Who To Love (Completed)

Chapter 8

From: Kieran Wu

I don’t see you in the office. Is this your day off?

I don’t know what to really feel when I read the text message. Kieran is looking for me in the office. Oh yeah. I forgot that it’s his first day at work.

To: Kieran Wu

I don’t go to the office every day.

I got up from bed and took a bath. Today is going to be a long day. I’m going to shop for Gina’s birthday gift. She’s celebrating it tonight at a bar. I bet she rented the whole VIP room for this.

“Okay, Ashin Kim. Try to not think about him today.” I muttered to myself repeatedly as I walked out of the bathroom and changed.

I saw my phone on the bedside table and sighed. I guess I needed to change digits. I should’ve done it a long time ago, anyway.

From: Kieran Wu

That’s sad. I thought I’m going to have lunch with you every day.

I narrowed my eyes at his message as my heart started to beat insanely fast again. Can he just stop making me hope for us? He’s still dating that Bianca Lim. I know that they’re still going out.

Last time, I asked Harold about Kieran’s checkups and he’s been updating me. He’s even telling me who’s coming with Kieran during his checkups even though I’m not asking. So, I know that Bianca comes with him every checkup day. They’re dating, for f**k’s sake, Ashin. So, go and change your number now!

I tried my hardest to stop myself from responding to his text. I have to stop thinking about him, too! I have to cut all the ties. Burn all the bridges.

“What phone are you looking for?”

This is it. I’m really going to change my number.

I looked at the variety of phone laid under the glass. “This,” I pointed at the latest model from Apple.

The customer assistant smiled at me as she took the phone and its box out. She also handed me a brochure. “What data plan are you getting, Ma’am?” She asked me and then started to explain all the possible plans appropriate for me.

She smiled at me as I availed one plan and asked me to wait a moment before I could actually get the phone.

So, I looked around the store first. I was wondering if I could just get a phone case for Gina. Now, that I’ve changed my unit, we have same phones. We can have friendship phone cases or something.

“I can’t receive texts,” I stopped when I heard a familiar voice.

I stopped and hid behind the keychains. It’s Kieran and he’s having troubles with his phone.

I want to slap myself for coming here when I know that this store is near the office. Gosh! My stupidity is at its prime today.

“Miss Kim?” I heard the customer assistant call my name out.

My eyes widened as I ran speedily to the counter. Kieran better not see me!

She smiled at me and handed me the handset. “Thank you, Ma’am.” She told me politely and I immediately took it and bowed, dashing out of the shop.

I almost ran in my desire to hide from him. I don’t really want him to see me.

“Ashin Kim, you’re super stupid!” I kept repeating to myself as I walked to my car.

Damn. I have to go far, far away. If I have to buy a gift, I have to go to a farther location. This place is too dangerous. I don’t need Kieran to see me now.

And what’s he doing outside during office hours? How can he manage to slip out of Mr. Kim’s sight? I can’t even do that when I’m editing!

My heartbeat’s not slowing down even though I’m done for the day. It’s still racing fast, I don’t know why.

I looked at my new phone. “This is another start on my attempt to move on.” I told myself. “I have to do it completely this time.”

He’s giving me light again but I can’t trust that anymore. I’ve poured out all my trust and have gotten myself to the rock bottom. I don’t want to feel that same kind of devastation again. I can’t go back to square one.

Because, honestly, I don’t know if I can still handle another breakdown. I can’t. I’ve reached my pain limit. I can’t continue hurting.

“I’ve been calling you.” Gina’s on the phone. I called her first after getting my new phone. It’s not like my other phone’s gone, though. I just kept it somewhere I can’t see it.

I sighed and put on my makeup. “I’m sorry. I changed my number.” I looked at myself at the mirror.

“I can see that.” She mumbled. “But why’d you change your number now? Is he still texting you?” She asked.

I shut my eyes and kept my cool. “Yes.”

Then I heard her mutter a string of curse under her breath on the other line. She doesn’t like Kieran for me anymore. I can’t even blame her. She saw how he destroyed me for some time. She saw me break down every minute that I think about him. She must loathe him. I think I must, too.

