Billionaire's Last Kiss

Chapter Eight

Khione’s POV:

[Past: College Years]

Have you ever felt too tired but you have your comfort zone in your every journey? You have your peace beside you that is always there to fight with you? God knows how much I am thankful to have Kendy in my life. He is my savior in my every downfall. He is my peace in this tiring world. He is my everything… My best friend is more than enough and I will never ask for more.

He woke me up when we got to our favorite place. It's Arizona and Chan’s farm. Our families are that close to have joint property. This place has been our comfort place since we were young. I think if I calculated it correctly, this is two hours away from the city, excluding the traffic. 

Adulting is difficult. The reality of life becomes clearer to me that our life is starting soon and the responsibilities are scattered everywhere. We have to be well-developed as soon as possible because soon enough, the name of our families is in our hands. It’s like a crown that in one single mistake, it might fall out of our head and we don’t want that. We must build ourselves stronger to carry the sake of our companies. It’s nice to grow up with a golden spoon inside your mouth but ours is not just gold but diamond and living in this life is difficult… 

Responsibilities and commitments suck! I love my life but I hate it at the same time. The expectations are all over! It’s just like, you should not make any mistakes because your ancestors did well… F*ck that. Living in the spotlight and this socialite did nothing but to give me pressures and frustrations! D*mn it.

“Sometimes I just want to live in a simple life.” I said.

“Really? Can you stand living a life without Loubouttin, Prada, Chanel--” I cut him off.

“Of course, I can.” I grinned. “Because I still want you to be my best friend who will spoil me with everything I want.” I chuckled.

We filled the midnight breeze with our laughter. It’s so comforting. This simple action of Ken removed my stress.

“Khione…” 

“Hmm?” I looked up to him.

His side profile is so mesmerizing. I wonder why Herschelle did that to my best friend? He’s so good to be true! I envy her. D*mn.

“I bumped with Herschelle yesterday… and you know what?” He grinned. “I didn’t feel anything.”

“And?” I asked, waiting for the continuation but it sounds like I don’t care! Geez. “I mean, what happened next?” 

“Won’t you congratulate me? I didn’t feel hollow, only happiness!”

“Well then, congratulations! You just surpassed the moving on stage though you’ve been dating so many girls since you two broke up.” I rolled my eyes.

He laughed.

I don’t know if the cause of their break up is possible. Is it really possible to just let go the one you love because you cannot feel and see her as your wife in the future? Except the part that Herschelle cheated on him, but Kendy’s reason? I don’t know... Geez! Maybe my best friend isn’t normal… or maybe it was me who isn’t?

We drove off to home after a couple of hours stay at the farm. It’s dawn already. We just talked about our college life, days, families, and such while we’re on our way. We tried our best to avoid talking about our companies because it will stress us both. Well, kidding aside. I know that he used to it already and I know he’s enjoying the management  but he was just avoiding it because he knows that I am new to this field.

“I missed Riva.” I said. “She gets even prettier, maybe it's the influence of her girlfriend.”

He nodded.

“I’m proud of them. They faced the reality of life by showing to the world the one they love.” He said with a smile on his face. “Just like what Tanner and Roy have.” He shrugged his head and I immediately agreed.

When will I have the courage to tell the world about you?

I am so happy for my friends. They are slowly revealing to the world their gender identity. There’s nothing wrong about it. The only thing that I’ve been waiting for so long is, when will people learn to accept them without prejudices? They are humans who live in this world with diverse sexuality. We should not question them about their gender instead, we must ask them about how happy they are to discover that to themselves.

Don’t be the reason for someone's doubt about themselves, be the reason for someone's smooth journey and acceptance about their identity.

Just like what we did… 

I and my friends are waiting outside Irene’s room. Finally, after  years of dreaming about transforming himself into she, she finally got to achieve her dream. She was Isaac before but she’s now Irene. She’s now a trans-woman! And I love her transformation. What a goddess, d*mn.

Seeing my friends who slowly achieve their dreams inspire me to be one. I’ve been thinking about when I will achieve it? But before that, what’s my dream first? Can I just think about  dreaming without knowing it? 

***

“Haven’t you developed any feelings for Cloud, ha, Iris?” Blake asked. He went to  our university to watch Kendy’s game but he got the chance to asked me that dumb question! Blake, Riva, and Irene are our friends who study in different school.

“Are you stupid?” I fired back. But my system is fighting. Thankfully, Kendy isn’t around to determine if I am lying!

“Chill! I was just kidding! Unless…” He smirked! “You have a crush on him.”

“You’re a dumb-dead, Blake! Stop it. I acted irritated to suppress the burning feeling inside me. This is not healthy!

“Cloud is a one hell good catch. Why not date him?” Sunshine teased. I laughed but rolled my eyes jokingly.

“Stop this nonsense. We’re sibling-like!” 

We just sat there peacefully and watched Kendy throw three point shots. He’s a one hell good catch! Sunshine is right but I'm in denial! It’s so good to see him on his white and blue jersey and his sweat is all over his body. He’s the school MVP but ain’t the team captain. Well, he doesn’t want another responsibility even though he’s passionate in everything he does and loves.

Our university won. But my annoying best friend hugged me after the game! His sweat is on my skin and clothes now! I hate it!

“I HATE YOU!” I pulled his hair like a kiddie using my two hands because of annoyance!

“Oh my God!’ I heard the crowd gasped but I just rolled my eyes to them. Kendy just laughed because of what I did because he succeeded in annoying me!

After the match we ate outside and caught up with one another’s life. I preferred to just listen with their stories and feelings toward their upcoming graduation! I envy them but at the same time proud. I know that they’ve been through a lot but they just hid it through their laughters and smiles. 

