The Mysterious World

Chapter 10: The Kiss Part 2

Selene's POV

The rooftop, once a solitary refuge, was suddenly transformed into a charged and intimate space with Gabe's presence. I hadn't expected him to be here, and his unexpected arrival sent my heart racing. The surprise was palpable, and I felt like I'd been caught off guard. So I took another deep breath, with the cool air filling my lungs, and turned to face him. Our eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still.

"It's been a while. Are you fully healed?" I asked him, stuttering a bit as he walked toward me.

"Am, my neck? Yeah," he answered while touching his neck. "Selene, I'm sorry for being distant, I..."

"Oh no, Gabe, I should be the one apologizing to you."

I said, cutting him off before he could say something that might make things worse between us. I took another deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts and choose my words carefully, but nothing was making sense to me right now.

"I never meant it that way. I'm sorry. That kiss was a mistake. A big mistake." I emphasized the word big, hoping he'd understand what I meant. "I hope you'll forgive me and forget it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. And then, in a moment of perhaps insanity, I added. "It is not that I am in love with you. Never going to happen, bro."

Damn! That was the stupidest reason I said. I thought to myself. Calling him "bro" was a weak attempt to downplay the situation, to make it seem like the kiss was just a friendly slip-up. But deep down, I knew it was more than that.

I noticed Gabriel's reaction to what I said. I couldn't believe I had resorted to lies, telling him that the kiss was a mistake and that I didn't have feelings for him. Who was I kidding with that reason? It sounded hollow, even to my ears. But I was still hoping he'd buy into it and move on without getting hurt.

The truth was, I was doing this for his own sake, or at least that's what I kept telling myself. I didn't want to complicate his life with my feelings, didn't want to risk ruining our friendship. As I looked at Gabe, I couldn't help but think that the best things were just around the corner for him. Earlier this morning, a revelation added a new layer of complexity to my situation. According to Cat, MG had offered Rick the position of leadership, but with a significant caveat - he would have to give up any romantic relationships. Rick's decision to decline the offer spoke volumes about his priorities and the value he placed on his relationship with Cat. MG accepted Rick's decision and then mentioned Gabriel as the last choice for leadership. I should bury my feelings and let him accept the leadership without any burden.

Gabriel deeply sighed and said. "I forgive you. But.. " The moment hung in the balance, with Gabriel about to reveal something important. It hinted at a deeper conversation, one that I was eager to hear. But before he could continue, Cat's arrival interrupted us, calling out to me with an urgent message.

"Selene! There you are. Bill was looking for you. He needs you now!" Cat shouted as she was standing near the door.

"I need to go now, Gabe. Maybe another time? And I hope we'll get back to how things were." I passed him and started walking a little faster. As I turned to leave, my words felt like a reluctant goodbye.

"Selene, wait!" He caught my arm, and the spark of electricity was undeniable. His eyes locked onto mine, and I sensed a longing, a desire to reconnect. The distance between us ignited a flutter in my chest, making my heart race.

"Meet me here after the party, if it's okay with you." He continued as he let go of my arms quickly.

The request to meet me after the party felt like a lifeline, a chance to reconnect and explore the unspoken tension between us. I felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what the night ahead might bring.

The moment was suffocating, heavy with unspoken emotions. I wanted to wrap my arms around him, to hold him close and let out all the pent-up sorrow. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over as I gazed at him.

I saw the mirror of my own emotions reflected in me. His eyes, too, were brimming with tears, the vulnerability and pain plain to see. The air between us vibrated with tension, as if we both knew that words were inadequate to express the depth of our feelings.

In that instant, all I wanted was to bridge the distance between us, to comfort him and be comforted in return. The urge to be close, to physically express the emotions swirling inside me, was almost overwhelming.

"Selene! Let's go." Cat called me again. She was waiting for me.

The moment was fleeting, and I was torn between responding to Cat's call and staying with Gabe.

I wiped away my tears and answered Cat, "Coming!" trying to compose myself.

As I turned to leave, I said a quick goodbye, "Okay, I will, see you later!" before rushing towards Cat.

Gabe's touch lingered on my arm, a gentle reminder of the connection we shared. As Cat and I stepped into the elevator, Cat's concerned question, "You okay?" caught my attention. I nodded, trying to brush off the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

Just as we turned to face the front, Gabe burst into the elevator. His presence electrified the space. I felt a jolt as he stood beside me, his arm brushing against mine. I stood still, trying to play it cool, but my heart was racing with excitement.

"Don't forget what I told you this morning," Cat suddenly declared.

Cat's words brought back the conversation we'd had earlier about MG's last choice for leadership. I wondered if Cat was hinting at something more, perhaps a warning or advice regarding Gabe and our growing feelings for each other. The timing of her reminder seemed significant, especially given the charged atmosphere between Gabe and me in the elevator.

The elevator's gentle hum and the soft whoosh of the doors closing seemed to amplify the tension within me. I bit my lower lip, a subconscious gesture to calm the whirlwind of emotions. My gaze fixed on the elevator door, avoiding eye contact with their reflection, Gabe on my left and Cat on my right, as if I was trying to shield myself from the intensity of the moment.

The descent began, and with it, I felt a sense of uncertainty. What lay ahead? Would I meet Gabe after the party, as he had asked? And what would happen then? The questions swirled in my mind, but for now, I just stood there, frozen in anticipation, my heart still racing from the closeness to him.

The elevator stopped as we reached the 85th floor. Cat got off first. Then a sudden movement caught me off guard when I was about to exit the elevator. Gabriel pulled me back in with the doors closing behind Cat. Before I could process what was happening, he pushed me gently against the wall, his hand supporting my face, and kissed me.

I kissed him back. It was intense, passionate, and all-consuming. I felt like I was melting into him, my lips responding to his with an excitement that matched his own. Our lips moved in perfect harmony, as if we had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in the moment. The elevator, once a confined space, became a sanctuary, a place where we could surrender to our desires and let our feelings take over.