||SERAH||

I had barely started moving on from Asahd when our encounter yesterday happened. For all I know now, I've fallen harder. The talk we had and his hearty gesture of giving me his cap are to blame. However, I'm glad we got the chance to meet. It was a dream come true for me. Well, even if it was under unanticipated circumstances. I never envisioned our first meeting addressing my problems and my creepy watching behavior, which was very embarrassing. I'll make sure to never repeat it.

Like the fallen soldier I am, his cap is still in my head. Perfectly fit on my braid. It makes me feel closer to him and picture him more accurately in my head. Having it with me also gives me hope of meeting him once again. Dangerous hope that can lead me straight into the black hole of pain and suffering. I have long known that Asahd is not someone I can hold my breath for because, in the end, I might end up dead from holding too long.

Nevertheless, today's class was supposed to happen at eight but the lecturer had other important things to deal with. So, he chose to send us an assignment that is strictly due midnight. It is as if he wants to make sure that his two hours didn't go to waste. I hate the mid-semester period. He should have at least considered giving us a short grace period. It is frustrating but there is nothing one can do save for work on it. The fast the better to get it over and done with.

About an hour into my thorough typing and research, a knock from the door catches my attention. At eleven in the morning, it must be one of the neighbors coming to borrow a flash drive for music and movies or a compound broom. Those are the main things we normally borrow from each other. If not, then it's Sue which I doubt because she has a class that's due in an hour or two.

Deciding that speculations are exhausting at the moment, I step off the bed and walk to the door. Upon opening it, my jaws seriously drop to the floor when my eyes meet Asahd's bright ones. For a moment, my eyes don't blink and my breath gets trapped in my lungs from shock. I can't say I'm surprised by this situation. I can also hear my heart ramming in its ribcage from nervousness and excitement. Oh, there is the freezing of my hands from nervousness as well.

This was not what I expected. Neither was seeing him again this soon let alone outside my house. Sue is standing beside him with a guilty smile on her face. It arouses so many questions. Most of which make me yearn for answers instantly. Questions like why Asahd is with her and that too, outside my house.

"What the hell?! Crap! Crappity! Your eyes are swollen!"

Sue's curses remind me of another situation at hand. My poor eyes. Yes, they are swollen but a little. Sue's reaction is somehow exaggerated and that also includes her stepping closer to examine them. Her guilty face has been replaced by a concerned one. Asahd's serene face as well. However, when his eyes take note of his black cap on my head, a smile crawls on his lips. Ah, Serah. As I hadn't embarrassed myself enough yesterday. Feeling busted, I swallow hard and internally scold myself.

"What are you doing here with him?" I ask Sue as she continues to examine my eyes. She is staring really close to my face I almost can breathe her exhale breath. "That's enough, Sue. It's nothing serious," I groan.

"It doesn't look like nothing serious, Serah," she counters in a serious tone. "Your eyes are swollen and they need--" I interrupt her before she can finish.

"I know they need to be checked out, Sue. Don't worry, I promise I am working on it," I lie hoping that she doesn't catch on to it.

I'm not really doing anything about it. I'm just hopefully waiting for them to adjust because I don't have any other option at the moment. I don't have the money to replace the broken lenses and I can't tell my parents about it either. The last thing I want is to burden them with more problems. It was just the other day that mom sent some money for my upkeep. Asking for more will be too much. The only hope I have is my savings from the festival allowances even though I know they won't be enough. I'll have to find another way to get the amount that will be needed on top.

"Are you really?" she asks studying me keenly.

"Yes, Sue," I assure her maintaining the best composure I can at the moment. "Anyway, what are you doing with him?" I ask in an almost accusatory tone.

"I brought him," she responds taking a step back. "He requested me to bring him to you. Since you had no other classes for the day, I thought of bringing him."

"So, you thought? Why didn't you think of asking me about it too?" I whisper yell at her making her lips tighten.

"I'm sorry I couldn't because you know what you would have told me. Plus he is just here to talk and nothing more," she says with an apologetic tone.

"That was very nice of you, Suzanne," I grumble as I turn my focus to Asahd who is watching us keenly and with patience.

"Hello," I greet him with a small smile.

He looks great and sexy in his black sweater shirt, black combat trousers, and white timberland boots. His fashion taste is topnotch but all the same, expected from a model like him. I'm sure anyone would want to be in his arms right now. It would feel so good.

"Hello, Serah," he responds in a soft tone.