“Thank you.” I said to Kendy after he cut my steak. 

“Wine or vodka?” 

“Red wine, please.” Because I want to feel relaxed.

After the night we separate ways. I finished my plates and reviewed for the upcoming exams. Even it’s scheduled next month. I just want to review ahead so the information will not clog in my mind. Too much information will not help me to remember them.

***

My days and weeks had passed smoothly but kind of stressful. I spent most of my free times studying or doing my plates. I even had the time to hang out with Kendy, I’m always with Vanessa. 

“I get used to your presence.” I commented.

Vans laughed.

“And I am not used to being with you. It feels so strange that you are away from Cloud. You two are like magnets!”

“Yeah, I didn’t know that I’ll miss his presence.” I kid, but honestly, I miss Kendy!

After minutes, I received a message from him.

Kendy the Emperor: Where are you?

My response: Library

After seconds he replied.

Kendy the Emperor: Get out for a minute I have something to give you

I got shocked when I saw him outside the library and he’s holding a tub of ice cream! Oh my gosh! Our favorite flavor! Almond coffee!

“It's sad to eat this alone. I know that you can spare a minute for me, right?” He made a puppy eyes that made me laugh.

I looked back to the library and saw Van’s smirk at me. Well, that’s already a permission.

We sat to the nearest bleacher and ate the ice cream. He just talks and talks about what happened in his life. I just listened. He knows that when I’m concentrating with my studies I don’t want any disturbance and that’s what he did for the past weeks! Loyal and obedient dog… Kidding!

My focus was interrupted when I saw couples passing by which made me pity myself! Oh my gosh! I’m pretty, rich, and smart but why have I never had a boyfriend or suitor? I started to reflect on myself. Am I ugly in their eyes? Am I intimidating?!

“Hey!” I caught his attention.

“Hmm? Do you want anything?”

“Uh-yeah.” I smiled cutely. He looked at me with a curious expression. “I want you to set me on a blind date.” 

He almost choked with what I said.

“D*mn!” He cursed because he’s losing his breath! 

“Are you out of your mind Khione?!”  He laughed so hard when he recovered! It’s insulting!

“I’m not! Set me up on a blind date! I want to experience dating men! I don’t want to spend my college without lovelife!” I insisted. Because I think it's lonely without a boyfriend! Of course, I didn’t add that.

“You’re insane! I won’t do that!” He insisted too.

“What are you fighting about?” Tim popped out from nowhere. He even grabbed my spoon and scooped himself an ice cream. Gross! 

“Can you set me up on a date, ha, Tim?” I focused my attention on the newcomer. “Or, can you recommend me someone that I can date, hmm?”

“Me! I volunteer myself!” He even raised his hand! D*mn! I pushed him because of my annoyance. He and his best friend laughed so hard! 

“See? You’re so short-tempered. How can I set you up then?” 

“Okay! I won’t do any bad shits. I will behave. Just set me on three or five dates, if they all failed, we’ll stop! I promise!”

“You’re such a stubborn bull, Khione. I know you will not succeed.”

“Ken, please? I thought you’ll do everything?” I pouted.

Tim laughed. “I told you, I’m willing to date you!”

“Tim is available-”

“No, Kendy! I can date everyone in your social life but not Tim or anyone in our friends!”

They laughed and I crossed my arms while acting cute.

“Who are you eyeing?”

My eyes beamed in glee and I immediately thought about the men in his circle. A man that is rich, handsome, and smart! 

“Well, your captain ball, he’s just talented and smart. Your cousin, Ceddy can do, too--”

“Not my cousins, Khione. They prefer someone prim, proper, and behave. You’re annoying.” He said that on my face!

“Oh my gosh! You’re so annoying!” I rolled my eyes and he just laughed.

“Kidding… Okay, I will find your type and a good man for you to date.” Kendy said, granting me my wishes.

“Last question, don't you really want to date me?” Tim asked again, but just wanted to annoy me. “No, thanks! After you rejected me? No way, my ass!”

But… my dates went unwell and disastrous. I may be successful in life but in love life, I’m no good. I have money, brain, beauty, but I’m missing love or else, man! My five dates failed and Kendy was so shy because of the mess I did… Though, I don’t care! They don’t deserve me! I’m a Chan and I will never settle for less! They all didn’t pass and I thought, finding a partner was easy but my whole life is a lie!

“You told me that you’ll behave but your five dates have all failed!”

“You cannot blame me! They didn’t reach my standard. I'm Chan… Chan's princess. Hello, I know my worth, Kendy!” 

“I don’t know how I will  face friends, Khione. You are freaking brutally honest.” He shook his head, losing his temper.

“I think you have to seminar them first.” I said which made him glare at me.

“Why did they all fail, ha? As in? No one passed your standard?”

“Yeah! The first one was so obviously cool! The captain ball. I don’t like his vibe! The second one, the law student, was so formal! Do you really think that I can stand him?! He’ll just give me anxiety and stress.” I rolled my eyes. “The third one talked too much about his wealth and company! Do you think it’s appropriate to talk about work on a date?! I hate him so much. The fourth one seems so busy! He’s all okay with the way he talks, dress, and his chosen topics but I hate the phone calls he receives! What a freaking busy man!” I reasoned out. 

Kendy just shook his head.

“How about the last one?” 

I bit my tongue and played with my fingers.

“He wore a bracelet instead of a watch.” I looked away after I said that. His jaw dropped. 

“Oh my...good Lord.” He uttered. “You got petty reasons. That’s enough.” He heaved a deep breath. 

“It seems like you’ll never have a boyfriend…” He said. 

“And you'll be stuck with me forever.” He added and let himself fall on my bed, surrendering to find me a match.