Dandelion

Chapter 7

                                                                                   Unexpected Kiss

I stepped out of the bathroom with a towel on my head, wrapped around my wet hair which I washed messily over the sink in order to provide me with an alibi of why I took so long in there. Even though that was exactly what they had told me to do before shoving me in there but honestly only showering that I didn't do after seeing Tian in there.

Panic rose inside me at the thought only of getting caught and he wasn't even my secret lover. I guess I left the pressure of the moment to sway my emotions. Contrary to Tian that acted very calmly and just told me to not let anyone enter that bathroom no matter what then reminded me that I couldn't step outside without actually looking as if I had taken a shower.

I think I totally left a bad impression back there. What kind of actress loses her cool so easily? All I have to do is pretend that everything is okay and actresses do that for a living. Not that I, as a regular human, had not done that in my life for free but I never had to hide a lover while my boyfriend was in the next room along with a bunch of reporters. All I ever used to hide was my sadness, not a whole scandal that was ticking in my head like the clock that was hanging on the wall.

Nonetheless, I managed to remain stoic as Elia sat me in a chair in front of a mirror, and two unknown to me women came in, greeting me politely. I bowed my head slightly as a response as I guessed that I should not get up from that seat since Elia's hands were still resting upon my shoulders, lowkey giving me the command that I needed to keep still.

"You have ten minutes, please hurry up." He told them and their faces seemed to grow paler at his words from what I could see through the mirror. I guess that time limit was too much of a shock for them. Honestly, I can't blame them yet they didn't hesitate to get their hands on the challenge. Through pulling and pushing, and having my face being swayed from left to right, I underwent a rapid process that left me unable to utter anything but some exclaims of pain here and there from the rushed and a bit harsh treatment that my hair was going through only to get scolded lightly by the girl who was working on my make up, for moving my face.

I ended up feeling dizzy and a bit too annoyed by the time they were done but I said nothing as I knew that they mustn't have done it on purpose. They were just trying to do their jobs and finish at the said time limit that they were given, even though at the process they broke any Illusions that Tv Dramas had created for me about getting a makeover. They always portray it as fun, having your makeup and hair done yet all I just experienced was the pain.

"Okay, they are here. Mr. Ceo is taking care of them. Do you need to go over the questions Zein, or you memorized them already?"Elia entered the bedroom and a hurry, his words allowing his stress to travel to me as I had no idea of what questions he was talking about.

"Please bring them, I would like to give them a last look." Last look, pfft yeah. More like the first look. A seriously how did I end up being in such a mess. Good thing I have a good memory and can recall things easily. I guess being a good student and keeping my memory sharp through the years is finally being of use.

He rushed to a bag which I now noticed that was in the room, assuming he probably had brought it along since I don't recall it being there yesterday then he got out of it a file which soon found its way in my hands and I read through the papers as quickly as possible, summoning all my focus on those little minutes that I got, to get a grasp of everything that was written in there. However, no matter how quickly I thought that I was doing it, Elia ushered me to hurry once or two, till I felt the file being taken away by my hold,  thing that made me avert my gaze to him.

"Okay, you are ready, you have no need to stress. Just remember to look natural and act surprised of any question here and there as if you didn't know them and look sincere, okay. Sincere." He looked right in my eyes as he spoke, his tone somehow making you unable to disobey him in any way, and before I knew I had nodded my head in agreement and I was brought on my feet, his hand resting on my back as he escorted me out of the room.

Do I feel like running away as far as possible right this instant? Definitely yes. And I would not take anyone's judgment over this, not that I can let anyone know though. The atmosphere in the living room felt suffocating to me. Full of unknown humans and cameras that were all directed towards a sofa in which I was told to seat at. I greeted the reporter that I assumed was the one who was going to interview me then I just observed them till they claimed to be ready to start.

