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“What’s wrong with you? You don’t look too good.” Perry said as we sat down for the production meeting. The conversation I had with Emily was still weighing on me. What is wrong with me? Why did I say those words?
“I… I think I just declared war…” I said in disbelief.
“What? You declared a war? With whom?” Perry asked. My only reply was a heavy sigh. “Don’t tell me its got something to do with Emily Green.” I sighed again. “Wow. Her visit to you is the talk of the whole office, you know. What did you talk about? Why did you declare war?” Perry insisted.
“It’s that guy’s fault,” I said as I looked at Nico, who, fortunately, was not looking at me. There was no use trying to hide things from Perry, because he would just poke his nose in it even more. I wasn’t lying when I said it was Nico’s fault, after all, he’s the one who started this crazy little act.
“Nico? Why?” Perry asked.
“Ahhh… Let’s not talk about it…” I said as I rested my head on the table. “My head hurts just by thinking about it.” I added.
The meeting began and it was hard to concentrate, since I kept thinking about what Emily Green and I talked about. I kept on struggling between whether I should tell Nico everything or not, but in the end, I decided to tell him.
When the meeting ended, I asked Nico to come with me to my office. “Are you alright? You have that problematic look on your face ever since you entered the conference room,” Nico said as he sat down.
I sighed heavily. “Emily came to talk to me,” I said in one breath.
“What? She came here? What did she want with you?” Nico sounded very surprised.
“Natalia somehow managed to leak the information to her that we’re dating. Emily came here to confirm that,” I told Nico.
“I see…” I couldn’t tell what Nico was thinking or feeling at all. “What did you tell her?” He asked.
“Well…” Nico is mine now. That’s what I told her, but there’s no way that I could admit that to Nico. It would be too weird. “If I denied it, then Natalia might find out about it so… I admitted it,” I said and bit my lips.
“That’s good then.” Nico replied. I admit, I was surprised by Nico’s reaction. He didn’t seem worried at all, he actually looked very relieved.
“You’re fine with Emily knowing you’re dating me? Another man?” I asked him.
“It’s over between us. I intend to totally forget about her. So, I don’t care what she thinks,” Nico said. “Besides, I don’t know about dating another men, but since it is you, I’m fine with anyone knowing,” he said and then chuckled.
He’s starting to tease me again.
Quite frankly, though, I was relieved that Nico wants to forget about Emily. Because he’ll only get hurt if he continues to be with that woman. Although I was worried; can Nico really forget about Emily, the woman he’d been with for many years?
“That’s right,” Nico said and then took out an envelope from his pocket. “Here,” he said and then handed me the envelope.
“What’s this?” I asked. “An invitation?” I took out the invitation.
“My parents want me to attend that gala. I’m thinking that you might be interested, since Crown Robins Publishing is hosting the event,” Nico said with a smile.
“The Robinsons…”
“Yeah, they’re planning to announce their future business plans in that gala. Only invited guests are allowed in the event, it’s very exclusive, not even the press are allowed inside,” Nico said with a smile.
I’m actually not sure if attending that gala is such a great idea. My plans to make those people pay are already in motion, and I was afraid that it might be revealed to them prematurely. “I’m not so sure about that, Nico…”
Nico sighed. “I really want you there, Kyle. I know you hate the Robinsons, but this could be a great opportunity for you. You can get inside information you can use against them,” Nico said.
“I already have plenty of inside information; I have a source, you know,” I told Nico. That’s true. I had someone inside their company that gives all the information I need for my plans.
“Really? You have an informant…?” Nico sounded really surprised.
“Yes,” I said with a smile. “I may not look like it, but I can an informant inside your family company if I want.” I added.
“Wow… how scary…” Nico said and then smiled. “Then you’re not coming…” He sounded really disappointed.
“No, I’ll go. Natalia would be there, right? If you’re not with the man you’re dating, then she would be all over you,” I said. “I already agreed with this act, might as well go all the way. Besides, that’s what friends do; help each other,” I said with a smile.
“Kyle…” Nico said with a smile. “I’m really lucky to have you. Not only are you cute, you’re also a great friend,” he said.
“If you keep teasing me, then I might change my mind,” I said.
Nico’s face changed. He pretended to be serious. “I’ll hold back then, until the gala is over,” he said.
