When I got to my room, I changed into one of my favorite batik house robes and decided to start packing for the trip. I went through all the items Ellie asked me to buy. When I saw the bag containing sexy lingerie, I couldn't help but blush. Why in the heck did I let Ellie talk me into buying these three sets of sexy underwear screaming sex. I had to slap my face to see if I could talk some sense into me. Shall I bring these with me? I mean, I am ready to talk to Aki and tell him how I feel but in doing that, do I expect for us to have an activity under the sheets right away?! What the heck am I even thinking?! Kira! Get a hold of yourself!'
I went through the swim wear I bought. I got one set of ethnic printed tankini, two bikini sets in chocolate brown and black, and one printed two-piece that has a black boyleg bottom. I decided not to buy new maxi dresses and sundresses as I still have a lot of those in my closet. Sigh. I am excited to spend time at sea but I am also anxious as to how my conversation with Aki will go. That is if there will be a chance for us to have some private time together. I really feel like a high schooler right now, blushing and feeling like my heart is about to pop out of my chest. What is this?! Oh my goodness!
Since I still have not decided whether to bring the lingerie with me, I went down to the mini bar to pour myself a glass of rose. I knew Aki will still be in his study so I didn't bother changing my clothes. As I was sipping my wine, looking out at the garden and admiring the moon, I did not hear Aki walking in on me.
"Can't sleep?" I heard the deep, gravelly voice and I almost jumped. I abruptly turned around, fear showing on my face.
"What the?! You scared the shit out of me! Do you really plan to kill me soon?" I shouted at Aki.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Why didn't you invite me for a drink? Care to share what's on your mind?" He went to the bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey on the rocks before approaching me.
"It seems like you're the one who has a lot on his mind." I pointed to his choice of drink with my eyes.
"Well, you can say that. But I'm not the one who needs to talk now, am I?" He looked at me with sincerity.
This guy. No matter what it is, he always knows how to make me feel like I am the only one in his world. Damn. How can I not love you?! I silently mused.
"Hmm. I just wanted to drink. That's all."
"I see. Well then, let us drink in silence, if you prefer that."
With this, we both sat on the couch facing each other whilst nursing our chosen adult drinks.
Comfortable silence. We both have a knack to enjoy each other's company even if we do not talk. Just having the presence of the other is enough for the both of us to allow rumination.
After two more glasses of wine for me and three glasses of whiskey for him, we decided to call it a night and went to our respective rooms. Before I entered my room, Aki hugged me and kissed me on the forehead.
"I missed you, Kira. Good night." He then turned around and went straight to his room without waiting for my response. As I closed the door behind me, I stood there with my back resting on the door. "I missed you too, Aki. I love you. I really do. I just don't know what kind of love this is." I whispered. I then went straight to the bathroom to take a quick shower before tucking in.
The sun's bright rays warmed my skin as I woke up to another day full of promise and... trepidation? Oh my goodness, I still have not decided on the lingerie! I felt my cheeks flush this early 'morn. What thoughts am I having upon waking up?! After laying in bed with outstretched arms for a good five minutes, I got out of bed and prepared to go to the gym to do my yoga and meditation. I did my daily Surya Namaskar routine and my thirty minute sit. I then went straight to the kitchen to prepare my green juice. I was not in the mood to eat anything for breakfast and I'm sure Aki will be able to manage his breakfast. I went back to my room and took a bath before continuing the preparation for the trip. As I was about to close my luggage, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. I wonder who would call me this early.
"Hello?"
"Kira?" I heard a male voice on the other line.
"Who's asking?" I said curtly.
"It's me, Ethan."
"Ethan? How did you get my number?!" I was somewhat annoyed. How can he be so persistent after all these years? I mean, that persistence is truly admirable...however, if the other party is starting to feel burdened, who wouldn't be annoyed, right?!
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get it from someone else but I really would like to talk to you. Do you have time today? I went to Alorenda and they said you are on leave."
"What do you want, Ethan?"
"I really just want to talk to you, Kira. I missed you. I missed our times together. Can you not give me a chance for us to talk?"
Sigh. "Look, Ethan. I've told you before that there is nothing to talk about. I do cherish our friendship and I do not want to give you any false hopes. So please... stop. If you still value our friendship back then, you will stop doing this... pursuing me. I do not want to be forced to totally cut you out of my life but I will do that if you keep on insisting like this. You are making me feel uncomfortable."
"Kira, please..." he pleaded.
"...just stop it Ethan. And please do not call me again." I ended the call right away, not wanting to hear the desperation in his voice any longer. Ethan is a good looking man and a lot of women wanted him during our university days. I don't know what he saw in me but he was like a horse with blinders with only me in his sight. He was charming and since we shared a lot of interests, it was easy for me to treat him as a good friend. Until it came to the point wherein he became so persistent and relentless. He would start throwing tantrums that would confuse me. Eventually, I distanced myself from him and upon graduation, I had to change my number so as to lessen the chances of him contacting me.
Amidst the radio silent treatment I gave him, he never stopped. He would even visit my dad and talk to him about me. Although my dad never really encouraged him nor me, he also was a gentleman so he never once asked Ethan to stop visiting him. Since he did not get much information on me from my dad, he started asking our common friends and he would pop out of nowhere, telling me that I will come to my senses soon and realize that we were meant for each other. He was still not considered a dangerous stalker since he never really followed me everywhere I'd go and he never once bothered me in my apartment building. But in my book, I already tagged him as a stalker. I just didn't see him as a man to fancy. And can you blame me? Especially if there is a certain someone like Damascus Lee in my midst. As they say, you cannot choose the one you love. There's just something with Ethan that rubs me wrongly. Sigh.
'Now I am frustrated. I better get some fresh air. Maybe I can invite the girls for lunch since it's been months since we last went out.'