Chapter 11: Should I Give It a Try?
2182 Words
“Yes?” I replied, looking into Hunter’s eyes before deciding to pick up the call from Caleb. I hadn’t opened any of his previous messages, and I figured he might have something important to say.
“Where the hell are you? Why did it take so long to pick up? You didn’t read my messages on the app either. Were you sleeping or what?” Caleb’s voice wasn't aggressive; he sounded just like his usual self.
“What is it?” I asked, keeping my distance. I had finally realized why he had been trying to get so close and play such a big role in my life lately.
“What’s wrong? Why so formal? Are you mad about something again? The pancake shop is closed now, so I can’t bribe you with those anymore.”
“If you don't have anything important to say, I’m hanging up.”
“I do! I’m calling because you’re ignoring my messages. I’m almost at the roasted pork rice shop. I’ll buy some and bring it to your house. Come out and wait for me.”
“No need. I can get food myself. Stop doing this. I don’t need another older brother, so stop acting like you’re doing this for my own good. I can take care of myself.”
Since he was already on the line, I decided to tell him directly instead of leaving a message with my twin brothers. It was better to end it now rather than hoping my brothers wouldn't forget to tell him.
“What's wrong with you? I’m almost at the shop. I’ll message you when I’m there, so just come out and wait in front of the house. That’s it. Don’t be bratty; I’m driving.” Caleb hung up.
It was like nothing I said actually registered with him. What is wrong with him? Ugh!
“Anyway, I’m going home now, Hunter. Get home safe,” I said, turning to Hunter, who had been standing there with a sad expression ever since I chose to answer Caleb’s call.
“Can I call you when I get home?” Hunter asked.
“Why? We don’t have anything left between us. Oh… where’s Caleb’s gear? I want it back.” I asked because his comment about having nothing left reminded me of it.
“It’s at my house. You’re not in a rush for it, right?”
“Wait! You said you were here on an errand earlier. What are you even doing? Whatever, just give it to me another day. I’m leaving now.” I turned and walked away, honestly confused by Hunter’s behavior.
“I’ll call you when I get home! Ride your bike carefully!” Hunter called out after me as he followed me.
“Don’t forget to take your medicine. If you don't feel better, go see a doctor,” I said as I got on my bicycle. I couldn't help but feel a bit worried. I hate how soft-hearted and sympathetic I am.
“This is one of the reasons I love you,” Hunter said with a smile. I chose to ignore him as usual.
“Bye,” I said and pedaled back toward my house.
The way he said he loved me made me blush, but I was afraid it was sugar-coated poison. I was scared that everything he did was just part of a game. I was terrified he would play with my feelings and then trample them into the dirt. To be honest, I was very afraid.
A few minutes later…
Vibrate, vibrate…
Caleb called just as I arrived in front of my house.
“I thought you said you’d message me,” I said as I picked up.
“I didn't want to wait for you to read it—in case you didn't. I’m almost at your house. Wait… why are you outside?” Caleb asked as his headlights hit my eyes. He hung up as he pulled over beside me.
“Where are you going?” he asked with a stern face, though he didn't raise his voice.
“Buying roasted pork rice,” I lied. I don't even know why I said that. I don’t understand myself sometimes.
“I told you I’d buy it for you. And if you’re going for food, why do you have a first aid kit?” Caleb looked at the basket on the front of my bike before placing the bag of roasted pork rice inside it.
“It was already on the bike. The maid probably left it there and forgot to put it away. And how was I supposed to know you were serious? If you were lying, and I just waited, I’d be starving.” Why am I such a good liar?
Caleb stared at me as if he were trying to catch me in a lie. Why was he acting like a detective? Then, he stepped closer.
“What are you doing?” I asked, still sitting on my bike.
“Why do you smell like a guy?” Is he a human or a bloodhound? How is his nose this good?
“It’s just Thomas and Taylor’s scent.”
“I don’t think this is my friends' scent.”
“Oh my god! What is wrong with you? Stop interrogating me and go find one of your girls. Leave me alone!” I frowned, but he still looked suspicious.
“And stop interfering with my life. I don’t want it; it’s annoying. Just live your own life. Stop bossing me around. Stop… mmph!”
I… I… what was I going to say? I wanted to scream. I wanted to throw a fit, but at that moment, my heart was racing so fast. I was shocked. Truly shocked.
I… I… I was kissed.
Caleb leaned in, grabbed my face to lock it in place, and kissed me. Our lips pressed together. It happened so fast, while I was still sitting on my bicycle.
“Don’t get smart with me again. And don’t you dare go—”
Slap!
“You’re just my brother’s friend. Don’t ever do that again. You’re crazy! Take your food back, I’m not eating it.” I slapped Caleb as soon as I snapped back to my senses.
I shoved the bag of food into his hands and pedaled my bike into the house immediately, without looking back at the man who just stole my first kiss.
My first kiss… oh my god.
Adeline’s Bedroom
10:22 PM
Vibrate, vibrate…
“Are you home?” I answered the phone with a weary voice. I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about everything that had happened today, especially that last event where I lost my temper.
