Fragments of Fate

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2

June's Point of View

"So, you and Belle know each other." My heart skipped a beat upon hearing Dos's voice behind me. I turned to face him and saw him smiling at me.

"Yeah, she's my friend and also my boss," I replied, my gaze fixed on the glass of whiskey in my hand.

We were on the rooftop of the apartment, Finn and Light had arranged a small gathering to welcome Belle back to New York.

"Employer? You're working for Belle's shop? The Belle Couture?" He asked, sounding intrigued. I nodded.

"Yes." I managed a smile, feeling a bit jittery with him so close. I couldn't shake off the nervousness.

Glancing at Finn, I noticed his mischievous grin directed at me. I shot him a scowl.

"So, you're Uno's brother," I remarked, breaking the momentary silence between us.

"Yeah, he's older. Actually, we were supposed to arrive together, but I told them I needed to take care of something here in New York that's why I arrived earlier than them," he explained, nodding along with my words.

"How about you? Are you living here?" He inquired, his curiosity evident in his eyes.

"Yeah, it's been eight years since I've been here." I replied, taking a sip on my whiskey.

Eight years, to be exact, since I arrived in New York, and those eight years weren't exactly a walk in the park. Fortunately, I met Belle; she helped me get back on my feet.

"Quite a drinker, huh? I can tell just by the way you handle that whiskey in one sip," he commented, almost making me choke on my drink.

"N-no way!" I exclaimed. I looked at Dos, noticing his amusement at my reaction.

"Okay, if you say so," he shrugged, clearly not fully convinced by my words. I scowled.

"You don't believe me, do you?" I narrowed my eyes at him, leaning slightly closer.

He chuckled and leaned back. "I didn't say anything. I said, okay," he chuckled. I didn't immediately respond, just keeping my gaze fixed on him.

"Really?" I insisted.

Dos laughed and gently pushed my forehead away. "Don't get too close, June. I might..." he trailed off, and I raised an eyebrow.

"You might what?" I asked. I was taken aback when he suddenly leaned in, his face closer to mine as he whispered...

"I might kiss you."

I gasped and quickly pushed his face away.

"p*****t!" I exclaimed, though he laughed it off. Uno's brother had a mischievous side too! Goodness!

"You're blushing," he teased. I averted my gaze quickly. I could feel the warmth spreading across my cheeks, even the rapid pounding of my heart.

"Looks like you two are getting along well," Belle teased us. Dos and I turned to her, and everyone else was looking at us, smiling knowingly.

"N-no way!" I denied. Dos chuckled, surprising me by suddenly pulling me into a side hug.

"Kinda. Your friend here is so fun to tease, Belle," he said with a laugh. I furrowed my brows.

"Get your hand off me! Are we close enough for you to hug me?" I retorted. Dos burst into laughter and instead of moving away, he drew closer.

"See? Now we're close," he said, winking at me. I let out an exasperated sigh.

We've only known each other for a day, yet this guy seemed overly familiar already. I glanced at Dos, who was laughing with our friends while still casually holding on to me.

And here comes that strong heartbeat again. His smiles were so infectious. I think I really might have fallen in love at first sight with this guy, and damn! I think I'm doomed.

...

As the days rolled on, I found myself entangled in a whirlwind of emotions, especially after the unexpected encounter with Dos. His enigmatic presence lingered in my thoughts, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

"Hey, Finn, remember Dos, the guy I told you about? The one I bumped into the other day? Well, I've been thinking," I started, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Finn glanced up from his laptop, curious about my sudden interest. "Yeah, Dos, right? What's on your mind?"

"I can't shake off this feeling, Finn. It's like I'm drawn to him somehow," I admitted, my eyes reflecting the confusion swirling within.

Finn raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, so it's more than just a casual encounter, huh? You've got the love bug, June!"

I rolled my eyes, trying to dismiss his teasing. "Stop it, Finn. It's not like that. But there's something about him that intrigues me."