“Freaking tell him frankly.” Gina spoke. “If you don’t want him to text you, tell him. Don’t just change your number. He can get your number whenever he wants. I bet on my life Joshua would give him that in a blink.” She ranted and I heard Joshua whine on the other line, too.

They must be at the venue by now. “You know I can’t do that.” I told her as I slipped in my boots. “Just don’t give my number to your boyfriend when he asks you about it.” Because I know that she, in no doubt, will give it to him.

“I’m hanging up. I’m going now.” I told her as I ended the call.

I took a deep breath. I wonder who’s going to be there. I bet Kieran won’t be there because Gina is not going to invite him at all costs.

I looked at myself on the mirror for the last time before grabbing my pouch and my gift for Gina. It’s past nine in the evening. She told me that her party’s going to start at ten. And she made it clear that I have to be there before ten.

I headed off to my car and drove off to the venue. I was there, on time. For the first time, I guess because I am always late.

“Ashin!” Gina ran to me as soon as I opened the door of the VIP room.

I smiled and hugged her. “Happy birthday, Bitch.” I teased her as I gave her my gift. She wanted that bag. She’s been eyeing that for a month now.

She narrowed her eyes on me. “Don’t you call me b***h! I am not a b***h!” She whined then we laughed as she led me to the couch where’s she’s seated with Joshua.

Joshua looked at me and smiled before frowning at Gina who’s shooting daggers at him. “Babe, I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to invite them!” He was trying to coo Gina but she just doesn’t budge.

Joshua then looked at me. “I’m sorry, Ashin.” He told me and I asked why. He didn’t answer though. He didn’t need to because the next thing I saw answered my question.

It was Kieran and Bianca walking inside the room. Bianca’s arm was locked at Kieran’s as their eyes roamed around the room.

“I hate you!” Gina screamed at Joshua before taking my hand and pulling me out of the place. I know that she didn’t mean those words, though. She’s just frustrated because she cares for me. A lot.

I stopped her when we were at the door. “Gina, chill.” I tried to calm her down. She won’t listen to Joshua but I know that she will at least calm down when I told her so. “I’m fine.” I assured her as I held her shoulders.

She narrowed her eyes at me. “You know that you’re not.” She stated firmly.

I smiled. “I will be.” I told her. “Just enjoy your night. It’s your birthday!” I beamed before rolling my eyes.

She smiled weakly. “But I just can’t stand them being here, in the same room with you.” She pouted. “I saw what happened to you, Ashin. I’m afraid it would—”

“It won’t happen again.” I cut her words. “I won’t let it happen again. So, chill!”

She sighed and rolled her eyes at me. “Sure, sure. I trust you anyway.” She spoke, defeated. She looked at Joshua who was still looking apologetic at the couch.

“Make up with him.” I told her. “I won’t let you break up over my outdated relationship.” Then I pushed her at Joshua’s direction with a smile.

I love these two. I saw how they developed their feelings over the years and I won’t let them break up because of me and Kieran. We are over. I am sure because I can see how he holds Bianca’s waist right now. It seemed like he didn’t ever want to let her go.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. I am jealous. But I can’t be jealous. I have to stop acting like I own him. He’s not. He’s not mine anymore and this craziness should end here, too.

“I knew you would come.”

I looked behind me and saw Harold Lee entering the room. “You’re here, too.” I told him and smiled.

He shrugged. “Your friend invited me.” He replied as he showed me a paper bag in his hand. “Can you help me give this to her?” He asked with a smile.

I nodded and led him to where Gina is. She’s still talking to Joshua. I bet they’re in the process of making up.

“Happy birthday!” Harold greeted Gina who was shocked to see him here.

I stood there as they exchanged words and greetings. Harold Lee is such a sweet guy. I know because he’s helped me a lot when I needed someone to lean on. Are all doctors like this?

“Dude,” I heard Joshua speak and look behind me. I noticed Gina raise her brow. Then I smelled that familiar scent. I knew who he is exactly.

“Why are you not responding to my texts?” His low voice got my heart beating faster again. He just asked a question. One question that made the hair at the back of my neck stand up.