Unknown Mishaps

Chapter 3

KHIONE CYRA

As a graduating student, I realized that maybe getting into a relationship with a man 3 years older than me is slightly stressing. Especially when that man is someone who is immature and selfish. You may think Jase is someone who is mature and smart, but it's quite the opposite. To be honest, we've broken up a couple of times in the past because of his selfishness, but what can I say? Stupidity is already a part of me.

I sighed, sipping on my coffee while typing away on my laptop. Classes were dismissed an hour ago and here I am, waiting for Essia to arrive in our usual coffee shop near campus.

ArtKing_111 posted a photo.

Oh! My favorite cosplayer posted something. It's been a while since he posted and I suddenly felt excited upon seeing his update. I hurriedly clicked on the tab which led me to his post.

It's not a photo?

My eyes widened as I read his post. I was frozen in place as I read the last line of his post.

Sorry... I have to finish my studies and there is a huge possibility that I cannot come back. Don't be sad, darlings. Also, thank you for the memories. Loving you always, Your King.

My eyes watered and my vision blurred as tears threatened to fall. I couldn't believe he was officially signing off. I thought he was feeling better recently, but I guess all good things must really come to an end.

Swallowing a lump in my throat, I typed a comment about how thankful I am that I met him and how he became an inspiration and motivation to me. It's dramatic. I know, but since I'm such a nerd and a fan, I wanted to at least reach out.

I sighed with a shaky breath as I imagined how it would be like without seeing him on my news feed and inspiring other people. I sniffled as I stared at my computer screen.

"Someone's emotional. Did Jase breakup with you?" Essia's voice brought me back to reality.

"That's a mean assumption, but no. Sorry. We're not breaking up." I huffed, voice still shaky.

"Then... what's up? You look so... sad." She sat on the seat across me while sipping on her drink which is probably something sweet... again.

"It's just... my favorite cosplayer is signing off. I won't... I won't be able to see him again." I sniffled again, grabbing my handkerchief and wiping the corners of my eyes.

"Alright. But... if you want to continue sulking, do it later after you help me finish my homework." Essia grumbled under her breath as she fished out her laptop and book.

"Fine. This is just the worst, seriously. I feel so unlucky today."

"Why? Well, aside from that guy signing off, what else? I'll be happy if it's Jase related." She giggled, leaning back on her seat while swirling her drink in one hand.

"It's... well... Jase is related, but my pencil broke during History class then... at lunch, my utensils fell. It looked like a bad omen or something."

"Hmm. You better watch out then. You still have a couple of hours before the day ends so... yeah." She warned.

I nodded and let out a long sigh. I grabbed my drink and took a sip from it. I stared at the screen in front of me and the words signing off kept flooding my visions.

"Hold on. You forgot to tell me about Jase." Essia blurted out.

Crap. I thought she'd just drop it.

"Ahh... it's... you know. This and that." I fiddled with the hem of my shirt, looking outside.

"Don't give me that s**t. You've been distracted since the moment I entered and even after the talk with your fave guy." She clicked her tongue, stare intensifying.

I sighed and looked at her, "It was lunch and I was headed out to see him in his office."

"And?"

"It sounds so... childish. Forget it." I dismissed, huffing a breath and typing away on my laptop.

"No! Spill. The. Beans." Essia demanded, slamming her hands on the table.

"Alright!" I surrendered, "I was about to bring him coffee, but... he was already having some with Joelle. At the... coffee shop across their office."

My shoulders dropped and I looked at Essia sheepishly. She blinked slowly and then let out a long sigh.

"I told you. You should've broken up with that guy. I mean, he's such a flirt. He might not know it, but... he is." She shrugged and opened her laptop.

"He keeps talking about her, too. Recently, he keeps sharing the work they've done together. I'm so confused, Essia!" I whined, looking at her with my best puppy eyes.

"Look. You are slowly losing feelings. I can tell even if you can't. I also noticed how you two don't even have proper dates. I'll tell you this again," She looked at me firmly, "Break. Up. With. Jase."

I bit my lip and sighed softly.

"Fine. I'll... I'll try to."

"Good. Now, let's order some cakes. I'm starving!"

