Episode 7

"Have you not yet made the necessary preparations to head back to your house?" Shane started. 

Even more than that, she proceeded to my table in order to take a look at the chips that I was currently munching on. Whenever it comes to chips, this woman's hearing is truly rather extraordinary and powerful. She was nevertheless able to hear the uncontrolled but low volume sound of chips being placed on my mouth, despite the fact that I was actually eating in secret.

My wristwatch showed that it was just five o'clock in the afternoon when I looked at it. At that very time, I scowled in response to Shane's query that she had asked me earlier. Because of the possibility that my employees may form an inaccurate opinion of me as their boss, we are unable to leave in such a short amount of time. I do not want them to find out that I am too lazy and do not take responsibility for my own workloads. This is the last thing I want them to learn.

After that, I started to think about the job that I have.

If there is anything that I haven't completed today, I don't know what it is. While I was in the café, I had already met the organizer earlier, just outside the building that houses our place of employment. At the same time, I organized the schedule for my display.

To return to Shane's inquiry, the time that we are allowed to leave work is 6:30 o'clock in the evening. If she already knows that I will never leave our building with the exception of when it is not after our departure hour, then what more is she asking if she already knows that I will never leave the office? In addition to this, she is aware of everything that I am doing in this place because the three of us share the larger office that is located within the facility.

Honestly, what exactly is the matter with her?

“What's up, Shane?” I began by using a tone that was playful. "What exactly do you mean? Already, are you going to send me back home?” I winked at her and said, "well, if that is what you demand of me, I won't refuse anything."

Not only that, but I was too quick to add, "but you have to make sure that everything is going to be fine tomorrow because if it isn't, I might have to fire you."

All she did was laugh at my statements, which were not very honest.

After that, she crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at the same time. Evidently, she is sending me the same boss vibes that she has always had, ever since the first time we were acquainted.

We met because she is Jill’s college classmate. As per Jill, she is the best in her class that is why I never hesitated to have her in our team. Because truth be told, she is really great with her work. She is excellent with Microsoft Excel. She can finish a result with her MS Excel simulations and her formulas are towering. It was overwhelming.

“Is it not going to happen that you end up meeting the guy you met on the dating app?” She asked again. I was completely unprepared to hear the question that she posed at this particular moment in time.

My eyebrows came very close to meeting at that moment. My jaw dropped to the ground, but I am so surprised that I am unable to recover as quickly as I should. Thank goodness. When I was asked that question, I was completely taken aback, and at this very moment, all I can do is stare and blink at the same darn time.

“Did I hear you right, Shane?”

From the very beginning, however, I am quite enraged and intrigued about the manner in which she was able to learn about that particular topic. It is quite evident to me that I did not even mention to her that I had actually used that dating app prior to our conversation. Never in my life would I ever do it. It is quite unlikely that I would be the one to reveal this information to anyone, given the pride I have in myself.

At this point, I am seriously considering who may potentially be the person to reveal it and disseminate it as if it were a matter of national concern. When my eyes rested on the woman who was sitting quietly next to Shane, I immediately stopped what I was doing. There are only three of us in this office, so who could it be?

Jill was sitting in the swivel chair that I was sitting in when I suddenly stood up and gave her a stern look at the table that she was sitting at. Given how sharp it was, I am certain that if I could just make it into a knife that is truly sharp, it would be enough to kill her in an instant.

As a result of what I did, I was able to observe her acting as though she was occupied with typing on her laptop. According to the way that her fingers were slamming into the keyboard, it was very clear that she is making a concerted effort to keep herself occupied. Not only that, but when I look at the screen of her laptop, I notice that she is not even typing anything on it!

During that particular moment, I gave her a look because I was certain that she was the one who had told Shane about it. For some reason, she is unable to even look back at me. At this very moment, she is simply taking her look away from me as if the repercussions of it are truly too much for her to bear.

This woman's openness to conversation is quite fascinating!

Jill is aware of the fact that I do not enjoy being talkative in any way. This is the reason why she is feeling so intimidated by me at the moment. The nasty case of such a habit is something that she always has. But of course, I was unable to do anything about it since, after all, she is my friend, and that also means that I have to accept all of her shortcomings, even if it is already quite daunting to me.

After coming to that revelation, I was unable to react in any way other than to let out a loud sigh. Just after that, I went back to sitting down. A greater quantity of chips would have been consumed by me in order to divert my focus away from my pathetic companion. Surprisingly, however, it is no longer sitting on my table. My chips are currently being held by Shane, and it seems as though they have already been transferred to her possession. Like I do not have the legal authority to retrieve them from her at this time.

Well done, Shane. Excellent in every way!

I am currently pondering whether or not I actually appreciate being in this circle at this moment, or whether or not I am merely forcing myself to take pleasure in their presence. Every single one of them is a nuisance, and the thing is, they are quite good at it without even making an effort.

