Lunch with Marco left Dominque in doubt. All his thoughts concerned Kaede, Marco was the infamous asshole who fooled around, but Dominque was the fool who contributed to the woman's heartbreak.

Not one instant did Dominque think when Marco made him the culprit of the breakup, having done Kaede and himself a favor. He just retained his friend still carried a basket full of high hopes. And Marco could allow it, as Dominque was the only person aware of how Marco behaved behind his relationship with Kaede.

Although Dominque had the possibility of selling Marco's side dish activities to Kaede, the man was not the type of guy to foe-play by discrediting a friend for his benefit. Not only was the act immoral, but the probability of becoming a collateral victim as the woman would reject him too was a risk Dominque didn't want to take.

Marco's attempt to hold every suitor back was ridiculous, but he wasn't wrong when he said Dominque of all men should not approach Kaede. For like Marco, he faulted for his words of encouragement, forcing the breakup.

Dominque imagined how Kaede saw him. No wonder the woman believed it was some bet or evil ploy. It wasn't common to have two friends chasing after the same woman, at least in his entourage.

Dominque detested seeing himself caught up in a love triangle, just like Kaede, who resisted. Marco pulled The Bold Rich and Beautiful sitcom in real-life; Dominque didn't wish to be any Forrester.

The man felt unworthy and stopped visiting Kaede; his reasons were legit. He believed she would understand. Tuesday's dance class was the test; all Dominque had to do was remain neutral with the most authentic poker face.

The room filled up, and Dominque watched the clock. There seemed to be more participants, primarily female. Everyone heard of Dyan's handsome brother. Kaede wasn't amongst the flock; the instructor was about to start when the door burst open; hope made Dominque hold his breath.

"Sorry, we're late."

Janis and Patrica went to find a spot.

Kaede played truant; the man accepted it and focused. Dominque clapped, "okay, guys, I brought a new remote, so Will you join the class now. Let's begin."

He should have guessed she wouldn't come, Dominque began to give instructions, but his mind continued to analyze the situation.

Marco had a better reaction than Dominque expected, considering the feelings he still held for Kaede. Though Marco put some pressure on him, Dominque thought it wasn't enough. If he were in his friend's shoes, he would have exploded to hear another say he wished to date an Ex for whom his heart released a few beats on the regular.

At least in this field, Marco showed maturity. He contented himself with spilling very acute sentences such as, "I don't want to lose a brother for a woman." The words convinced Dominque, who decided he would not make any more moves for the time being.

Things would be different if it were Kaede who took a step. The thought was the bottom line of the situation. Everything depended on Kaede's free will and whether she wished to venture into a story despite Marco hovering over them like a Damocles sword. No one danced alone; being two to tango wasn't a legend. Dominque needed the woman to manifest something. She was the only one left with a choice, it was a bit overdramatic picture, but it was their reality.

Right then, Kaede chose to flee.

++

Kaede switched on her console. Not going to her dance class was a last-minute parachuted thought. A gut feeling told her to stay put. She didn't wish to face Dominque, especially if he did what she told him to do.

BoyscoutMakeveli wasn't connected. Kaede noted he reduced his gameplay. She felt lonely; the player was like a virtual friend. She appreciated the online chat.

Kaede switched Playstation off and watched the Arrival on Netflix. At the end of the movie, she felt empty and sorry for the protagonist. The character chose to secure humanity's safety even though she knew the future and suffered from a significant loss in the end. Kaede didn't look to put herself in the character's shoes; she just wished to have background sounds to rock her to sleep.

Sleep came quicker than expected. Kaede was off the next day, and she didn't know what to do. The reflection of her face bouncing off her bathroom displeased her. Undisciplined hair and kinky coils, the same old visage, it was time for a change. Kaede decided to do knotless braids using the rubber band method.

She still had a few packets of three-toned ombre light grey-blue to finish off. Her hair was clean; all she had to do was braid. Starting at 10 am, she estimated she would have the long braids done by 6 pm.

Kaede showered, took her breakfast, and began. She liked braiding; the activity like knitting was a moment where she reflected in absolute silence.

Soaked in music all day with the store's playlists, Kaede profited from the raw silence.

Her telephone startled her around noon. Rare, the ringtone had Kaede running, thinking perhaps Iman might have trouble in the store. The screen displayed the word unknown. Kaede never answered these calls, but she didn't want it to be the one she wished she had never missed. "Hello," Kaede said.

There was a short silence.

"Hello," Kaede repeated.

"Hi, Kaede."

Kaede's heart hesitated on whether it should skip a beat, speed up or stop. During her spirits indecision, Kaede was breathless.

"Kaede?"

"Do-Dom-Dominque?"

The man took a deep breath, "eh, yeah, sorry to bother you. You didn't come to class yesterday, and Iㅡ."

"How did you get my number?" The question was essential Kaede made sure her phone wasn't registered in the yellow pages. Suddenly Nia Long in Fatal Affair came to mind. Kaede shook off the idea and listened to the man's explanation, which she hoped would sweep away the stalker theory.

"My sister holds a register; sorry for the intrusion. It's just I was worried that," Dominque sighed; he knew it might sound pretentious, but he carried on, "ㅡI might be the reason for your absence."

"Domㅡ."

"Wait, Kaede, you love to dance, and you paid for your course. I don't want you to stop. If ever I'm the cause, I can ask Dyan to find someone else."

Dominque felt guilty; for the moment, his presence besides the woman was anything but soothing. On the contrary, Dominque was probably a great source of stress if Kaede was anything like she imagined her to be.

He had to give her space; it was the least he could do for her. Until now, he only thought of his health and the most catastrophic scenario. He wished to live every day like it was his last, and after meeting Kaede, it was with her he wanted to spend or waste his time, as she once expressed.

Though Kaede refused his advances, Dominque knew there was something between them. Yet, he could not allow himself to force destiny any longer.