Antonio drove me home using Uncle Luis's car because he said it was safer than using a big bike. When I got out of the car, I saw Canim leaning on his car parked in front of my house.
"Why is that one always pestering you?" Antonio said while raising his eyebrows and helping me to walk.
"I can walk by myself," I said but he just shrugged his shoulder. Canim greeted us with an unintelligible look on his face.
"Where are you two from?"
"Why? You? What are you doing here-"
"Stop! If you two are just going to fight, please not in front of me."
"Come on! Let's go to the park." he asked Canim.
I punched Antonio in the stomach because of his sarcasm, I couldn't take it anymore.
"Kaesu..." Canim looked me in the eye as if asking for private space.
I looked at Antonio and signaled him to go home. At first, he was reluctant but I glared at him so he just scratched the back of his neck and left, but before he could get into the car he mouthed me 'Take care'. So I gave him a quick smile.
I invited Canim inside and let him sit on the sofa and I sat in the chair in front of him.
"So tell me, What brought you here?"
"Why were you with him?" He asked with his eyebrows furrowed.
"I asked first."
I tied my hair because it's so annoying and so windy, but I also haven't closed my windows yet. Too lazy to do that.
I saw Canim looking at me intently.
"Are you planning to throw my tie again like last time?"
He looked straight into my eyes and I could see pain now. he then closed his eyes and replied. "No, not that."
I cleared my throat and continued tying my hair.
"You look exactly just like her," he said almost in a whisper and that made me stop.
"Who?"
In that intense moment, he didn't respond to my question. Instead, his unwavering gaze bore into me, piercing through my defenses. He didn't even blink, creating a nerve-wracking silence that seemed to reverberate between us with palpable tension. As he inched closer, his presence enveloped me, sending my heart into a frenzy. I could almost sense his breath on my skin, the anticipation building until I closed my eyes, awaiting the touch of his lips against mine.
But then, a deep groan shattered the moment, and when I opened my eyes, he was already shaking his head, a turbulent storm brewing within him.
"What's wrong?" Confused, I ventured to ask him what was amiss, only to be met with an unexpected outburst.
"SHUT UP!" that made me stop. I took a step back and my fluttering heart earlier changed into fear.
"Why were you with Antonio again?" His voice lashed out, questioning my connection to Antonio, causing me to falter, taking a step back in apprehension.
I hurriedly explained the circumstances, recounting how I had been kidnapped and how Antonio had come to my rescue. And just like that, a sudden shift occurred in him, his demeanor transforming from anger to concern in the blink of an eye.
He reached out for my hands but I withdrew myself from him, shaking in silence, I could see a monster in his eyes earlier but I now don't even know who am I facing.
"Look... Kaesu, I didn't mean to yell at you but Nadia-"
"Here we go again with Nadia." I cut him off.
"Wait, don't tell me that Nadia-"
"I don't know!" I shouted in panic. "But who else would do so much?"
He closed his eyes and took a deep sigh before opening them again.
"I'm sorry."
It was as if my world suddenly stopped turning. As if his words ring a bell in my brain. Yes, he's sorry. I should be grateful, should I? But why does it hurt inside? He promised to protect me but he keeps on failing and I am a fool for falling for it over and over and over again.
"Leave." I didn't know I was able to utter that but I also don't know how am I able to keep my sanity with him around.
"Kaesu."
"I said leave!"
"I'll wire the money to you tomorrow morning. Please be safe." He tried to come closer but I took a step back once again. He then held my hands which made me stop from stepping back and I hate how weak I am that even his touch makes me obey him.
He kissed my forehead before he left and here I am, still standing and doubting if was that real or am I hallucinating.
I didn't notice it was past midnight and my body and mind were both tired and exhausted, I threw my body in the bed and my eyes started to become blurry.
I felt hot liquids escaping from my eyes and I silently sobbed. Too much for tonight. too many events, too many pieces of information, too much on everything.