Unknown Mishaps

Chapter 1

KHIONE CYRA

The wind blew strongly as I walked my way to the usual place I always go to every day. The place that made my heart thump loudly against my chest as excitement flowed through my veins.

It was getting colder and the cream-colored sweater I wore didn't suffice. I tightly grasped onto the strap of my bag to keep myself from shivering too much as I walked to my destination.

People seemed to be busy shopping here and there, while others just enjoyed their time with their friends or family since the season of Christmas was so close.

Arriving at a high-rise building, I quickly made my way inside, sheltering from the cold breeze outside. However, the air conditioning inside the building was colder than the afternoon breeze, making me shudder visibly.

I immediately got on the elevator and pressed the 20th button. It might not be snowing outside, but it was awfully cold. My toes must have been frozen even under my thick bunny socks.

The elevator stopped and as I got out, I already saw the person I had been dying to see since last week, "Hey, baby." He pulled me in a hug and pressed a soft kiss on my head.

"Hi." I smiled, hugging him back, "Why'd you have to come meet me? You could've just waited inside."

He pulled away and cupped my cheeks, squishing them softly while chuckling.

"I couldn't wait that long and besides, it's cold outside. I know how much you hate the cold," he replied, taking off the black jacket he was wearing and draping it on my shoulders.

God. Stop making me feel so giddy. Damn it.

Jase Marco Howzer. The man I've been with for 2 years and a half. The sweetest and most loving man I've ever met. Jealous? Yeah. I know. I'm so lucky to have got such a man, don't you think?

"Let's go inside. Your hands are freezing, and I've made coffee," he held my hand and guided me inside his apartment.

I grinned from ear to ear, feeling giddy at the feeling of his warm hand on mine. I know it's been so long since we've been together, but I can't help the excitement with the little things he does.

"Shall we watch a movie as we catch up?" He asked, opening the door of his apartment and letting me walk inside first.

"Sure, but let's not watch any romance movies. We've watched those the last time," I looked at him and scrunched my nose.

"Aww. But I love romantic movies," he whined, pouting.

I giggled and pinched both of his cheeks.

"Fine, but just one," I caved, walking towards the luxurious black leather couch that sat in the middle of the room.

I plopped on the couch and placed my bag on the coffee table. I immediately grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. Jase sat beside me with two mugs of coffee.

I decided to put on Titanic since he loves that movie so much. I took the coffee from him and smiled excitedly. He was smiling at me, but there was a hint of sadness in them.

He's acting a little weird.

"What's wrong, baby?" I asked, worry evident on my face.

He was hesitating. His eyes flickered down to his mug and his thumbs were rubbing the edge of it. It made me nervous all of a sudden.

"KC... there's something I want to tell you," he began, voice stiff and quiet.

I stayed silent and leaned closer, letting the movie become a background noise as I focused on the man in front of me.

"You know how my company hires a lot of employees and it's so busy, right?"

"Yeah. I mean, selling houses and properties is becoming a trend these days," I chuckled nervously.

He smiled a little and placed his mug on the coffee table. He then took my left hand and kissed the back of it. My face flushed at his action, but I just smiled fondly.

"My boss asked me to go to the US for a contract signing," he said, lips hovering over my knuckles.

I stood still in my seat, looking at him with wide eyes filled with shock and a smile slowly fading.

"That's... That's so sudden. I... I thought your company doesn't do international deals?" I tried to sound natural, but it came out more of a panic.

"I know, but he... my boss wanted to expand and... he took a chance at an international offer," he stroked the back of my hand, trying to comfort me.

"And... you agree to go?"

"I didn't want to miss the offer, baby. It's a very important contract and once I make them sign, I'll be promoted!" He said the last part excitedly, smiling softly.

"I'll be able to provide for us! I'll... I might even buy us a unit once I finish the deal! We can finally live together!" He exclaimed, smiling even wider as he stared at me.

