The date

I ignored him and walked past with my bag, as I headed back to the living room. “It’s just someone I have a date with later this evening. And I think I’m allowed to smile with whoever I want.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt the shift in the air almost immediately. Behind me, Julian’s footsteps stopped.

“A date?” He asked, chuckling, like I said something funny. “Come on, that’s impossible.”

I turned around quickly, already offended at his tone.

“What are you insinuating Julian? That I’m incapable of going on a date with someone?” I demanded, closing the distance between us.

He straightened, his expression turning into something serious. “What? No. That’s not what I meant. I’m just surprised to hear you have a date with someone and I’m just hearing about it now.”

“Well that’s because Julian, not everything is about you, okay?” I shot back, not minding how my voice came off. “So maybe it’s time you stop acting like I need you to actually survive.”

There was a pause, but I noticed the way his jaw tightened, almost like what I said hit a spot. “Chill Noah. No need to get all worked up over this, I was just looking out for you, that’s all. Anyway, do you like this person?”

I laughed, the sound sharp and loud. “Seriously Julian? You really had to ask that?”

“What? It’s not a big deal.” He shrugged, slipping his hands into his pocket. “We ask each other such questions all the time. Or are you suddenly feeling shy because this is about you?”

“Of course not,” I cut in quickly. “I just don’t see why that matters in this context.”

“Why can’t you just answer it then? Its just a fucking question Noah.” He demanded again, taking a step closer. The space between us narrowed until I could see the faint crease between his brows.

“And why are you so interested in this anyway?” I shot back, holding my ground. “It’s just a date. It’s not like I’m running away or something.”

There was a bit of silence, before he smiled at me, while running a hand through his hair slowly. The smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You know what, you’re right. I shouldn’t be all up in your business. So I’m not gonna push further. Just forget I ever asked, okay? Have a good day at work.” He concluded, then walked out.

After the door slammed shut, I let out the air I didn’t know I was holding all along, my hands which had curled into fists now loosened. When I was sure I was steady enough, I grabbed my keys and headed out. Although he said he wasn’t gonna push further, I heard the shift in his voice, and for the first time, I wondered if he was actually jealous or if he was just being protective. And a part of me wanted to find out what exactly it was.

The thought followed me all the way to the office, sat with me through the elevator ride, and lingered while I nodded at colleagues and settled into my chair. My meeting went by in a blur, going over different building plans, architectural designs, answering questions and pointing out load-bearing concerns. Everything. And by the time I was done, I had barely an hour to go home, get changed and head out for the date.

I went straight into it, showered then changed into something more befitting. A few minutes later, Julian walked in, and since I wasn’t expecting him, I was a bit surprised to see him.

“I guess you’re really going huh? I thought you were just kidding?” He asked, as soon as his eyes landed on me.

“Yep I am. That’s the plan.” I answered, while adjusting my hair in the mirror.

“But you barely know the person. What if he’s weird, or even worse, dangerous. What if he does something—”

“Why does it bother you so much that I want something that doesn’t involve you, Julian?” I interrupted turning to look at him now.

The question landed heavier than I intended because he went still. “Okay firstly, that’s not fair Noah, and you know it. Secondly, I’m just looking out for you like I always do. Why are you suddenly getting defensive?”

“I’m not getting defensive. And no. You’re not looking out for me. You’re simply deciding what I’m allowed to do and calling it protection. Those are not the same thing.”

He goes silent, and for a moment, I thought I might have said something that would force him to finally confront the truth, but instead, he simply lifted his hands in the air.

“Fine. Since it bugs you so much that I actually care, I’m just gonna go. I hope you have a good time.” And just like that, he walks out. I should have felt relieved as soon as the door closed, instead, I found myself wondering whether he would actually come back. Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with a text from him.

“Call me when you get home.”

I typed a reply, then deleted it, before eventually putting my phone away. I have a date to attend too, and for once, I wanted to see what happens when I don’t answer Julian immediately. When I got to the restaurant, Eli was already there, seated. He stood up the moment he saw me, that same smile from his profile pictures somehow became even brighter in person.

“Noah, it’s good to finally meet you.” He said, smiling brightly, while pulling out the chair.

“Hi Eli. It’s good to meet you too. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long?” I asked politely, taking my seat, while he took my coat off my shoulders before hanging them behind my seat.

“Oh not at all. I only just got here myself.” He added, taking his seat as he stared at me for a while.

“Do I have something on my face?” I asked, in a teasing manner, eyes flickering to him before landing back on the menu in front of me.

He shook his head, grinning. “Not really. I guess I’m just finding it hard to believe you’re actually right in front of me, especially after turning me down countless times. Also coupled with that fact that you look even more handsome in person.”

I felt heat crept up my cheeks because it felt good getting complimented from someone other than your best friend.

“Thanks Eli. And about turning you down, that wasn’t intentional. Let’s just say I had an issue that I needed to sort out before accepting anything else.”

“And has it been sorted out yet?”

I hesitated for a while, as my mind briefly went to Julian. I almost said no, because I wasn’t even sure if whatever we had going on was sorted out already, but I knew that if I wanted to forget about him, I needed to let someone else into my life, and that can only happen if I put myself out there.

“Yeah. It’s been sorted.” I finally answered, nodding.

Eli reached for my hand across the table, gently squeezing. “You deserve to be happy Noah, and I really hope you’ll give me the chance to be that person who makes you happy.”

I didn’t give an answer, I simply smiled, before we proceeded to placing our order. As we ate, we started talking, basically getting to know each other better. I learnt he’s the CEO of a tech startup company, who also happens to be emotionally intelligent, a sucker for love and big romantic. He was also an avid listener, always interested in getting to know what’s going on with me, and he somehow always made me laugh so much that I felt so free with him. Almost like we’ve known each other for years.

Halfway through the meal, my eyes caught a figure at the other side of the restaurant, one that I instantly recognized. I waved it off, tagging it as a coincidence, that there was no way Julian would actually be here. So I ignored it and focused my attention back on the incredible man sitting in front of me.

A couple of minutes later, he started approaching me, and that’s when I saw it unmistakably without a doubt that it was Julian. I froze, my hands hovering in the air as he stopped in front of me.

“Hi Noah. Fancy seeing you here.”