Thank goodness I had taken a shower early today and dressed up even if it was for a class that never happened. I can't imagine stinking in his presence. That would be the worst nightmare leave alone Julia romancing him. Speaking of which, does she know that her boyfriend is at my house? The territorial manner in which she looked at me yesterday made me conclude that the two are together. It sucks so bad but I can't do anything about it.

"So, I'll leave you guys to have a chat and head to school. I'll see you all later," Sue says dragging me out of my thoughts.

The calm tone she harbors would make you think the situation at hand is nothing serious but normal.

"What did you say?" I ask wondering if she has lost her mind.

"That I am going to school and I'll see you later," she affirms making me snicker.

"So you're going to leave me with a stranger?" I seriously ask.

My nervousness was fading away but the thought of being left alone with Asahd just reversed the process.

"He's typically not a stranger, Serah. I know him and I'm sure he won't do anything to you that is not for your own good. I would have loved to keep you company but I really need to go to school. I have a class that I can't miss," she says.

"You're too trusting," I grumble. "We'll talk about this later. I mean it," I pointedly add.

"We will talk," she agrees with a nod.

"Alright," I grunt.

I put a mental note to cancel my dinner treat. It's not happening after pulling such a stunt on me. It doesn't matter the reasoning behind it. The gravity of the situation is heavy because having Asahd here is a big deal for me. I don't think to her it is. After all, she doesn't know that I am having it bad for Asahd. I haven't told her that and I don't think that I will. Some feelings are better of shut inside. She pulls me into a tight hug and apologizes again in a whisper. Once she retreats, she hugs Asahd and then leaves. I envy her for having a free pass to hugging him.

"Your eyes are swollen," Asahd states as if to remind me.

"No, they're not," I deny as I enter the house.

Thank God I'm an organized person. Facing another embarrassing moment is the last thing I need right now.

"You have a bad habit of saying the opposite of things," he points out. "And, are you just going to leave me out here?" he asks in a chuckle. Perfect. I have even forgotten manners from the nervousness that's still seeming inside.

"No, I don't have such a habit," I argue going out again and ushering him in. "Welcome to my humble aboard. Beware that I only have two stools and no comfortable chair."

"I can sit on the stool. It is not a problem. Oh, there is a plastic chair," he says in observation. "I'll sit on it instead," he says as he proceeds to sit. "Oh, damn. I didn't leave my shoes at the door. Is it okay?" he apologetically asks.

"Sure, it's not a problem. It's just a little dust and not mud," I state and he smiles. I'm not sure what was funny about that statement.

He gives my place a once over. It makes me feel somehow self-conscious and exposed. Probably from the thought of how he will perceive it. It is a simple bedsitter with nothing interesting to see save for the photos of me, my parents, and Sue stuck on the wall.

"You have a nice place. It's like a haven," he compliments a moment later. Well, that contradicts my thoughts but warms my heart because it sounded genuine.

"Thank you," I heartily appreciate as I take a seat on my bed. "Why did you want to see me?" I ask. He uses his index finger to point at my head? I'm not sure.

"For the cap?" I decide to ask. He shakes his head and directs his index finger to-- "Uh, my eyes?" I ask and he firmly nods.

"I want us to go see an ophthalmologist," he articulates.

For a while, I gawk at him wondering if he too has lost his mind. As if to tell me that it's still intact, he doesn't bulge to retract or explain his statement. He just patiently waits for me to recover and formulate words.

"What did you just say?" I ask lacking better formulated words.

"Do you have a hearing problem as well?" he teasingly asks.

"Of course I don't," I grumble with pouty lips.

"So you heard what I said," he prompts with an annoying smile.

I don't why but it feels comfortable to talk with him. Words and reactions just seem to come naturally. It wasn't something I expected but on the contrary, very nice and relieving.

"You're telling and not even asking me, to do something that I cannot, Asahd. Though even if you asked, I wouldn't do it. I know you're trying to help but believe me you have done enough," I assuringly tell him.

"Please don't give that crap everyone gives as an excuse," he pleads. Yeap pleads.

"I am just telling you what I feel, Asahd. You have done enough and I can't keep nagging you with my problems," I counter.

"You're not nagging me, Serah. If you were, do you think I would be here right now?" he volleys. If this is a fight then he sure won't win.

"I don't know the answer to that," I respond. I can't deny that it makes me feel good to know that I am not nagging him. "Also, I believe you understand that you cannot just come to my house and ask me to do such a huge thing, right?" I ask trying to keep a calm voice.

"Why do I feel as if you want to make it sound impossible and unacceptable?" he smartly asks.