I caught sight of Ren at the corner of the room, giving me a smile and mouthing something right before the cameras were to start filming. I assume he must have been trying to say something to cheer me on but I didn't understand. I was never good at reading lips.

Unconsciously I took a deep inhale once they said that we were on and the interviewer started talking, introducing me soon enough. I instinctively started acting as I remembered most of the celebrities on TV behaving, I gave a smile to the camera, claiming to be happy to be having the opportunity to meet the interviewer as if I knew him or anything. Nonetheless, he seemed pleased so I kept my act on, handling each question he made fairly good by my standards. I didn't stutter nor I think I did anything to portray nervousness and I even kept reminding myself to keep a proper posture and look classy. Something so opposite of what someone could call me if they were to see me on my couch alone at home.

The minutes still felt pressuring to me, however, I kept thinking that I was doing well but nothing could treasure me of that till this was over and because I wanted it to be done with the quicker the better, that is why apparently time was playing tricks on me and was slowing down painfully. No matter how slow though it could not stop entirely and I finally found myself exhaling a heavy breath just when they told me that we were done.

The relief I experienced at that moment could be hard to describe but for the first time on this day, I left a genuine smile appear on my lips as I  thanked the interviewer for his time and he thanked me for the cooperation.

"She must have woke up on her good side today." I heard him say as soon as he turned his back at me, making me question what he meant by that however I had no chance to address that statement of his which I found slightly rude, to be honest. Ren soon found his way to me and engulfed me in a hug making my thoughts direct somewhere else. Somewhere I had momentarily forgotten.

Tian was still in the bathroom and this man right here was someone who definitely could not get to know of that fact.

"You did great. Come now, you should get back to rest." He said before he left my hand grab mine and started pulling me with him towards the bedroom. A room that I would prefer to avoid but with all the reporters and cameras that were still around, I decided that it would be wiser to not open any conversations for the moment.

Once inside the room, I couldn't help but immediately throw my eyes towards the bathroom door, feeling anxious even though we no longer were in the eyes of any. I just hope they get away soon and he goes too so I could get Tian out of here as well.  I swear I will close myself in the closer after this. My introverted self needs her alone time!

"Your schedule is canceled for some days. I demanded it to be so but unfortunately, we couldn't cancel this interview. I am terribly sorry to have tired you while in this state." Ren stepped before me and started caressing my cheek, probably a habitual action for him but it was one that made me step back out of reflex as well.

I am not used to so much affection and touching especially coming from people I don't know, it's definitely highly uncomfortable for me. But I have nowhere to run because Zein is supposed to be comfortable with them and I am supposed to be her. This is really getting difficult for me.

"What's wrong? Are you still feeling bad?" He questioned, looking at me with worry that made me flash him a smile and shake my head denying it, out of reflex. I am not good with seeing others struggle emotionally, especially if it's because of me. Well in this case not entirely me, because my rejection would in no way harm his feelings or anyone's but Zein's surely could. Or so it seemed.

"Let's get you out of your makeup so you can be comfortable then you can stay in bed and rest as much as you want. I will take care of you." Ren stated right before taking hold of my hand and starting walking towards the bathroom. The thought only made me panic enough to take hold of his arm desperately and forcefully enough to make him halt his steps and look at me surprised.

I stared back at him for a moment, trying hard to think of something to say to justify my abrupt action and make him divert his course towards the bathroom however no words were coming out of me, and under the pressure of the seconds that I felt over me while being watched by him, I just acted, throwing myself on his neck and hugging him tightly.

I could tell that my action got him by surprise, by the way, I felt his body stiff under me but honestly, I was as surprised as him, despite the fact that he couldn't see it.

"I will take care of my makeup....on meanwhile..can you bring me something to drink, please." I softly spoke next to his ear, hoping that requesting something from him in this manner would secure me a positive response.

"Anything for you, my love." I heard his voice reply and I pulled away, satisfied that he was complying but my small smile vanished as he leaned and captured my lips unexpectedly.