The Midnight Lover

Chapter 5: Who is he?

Selina's POV

I left the house and went to the pre-arranged location with Bella. The travel time of about fifteen minutes has helped me gradually calm down.

We met at a pet cafe, where customers enjoyed coffee while cuddling with cute kittens. This place is always my favorite choice whenever I feel bored, lonely or lost. As soon as I walked in the door I saw Bella waving to me. She's sitting in a secluded corner of the cafe, where a wooden fence separates it from the rest of the space. It is a suitable place to confide in private matters without worrying about privacy.

I walked over to her, Bella was looking at me with a worried look, maybe she was still scared by my crying during the call. I sat down next to my best friend, and immediately a beautiful orange-furred cat wrapped around my legs. The soft, cotton-like feeling made me ecstatic. I lowered my head and hugged the lovely cat to my chest, my hand gently stroking the soft fur.

The waiter came to take our order. I ordered a latte with milk and a small caramel cake. The truth is that I haven't had breakfast yet, but I don't feel hungry at all. But I think a little sweets will make my mood better.

"Selina, it's been a while since we went out together, ever since the party that night, it seems like you're busy with something."

I nodded at her speculation. Before I met Yami, most of my free time was spent hanging out with friends. I hate being alone in my own house. Bella will fill my free time with parties, shopping or outdoor camping with other friends. We are almost attached to each other anytime and anywhere, like a picture with a shadow. But after Bella's last visit, I realized that I had neglected my best friend for too long.

"Did you have a boyfriend, Selina?"

Bella asked me in a straightforward tone, with almost no doubt in her voice. Maybe I should say that Bella knew me too well for me to lie to her. I just hesitated whether I wanted to tell my story or not?

I need someone to talk to, before the weight of my heart can kill me. Maybe I don't need to tell the whole truth, but I need some advice from my best friend.

"I'm in love with a guy, Bella. But he's not my boyfriend."

I can't even define my relationship with Yami. Lover? Secret lover? Or an extramarital relationship that can't be exposed in the light?

"Oh. I see. Does that mean you're after him or something? Was he the reason you were upset this morning?"

As always, Bella is always a smart girl, especially in love. I've seen her in a lot of relationships before, and she always seems to keep her sanity. How did she do that?

I shook my head.

"I'm not after him, I'm content with the current state of the relationship."

Bella frowned at my answer, as if she didn't quite believe it.

"Then why are you crying, Selina? I'll kill him if he dares to hurt my best friend!"

I really saw the fire of anger in her eyes. I know that Bella is not a gentle girl. She might even fight my bullies if they overdo it. I'm always grateful to her for protecting me like a hero, that's also why I can't lie to my best friend. I know she just wanted to get the hang of it to make sure I didn't get hurt by anyone.

"It's okay, Bella. Sometimes we get hurt by the inevitable. I wish I was as brave as you. But I can't, I can't give up on him. When I accept If I accept that, then it means that I will be hurt by my own choice without being able to blame anyone."

Bella sighed, she still didn't seem satisfied with that. But she's probably used to me always choosing to compromise on bad luck.

"So who is he? Do I know him?"

She asked again. This time, I continued to shake my head. Bella frowned.

"Can I see him once? And why are you saying you can't give up on him when you don't want to pursue him either? This is contradictory."

I kept quiet. I really don't know how to respond. About our relationship, about Yami having a family, or about my hopeless love. I know Bella as a trusted friend, we've known each other long enough to be sure of that. But am I ready to expose my pain?

Just then, my coffee arrived. I took a few seconds to savor its bittersweet sweetness, and Bella was still looking at me expectantly. Confused, I looked out the window, I could see the traffic rushing by, a lot of scenery passing by in a split second. Right next to it is a busy square, so it's extremely crowded. I stared at an unknown point, until a familiar figure caught my eye.

Is him! I'm sure it's Yami!

I jumped up from the chair, causing the cat lying on my lap to slide to the ground in panic. A few other guests were looking at me strangely, and Bella was surprised, but I didn't care. I rushed out of the cafe, I wanted to chase the familiar figure.

"Yami!"

I called after him, but no one stopped. I kept running, weaving my way through the crowd, running with all my might.

"Yami!"

I finally touched the other's shoulder blades. My actions clearly took the opponent by surprise. He slowly turned around, and I realized it was a completely unfamiliar face. I froze, the shame of recognizing the wrong person welling up inside of me. I must have spooked the stranger, who stared at me warily.

I bowed my head and sighed.

"I'm so sorry. I got the wrong person. Sorry to bother you!"

I went back to the old street, then I saw Bella standing in front of the cafe waiting for me. I smiled wryly at her.

"Does that person look like someone you love? Selina, tell me, who the hell is he? Rushing after a stranger just because of a familiar back, that's weird you know? It's like like you've never seen him on the street."

I shook my head. How could she know, I can really only see Yami at night and not anywhere, any other time? Not even by chance. I don't know anything about his real life at all. What a sad thing that is.