances from the saleslady and the other women in this store.
Don't even mention the way he deliberately deepens his voice. I think I saw the saleslady's legs quivering a little and those passing by would blush and cover their ear while shooting a bashful look towards him.
The swaying of his hips has long been absent the moment he stepped out of the car. It was now replaced with a straight back and a bold stride. If before he gave off a ladyboy vibe, right now he's on par with every other man who exists on this very earth, giving off a very masculine vibe.
That much masculinity was gained in 30 minutes of alone time at home and 20 minutes of silent drive in the car...
...
Was I wrong when I thought Aaron was not affected by Elle's embrace?
...
"I'll take this one." With a slight smile, Aaron pointed to the latest model of the phone in the store to the saleslady. The me who has been following behind him dazedly finally regained composure.
"No problem. Would you like to pay by cash or card, Sir?" The saleslady asks as she picks up the new stock from the cabinet and leads us to the counter.
Aaron's peacocking behavior finally crumbles as he stiffens in his steps. I watch his following actions with amusement in my eyes. That awkward rustic robotic movement of his once again made its appearance as he stiffly turns his head to look in my direction.
Didn't I tell you not to flirt right in front of me? I'm not saying you can't flirt at all. I respect your choices. But just don't do it before my eyes. If you do that, it's like poking needles into my heart, you know? Now that we're in this situation, how am I supposed to help you? I just happen to feel a little sulky right now.
I just raised an eyebrow in his direction. Ignoring his plea for help.
Seeing my response, his face flushed red all the way to his ears. He scoots closer to my side and cupped his left hand to my left ear, softly whispering, "I-I forgot...that I don't have money right now."
Due to our current position, he failed to see the grin forming on my face. It took me all my strength to press it down.
"Ah. I almost forgot."
I reached into my coat pocket with my right hand. Ready to fish out my wallet. Aaron's red face finally returned to its natural color upon seeing my action. As he was in the middle of letting out a nervous sigh, I stopped my action midway and look straight into his eyes.
I can't deprive you of your right to flirt with others, but no one says a thing about cockblocking. So...
Closing the distance between us, I slowly whispered in his ear, "Call me babe first."
Aaron's initial calm face cracked and was now replaced by a dumbfounded look. He stared at me wide-eyed with his lips forming a small gap.
It took him a very long time to process my words. When he finally realized I was serious, his face flushed red once more. This time the color spreads all the way to his neck. He looks like a boiled shrimp and I can't help but find it a little...cute...
"W-What's wrong with you?"
"Did you forget? I'm your boyfriend and we're out on a date right now." We kept our conversation within our hearing distance but our actions are visible to everyone in the store.
"You...don't you think you're too into your play?" He stammered.
Hearing his response, I felt a little disappointed inside. But I think I understand his predicament. He was a married woman not long ago. Although he said the marriage was bad, it might take him some time to completely move on. I shouldn't tease him too much or it might backfire on me.
Plus, Dakota was a headstrong woman. She has never begged for something in her life and I bet she won't ever resort to begging for something in this life either.
I gave a small chuckle before saying, "Just kidding. You got flustered so easily. I kind of enjoyed your reactions."
I then proceeded to fish my wallet out of the pocket and hand over a card to the saleslady.
At least, I achieved my goal of diverting his attention and disrupting whatever his intention was towards these ladies for now.
*****