More than Hate

Sebastian Gray

Fortunately, I eventually arrived at Samantha’s house. I was standing in front of the door when I barely had time to ring the doorbell before the door suddenly opened.

“Our baby girl is here!!!” I heard an overly cheerful voice with a failed attempt at sounding more high-pitched.

“H-Hi, Sebastian…” I said hesitantly. I’ve known Sebastian for as long as I’ve known Samantha, and I like him as a person, but sometimes it feels like he’s wearing a mask. He’s someone I can’t read, and that makes me uncomfortable, not to mention the countless rumours that surround him.

“Please, come inside!” He said with that huge smile that gives me chills, pushing me into the living room. He made me sit on the sofa and sat across from me, staring intensely. “What?” he then asked.

“Someone might say you were waiting behind the door, you opened so fast…”“That's because I was,” he responded immediately.

“What?”

“You see, I was that eager to see you!” he continued, smiling.“Sebastian…” I said, doubtful.“Relax, Rosie. Samantha told me you’d be coming around this hour. I was about to head out to check, and then you just happened to arrive.”“I see...”“You don’t seem to believe me...”“Well, Sebastian and coincidence don’t exactly go together.”

When I finished speaking, his gaze grew more serious, and he paused before saying anything.

“You’re clever... well, then I don’t need to hide it.” He stood up and walked toward me, suddenly leaning in close, trapping me between his hands that rested on the couch. “I am madly in love with you.” I blinked in surprise for a moment, trying to figure out how he thinks the most absurd things to say, and he started laughing. “I don’t know why you never believe me; I believe I am a very good actor!”

“You want me to believe that the notorious Sebastian Gray has a crush on me?”

“Why not? You’re a pretty girl.” He said with a seductive voice once again.

“I know, but I don’t think beauty is all you’re looking for in a girl,” I said, and he burst into laughter.

“You’re both beautiful and clever, not to mention modest. I might just fall for you for real!”

“Hah… you are unbelievable…” I gave up, he would never stop anyway…

“Samantha will be here in a moment. What do you want to drink while you wait?” He said, walking toward the kitchen.

“Anything is fine.”

“Do you honestly want me to choose for you?” He said, clearly enjoying teasing me.

“On second thought, tea would be perfect!”

“Boring,” he chuckled.

“I’m sorry that I want to go home in one piece…”

“You can always sleep here... in my room... on my bed... on m—”

“Okay, that’s enough!” I cut him off, and he laughed again.

As he stood behind the counter preparing the tea, I found myself watching him. Sebastian is the epitome of an attractive man. The first thing you notice is his perfect physique—fit yet graceful. His thin waist contrasts beautifully with his broad, muscular shoulders, and even the tight black t-shirt he’s wearing can’t hide his sculpted chest. What sets him apart, though, are his sharp, alluring eyes, likely inherited from his dad’s Asian side. They’re both mysterious and intense, making you feel as though they’re staring straight into your soul. His long, silky black hair, usually tied in a beautiful ponytail, almost reaches his waist. What truly completes his look is the confidence and elegance with which he moves, as if he owns every place he steps into. He reminds me of a deity—powerful and stunning, a truly beautiful man. But they say beautiful men are dangerous…

“Honestly, Rosie, I really like you,” his voice interrupted my thoughts.

“And to what do I owe this honour?” I replied sarcastically.

“You remind me of myself...” he said, catching me off guard. I looked at him, surprised. “I know you’ve noticed... because you’re a little actress yourself.” His words left me stunned; I hadn’t expected him to ever admit something like this. I said nothing, just continued to stare at him. His gaze was intense, and the silence between us made my breath catch. Suddenly, the corners of his lips lifted, and he laughed.

“Honestly, for a girl as clever as you, Rosie, you’re very easy to tease! I’m just joking, don’t take everything so seriously.” Liar.

“Obviously, I don’t,” I shot back, glaring at him with daggers in my eyes.

