Bittersweet (English)

CHAPTER 4

Kaye was cruising around the shopping district when her phone began to ring. She just left the family restaurant she dined earlier with Martin. He returned a few minutes ago for the animal clinic to attend to his appointments. And as for her, she looked around for stuff for her adorable Miko.

She glanced at her phone with brows furrowed in curiosity.

“Hey, Mykel. What’s up?” she asked once the call connected. She kept blowing kisses at Miko while talking on the phone. She can’t get enough of his cuteness.

“Where are you?”

Her wrinkles went deeper. “Hmm, well around Bili. Looking for something for Miko. Why?” The man was confusing her. They didn’t make plans for anything. Right? She’d never forget otherwise.

“Stay where you are and wait for me. And don’t talk to strangers.”

And that was it. He just dropped the call without explaining further. She was baffled for a moment yet she obediently stood waiting for his arrival. Just like a well-behaved child. They just met yesterday. Had she forgotten something they had agreed on?

“What’s up with him?” she asked herself as she played with Miko on her basket.

The little guy kept twitching his nose as she played with him. Martin gave him some soft foods when they were in the clinic so he should be good for now. Supposedly, there should be a small portion of the supermarket selling pet goods.

She has been cycling around Bili for a while now but she hasn’t found any store that sells beds or houses for dogs. In the first place, she never thought it would be easy. Their town was small and not many people own pets there so supply was rare.

She sat under the shade of a large maple tree. It was wide and huge. She remembered seeing this tree since she was a kid. Nothing changed. Just the leaves constantly adapting to the season.

Anyway, it was refreshing especially on a sunny day. The leaves were gradually changing colors since it was going to be winter soon. Falling piece by piece on the ground. Carried by the wind to who knows where.

Good thing it didn’t rain this morning. The sky was clear with no sign of upcoming rainfall. They were free to roam around without having to be worried about getting drenched. Growing up in this part of the country made the residents gain more accurate information than weather reports broadcasted on the television.

She glanced at her watch. It had been fifteen minutes since Mykel called. He sounded so fixated on telling her to wait. Had he needed anything, he could always drop by her home. It was just a block away.

Few more minutes then she heard him yelling explicitly her name. His voice echoing in such a narrow place. It was embarrassing. She just wanted to dig a hole for herself. He was catching his breath when he finally reached her.

“Dude. You can just come up to me normally. Everyone doesn’t need to know I’m here.”

People were looking at them. The place wasn’t that crowded. But still, it was no place to be yelling out someone’s name. Her cheeks were bright in embarrassment.

“Pft!” He waved his hand, ignoring her sentiments. “So what? You can yell my name too if you want.”

Oh. God. Seriously? “That’s not how it works!”

How can she tell him he’s stupid without actually saying it? She didn’t want to ruin her mood right now. She was feeling great after talking to Martin. No need to bother with his silliness.

“Anyway, you need something?” she sighed, trying to compose herself.

He raised his hand while taking a deep breath. He took a bottle of water out of his bag and drank. Looked like he ran all the way here. Plus, he was sweating a lot. What was the rush though?

“Hah!” He swallowed down the water before continuing. “Well, I figured you were gonna buy things for Miko so I came to stop you.”

She was puzzled. With creased brows, she continued. “Okay. And why is that?”

He took her bike and started walking. Miko kept wagging his tail in excitement as he saw Mykel. He was hoping a lot that he almost fell on the ground. Good thing Mykel had quick reflexes enough to catch him.

“Woah, little guy. No need to be reckless.”

He took him back onto the basket and brushed the little guy’s head. Kaye took him off the basket and carried him like a baby. Better safe than sorry. He doesn’t need any more injuries when he was already on his way to recovery.

Mykel chuckled as he looked at her. Such an overprotective momma. He thought.

“Anyway, I was about to say no need to buy the dog stuff. Ruka’s old doghouse is still pretty much in good condition. So I’ll give it to you. You can even have the other bed. That is if you don’t mind having those hand-me-downs,” he took a glance at her while pushing her bike.

Kaye’s eyes lit up in joy. “Oh, I don’t mind. I’m totally fine with it.”

His lips widened seeing her excitement. It was worth it running all the way to Bili from the police station. It sure took him almost thirty minutes. He knew she was going to wait for him no matter how long it took. But he just wanted to get to her fast.

“Frankly, I was actually looking around but I haven’t seen any. So you’re a life savior. Thank you.”

He patted her head as they came to a stop. Somehow, it became suddenly quiet as they waited for the traffic lights to change.

Kaye gasped as she became aware of something. She had been following Mykel blindly! Well, it’s not that he ain’t trustworthy. But it wouldn’t hurt to ask questions as to where they were heading.

“Come on,” Mykel was tugging her arm to cross the street.

“Umm. Yeah.” She got lost in her thoughts. “Where are we heading?”

Mykel looked at her briefly before answering. He returned his attention on the street, pushing her bike.

“We are going home of course. Do you need to drop by somewhere?”

“Not really. But aren’t we going in the opposite direction to your house? Don’t tell me you have no idea how to get home from here?” She incurred with a skeptical look on her face.

“You think I have no substance at all, do you?” Mykel shook his head in disbelief. “Of course, I’m well aware of that. I just wanted to spend more time with you by taking the long road home.”

“Hahaha. Shut up.”

She tried laughing. It sounded so awkward though. But in reality, her hands were sweating. She just continued rubbing Miko’s fur to hide her embarrassment.

Unknown to Kaye, Mykel glanced at her. Without seeing much in her expression, he lowered his head.

“Haaa…You’ve never taken me seriously at all,” he said in a low voice it almost sounded like a whisper.

“Please.” She looked at him with pleading eyes. “Let’s not go there.”

He puffed a huge breath even making it obvious to Kaye. “Fine….”

They became quiet as they continue to walk side by side. That awkward feeling would linger for some time. She just needed to come up with something to change the subject.

Kaye handed Miko back to the basket. The pup was calmer now and he looked like he needed a nap. Perhaps he was tired. They have been outside for hours now without proper rest.

She offered to take the bike back from Mykel but he refused. He insisted on it and just asked her a favor.

“Can you stay until dinner? Mom had been asking about you for a while now. Honestly, even Missy wanted to speak with you.”

Kaye looked back at his smiling yet imploring eyes. This time she had put on a happy expression. A genuine one.

“Convince me. What are we having for dinner?” She playfully elbowed his back.

“Well, aside from having a hot guy to cook for you, we’ll be having Shrimp Tempura and some noodle soup. What else could beat that?” Mykel stated as he held his head high.

Kaye giggled at the way he said those words without an ounce of shame. Man, he could definitely change the mood in a minute. So unlike her. She would delve into the moment and overthink. Until she would miss her chance to alter the mood.

“Do I happen to know that hot guy you were talking about?” Kaye snorted.

“Lady, you have no eye for hotness.”

“Hmmm… Well, sure. I guess. I’m excited to meet that hot guy.”

“You are in luck lady because he is single.” Mykel snapped his fingers. “He is handsome and irresistible. But wait until you see him wearing only an apron.”

“Come on! Stop that.” Kaye jokingly pushed him to walk faster. “Hurry up. I’d prefer taking a taste of the actual food rather than this guy’s meatiness.”