The Cure to My Scar

Only Exception

I woke up at ten in the morning and skipped eating breakfast so I could have enough time to prepare for today. My clothes are all over the place and I still couldn't decide which one to wear for today's meet-up. I'm sure it won't take long and it is definitely not a date but I just feel like I wanna look presentable in his eyes.

Mom kept knocking on my door but I wasn't able to open it up for her because I am too busy and I'm pressing with time.

"Yes, mom. Come in~"

She gasped in disbelief at what she is seeing right now. She can't believe that her neat freak daughter created all of this mess just because of a simple meet-up.

She giggled at the way I act but she feels so delighted as well that I am so excited to meet with someone other than Nini. Something I have never done ever again after being diagnosed with Haphephobia.

"Still couldn't decide what to wear? You've been browsing through your set of clothes for some hours. Isn't it?" Mom asked.

"Am I taking that long? My gosh. I should better hurry up." I exclaimed.

I am torn between these two pairs of clothes but a classic one never fails you. Any blouse paired with denim skinny jeans will never make your ootd fails.

I grabbed my bag, phone, and car keys. I immediately run outside my room. Mom and Dad can't help but smile while looking at me. I've never been this excited to go out and meet up with some other people.

"Do you want me to drive you there?" Dad offered but I just waved my hand in the air as I was tying the shoelace.

"No, thanks, Dad. I'm fine. I can manage." I answered enthusiastically.

"Then better drive safely and don't rush too much. Your safety is more important than to be on time." Mom reminded and I just nodded in response.

"Bye~"

======

I only have thirty minutes and yet I'm still in the middle of the road. I can't believe I'm still trapped in traffic even if it's 12:30 pm. I can't believe this is happening right now.

I peeked at my phone and five minutes have passed yet I'm still in the same place where I used to thanks to the bender-fender ahead. The timing is so annoying!

My phone vibrates and I received a message from him. My gosh. I think he is already there.

"Hey. I'll be there in 15minutes. Sorry for being late. It will be my treat, in return."

It's a good thing he will be late as well and fortunately, the traffic was under control. Now, I can take a breath and stop panicking. I don't wanna be late for any meetings.

I immediately picked up my bag on the passenger's seat as soon as I parked my car.

A lady in her early twenties greeted me as soon as I open the café's door. I think she is a new staff here. I slowly nodded in response and looked all over the place but it seems that he is not here yet.

I walked towards the counter while still looking around but I gasped from shock to see who is standing behind the cashier.

"Looking for someone?" He blurted while checking something in the monitor.

"Ah...I-I thought you will be late?" I responded.

"I am. You are just way too late than me so I decided to help them out while waiting for you." He said with a blank face.

I wish he is not mad for wasting a few minutes of his day.

"I-I'm sorry for being late. I was caught in traffic due to some bender-fender and---"

"So what's your order?" He cut me off while justifying why I'm late.

"H-ha?? Ahm... Iced Vanilla Latte." I replied. He is still not meeting my gaze.

"Alright, I'll just bring it to your seat." I just nodded in response.

I sit on the furthest seat near the glass window as usual. After a few minutes, the iced cold vanilla latte has been served with a slice of cake and some macaroons. It was so pleasing that it's hard to eat just like that so I took a photo before melting them into my mouth.

"Don't you like it? Do you want other stuff?" He asked as I was sipping my coffee.

"No, this is all good. I am just waiting for you." I smiled.

He looked at me intently as I displayed the smile on my face but he looks like he is not pleased to see me smiling so I immediately stopped doing so. I think he is still mad at me for being late.

"S-so...about returning the favor? How..." I am hesitating in each word I say because of intimidation. I just couldn't find a way how to communicate with him as naturally as possible.

"Hmm...this..." He slowly slides down the book on the table.

I was in awe to see that he has one of my best-seller books. But I was kinda confused about what's going on. Why does he have this book and why is he giving me this.

"My sister owns this. She said that you are the type of writer who makes her reader feels like being a part of the world that your story has created. And that story became her comfort in a world full of challenges." He begins talking about the story behind this book.

I don't know why but I feel like his gaze started to change as soon as he starts telling his story. He became more calm yet sentimental. It's way different from the gaze which made me intimidated a while ago. And I didn't expect that he will tell me about this side of him.

"I am so delighted to hear that but I don't get why do you ask to meet me all of a sudden," I uttered.

"The thing is..."

I looked at his eyes as he was hesitating to finish what he's about to say. He may be cold at me all this time but today is way different than those times. I can see through his eyes the sincerity. Something that I've seen from him all this time.

I took the book as soon as I realized what he is about to say. Doing this kind of stuff and asking some favor just because he wants to make her sister happy, given his personality, will be difficult and take a lot of courage. But I admire him for doing so, for the sake of her sister's happiness.

I smiled brightly as I am signing the book.

"What's her name again?"

"H-ha?" It was a first, to see him startled and speechless. He looks so cute acting so innocent and pure. I can feel how much he loves his sister.

"Her name, so I could indicate it to the autograph," I repeated.

"Oh, oh I see. Hana. Her name is Hana." He said.

Then I continue signing the book with a smile on my face. I just can't help it. I just feel so proud that a simple sign from me can be a huge comfort for somebody else. I wonder why didn't he bring her sister and be part of this simple meet-up.

"Here." I returned the book.

"Thank you." He smiled while looking at the autograph.

I've never seen him smile this way. I am used to seeing him frowning and his straight face but today, he looks so different. I thought it will hurt him or sort if he will smile but today he is smiling like a child with a pure heart. A smile that suits him the most that wearing a poker face or furrowed brows.

I can't help but smile as well while observing him that way. And for some reason, I feel like my heart is beating too fast. I've been feeling this way when I met random guys or if I was too nervous or excited but none of these will suit what I am feeling right now. My heart beats so fast but I don't know why.

I clenched onto my chest and sipped on my iced vanilla latte but still, it's not slowing down. I feel like my heart was about to burst.

"Are you okay?" He looked at me worriedly.

"H-ha? Y-yeah, I'm okay." I replied.

"Thank you for this, once again." He displayed a wide smile at me as he expresses his gratitude.

And while at those smiles on his lips, my heart starts beating so fast once again as if it was about to burst.

Until I finally realize why am I feeling this way and why my heart is acting this way. Maybe it's because it was a long time since I feel this that's why it takes time for me to realize what's truly going on with me. But now, I found the real reason behind it.

I was too scared that I wouldn't feel this way anymore because of my fear of being around guys and my mental condition, but I guess those smiles changed everything.

I thought I'll never like someone anymore after what I've been through with my past relationship but I guess this guy made me realize that liking someone again is possible. Despite my fear of being with guys, dealing with guys, and communicating with guys, this person made me wanna break free from those fears.

I guess this guy named Jace made me wanna believe that he can be the only exception.