I uttered in a chilly tone, "I'm not going." 

They are putting the finishing touches on their thoughts regarding my date tonight with that random person I met on that dumb dating mobile application.

"What's up? If so, why?" The phrases that Jill used, in conjunction with her most impassioned response, are as follows. Without delay, she made her way to my table and sat down on the chair that was located in front of my table. Just a few minutes ago, she was acting as if I was not annoyed by her. She is actually acting like I am.

"To begin, if I may ask, did I agree?" I said while shrugging my shoulders. I included a raised eyebrow in order to ensure that they would never have the opportunity to dispute the decision that I have made for tonight overall. "You were the only person who concurred with the statement and credited Gunner with the response. Consequently, you ought to be the one to meet with that individual. You are the one who ought to depart at this moment since you are going to be late for your date with him.”

"That Gunner appears to be normal. Incredibly, he is very attractive through his chats. Additionally, and this is of the utmost importance, you are already having a conversation with him... Am I correct in saying that you also have a certain liking for his personality?” she responded to my question as if she had never heard what I had just said. In addition to this, it seems as though she is not welcoming with the suggestions that I have just made to her.

What's going on here? I grimaced. "I just wanted to let you know that we had a conversation last night. To reiterate, that was only the night before. Following that, I slept off, and it was the reason why I was never able to have a productive talk with him again.”

When I speak, it feels like I'm singing the lyrics of a rap song in my mouth. I solemnly swear that if it is solely written by hand, it will be done in a cursive style without a period! To God, I solemnly swear, the way I am speaking right now? Nicki Minaj will be extremely terrified by the fact that she is now required to announce her retirement from the rap industry. This is because I have the potential to take her crown away from her in the blink of an eye.

I proceeded while crossing my arms across my chest. While my eyebrows continue to raise in annoyance, the answer is yes. In light of the fact that we do not even have a better idea of the kind of man he truly is, how can she possibly argue that he is fine?

“Hey, Hays!” With a tone of dissatisfaction in her voice, Jill let out a sigh. "I am truly sorry, Cassie. Oh, I have no idea."

On this occasion, she is once again playing the role of a victim, as if I am to be blamed for the fact that I snapped at her. This aspect of her is particularly unappealing to me. She is the kind of person who is the one who did the shit, but she is also the kind of person who will showcase her misery as if it will turn the tables in a way that will benefit her the most.

Three times, Shane tsk-ed the room. “What exactly is the matter with you, Jill? To what extent will your apology alter the way you respond to that man? There is a possibility that he will be present at the location where he is scheduled to meet you. Waiting for you with patience, as if he will never believe that you will be able to stand him up. Have some conscience!”

Jill and Shane exchanged a glance with one another. Look at these two. These people are quite naive. A short time ago, they were allies. Now, it became clear that they were each other's most formidable adversary.

I rolled my eyes as far as they could go.

"It doesn't matter; I'm going to leave early. Because, sincerely, why?” It was with reluctance that I admitted, "I'm really exhausted, and I deserved to rest."

Contrary to what I stated earlier, I have made the decision to simply take a sabbatical for the time being. I just had the thought that in order to maintain our own mental health, we occasionally require a break. That there are moments when it is not a sin to prioritize your mental and physical health over everything else, because our well-being as vulnerable human beings is the topic that is being discussed here. In comparison to anything else, it ought to be treasured the most.

As I placed my items on the table and retrieved my bag, the two stopped twitching like they had been doing before. At the moment when I was going to leave our workplace, I suddenly recalled something.

"Oh." After removing the key from my bag, I hurled it at Jill, who promptly caught it. 

"I need you to wash my car. I am unable to tolerate the odor any longer caused by your mess last night," I stated. After that, I made my exit from the office a reality.

I did not waste any time and promptly called a taxi because the location of our building was adjacent to the main road. My mobile device vibrated as I was stuck in the middle of traffic. Immediately after taking it, I checked to see whether anyone had sent me a text message. As it turned out, my suspicions were correct. I received a message from the dating app.

Gunner: Greetings, gorgeous! I'm just curious as to whether or not CY is your true name. Is it true that you are just starting out with this dating app?

My initial glance was directed toward the driver through the mirror. Following that, I began typing.

CY: I'm sorry, but that's just my initial thinking when this app requires a name. Can you suggest a name for me? Like a screen name? Despite the fact that I am just starting out,  a buddy of mine has already instructed me to avoid using my true name on this platform.

It's a fact... As someone who is very experienced with this dating app, Jill gave me the advice that I should never, ever reveal my true name to anyone on this  dating app. She has just informed me that it is solely for my own protection and privacy.

After I had sent it, I typed it once more.