“Yeah, I’ve showered. I didn't think you’d pick up.”
“If you didn't think I’d pick up, why did you call?”
“Taking a risk.”
“Did you take your medicine? Is your wound hurting?” Why am I acting like I care?
“I took it. It feels a bit tight. Are you cold?”
Why did I feel like I wanted to keep talking to him? Why did he make me feel so good?
No, Adeline. You can’t fall into the trap he’s dug for you.
“That’s it for now,” I said, trying to cut the conversation short before I got too involved.
“You don’t want to talk to me because you think I’m playing you, right?”
“Yes. I told you, don’t play with my feelings.”
“I really do love you. I love how kind you are to everything. I love how easygoing you are and how you smile at everyone.”
My heart started racing again. No, I just can't believe those words.
“Just because I’m like that doesn't mean I’ll believe you. Don’t act like you know me so well.”
“I’m the son of the owner of the roasted pork rice shop at the corner where you always eat. If you don't believe me, ask my dad. The man you call 'sir.' The one you always help out when the shop gets busy… you always talk to him because you’re afraid he’ll be lonely. I started getting interested in you because of the stories my dad told me. After that, every time I went to the shop, I’d secretly watch you. And you really are exactly like he said. Back then, you didn't care about me. I wasn't even in your sight… you only started noticing me after I gave you my umbrella that day. Believe me, I really love you.”
This is crazy… How did I not know he was the son? I knew the owner had a son, but I had never seen him.
“But shouldn't I have noticed you? I go there all the time. I should have seen a face like yours before.”
“My parents split up because my mom remarried. She insisted on taking me with her, and my dad agreed because he couldn't compete with her new husband’s wealth. I only tracked down my real father about a year ago. I’ve never told anyone this story. Every word I’m saying is the truth. I’m telling you because I want you to know how I really feel.”
This was a private family matter. Why was he telling an outsider like me?
“A guy like me doesn't explain himself to anyone unless that person is truly important. We don't have to date yet. Let’s just talk every day. Want to give it a try?”
Give it a try? What should I do? Why do I feel like a leading lady in a novel?
“Adeline.” Why did he have to say my name like that? It’s making me weak.
“Mm-hmm.”
“From now on, I’m going to call you every day. I’ll tell you I love you every time, too. In the meantime, don't fall for anyone else. I’m reserving your heart. If it turns out I’m not the one, then we’ll see.”
I’m doomed. What am I supposed to do when he talks like that? Should I try? I do like him, after all.
But should I be this easy to convince?
“I’ll take that as a ‘yes.’”
“No, you can't just assume. I haven't—”
“I don’t know. I’m going to be shameless and keep calling. Whether you’re merciful enough to pick up is another story. Go to sleep now. Goodnight. See you tomorrow.”
“Wait, Hunter!” I called out quickly.
“Yes?”
“Don't greet me at the university. Please act like you don't know me. I don't want to be the subject of any more gossip.”
“And what if I don't?”
“That’s up to you. Do whatever you want. If you feel good about me being the talk of the town, then go ahead.”
“Why so serious? I’m just teasing. Can I ask for something in return?”
“What?”
“Just call me 'Hunt.' You don't have to say the 'er' at the end. Let me hear you say it once, and I’ll do everything you asked.”
“Is this really a good idea?”
“I’m waiting. Hurry, I’m getting sleepy from the medicine. And add a 'goodnight' too.”
“Goodnight… Hunt.” I hate myself for actually doing what he said.
“I love you, Adeline.” Hunter hung up.
I was left sitting there, stunned, with butterflies in my stomach.
“AHHHHHHH!” I muffled my face with a pillow and screamed at the top of my lungs to release the excitement. I don't know if his love is real.
But I’m happy. Really, really happy.
Ding! Ding!
(CALEB: I’m sorry.)
(CALEB: I’m sorry about the kiss. I don’t know why I did it. I must be drunk. I’m sorry.)
(CALEB: You slapped me, so we’re even, right?)
(CALEB: Don't be mad. Please don't be mad.)
(CALEB: Fattyyyyyyy.)
(CALEB: Your 'Big Bro' is here to make up with you. Stop being sulky. I’ll go line up to buy you pancakes tomorrow.)
(CALEB: Hey, Fatty.)
(CALEB: If you don't reply, I’m just going to keep sending these.)
(CALEB: Fattyyyyy.)
(CALEB: Just read it. I’m sleepy.)
(CALEB: Fatty, I even called myself 'Big Bro' just for you, and you’re still not reading this?)
(CALEB: But it’s late. You’re asleep, aren't you?)
(CALEB: If you’re asleep, that’s fine. But when you wake up and read this, stop being mad at me.)
(CALEB: Goodnight, Fatty.)
I saw every message pop up on the screen, but I had no intention of opening them.
If I told you I smiled because Caleb used the term “Big Bro,” would you believe me? It didn't suit his personality at all.
And as for his excuse that he kissed me because he was drunk… why didn't I smell any alcohol? Was he really drunk?
- Writer