"Because that is what it is," I state.

"I doubt that, Serah. You just have to accept it to make it possible," he counters. At this rate, I doubt I can get past his determined self.

"You have to leave, Asahd. Besides, in case you forgot, I already said that I will be fine. I just need some time to get the money needed to fix the get new lenses."

"You need time," he pointedly says. "But do your eyes need the extra time?" he asks in a challenging tone.

I'm starting to feel like I can strangle him. I'm not annoyed though. It's kind of fun arguing with him.

"Asahd, my eyes have no problem waiting a little longer. A little swelling was expected but sooner or later, they will adjust."

"Sooner or later, right?" he asks and I nod. "So you're not sure. Serah, your eyes are swollen and we can't gamble with uncertain dates. So please, come with me, and let's go have them checked up. If we keep arguing, we are wasting our time and time is precious as you know."

"I know time is precious and that is why I'm asking you again, please leave. I would hate to waste any more of your time. Be assured that, I am fine. I know my eyes will be fine too. So, please, just go," I plead with him. As much as I am enjoying arguing with him, it's starting to get out of hand.

Also, the last thing I want is to snap, get aggressively defensive and chase him away. I would regret doing that to him forever.

"Do you really want me to leave?" he asks, his gaze demanding a straight answer.

I'm confused. On one hand, I don't want him to. On the other hand, I want him to if arguing about my eyes is what we shall be doing the whole day. I can already smell trouble coming if we keep dragging the topic.

"I'll take your silence as no. Come on, Serah. We both know that you want your eyes healed and glasses fixed without your parents getting wind of it. So, please, for the hundredth time, let's go have them checked out. It's for your benefit, Serah. Your eyes are beautiful and we need them to stay that way. They are also a precious jewel that needs to be taken care of."

I'm sure my heart just slipped from the last two statements. They also make me feel like giving in but that is not something I'm going to.

"Okay, listen--" I start to protest but he abruptly stands and walks towards me.

Involuntarily, my mouth snaps shut as I watch him step into my space. He towers over me and it gives so many dark vibes and nervousness as well. I may be simple but that doesn't mean I can't be complex if you catch my drift. He takes a seat on the bed beside me and paralyzes my gaze by locking it with his. Notably, he is very sexy and masculine when he is so close. More so when the sweet and intoxicating smell of his cologne boldly wafts through my nostrils.

"Serah," he smoothly calls making me swallow hard. He makes it even harder when he cups my right hand with his warm, firm, and large hands. "You to go get your eyes checked and then we'll get you a new pair of glasses or have the lenses fixed. I know that I ambushed you with all this, but you at least have to accept it. I'm not even asking for anything else except that."

"Why won't you ask or even demand? I'm not a charity or pity case, Asahd. You should ask something in return."

"I know that you're not any of that. I also know that I'm offering genuine help and you shouldn't judge my generosity. We don't always give to get something in return," he says sounding a little hurt.

Damn, me. However, if this is a way to get him over this repeated topic then I can use it to my advantage. It doesn't matter now if it will feel bad to have him leave. Maybe in the future, we can have more chances and if not, then I'll appreciate the few we've had.

"Do you go around helping other people?" I ask and guilt immediately etches within me.

"No, I don't," he responds honestly. "I know what you are trying to do. You are using an old road that unfortunately for you, I know my way around. Quit overthinking and being too defensive. It won't work on me."

"Asahd, I--" he lowers his face so close to line rendering me speechless.

"Get ready. We are going to the doctor. On our way there, we can argue a little more. I'll be outside while you dress up," he says as he stands as starts his way out.

I'm going to beat the hell out of Sue until she promises to never repeat such a mistake.

"You so stubborn," I grumble in defeat.

"Well, not always," he argues with a victorious smile.

"I want to strangle you right now," I mumble to myself.

"You would love me strangling you instead," he retort making me choke on my saliva. That was quite the comeback.

"That wasn't meant for your ears," I groan making him chuckle.

"So, are we going?" he asks wriggling a brow.

"Okay, fine," I grumble.

"Good girl," he says in satisfaction making me roll my eyes. "I'll be outside."

"Thank you," I appreciate his understanding of the need for privacy.

Since I was ready anyway, I only trade my black shorts for blue jeans. I grab my sling bag along with anything else I'll need, put on my white sneakers and then step outside.

"I'm ready," I state as I lock the house. I can feel Asahd's eyes on me. They make me too aware of myself especially when curiosity to know whatever he is thinking clings to me.