CY: By the way, Gunner. I hope you won't be upset with me, but I'm going to cancel our scheduled meeting for tonight. Is that okay with you?

After a little under a minute had passed, he promptly responded.

Gunner: How come? Did you come to a different conclusion? Did you regret that we agreed to be matched?

CY: No, no. I'm sorry, but that's not how it works. I meant to say that it is probably too early for that level at this point. Do you know? Specifically, what I mean is that I believe it is too soon to take our connection to the next level, given that I only had a conversation with you for a short period of time.

Gunner: Wait, what do you mean by that? Do you want us to get to know each other more before we meet?

CY: Do you agree with me? Isn't that the appropriate course of action to take?

Gunner: Oh, I see. Okay. I won't try to coerce you.

I took a sigh.

CY: I am really sorry, Gunner. But I do hope you understand where I am going. 

Gunner: Yes, CY. I totally understand you, don’t worry. 

CY: Thank you. But, may I know about our supposed date tonight? Did you already reserve a restaurant, I am willing to pay half of it just to make it up to you. 

Gunner: Apparently, yes. But no need to worry, I can manage that for myself. I just wish that we can make that happen, because I am the kind of a man who is really frustrated whenever my schedule is being cancelled. I am the kind who takes so much effort finding the best restaurant for my date, I take it too much to heart that I will stay up all night in order to choose the best.

My lip was clenched so tightly that I was able to read Gunner's lengthy response. I have no idea whether or not I will be found guilty. Already, however, it appears to be the case.

Once more, I typed.

CY: Oh my goodness, I am so sorry :(

What he said may or may not make me feel bad, but I'm not sure. The vehicle came to a stop on the shoulder of the road. I did not become aware of the fact that we had arrived at the entrance of the condominium residence until that moment. Immediately after handing the taxi driver the pay, I exited the vehicle and walked out of the vehicle.

The moment I stepped inside the elevator, I took another look at the new message that Gunner had sent to me.

Gunner: No worries, gorgeous. I am willing to wait for you. The right time will come. Would you mind if I asked for your phone number, instead?

Instantaneously, I typed up my phone number and forwarded it to him without any hesitation.

As soon as I walked into my condo unit, my phone began to ring out of nowhere. I checked the caller ID, and his number was not registered, which indicates that Gunner was the one responsible for the call. Not a single person, not even Jill or my father, is aware of my phone number.

I am at a loss to explain why I became abruptly anxious. Perhaps it's because I'm not used to it the way it is? But before I can even process my thoughts, I jolted in shock when my phone rang. Someone is calling. It is an unknown number.

Just before I answered the phone, I let out a sneeze. The reason I did not speak first was because I was waiting for the person on the other end of the line to complete their sentence.

It must be him. Gunner. 

Using his baritone accent, he greeted me with, "Hello, gorgeous."

Holy cow!

The moment I heard his voice, I was abruptly overcome with thirst. I have no idea why this is the case. A compelling quality of his baritone voice is the clarity and smoothness of his delivery. However, even just his voice is appealing in and of itself. What's more, if I get to meet him in person and I get to hear for myself what he has to say?

Stop being such a mischievous child, Cassandra! I said to myself mentally.

After taking a deep breath, I proceeded to speak.

"Hello, how are you?"

His faint chuckle was audible to me. A reason for my curiosity to be piqued.

“Why is that? Is there something wrong with the way I speak?” When I asked the question, I scowled.

"No, there is absolutely no issue, at all. I'm just happy because your voice is also gorgeous," he informed me. "I'm just saying that."

I have no idea how I will react to this. But the way he expresses himself is very exciting.

“Stop fooling me,” I told him while I am running my thumb on my lips. I can’t help but to smile when I heard his soft chuckles once more. 

“I am not fooling you baby–” he said that made me widen my eyes, “I am so sorry,” he chuckled again and it was so boyish, “I mean, CY.”

With this demeanor that he just showed me through our call. The kind of excitement that he brought to my system. And the longing to meet him started to crawl on my mind like a persistent idea. 

I let my mouth voice out what I have in mind. 

I said, "I think I changed my mind."

There was a long moment of silence between the two of us.

“What do you mean?” He finally said. 

"When people waste their time on me for no reason, it is one of the things that I despise the most. Then... Could you kindly send me the address of the restaurant where we are going to meet next? I'll merely make an effort to make amends for it."

“Is this a significant threat?” I was able to hear him, and in my thoughts, I was able to picture him smiling.

"Mr. Gunner, I am not messing around. Please, there must be a large number of people in order for me to not have any reason to assume that you are a murderer or something like that.”

While I was on the other line, I heard him laughing. "Alright, that will do, gorgeous."

He ended the call and right away, I received a message from him where the address of the restaurant is situated.