CHAPTER FIVE
“HEY.” Kyrie stood up from the couch as soon as she came out of the restroom. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” She forced a smile. “Everything’s fine, I guess.”
“Do you want to tell me about it?”
“You don’t mind?”
Kyrie held her hand as he pulled her down on the couch.
“Isn’t it part of getting to know each other?”
Chaya laughed at once.
She stared at his hand holding her. It was funny how Kyrie was doing it like it was the most natural thing in the world. The warmth of his touch instantly calmed her exhausted soul.
“I wonder what it feels like to be freely vulnerable with someone,” she said. “Do I make sense?”
“You do,” Kyrie replied at once.
Chaya could not help but blush as she realized he was watching her in amusement. It made her heart race. She could not remember the last time love felt so natural.
“I want to do something stupid,” she declared.
“What stupid?”
Chaya wrapped an arm around his nape and pressed her lips into his. It was a short kiss, but it made her heart spin.
“That’s not stupid,” Kyrie whispered in a husky tone as he pressed his forehead into hers.
He claimed her lips this time. The kiss was longer, deeper, and more passionate. A moan escaped from her throat as she pressed her body into his.
“I REALLY don’t know what’s gotten into me,” Chaya said when she finally walked Kyrie to his car.
“Please, don’t apologize. You’ll break my heart.”
She laughed nervously. Kyrie stroked her hair, sending shivers down her spine. She met his gaze.
“I asked for your number from Jellybean the last time.”
“Why didn’t you call me right after?”
“For some reason, I hesitated. But I’m glad that fate made our paths cross again. And now, I have made up my mind. I want to see more of you, Chaya.”
Chaya bit her lip. That declaration made her heart swell.
“You feel the same way, too, right?”
She nodded at once.
“I’ll call you tonight,” he said and planted a kiss on her forehead.
“Aren’t we going too fast?” she asked. There was a part of her that was in doubt.
“We know what we’re doing, Chaya. We’ll take our time however we want.” Kyrie pulled her into a hug.
“WE’RE going to have chicken for dinner,” Ellie announced as she lifted the box of flavored chicken.
She was half an hour late for dinner, so she decided to order a takeout along the way.
“I hope you’re not starving yet.”
“I’m fine. You made up big time, anyway,” Chaya said with a smile.
She was reading a book in the living room when Ellie arrived.
“You bought a book? And what was your chat about? I’ve been overthinking on the way home.”
They went into the kitchen.
“I met Kyrie by chance at the mall. He went to the bookstore with me and paid for all the books. So, I insisted on paying for the coffee. Then he drove me home and stayed for a while.” She could not help beaming.
“I see you had a great day,” Ellie teased.
“Too bad he could not wait for you.”
“But there’s still next time.”
“Yeah, of course.”
“I’m starving!” Ellie groaned as she grabbed some plates. “So, what else happened?”
“Tye called me. He said he wants me back.” She sighed. “Do you think I’m the bad guy for thinking about my own happiness this time?”
Ellie’s eyes widened.
“Oh, no. Is that you saying you and Tye are done for good?”
Chaya did not say a word.
“I can’t blame you. No one should stay in a relationship that feels more like a burden than a commitment. You should not feel bad for wanting to be happy.”
Chaya smiled faintly.
“I kissed him. Kyrie.”
Ellie’s jaw dropped.
“Please don’t tell me I’ve been stepping on your hair all this time.”
Chaya laughed.
“I know, right? That was a little stupid.”
Chaya was the type of person to overthink most of her choices and actions. But that moment when she refused to rationalize and just kissed him because that was what she felt like doing was the greatest feeling ever.
“HI.”
Chaya glanced at the time on her desktop. It was past seven in the evening, and Kyrie had just called. She had been working with only short breaks in between. She had initially planned to finish a few tasks today because Kyrie had made dinner plans.
“Hi,” she replied in a weak tone.
“I’m sorry I had to cancel our dinner. I didn’t expect this meeting would take long,” he said apologetically.
She felt a little upset, of course. She had been looking forward to that. But she already understood. He did seem to try his best.
“I understand. Don’t worry. I already ate dinner with Ellie. She went to bed early because she had a terrible migraine.”
“Are you still working?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you staying up late?”
“I might.”
“I’ll drop by later.”
“What?” she uttered in surprise. “It’s already late. You should just go home and rest.”
“No. I need to see you tonight. What do you want me to bring you?”
“Is it really all right?”
“Will you wait for me?”
Chaya suppressed a grin.
“That’s not a problem. I want pepperoni and cheese pizza and iced coffee.”
“Granted. I’ll see you later.”
Chaya could sense his smile.
“Thank you. Take care.”
“And please stay away from your computer for a while.”
HE DID as he promised. Chaya’s eyes moistened with joy as Kyrie came more than an hour later.
“Hey,” he said with a smile.
Chaya wrapped her arms around his waist at once and inhaled his scent.
“Is everything okay?” he asked in a concerned tone.
Chaya could only nod as she buried her face on his chest.
“I’m just tired.” She pulled away. “I usually cry when I’m tired, but I don’t let anyone see.”
Kyrie put the coffee and pizza on the table.
“It’s all right.” He pulled her into his arms once again and stroked her hair.
Chaya inhaled in relief.
“I feel better now.”
“I’m glad to know that.” Kyrie tilted her chin up, and their lips met.
It was a slow, deep kiss.
“Am I forgiven?” he asked afterward.
“Yes,” Chaya replied with a smile as she caressed his face.