"Ladies first," he says when I'm done locking the house. "Oh, have you carried your health insurance card?" he asks as we walk towards the gate.

"Yes, I have it," I respond. That's something you can't leave behind while seeking treatment.

"Good," he mumbles.

I'm still wearing his cap, by the way. It is shielding my eyes from the excess brightness of the scorching sun. Alice our gossip champion is hanging her clothes on the lines. Once she takes note of us, she gives us a shamelessly scrutinizing look. Sometimes I wonder if she has an active conscience at all. If she has she would know that staring too much is wrong.

In the next one hour or so, I'm pretty sure the whole residence will know that I'm seeing a rich boy or sponsor. That's depending on how she'll twist the story. We step outside the gate and head over to his silver Porsche. I swear the car makes me nervous. I'm even afraid of getting in it because I feel as if it is too huge for my simple self.

"Is the sun affecting you too much?" Asahd asks as he unlocks the car.

"No," I respond truthfully.

"So those glasses meant so much more than just facial decorations or a nerd signature" he prompts teasingly.

"Yes," I respond as he opens the passenger's door for me. That wasn't something that I figured still happened. Charmingly irresistible.

When I'm buckled up, he shuts the door and walks over to his side where he settles himself on the driver's seat.

"I'm not sure this slightly intimidating car is fit for our dusty alley. It shouts way too much," I comment as he starts the car.

"Well, I have noticed several people gawking at it. You should have seen the surprise on their faces when I stepped out," he says.

"They were surprised to see someone young and literally handsome stepping out of such a very expensive and high-class car," I blurt out and regret those words immediately. Ugh, they are not a lie though. Even he knows he's very good-looking.

"I'll take your words as a huge compliment," he smirks.

"I'm sure you're used to that," I state and he shrugs. Must be nice. "Anyway, which opht-whatever are we going to again?" I ask making him chuckle. "I also want to be sure you're not kidnapping me. Well, even though I have nothing worth kidnapping for."

"David Dana Optics," he responds with a wicked smile.

A loud gasp escapes me upon hearing his response. He has to be kidding right now. He is talking of a private optical clinic that we both know I can't afford to meet their normal prices. The insurance card will help but that's just by half or three quarters. Damn, Asahd.

"That's a very expensive place," I point out in an accusatory tone. "Do you realize that you can't even get there without an appointment?"

"Relax, we have an appointment. Plus you're not the one paying?" he bounces his response and I roll my eyes.

"Technically not right now, but I will be giving you the money back. So I'm still the one paying. Just indirectly," I state firmly. "Don't think that I have accepted your help without anything in return. It doesn't matter if I will have to work to get it. I don't even know why I let you manipulate me in the first place. Do you think we can turn around and go back?" I ask making him laugh. A peal of genuine laughter that stirs so many feelings in my heart.

With every minute that passes, I'm getting lost in him and it is hurting me. That's because I know that all this is limited and it will be stripped away from me sooner or later.

"You're so stubborn, have trust issues, and a liar," he states as a matter of factly.

"I am stubborn and I may have trust issues," I blurt out in admission. "Though I'm certainly not a liar," I argue.

"You've lied to me since yesterday," he counters.

"It wasn't intentional," I continue arguing.

"Can you maybe tell me why you intentionally lied to me?" he requests emphasizing the word intentional. It's so hard to fool or lie to him.

"It's just that I don't like burdening people with my problems. Sorting them out individually is much better. Sometimes people make you feel as if you're using them or burdening them with extra baggage they don't need in their lives. So it is better to lie and let someone loose than telling the truth and have them tied to you. Then later you discover that they never wanted to get tied in your problems. It's just that the humanity in them couldn't let them walk away, "I explain to him.

"I understand. Though sometimes it's not bad to accept help when it's being offered genuinely," he states as if to defend himself.

"It may not be a bad thing. Though I always feel indebted to someone even if I don't want to," I truthfully state. I feel him stare at me for a moment before his eyes return to the road.

"So that's one of the reasons you want to pay me back the money?" he asks.

"Yes. Please let's not argue about me returning the money," I plead.

"You're afraid of losing again?" he smirks.

"Quit being cocky," I groan. "It is just that it will make me feel better knowing that I paid you back."

He doesn't argue or say anything about it. He just drives silently on the less crowded highway. I wonder what he is thinking. Perhaps about his life because surely I don't expect him to think of me. That would be thinking so highly of myself. For a long time, we drive in silence. Weirdly, comfortable silence.

Everything is so surreal and a little terrifying.