Chapter 8
The next evening--
Long sigh~ "It's already time to close. I thought I would be seeing him today, but he didn't come," said Nima, sulking as she turned off the lights and prepared to go home.
"Hi," a familiar voice struck Nima's ears just as she was about to leave.
She looked over her shoulder, her heart skipping a beat. "James, why did you come here at this hour? It's already 9 PM," she said, surprised. "And how did you know I close around this time?" she asked suspiciously.
James smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Why? Am I not allowed to be here? I thought you'd be happy to see me."
"I am happy," Nima admitted, "but I'm more surprised that you didn't come earlier, and you knew I'd be closing at this hour. It's the exact time."
"That's because I live around here," James said smoothly. "Oh! Well, have you eaten anything?"
"No," Nima shook her head.
"Let's go then. I know a place," said James, gently guiding Nima from the back. "I used to come here all the time. This place makes the best chicken wings. I used to come here with my college friends all the time."
"Used to? How old are you then?" Nima asked, curiosity piqued.
"I think I'll be turning 27 next month," James replied.
"27?" Nima said in a shocked voice. "So, you're almost 30." She laughed hysterically. "You look much younger than you actually are. I thought you were the same age as me."
James had seen Nima with a cold expression, an empty gaze, and a smile bright like the sun, but he had never seen her laughing so carefree. His heart pounded so hard it felt like it was about to come out of his throat. Being together with her every day made him realize how he was able to observe every side of her and was hoping to see more of it and to know her more.
"I do get that a lot," he said, smiling at her laughter. "What about you? How old are you?"
"I'll turn 24 next year," Nima replied. "I completed college earlier than everyone since I was always the topper, and no one could ever win against me. That might also be the reason why everyone hated me back then. Now, now," she sighed, "whatever, past is past."
"Do you drink?" James asked, his voice softening.
"I have never tried it. Maybe I should try some tonight," Nima said with a determined nod.
(Hiccup)
Nima got drunk quickly and couldn't stand on her feet, while James had only a glass of beer.
As James paid at the counter, Nima stood up wobbling and humming in a drunken voice. "Hmm hmmm hmmmm," she tripped on her own legs, bumped her head on the ground, and fainted.
James rushed to her side, gently cradling her head in his arms. "Nima, Nima. Wake up. Are you okay?" he called, worry etched on his face.
Nima's response was a soft snoring sound.
James covered his mouth and smirked, looking at her tenderly. "Did she bump her head and fall asleep?" He slowly ran his fingers through his hair, sighing softly. "What am I gonna do with you, Nima? I don't think I can control myself if you start acting this cute."
He carefully lifted her onto his back, feeling her warmth against him, and headed to his home. The night air was cool and crisp, but he could feel her warmth from his back. He couldn't help but smile at the situation, feeling a strange sense of happiness.
He reached his apartment, carefully unlocking the door and carrying her inside. He gently laid her down on his bed, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
James grabbed a blanket and covered her, then sat down beside her, watching her sleep. He couldn't help but smile, feeling his heart swell with emotions. "Goodnight, Nima," he whispered, brushing a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'll be here when you wake up."