CHAPTER TWO
“I’M REALLY happy that you joined us tonight. Thank you, Chaya.” Jellybean peeled off a sheet mask as she sat on the bed.
They were already in their pajamas. Chaya agreed to spend the night with Jellybean. And Kyrie, too. He was in the next room with Parker.
“I should be the one to thank you for that,” Chaya said. “I’m glad we’re still the same.” She smiled.
“I know.” Jellybean giggled as she put on the mask to her face. “Do you want one?” She motioned to the sheet mask.
“No, thank you. I still have some work to do.”
Jellybean groaned.
“I can’t believe you.”
“What?” Chaya laughed. “I’ll be just reviewing some files before I send it to the client. Besides, I’m not that sleepy yet.” She picked up her backpack from the floor and pulled her laptop out. “Do you mind if I ransack Parker’s kitchen?”
“Not at all. Go help yourself.”
Chaya smiled.
“Thank you.”
Chaya was passing by the living room when she sniffed the familiar aroma of coffee in the air. Someone was still awake, making coffee in the kitchen. Her curiosity won, and she found herself sneaking.
Chaya was welcomed by the sight of Kyrie’s broad back. He was facing the counter. He was only wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts. She could not help pursing her lips.
“Hi.”
Chaya jumped when Kyrie suddenly looked over his shoulder and greeted her.
“Did I scare you?” he asked, chuckling.
“A little,” she replied with a nervous laugh. “Hey. Um, do you mind making it for two?” she asked.
Kyrie smiled.
“Be my guest.”
“Thank you,” she said in a sincere tone.
Chaya sat at the counter and opened her laptop as she patiently waited for him to make the coffee. She noticed a sketchpad on the counter. It must be his.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” they asked in chorus.
“I can’t sleep,” they replied in chorus again.
Kyrie chuckled. Chaya laughed, too.
“So, how would you like your coffee?” he asked.
“More creamer and less sugar, please,” she replied.
“Interesting.”
Chaya bit her lip once again when he wasn’t looking. He intrigued her. She liked that he carried himself so well. He was calm and gentle, and his very presence gave a sense of security to her.
Right, Chaya. For a man whom you just met a few hours ago.
“There you go.” Kyrie carefully placed the cup beside her laptop.
“Thank you very much,” she said gratefully. She picked up her cup and took a small sip. “Wow,” she uttered, impressed. “This is good,” she told him.
“Thank you. I like my coffee black and sweet.”
Kyrie sat beside her. He put his cup down and picked up the sketchpad.
“So, what do you do?” he asked.
“I’d like to call myself a linguist.”
“Interesting.”
“So, my friends and I built this small company where we work with publishing platforms and other authors like us. We do adaptation, translation, and publication. Right now, we’re busy setting up our physical office.” Chaya shrugged. “We’re hoping for the best.”
“That’s cool,” Kyrie remarked, impressed. “You’re not only pretty. You’re talented, too.”
Chaya laughed awkwardly.
“I didn’t know you were a flatterer.”
“I’m not.” He chuckled.
She arched an eyebrow as she glanced at his sketchpad.
“What’s that?” It was her turn to ask.
He opened his sketchpad and showed a drawing to her.
“It’s still a draft,” he replied. There was a hint of shyness in his voice. It was a pair of shoes.
Chaya’s eyes widened.
“You’re a shoe designer, too?” She reached out her hand. “Can I take a closer look?”
“No problem.” Kyrie gladly handed his drawing to her.
“Wow.” She gave him an admiring look. “You’re the real talented one here.”
“No.” He chuckled.
“Is this for women?”
“Yup. I want that pair of shoes to keep up with women as they go places. If you know what I mean.”
“I think I’m going to need this,” she said matter-of-factly. “Personally, I prefer wearing something that’s compatible with any weather.” Chaya could not hide her smile. “Am I the first one to see this?”
“Yes.”
“I’m so lucky.” She gave the sketchpad back. “I’m already looking forward to that.”
“Thank you, Chaya. I didn’t know you were a flatterer.”
Chaya giggled softly. “I’m not.”
“YOU’RE home,” Ellie welcomed in a dull tone.
“And you just woke up,” Chaya remarked.
Ellie had not brushed her hair, and she had not washed her face, too. She was holding a cup of coffee as she sat in the living room. Ellie was the epitome of a passionate writer.
“I only got four hours of sleep.”
Chaya reached home past nine in the morning.
“I barely slept, too,” she said.
“You want some coffee?”
“No, thank you. I already had a cup before I left Parker’s condo.” She dropped her backpack on the couch. “I met a guy.”
Ellie arched an eyebrow.
“Oh.” She took a sip. “Tell me about it. I’m all ears.”
Chaya laughed.
“It’s not what you think. I think you can ‘google’ him.” She sat beside Ellie as she pulled her phone from the pocket of her jeans.
ELLIE’S parents owned an apartment building. She had decided to transform one unit into their office. It was an ideal location since it was near commercial establishments. But Chaya, Ellie, and Jae liked to call it their hideout. They decided to register it as Infinitales because they never ran out of stories to tell.
“We should hang out sooner. Call me when you’re free. Bring your friends with you,” Jellybean said on the other line.
Chaya only had to take a break from working because Jellybean called. She flexed her back and winced. She had been sitting for too long.
“Sure. Let’s do that. I’m sure my friends would love that,” she replied enthusiastically.
“By the way, have you heard from Kyrie?”
Chaya’s mood changed at the mention of that name.
“Why would I hear from him?”
“He asked for your number.”
She straightened her back as her heart skipped a beat.
“Did he?”
“Yeah. He called me after he left the condo.”
Chaya’s shoulders dropped. It had been a few days, though. Maybe Kyrie changed his mind and thought she was not interesting enough. A part of her felt saddened.
“Should you be telling me that, though?” she asked.
Jellybean laughed nervously.
“I’m sorry. Sometimes, my mouth is just out of control. But seriously, I think he likes you.”
Chaya pursed her lips.
“I like him, too.”