Raffy's POV
With Christian gone, I couldn't resist accompanying James. I was a bit hesitant, fearing he might start grilling me again. Our drinking session continued, and just like before, silence enveloped us. We were still testing the waters.
After a while, James broke the silence, catching me off guard.
"Hey, ahm, I'm sorry," he said. It felt like a breath of fresh air to hear those words. Despite the smoke around us, I suddenly felt a sense of relief.
"Huh? Say that again. I didn't catch what you said," I responded, genuinely surprised.
He chuckled and repeated, "Never mind, forget what I said."
I pressed, "Come on, what was it? I really didn't hear it. Just say it again."
James hesitated, then admitted, "I feel like an idiot. I said sorry. I'm actually embarrassed about what I did. I don't even know if you can forgive me," he mumbled, avoiding my gaze due to intense embarrassment.
"You know, I was angry at you back then, but when I realized your situation, I woke up. No matter how many wrong things you do to me, I'll find reasons to understand you. It's okay if we lose all our wealth, as long as you're there. You're more important to me than money," I explained earnestly.
"That's the thing, that's why I feel even more ashamed. I felt envious of you. Then I thought about how far apart our lives have become now. I'm sorry I let my pride get in the way," James admitted with a hint of regret.
"Listen, buddy, you don't have to dwell on that. From now on, everything I have is yours too. Got it? So, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to tell me, because it's for you as well, alright?" I reassured him.
"No, Raffy, I don't want that. You're taking away my sense of purpose. I'd feel useless if you took care of everything. We'll go back to how things were before. I'll ask for your help, but I'll make sure to pay you back. I don't want to receive things for free; I still have my pride," James asserted.
"Oh, there you go with your pride again. Fine, I get you, but if you can't manage, come to me. Also, buddy, I hope you find another job. I can't be at peace with what you're doing," I advised.
"Alright, I'll try to find something, just give me some time. Don't rush me," James responded.
"Thanks, buddy, for not leaving me. I felt like my life was worthless during those days. I really can't handle losing you. Even if we don't meet often, I hope you understand that I have more responsibilities now. But no matter what, just give me a call, and I'll be there. Nothing is more important than you. Okay?" I expressed my gratitude and assured him that I will always be here for him.
"What about this? I'm always out of prepaid load, I can't make calls," James said with a hint of humor.
"And you're getting teary-eyed with what you just said. Seriously?" I responded playfully.
"Haha, just kidding. I missed you a lot, that's why," James chuckled.
"Same here, I've really missed you. Hehe let's hope that was our first and last fight," I agreed.
"Yes, but you know, it's also good if we argue sometimes. That way, I'd miss you like this. But not that intense. I don't like that feeling," James admitted.
"Alright, let's drop it. I've found it corny when we're like that since the beginning," I replied.
"Corny, huh?" James playfully tapped my head.
"OUCH! You jerk. Come on, let's have a drinking contest, whoever gets knocked out first, a round of ten shots, deal?" I challenged.
"Sure thing. Hehe, you challenged the wrong person. Prepare yourself for a big bump on your head," James accepted the challenge.
"Hahahaha. You only learned to drink recently, and you're acting all cocky now. I've been a heavy drinker since I was fourteen, you know that. Maybe you'll be the one with the bump," I teased.
We had consumed quite a lot of drinks, but neither of us wanted to back down. Eventually, we both got drunk. We decided to stop since I was starting to have a triple vision. That was when I realized that James had a higher alcohol tolerance than me. Even while intoxicated, he managed to maintain his composure.
In contrast, I couldn't even stand up straight. I handed James all the money that Christian gave me to settle the bill. Afterward, we left, with James helping me. He offered to
take me home, but I declined, saying I couldn't manage, so we opted to get a room for the night instead. He agreed as he was also exhausted and needed to rest.
We didn't pay much attention to where we ended up; all I remember is that we paid and headed straight to the room. The room boy accompanied us until we were inside. We both collapsed onto the bed and didn't realize what happened next. I was in a drunken stupor. We fell asleep together.
I woke up abruptly, feeling a weight on me and something touching my face. When I realized it was James' foot on my face, I reached for my cell phone in my right pocket and saw that it was already three in the morning. I got up and adjusted James' sleeping position. As I straightened him out, I noticed his peaceful face. I gazed at him, getting lost in his features. His calming presence seemed to melt me away.
While he slept soundly, I took the opportunity to say the things I couldn't say when he was awake. "Your smug face, you annoying jerk, you're making me fall in love with you. You know, James, I can't be sure yet, but I feel like I'm starting to really love you. So, don't you dare leave me, I'm not kidding. I'll beat you up if you distance yourself from me. And you better take care of yourself because I'm always worried. I promise you I'll always be here by your side. I won't leave you."
I whispered these words to his sleeping form, overwhelmed by emotions.