I stared back at him, eyebrows knitted together and lips pursed in a thin line.

I know I said he's sweet and all, but... he... he's already promised me that for so long. How much longer should I wait? I could only take so much, but for him maybe I'll wait some more.

I thought for a moment and just sighed, smiling softly, "Go for it, baby. I'll support you all the way. Just... don't forget to call and message me when you can, ok?"

He nodded furiously, cupping my cheeks and kissing me softly on my lips. I smiled in the kiss as my grip on the mug tightened.

When he pulled away, he was grinning and his eyes looked like a straight line, which made him look adorable. His dimples were showing, and I felt myself completely melt.

"So... when are you leaving?" I placed my mug down on the coffee table. My coffee was now lukewarm, and I didn't feel like drinking it anymore.

Jase scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, "I am due in a month."

My eyes widened in shock once more.

A month?! That's too fast! We couldn't even spend time anymore, since I have university and all, and now he's leaving in a month?!

"I know. I know it's too fast, baby. But... I didn't dare to tell you. Not when you were in the middle of your exams," he said, worry and panic laced in his voice.

He pulled me closer to him and buried my head in the crook of his neck, comforting me in a way he knew I always wanted. His fresh minty perfume calmed down my nerves a little. I felt my lower lip wobbling, but I still tried so hard not to cry.

"It's... It's just so soon." I whined, my voice cracking.

"I know, baby." He soothed my back, "But I promise it'll be quick, alright?"

I just huffed a breath and sighed, nodding afterward. I felt him kiss the side of my head before pulling away from the embrace. He smiled at me, a small smile that he knew I loved.

"Let's continue watching, yeah? I'll go reheat our coffee," he said before standing up and taking our mugs to the kitchen.

I grabbed a pillow from the other side of the couch and hugged it close to my chest. I felt tears welling up in the side of my eyes, but of course, I didn't want to cry. Call me dramatic or clingy, but we've never been separated like this, and it pains me to be notified at such a later date when he was already leaving in a month.

I heaved a sigh when Jase came back and handed me back my mug. I took it from him and snuggled on his side. He draped an arm around my shoulders, and we just watched the movie in silence.

Now, Titanic is a great movie, but now I'm starting to feel bitter about it.

"Do you already have a place to stay there?" I decided to break the silence, looking up at him.

"Hmm... yeah. My... friend and I are going, and our boss has already settled everything for us when we get there," he replied, then took a sip of his coffee, not averting his eyes from the TV.

"That's nice. At least you have someone to accompany you. Is it Xyler? I bet he asked to tag along," I said playfully, giggling as I took a sip of my coffee.

But I was surprised to see Jase neither laughing nor smiling. Instead, he was looking down at me with an apologetic look.

"Xyler... wasn't assigned to go with me."

My heart suddenly sank. Even if my nerves got to me, I still asked, "Then... who was assigned to go with you?"

"Elle is going with me," was his immediate response.

"Elle? Do you mean Joelle Feyrer? Your ex?!" I snapped, moving away from him, and we both placed our mugs on the table.

I looked at him incredulously. He just stared at me with sadness in his eyes.

I scoffed, "I can't believe this. You're... going to a foreign land with your ex-girlfriend who still loves you."

"I didn't have a choice, KC. I... I tried to reason out with my boss, but... he said no one else was willing to go," Jase tried to reach for my hand, but I moved back.

"That's just so dumb. Especially on a very rare opportunity," I said, sniffling.

Upset, I got up from my seat, grabbed my bag, and walked towards the door.

"KC! Baby, please. Listen to me!" Jase called out, but I was already turning the doorknob.

I was startled when Jase suddenly hugged me from behind.

"Don't leave, baby. Please," he pleaded.

"I just need space today. I'll call you later," I said, and Jase immediately pulled away.

I looked back at him and gave him a small smile before leaving his unit as tears formed in the corner of my eyes once again.