Chapter 5: Why not try me?

• Gaea •

I let Clyden inside my apartment, even though he still hadn’t calmed down. His fists were clenched tight, his entire face flushed with restrained anger.

I grabbed a glass of cold water from the fridge and handed it to him. He glanced at my hand first, then looked up at me with a deep frown.

“What am I supposed to do with that?”

I didn’t answer. Instead, I took both of his hands and placed the glass in them.

“I’m not thirsty, Gaea—”

I rolled my eyes and raised a brow. “Drink it so you can calm down,” I said, irritation slipping into my voice.

He looked at me like I was the one losing my mind. “I am calm.”

I sat beside him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders—tight, almost restraining. “Really? Then why does it feel like you’re about to explode? What did I do this time?”

Instead of removing my arm, he held onto it. My brows furrowed, and I was about to smack him when he suddenly turned and pressed his lips against mine.

“Do you like candies?”

I blinked, confused rather than angry. “What do you mean?”

His fingers brushed my cheek, trailing slowly down to my slightly parted lips. I slapped his hand away and shot him a glare.

“Babe, your lips taste so sweet… like candy.”

I shook my head and stood up, putting distance between us before things got out of hand. “You’re just taking advantage.”

He laughed softly and stood as well. I raised a brow when he stepped closer.

“And I won’t forget that you punched Russu.”

The smile on his lips vanished instantly at the mention of Russu. I only shrugged and walked toward the kitchen. Talking to him was making me hungry.

“What did you even see in that guy?”

So he followed me.

I ignored him, washed my hands at the sink, then moved to the fridge to grab something to eat.

Just as I was about to open it, he shut it.

I frowned and tried again.

He shut it again.

I bit my lip in annoyance and turned to him. “Stop it, Clyden.”

I pushed him away, but he caught my hand.

“What do you want? I’m hungry. Why are you stopping me?”

“Answer me first,” he said, his voice firm. “Why do you like him?”

I scratched my forehead, exasperated. Why was he even asking? Wasn’t it obvious I still hadn’t moved on from Russu?

“First of all, I don’t even know why I fell for him. That’s just how love works,” I said. “Second, are you going to insult me if I admit I’m still waiting for him to come back?”

I smirked when he didn’t answer. I pushed him away gently and turned my back on him.

I opened the fridge, grabbed some fresh milk and the pretzels I hadn’t finished earlier, then sat at the table.

“Aren’t you going home yet?” I asked. He was still behind me, like he’d frozen in place. “What’s your problem?”

He walked over and sat beside me. One arm rested behind my chair, the other on the table.

“Do you really think if you forgive him and get back together, he won’t cheat on you again?” he asked, one brow raised.

I couldn’t answer right away. Not because I didn’t know—but because I couldn’t meet his eyes. It felt like he could read everything I was thinking.

“Answer me, Ms. Montessori,” he pressed.

I swallowed and looked away. “Of course I don’t want to get hurt again… but I love him. So why not try one more time? Just once—”

My eyes widened when he suddenly captured my lips again. I tried to turn away, but he held my jaw firmly, forcing me to face him.

“If you’re going to try again,” he murmured, “why not try with someone new?”

I frowned and pushed his hand away, giving him a small smile. “Because it’s easier with someone I already know. I understand him. I know who he is.”

He shook his head and stood up.

“You know who he is, and you still want to go back? Just to get hurt again?” He placed his hand on top of my head. “You’re wasting your time on the wrong person. Try looking around… maybe the right one’s already near you.”

I raised a brow at him. He just shrugged and started walking toward the door.

I thought he was leaving, but he suddenly turned back and winked.

A smile tugged at my lips.

“What if I’m the one meant for you?” he said with a grin.

I burst out laughing, even clapping my hands in disbelief.

“You?” I pointed at him, laughing harder. “With all the women you’ve been with, you might not even realize you already have a kid somewhere.”

My heartbeat quickened when he suddenly strode back toward me.

I tried to stand, but he pressed me back into my seat, his gaze locking onto mine.

“This time, there’s only one person I want,” he said seriously.

I stayed silent, turning my face away from him.

“Do you know who that is, Ms. Montessori?”

When I didn’t answer, he leaned closer and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. Then I felt his breath near my ear, warm against my skin.

I tried to push him away, but he pinned me down harder, trapping me with his leg.

“Clyden…” I whispered, my body going rigid, my voice barely steady. “I can hear you—”

“You,” he murmured. “It’s you. I want you.”

His lips curled into a dangerous smile.

“You messed up my life… so take responsibility for me, Gaea Montessori.”

And just like that, he left.

I remained in the kitchen, trying to steady myself.

I’m scared of falling for him.

But my body—and my heart—are already leaning toward temptation.

It seems like my mind is the only thing still holding on.

And he’s not the only one whose world was shaken when we met.

I was too.

Because every time he’s near…

I forget how to breathe.