“So you’re saying you’re going to tease after the gala is done, aren’t you?” I asked as I took the book I’m going to give him from my drawer. I stood up and walked in front of Nico, with the book behind my back.
“Of course. It’s too fun, so why would I want to stop?” He asked rhetorically.
“Really…” I sighed. “Somehow, I’m regretting getting you this…” I said and then showed Nico the book.
“That’s…” Nico stood up in surprised. “You really got one…” His eyes was wide, and he sounded very excited. He tried o get the book but I moved away.
“Promise me you’ll stop teasing me first,” I demanded.
“I don’t want to,” he insisted.
“Then I’m not giving this to you,” I said and then raised an eyebrow. “Too bad… you won’t get to see what Steven A.K. wrote inside,” I said and then showed Nico the first page.
On the empty first page of the book, Steven A.K. wrote a short letter to Nico.
Nico,
I heard that you’re a fan of my stories. Knowing that a person like you appreciates my work greatly inspires me to write more stories. Stories that would get into people’s hearts. I’ve heard that you’re a director, so I recently watched your works. Your films are very heartwarming, and it left a lasting impression in my heart. Your films are very inspiring, and I would not think twice to say this; I’m your fan.
From one story teller to another,
Steven A.K.
“That’s real, isn’t it…?” Nico sounded very surprised, his eyes were wide, and he looked very surprised as well.
“Of course. Why, do you think I made this letter up?” I asked him.
“No…” Nico shook his head. “It’s just that… I’ve never heard Steven A.K. giving a signed copy of his book to anyone before. Many fans want his autograph, but no one got one yet.”
“Really?” I asked proudly. “Then, this is the first one. You’re the only one with a signed copy of his book. He even wrote a letter to you.”
“Yeah…” Nico nodded his head. “That’s the first and only one…” He said with a small smile on his face.
Seeing how happy Nico was, I felt like I made the right decision.
He stepped forward and reached for the book but I stepped away again.
“I’m not giving this to you until you promise that you’ll stop teasing me.”
“Now that I know that it’s sign copy, with his letter to me, do you think I’ll back down that easily?” Nico said. “I’m taller than you, I can snatch that book easily, you know.”
“What?” My reaction was too slow, because Nico was already on the move to take it from me by force. “Hey, are you really going to do this?” I said as I ran away from him.
“There’s no other way,” he said with a grin.
“You can just promise me! I would give you this book peacefully, then!” I demanded.
“I don’t want to,” he said stubbornly. “I want that book, but I like teasing you way more,” he said with a smile.
“I’m not giving you this! You’ll have to wrestle me first before you get your hands on it.”
“Fine with me.” he said with a confident smile. “Don’t regret saying that.”
“You…” Nico lunged at me. I stepped away but my foot tripped on the foot of the desk.
“Kyle!” Nico shouted worriedly as I lost my balance and was about to fall on the ground.
Nico moved fast. He tried to catch me with his own body, but my weight made us both fall on the ground. I lost gripped of the book and it landed on the ground. Nico fell on his back, while I fell on top of him.
My head fell onto his chest and his whole body cushioned my fall. Nico’s hand was around my waist. “Are you alright?” He asked me.
“I’m the one who should be asking you that,” I told him. “I’m fine, though…”
“That’s a relief…” He did sound very relieved.
“We should get up, before anyone sees us like this…” I lifted myself up, with my hands pushing against the ground. I raised my head and my eyes met Nico’s.
I was surprised by the way he was looking at me. His eyes were very gentle and yet piercing. It was like he was peering right into my soul. I froze in that position.
Nico’s hands were still around my waist. “I don’t mind being seen like this,” he said in a soft voice as he continued to look at me. He kept his gaze on me, he kept his eye contact.
His hands burned into my waist and his gaze made my whole body even hotter. My heart started pounding fast and loud. My mind was sent into a frenzy, and I lost all rational thoughts.
What was going on? Why was I feeling that way? Why was Nico acting that way? I don’t get it at all.
“Kyle…” Nico uttered my name in such a gentle voice that it almost gave me a heart attack. Hearing him say my name in that way really made me feel… hot and excited.
“You… you’re teasing me right now, aren’t you?” I asked him, but Nico didn’t smile, his expression stayed mellow and serious.
“I’m not teasing you.” Nico said. “I…”
It was at that moment that the door of my office suddenly opened.
