CHAPTER 4

Then one day, he confessed his feelings for me, but I turned him down and explained to him that I see him not as a man, but only as a brother. He grew mad and crazy. I’ve seen him angry once and I can never forget it! He is strange. He is scary. He shouted at me and abused me physically. He even forced me to get married to him.

So that’s how my impression of him changed. He apologized and I accepted his apology, but since then, I refused to become his bride. I don’t want to.

“How long will you stay in the kitchen? You’ve already finished washing the dishes, and the water is overflowing now,” Hyde spoke behind me, which woke me up from trancing.

I turned to the sink. My eyes widened when I saw that the plates and spoons were already clean and shining. I quickly turned off the faucet that was already overflowing.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t notice,” I apologized, being ashamed of my abstraction.

Why is this man so cold? Didn’t he know that being a snob reduces his handsomeness?

He turned his back on me and I followed him into the living room. I caught those six playing X-Box again. They don’t even take a break, seriously!

“Join us, Ezra!” Clarence called me.

I scratched my head. “I don’t know how to play X-Box.”

“I’ll teach you…”

They turned to Hyde when he suddenly spoke while I immediately looked away. Why is he offering to teach me when I didn’t ask for his help?

“What!?” He hissed to his friends.

The six laughed and shook their heads. They whispered something to one another before returning to play.

“Come here.”

My eyes fixated on Hyde. His face was blank, and I couldn’t read what’s on his mind. He’s confusing me with his mixed signals lately. I no longer know if he’s being harsh to me or it’s just the way he is.

I pointed to myself. “Are you talking to me?”

“Who else do you think I am talking to?” He sounded annoyed.

I hate to think his tone was indirectly telling me that I’m stupid. I rolled my eyes and pouted. Since I was left with no choice, I just obeyed him and didn’t ask another question because maybe later he will start blowing fire at me.

What a grumpy man!

He taught me how to play what the boys are playing. It was just easy so I learned it fast. At first, I killed only a few monsters in the game. But later on, I was able to keep up with them and I even led the score. I have the highest kills and points compared to them who, as far as I know, were skilled in playing.

“How come you’re excellent, Ezra?!” Clarence complimented me.

“Wow, Ezra! I didn’t know you’re a fast learner!” Axle said in awe. “Can you learn to love me?”

I laughed at his silliness while Hyde glared at him.

“I’m kidding. I’ll back out, Ezra. The boss is mad. I don’t want to die yet.” Axle joked.

“Game is over. We’ve been defeated by a girl, dude,” Iñigo grunted, disappointed.

“Hey, losing to me is not a big deal.” I cheered them up.

I approached the six. They looked like heaven and earth fell down on them because of their expressions. Their shoulders are flat, their heads are facing the floor, and their voices are weak. I don’t think they have ever lost to anyone, especially a woman like me, so they are upset. I thought of a way to erase their losses.

“Guys!” I grabbed their attention and clapped twice.

They turned to look at me but their reactions didn’t change. It was the same, except for Hyde who has his own world.

“I’ll make a snack. Let’s have a movie marathon.”

Their mood suddenly brightened because of my suggestion so my smile widened.

“Deal!” They simultaneously agreed.

Hyde looked at me like he wanted to talk to me, but I ignored his existence and walked past him. Then, I cooked in the kitchen.

“What are we going to watch?” Clarence asked.

“The usual, dude.” Jeremy and Axle joked.

“Find a decent show. We’re watching with a lady,” Joaquin reminded them.

I heard them talking while looking for something to watch later. When I finished cooking, I headed back to the living room immediately. I found out that the CD was already on.

“What genre did you choose?” I asked them then placed the snack in front of us.

“Romance is what we picked,” Clarence answered.

“Would it be fine with you, guys? You might get bored if that’s what we are going to watch.”

Because I think it would be unfair on their side that I’m happy with what I’ll be watching while they will only be bored. I’m a fan of romance when it comes to movies but I’m fine with action films as well. Besides, I like guns and bullets. Holding a real one will make me feel like I’m cool.

“No, it’s okay, Ezra. Don’t worry,” Jeremy replied with confidence.

“Are you sure?” I asked more.

“Yes, we promise, we won’t be bored,” Iñigo assured me.

I could do nothing but sit on the floor and start watching. When we were in the courtship part, the surroundings became quiet. I would have been exhilarated by the movie I was watching but I didn’t expect I would be more stunned by the sight when I glanced at them one by one.

Is this real? I can’t believe what my eyes are seeing. I must be dreaming. There’s no way they are thrilled watching a romantic movie.

Oh, please!

Clarence and Jeremy threw a pillow to each other, while Iñigo and Axle smiled a little, trying hard not to show their enthrall. On the other hand, Joaquin, Xavier, and Hyde remained silent and serious. As usual. I didn’t even see Hyde flash a smile. I only get bored with the thought. As if he knows how to smile.

I continued to watch. Each time the scene was romantic, I tightened my grip to the pillow that I was hugging. I don’t want to scream my lungs out. I have to save my face at least. I’ve had enough embarrassing myself.

When we finished watching, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. A while ago they were screeching and being hyper in thrill, now they are acting serious again. I patted their shoulders to tease them.

After wrapping up, we went back to our own respective quarter. Their house is bulky so there are a lot of vacant rooms. They let me use the most commodious guest room.

Even before I could enter my room, I was startled when someone grabbed my arm. Out of shock, I hit the one who held me with my fist. I covered my mouth when I found out it was Hyde.

“Oh, God, Hyde! You startled me! Why did you show up out of nowhere? Oh, no! I’m sorry!” I apologized while checking to see if he had a bruise on his face.

“I just want to know if you—” He covered his face and massaged the bridge of his nose, unable to continue speaking.

Is he embarrassed?

My eyebrows met while waiting for what he would say next. I’m confused by what he’s up to. I can’t seem to understand him.

“I mean, you had fun tonight, right?” he asked, and then averted his eyes.

I nodded in surprise. “Uh… yes. Thanks to you and to the others.”

“Well, then… You can take a rest now. Good night.”

He spoke as fast as the flash that I could barely repeat. He didn’t look me in the eye either.

I stared at him, dumbfounded, until he could enter his room. I entered my room next and closed the door after. I leaned there for a moment and reminisced about the scene he put us in earlier.

Seriously? What’s wrong with him?

I thought he was going to say something important. I didn’t notice myself smiling when I remembered how frustrated he was while asking me if I enjoyed bonding with them.

He’s weird, but I’m starting to think he’s cute.