I smiled and shook my head at her. I looked back at my laptop and went back to my writing tab.

I should probably forget about all of the bad luck I had this morning and enjoy the rest of my day.

°°°°°°°°°°

As the hours passed by, I didn't receive any message or call from Jase. I expected it since he was busy with work and that woman. I ignored the slight pang in my chest as I headed to the grocery store with Essia.

"You said you didn't want to cook." I said.

"Well, I was craving fried rice and I wanted specific ingredients for it." She winked at me and grabbed a pack of bacon.

"This is clearly an experiment. Why would you add berries to your fried rice?" I asked, looking at the shopping cart with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm not only shopping for my fried rice, dummy. I'm also shopping for my breakfast tomorrow." She huffed.

I pushed the cart as I followed her through the aisle. She was grabbing random things that caught her eye while I decided to just tag along.

"You know, spices go well with--"

"Hide!" Essia whispered and pulled me back further into the aisle.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Shh. Look at the glass door." She pointed at the door of the freezer and there, I saw the reflection of two people.

"Is that..."

"Yeah. Apparently, your boyfriend and his ex are being really... chummy." Essia commented.

"Shh." I shushed her as the two of them walked near our aisle.

"I was thinking of making homemade lasagna. What do you think?" Elle spoke, voice a higher pitch than normal.

"That sounds great. I bet that'll be delicious." Jase said, cheerful as usual.

"Do you want to join me for dinner, then? I'll cook the lasagna."

I was caught off guard by her words, silently praying that Jase wouldn't agree. I stared at their reflection while Essia tightened her grip on my arm.

"Sure! I'll make sure to help you make it."

I suddenly felt my vision blur. I couldn't think of anything and my mind was suddenly filled with questions.

Why? Why did he agree? What does he plan to do with her alone? In her apartment, too?

"Get it together, KC! Let's forget them right now and finish what we came here for." Essia gripped my shoulders firmly and shook me lightly.

I nodded, "Y-Yeah. Let's... Let's do that."

We turned the other direction and went to the next aisle, silently grabbing the necessary things. Before I knew it, we were already walking our way to her condo.

"Hey. Send a message to your mom. Tell her you'll spend the night with me." Essia ordered.

"I'll call her when we get to the condo." I murmured softly, but loud enough for her to hear.

"I'll cook the best fried rice for you! Don't worry!" She exclaimed.

"I'm actually worried about it. How about you let me cook it instead?" I offered, poking her side.

"That's mean, but... if it's you who's cooking then I have no objections!" She cheered, wrapping an arm on my shoulder.

We both sighed in sync.

"Cut off your ties with him, KC. I know I may be annoying you about it, but... I think it's for the best." She began.

"I know, Essia. I just... I don't know how yet. Not when my feelings are still so fresh." My voice cracked.

We left the grocery store without looking back at them. I felt empty while walking to Essia's condo. The image of both Jase and Elle in one place and all alone makes me feel nauseous.

"Take all the time you need, dearest. Just... remember to think of yourself, too, alright?" She nudged my shoulder.

I giggled, "Yeah. I promise."

"Now, let's hurry and cook that fried rice! I bought marinated meat to go with it."

"Isn't that expensive?"

"Nah! We're also drinking away tonight, so get ready!"

"Alright." I smiled softly.

It took us almost 10 minutes to arrive at her condo. I immediately removed my shoes and headed to her kitchen, dropping my bag in the living room on my way there.

"I'll go ahead and take a shower. Go help yourself while I shower."

"Yeah. Yeah." I waved her off.

Once Essia left, I fished out my phone and dialed my mom's number.

"Khione? Where are you, dear? It's already late."

"Yeah, about that... Essia invited me over to spend the night." I fiddled with the hem of my shirt as I waited for my mom's response.

Fiddling with my shirt became a habit when I'm anxious and I don't even know when it started!

"Is that so? Alright then. I'll go tell your dad and sister. Have fun, darling!"

"Thanks, Mom." I ended the call with a small smile.

Checking my messages once more, I frowned when I received nothing from Jase. Maybe this is because I'm insecure about myself, but I have no reason to feel sad about it just because my boyfriend's with his ex.

I guess it's time for me to let loose a little.