“Kyle Andrew Stevenson, what is going on here?” I heard a familiar voice. There’s only one person who calls me by my whole name when angry. Mom.
I turned my head and saw Perry with my parents. “Mom… Dad… you’re back…” I was really surprised. I didn’t know how to explain that situation to them at all. “Hey, let me get up…” I told Nico as his hands were still around my waist.
“Wow…” Perry said.
Nico removed his hands around my waist. We both got up and stood up straight, looking at my parents.
“We just arrived,” Dad told me. “So, what were you doing on the floor, with your hands around my son?” Dad asked Nico while looking sharply at him.
I went to my parents and both gave them hugs and kisses.
“We fell down,” I answered for Nico. “That’s just it.”
“I see…” Dad said in a very stern voice. “So, who are you?” Dad asked.
“He’s…” I tried answering.
“Let him answer, Kyle,” Dad interrupted.
“My name Jovan Niccolo Bellard, but you can call me Nico. I’m Kyle’s friend.” Nico replied.
“Friend…?” Dad asked in an intimidating tone. “So tell me, friend of my son, what were you two doing that made you fall on top of each other?” Dad asked in a very stern tone.
“I see. So you’re Drew’s friend,” Mom said with a smile. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” She said.
“Faye…” Dad sighed.
“Honey, don’t be too hard on Drew’s friend,” Mom said.
“Drew…?” Nico asked me.
“Mom calls me Drew, short for Andrew. Dad gave me the name Kyle, but Mom liked the name Andrew more, I was very active as a child, calling me Andrew all the time was tiring, so she ended up calling me Drew,” I explained.
“Drew…” Nico repeated as he looked at me. There was something in his eyes that I couldn’t explain.
“Drew,” Mom called with a smile. “We’re having dinner, Perry and Brent are also joining us. You can join us, if you want, Nico,” Mom said.
“Faye, I don’t think…” Dad protested.
“It’s fine, Daniel,” Mom insisted. Dad had no choice but to agree, since Mom already called him by his name.
“Fine, you can come with us, but…” Dad paused. “You better stay at a safe distance away from Kyle.” He added.
“Dad!” I protested, embarrassed.
“We’ll go on ahead then,” Mom said. “Before your Dad says any more crazy stuff.” She added. “See you both at dinner.” She pulled Dad away outside of my office. As Dad left the room, he gave Nico one last sharp look.
“Wow… just wow…” Perry said with a meaningful smile.
“Perry…” I said.
“I know. Shut up, right? You better be thankful I remained quiet the whole time,” he said.
“Thank you,” I said sarcastically. “Now, can you leave?”
“Sure. I’ll leave the two of you alone…” He said and then grinned. “You can continue whatever it is that you’re doing… or has the mood passed?”
“Hey!” I shouted and Perry ran away. “Sorry about that…” I apologized to Nico. “I take that back…” I said as I saw that he was trying to hold back his laughter.
I saw the book on the floor and tried to get it, but Nico moved faster and took the book instead. “I’ll be taking this, before you changed your mind,” he said with a small smile.
“Sorry about my Dad,” I said.
“No, I understand him. I’d be overprotective too, if I had a son like you,” he said with a smile.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I better not say now, or you might take this book away,” he said with a smile. “Anyway, I’ll be going now, text me where the dinner will be, because I’m definitely going,” he said.
“You’re going?” I was surprised.
“Of course! Your parents are really interesting, just like you,” he said.
Nico was about to leave the office but stopped by the door. He turned around and looked at me. Then, he stepped closer and to my surprised, he gave me a warm tight hug. “Thanks,” he said and then hugged me for a few more seconds.
His hug…
It was very warm.
That hug gave me butterflies in my stomach.
It made my heart pound.
It made my mind swirl.
I was frozen on my feet, at that moment. Nico slowly moved away and then walked out of the office without saying anything more.
Having Nico over for dinner was something I was really unsure of. I was really nervous on how my overprotective Dad would behave. I’m sure, after seeing that scene at my office, he wouldn’t be able to keep calm.
“Why are you still out here?” Nico asked me when he arrived and saw me still outside the restaurant waiting for him.
“I was waiting for you,” I said with a nervous smile. If I come in together with Nico, then my Dad wouldn’t get as much chance to grill me over Nico. That’s my thought.