“Don’t worry, your secrets are safe with me!” I can’t take this lunatic anymore.

“Give me the damn tea and leave me alone!” I wanted to shout, but instead, I just glared at him.

As we sipped our tea, Sebastian made me uncomfortable with his intense gaze and unsettling smile. I silently prayed that Samantha would show up in the next five minutes—and that she’d better have a solid excuse for standing me up.

“So, Rosie, do you have a boyfriend?” he asked, causing me to almost spill my tea.

“I believe that’s none of your business,” I replied firmly.

“So, you don’t…”

“Are you going to let me drink my tea in peace?”

“Rosie, please! Don’t be so cruel… You’re my little sister’s best friend, which makes you my little sister too.”

“Says the guy who was flirting with me minutes ago.”

“So, you noticed I was flirting with you,” he replied with a sly smile.

“Haah, you’re right. I don’t have a boyfriend. Why do you care anyway?” I finally admitted, giving up once again.

“No reason at all… Do you have someone you love?” he asked, and something shifted in the air, making me feel uncomfortable again.

“No…” I answered.

"Someone you hate perhaps?" Sebastian's words made Blake's face flash in my mind, and I stiffened.

“Something like that…” I muttered, wishing I hadn’t started this conversation in the first place, especially seeing how amused he was by my reply.

“So, a future boyfriend it is…”

"How on earth did you reach that conclusion? I said 'hate,' not 'love.'"

“My dear,” he said with a knowing smile, “there’s a fine line between love and hate.”

His words lingered in the air, and for a brief moment, something dark flickered in his eyes. Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Samantha walked in, her expression furious.

“Sebastian Gray!!! How could you?!” Samantha was practically fuming, while Sebastian wore an overly innocent expression.

“What happened, little sis?”

“Don’t start with the ‘little sis’ act! You sent me to the other side of town, making me wait in an insanely long line for cake you had already picked up!”

“Oh my! How forgetful I am. How could I have forgotten?!”

Samantha and Sebastian’s arguments were usually like a baby wolf barking at a fox. Despite being close friends, their personalities were completely opposite, yet neither of them ever backed down from an argument.

“Of course, because you didn’t forget! Admit it—you were just trying to be alone with my sis!”

“Okay, okay, you caught me…” Sebastian said, pretending to be hurt. “I just wanted to spend a little time with our sweet Rosie. Is that so bad? You two are always busy, and I feel neglected!”

“You’re such a drama queen! Sorry it took me so long to get back, Rose. He made me go pick up the supposed cake for our parents’ anniversary, which is in a few days…”

“No worries... I’m happy you’re back though,” I said with a playful smile.

“The new generation is rude, for sure… calling your big brother a creep!”

“Anyway, let’s go to my room! I can’t wait to show you the surprise!” Samantha said, completely ignoring her brother.

“What surprise? Can I see too?” Sebastian asked.

“No,” Samantha replied firmly.

It’s always funny to witness their back-and-forth, but I usually prefer to stay on the sidelines. I don’t want to get caught in the middle of one of their arguments—they can be a little scary at times…

Before I climbed the stairs to Samantha’s room, I turned to look at Sebastian.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Sebastian, an actor isn’t afraid of someone seeing the mask; he’s afraid they’ll see what’s behind it,” I said with a smirk, leaving him surprised in the living room.

When I got into Samantha’s room, she looked at me with curiosity.

“What was that about actors?”

“Oh, that… Nothing important. Your brother had a question about actors because of a documentary he was watching…” I said, secretly laughing inside my head.

“And he asked you?” she asked, sounding doubtful.

“Probably because I mentioned I want to join the school’s drama club,” I replied.

“Oh really? I didn’t know you were interested in acting. That’s great! Low-key, I’m a little angry he learned it before me…” she said, making me laugh.

“Anyway, enough about my brother. Now, close your eyes and open them on three. One… two… three!” she said, and when I opened my eyes, I was left speechless, standing there in astonishment.