Twenty

Gabby’s POV

“Gabbriel! What’s happening to you? Gino said you haven’t been home for a week! And why haven’t you been going to work? Do you want to get fired?!”

I winced and pulled the phone away from my ear. The moment I answered, Kesha’s voice practically pierced through the speaker.

Ugh. Seriously? So early in the morning, and this is what I wake up to? I’d barely opened my eyes and already I was being scolded like a teenager. Perfect.

Well… to be fair, she wasn’t wrong.

I, Gabbriel Lane Tolentino, hadn’t been home in an entire week. My poor brother, Gino, was probably living off instant noodles by now. I hadn’t gone to work once either—and honestly, the thought of facing my boss right now made me want to crawl back under the covers.

So where am I?

In my condo. The one my father gave me that I haven’t touched and lived in. This is the only place no one knew where to find me.

“Hello? Are you still there?!” Kesha’s voice snapped through the line again, sharp and impatient.

“Well...” I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling a little guilty. Honestly, I didn’t even know what to say.

“That’s not an answer. What’s wrong? Where are you, Gabbriel Lane?!” Oh, great. She used my full name. That means she’s really mad now. Typical Kesha—short-tempered as always.

“Okay, fine, Kesha. Can you please stop yelling? I’m fine. Still alive. Still beautiful. As for where I am… well, I can’t tell you that yet. Gino knows, but I already told him not to tell anyone, so you won’t get anything from him. And about work…” I paused. Oh, right. Work. I don’t even want to think about it. Especially not about seeing Reigan. If I go to the office, he’ll probably summon me and start talking, and I just—ugh. I can’t handle that. I really can’t.

“Just tell them I’m excused for now. Say I’m sick. A contagious disease. The kind that could end life!” I chuckled, but it came out dry and bitter.

I couldn’t help it.

For the whole week I’ve been staying in this condo, I’ve done nothing but watch TV and cry.

Yes—cry.

I don’t even know why I’m like this. I feel worse than someone heartbroken.

But what can I do?

Even if I don’t want to…

I only fell in love. That’s all.

There was sniffing sounds on the other end of the call.

“Wait—Kesha? Are you crying? Hey! I was just kidding! I don’t have some deadly illness! Hey! Stop crying already! Why are you even crying?”

I could hear her sniffling on the other end, her sobs growing louder. She was crying—really crying. What’s wrong with this woman now? Don’t tell me she actually believed I was dying?

“It’s not that, stupid!” she said between sobs. “I’m crying because you’re like this—and I don’t even know why. I feel so useless, doesn’t even deserve to be called a friend. But I’m not going to force you to tell me what’s going on, okay? Just… if you ever feel like you can’t hold on anymore, I’m always here for you.”

Damn it. Now I’m about to cry!

Kesha, seriously! I was barely crying these past few days, and now here you are with your emotional lines, making me tear up again. And now I feel guilty too. She ended up thinking she’s a worthless friend just because I didn’t tell her anything.

But what can I do?

My problem is too confidential. I can’t tell anyone.

Kesha has been my best friend since college. She’s not just anyone—she’s the one person I can always count on.

But… should I tell her? Argh. I need to lighten the weight in my chest. I’ll tell her.

“Kesha… okay. I’m here at my condo in The Fort. You can come visit me. I’ll tell you everything.” That’s all I said before hanging up.

It is what it is.

**

“What?!”

I covered my ear. After telling her everything, she screamed so loud I swear the whole building heard it.

“Ssssh! Don’t shout!” I hissed. Her voice could probably reach the next unit.

“How can I not? That Bora Guy you told me about—he’s the hot boss we have now?! I thought he was just a bartender?”

“I thought so too,” I muttered, lowering my gaze.

“Oh my God! So your heart’s in pieces now? That’s why your eyes are swollen and you’ve been hiding for a week?”

I couldn’t even argue. She was right.

My chest tightened, and I let out a shaky breath. “Yeah… It’s in pieces.”

Would you like me to continue this part next — where Kesha comforts her and helps her face what happened — still in the same tone and preference?

I nodded slowly.

“So what’s so heartbreaking about that?”

I shot her a glare.

“You don’t get it. I love him. I really hate it—but I love him. And him… he doesn’t feel anything for me.”

“How do you know that?”

“He said so…” I paused, frowning.

“Really? What did he say exactly?”

“He said… he doesn’t know.” I shrugged.

Thud!

“Ow! Why’d you hit me?!” I rubbed the spot on my head. Seriously, she actually smacked me!

“You know what… you’re so stupid sometimes. There’s a big difference between not feeling anything and not knowing.”

“What the? And what difference does it make? It hurts either way!” I yelled back. What, did she come here just to argue with me? Maybe we should just throw punches and get it over with.

“Ugh! You’re driving me crazy! Fine, whatever! I won’t say anything anymore. But Gab, don’t let him ruin your life, okay? It’s affecting your work. And your brother.  My poor Gino. He’s got some girl with him in your house.” She started crying again—of course. She’s completely obsessed with my brother.

“What girl?” I frowned. Who would Gino bring home? Though honestly, he’s handsome enough—it’s impossible he doesn’t have girls lining up for him. Still, why at the house?

“I don’t know! I’ll have that girl cursed if I have to. Gino’s mine, only mine! I’m leaving!” She huffed dramatically, heading toward the door.

“And Gab?”

I raised a brow at her, silently asking what now.

“Get back to work.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Her face was so serious—it didn’t suit her at all. She pouted, rolled her eyes, and left my condo with a little stomp.

Damn. Crazy friend. She came all the way here, but she didn’t really helped. Not that there’s helping to what I’m going through.

When Kesha finally left, I lay down flat on the floor. Should I go back to work tomorrow? Maybe. I think I can face him again.

But… is not knowing really that far from not feeling anything?

Can I still hope for something? Or will I just end up getting hurt again… when his not knowing turns into nothing at all?

“Ahhhhh! Damn it!” I groaned, rolling back and forth on the floor.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Who could that be now? Kesha again? Ugh, that woman! Didn’t she just say she was leaving? So dramatic!

I stood up and walked to the door. Then I opened it.

Yes. I opened the door.

And…

I saw a demigod.

A sweating demigod—like he’d just been chased by ten horses. He was panting heavily, strands of his hair sticking to his forehead.

Why… why is he here?

“R-Rei…” I whispered his name.

He smiled—and I swear, I almost melted right there.

“Can I… ah… come in?” he asked, still catching his breath.