“Really? How sweet…” Nico said with a smile as he approached me. I gave him a sharp look, although I was feeling really embarrassed at that moment. “Right… I’ll hold back until the gala is over,” he said with a smile. “Thanks for the book,” he said with a huge smile. “After reading his letter, I became much more inspired to make our movie a great one. I can’t believe he’s my fan,” he said proudly.
“I’m not surprised,” Nico looked curiously at me. “Because, you really are very talented.”
“There you are, what are you still doing out there?” Brent suddenly appeared at the entrance of the restaurant. “Who’s that?” Brent asked, looking at Nico.
“Brent, this is Nico. Nico this is Brent,” I introduced them.
“So he’s Nico, huh.” Brent’s tone sounded a bit intimidating, somehow I could feel hostility in his voice. “Good evening, I’m Kyle’s childhood friend and also his bestfriend,” Brent said as he approached Nico. “I heard so much about you. In fact, Perry just told me a very interesting story.” Brent added in a slightly threatening tone.
Nico and Brent shook hands. Actually, they looked like they were trying to squeeze the life out of each other’s hand.
“I see. Glad to hear that Kyle talks a lot about me,” Nico said in a serious tone. His cheerful and playful tone from a while ago vanished all of a sudden. “I can’t say the same thing for you, though.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Brent questioned in a stern voice. Nico grinned and didn’t reply. “Let’s go, Kyle, everyone is already waiting for you,” Brent said as he stepped closer to me and put his hands around my shoulders. “I don’t like him,” Brent whispered to me.
I knew it. It was really impossible to miss. The way Nico and Brent talked and looked at each other pretty much told me what they felt for each other. They didn’t really have to exchange many words for anyone realize that. Just the mere atmosphere between those two was enough.
The air between them was simply heavy and ominous.
Nico was just behind us, and when I turned my head, I saw him looking sharply at Brent. When he saw me, he suddenly gave off a very bright smile, transforming from Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll in an instant.
Sitting between Nico and Brent at that round table felt like I was inside a huge pressure cooker. They didn’t have to say anything for anyone to know that they hate each other. I don’t know why, though.
“So, Drew, are you dating anyone?” Mom asked all of a sudden. Why was she asking that all of a sudden?
I almost choked on the steak I was eating and coughed. “Are you alright?” Brent and Nico asked at the same time, and at the same time as well, they offered me a glass of water. Realizing that they both did the same thing, Nico and Brent glared at each other.
Perry on the other hand, had a very curious expression on his face. He must be thinking that the whole situation was very interesting.
I felt trapped. I felt that if I chose one, the other would get angry at me, so I choose to drink from my own glass, which was right in front of me.
“Why are suddenly interested in my dating life?” I asked after drinking.
“Nothing really…” Mom said meaningfully as she turned her gaze at Nico. “Are you sure you’re not dating anyone, Drew?” Mom asked me, but she was looking at Nico.
Ehhh? This is dangerous… Mom’s instinct must be kicking in. She must be already suspicious of Nico and I. I can’t say that she’s wrong though, but she isn’t right either. After all, Nico and I are pretending to be dating. Just pretending.
“Mom, I told you right, I want to focus on my career, on my goal.” I sighed. “I…” I felt a sudden jolt on my side, and when I turned my head, I saw Nico looking at me. He looked disappointed. I sighed. “Fine, you’re right, Mom. I’m dating. End of discussion” I said and then took Nico’s glass of water and drank everything in one go. It’s the only way to stop my Mom from her interrogation.
“I knew it,” Mom said with a smile.
“What? Really? Who is it?” Perry asked excitedly.
“You’re dating someone, Kyle?” Brent asked, he sounded somehow disappointed.
Dad was dangerously quiet. I was actually frightened by that silence of his.
Nico… Nico’s reaction… well, it’s interesting.
The moment I took his glass of water and drank from it, he had this triumphant smile on his face. For some reason he was really happy about it. I caught him staring at me after I drank his water, and he simply smiled at me.
He must’ve caught on. He must’ve figured out that he was the one I was referring to.
Why did I let myself fall deeper into that lie?
I felt like I was digging my own grave, a very deep grave that I wouldn’t be able to climb out of.
Without me realizing it, my feelings for Nico was becoming deeper and deeper by the moment.
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