Chapter 36

I was quietly reading CLGF's story when suddenly someone knocked on the hotel room door. I quickly put down the cellphone and opened it. A man wearing the hotel crew's uniform was the first thing I saw. He smiled when he saw me. "Good morning, Ma'am! Room service!"

"Oh." I smiled back and looked down at the tray of food he was carrying. "Thank you. Just put it on the bed."

He stepped inside and placed the tray on top of the small table that he had also brought earlier, before he bid goodbye to me. I closed the door and stretched my arms out, yawning a little. I've been reading on the phone for hours and my eyes were a bit tired.

I approached the entrance of the balcony and opened the curtain. I closed my eyes when the sunlight hit my eyes. I just noticed that the sun has risen completely in the east.

I left the curtain on the balcony open to let the sunlight in. Then I hopped to the bed and enjoyed the food. A few minutes later, the crew came back to take the tray of food and the empty dishes.

Since there was nothing to do, I meditated on the balcony. But after a few minutes, my cell phone suddenly rang. I quickly returned to the room and answered the call. "Hi, this is Rishell ---"

"Good morning, Rish."

I was stunned when I heard the familiar male voice on the other line, but I can't remember who. I cleared a throat. "Who is this?"

"You..." He laughed. "You don't recognize my voice?"

It took a few seconds before I remembered whose voice it was. "Levi?" I said in confusion and disbelief.

This was the first time he called my number and I couldn't help but be nervous especially since I didn't expect his call that morning. I heard his lush laugh again so my cheeks burned red out of embarrassment. My smile widened and I bit my lip again and again. I drew a breath before asking. "You called?"

"I just want to send my utmost gratitude for your support. Tiden told me what had happened. Are you okay now?"

"Uhm..." I believe he's asking about what happened in Oslob. That's the most dreadful thing that happened to me these past days. "Ah, don't worry about that. I'm more than okay now."

"That's good to hear."

I took a deep breath. "Is that the only reason you called?"

"I want to invite you for a dinner. Are you free tonight?"

My heart skipped a beat for a moment. What's with him inviting me suddenly? It's the first time he called me up and not in my wildest dream did I hope for his invitation. It's kinda unbelievable!

My eyes widened for a few seconds before I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "S-Sure! I'd love that!" I blinked. "By the way, do you have something important to say? You know, all of a sudden, you asked me out. It's kinda overwhelming..."

"I have been thinking about you lately. I can't get your pretty face out of my mind... Since that day when I tasted your soft lips under the sea."

"Ah?" I was lost for words.I took a deep breath, and threw my head back, suppressing my giggles. I couldn't find the words to say so I remained silent, covering my mouth to prevent myself from squeaking.

"Rish?" Levi called after a few seconds of silence.

"Y-Yes?"

"I asked you. Are you free tonight?"

"Yes!"

I heard his laugh. "Alright. It's settled. Send me your location. I'll fetch you later."

"A-Alright."

"Uhm... Where is Tiden? He hasn't called since last night. I expected him to call ---"

"He's busy."

"Oh." I cast my gaze down. "Is that so? I'm used to him calling me always." I mumbled, and I don't know why I feel like telling him

Levi was silent for a moment before he said again, "He's busy."

"I understand." I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "What time later?" I asked.

"Seven, tonight."

"Alright. I'll remember."

Without a warning, he ended the call. But before it disconnected, I heard Nicole's voice on the other line. I guess that girl had arrived so Levi cut our call off. She's really annoying to the core!

I threw the cellphone on the bed and ran around the room. I sang Vine songs out loud, and even ran to the balcony and shouted the lyrics. "Oh! I am under your spell! I love you, Vine!"

I laughed and entered again before sitting in front of vanity mirror and stared at my grinning pretty face. If I was not a beauty, would Levi look at me for a bit and invite me to a dinner date?

No. A pretty face mattered the most and I knew it well.

My hand reached for my phone on the side and logged in to my social media account. Lips curving a little, I changed my relationship status into dating with someone.

I couldn't help but to giggle and squeak under the pillow as I rolled over the bed. It was my happiest day when Levi took notice of me! It's been years since I admire him and every single time, I always wish to date him. Now, its a dream come true!

I browsed over my social media account for a moment before I saw an unread message from TIden. My brow raised as I opened it.

~~~

From Tiden:

Rishel, how have you been lately?

I may not be there by your side to always protect you but I will always hope for your success. You are the reason why I am achieving these dreams of mine. You are my strength, Rishell. You are my most treasured possession. I love you... so much. I will do everything to protect you, even if it will cost me a lot.

There is only one thing that I will ask from you: remember me. I can take on losing myself, but I can't take losing you for a lifetime. That would end me.

Rishell, take care of yourself so I don't have to worry anymore. Can you do that for me?

This is the longest message I have ever sent you. It's funny. I wish I had done the LSM with you previously. Maybe you'll cast your gaze on me then. :)

Kidding aside, what I said is true. Take care and I love you.

~~~

I chuckled and shook my head when I read his message. When I checked the time it entered my inbox, it was before dawn, about an hour after I sent my message at midnight.

So I replied.

`````

To Tiden:

Thank you for your message. Likewise but don't give into false hope. Okay? :P

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A smile tugged the corner of my lips after I sent the message to him. Thanks to Tiden, I'm not the type of woman who ignores and avoid her admirers. From the start, Tiden expressed his interest on me so I didn't find his confession repulsive.

But why he didn't call me? Well, I kinda missed his voice.

What that man's doing now? I guess he's busy practicing or just enjoying his relaxation after the concert. I didn't know. Unlike before where he would set aside a minute of practice just to call me, this text message was the only thing he did. It made me wonder what's happening to him now.