"Well, if you're into mystery and intrigue, then go for it! Life's too short for what-ifs," Finn encouraged, nudging me playfully.

His words echoed in my mind as I tossed and turned that night. The thought of Dos lingered, stirring emotions I hadn't felt in a while. Perhaps Finn was right—maybe it was time to explore this inexplicable connection.

"What are you talking about?" Belle asked, just emerging from the bathroom. Uno and Amelia were out at the park, while Dos had gone back to his apartment in NYC.

"Well, June here fell in love at first sight with your brother-in-law," Finn blurted out, making me almost hit my head as Belle inhaled sharply at his words.

I shot him a sharp look, and he just shrugged.

"What?! You mean, you had a crush on him?!" Belle asked me, utterly surprised. I bit my lower lip, unsure of how to respond to Belle's question.

"June? Is what Finn said true?!" Belle persisted. I sighed and nodded. There's no use in hiding it anymore, especially with Finn around.

"Omg! Tell me more!!!" Belle exclaimed, dragging me to sit on the couch next to Finn, her excitement palpable.

"What should I say?" I asked with a frown.

"How? When? Why?" She fired off questions. I pouted.

"I don't know. I just felt it," I replied. I was surprised when Belle suddenly squealed, obviously thrilled.

"Oh my! Pursue that, June. You and Dos will make a good couple," she said mischievously, nudging me. Finn nodded vigorously, seemingly convinced by Belle's words. I remained silent, pondering over what they said.

Should I really pursue these feelings I have for him?

...

The next morning, a newfound determination filled me as I prepared to face the day. Belle and her family had settled back, and I found myself eagerly awaiting the chance encounter with Dos, hoping fate would play its hand once more.

As I navigated through the bustling streets, my heart fluttered in anticipation. There he was, standing amidst the crowd, his presence as captivating as ever.

"Dos," I whispered to myself, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding my senses.

I approached him, a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Hi, Dos. Fancy meeting you here again," I greeted, attempting to mask the flutter in my voice.

He turned, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "June! What a coincidence," he replied, a subtle warmth in his tone.

"Coincidence indeed," I chuckled softly, trying to ease the sudden tension that gripped me.

Belle, noticing our interaction, glanced between us with intrigue. "Oh, coincidence huh," she said, sarcasm dripping from her tone. I shot her a discreet side-eye, and Belle just chuckled softly.

I forced a smile, nodding politely at Belle's words, trying to decipher the mixed signals from Dos.

"Let's go. We might be late for Fashion Week," Belle urged us. The Belle Couture was the highlight of this particular Fashion Week Event. Dos was here today to watch the said event.

I nodded and followed Belle into our tent where the models were getting ready.

But before I could enter completely, I heard Dos call my name.

"June." I turned to him, puzzled.

"Hmm?" My lips slightly parted as he flashed me a slow smile.

"Break a leg." That's all he said before he left for his designated seat.

I felt the familiar flutter of my heart. Damn, Dos. What are you doing to me? And why do you have this effect on me?

...

The day went by in a blur as I grappled with conflicting emotions. Why did I feel this pull toward him, yet the uncertainty lingered?

Later that evening, when I got home after a tiring event, I found myself lost in thought, pondering the direction I wanted to take. Finn's words echoed in my mind, nudging me to embrace the possibility of pursuing this connection with Dos.

"Finn, what do you think about following your heart even when it seems impossible?" I mused, my voice laced with hesitation.

"June, life's all about taking chances. If it feels right, why not give it a shot?" Finn replied, his words resonating with a reassuring certainty.

The night wrapped around me like a cloak, and within its quiet embrace, a decision crystallized. The echoes of my heart whispered, "Go after him." A resolve, fierce and unyielding, surged through me as I prepared to leap into the unknown, ready to unravel mysteries and explore the depths that lay ahead with Dos.

Little did I know, this decision marked not just the beginning but a critical juncture in a journey where every step held the promise of profound revelations. The night held its secrets close, leaving me standing on the precipice of an adventure that would redefine everything.