Chapter 16: Chapter 16

"Well, you two seemed close."

I pouted. His eyes shifted to my lips for a slow second and back to my eyes. "I saw the scar on his back and I was curious. He mentioned about your sister and I was also curious about how you two became friends. I didn't leave him until I was answered." He was silent and was just staring at me. "I've heard of you being in a military. Is it true?"

Part of my hair waves whenever he exhales. His elbow propped up his head. He was slightly leaning to me.

"Yes, but I never agreed to be deployed. I was sent to military boot camps during summer breaks and in between school years. After graduating high school, I got a recommendation to be one of the leaders to guide the newbies. It was the only recommendation I accepted since I still haven't decided what to do in college. I stopped on the third year though."

"Why?" I asked softly.

"My sister wanted me to help with their business. I had to study college though before helping."

"So you're actually a freshman?" I teased.

"Technically... sort of..." I frowned at his answer. "I only came to study for a year or two and if I did great results, then I have a good one year."

"You sound like a rich spoiled guy trying to skip the normal steps and go straight to paid ending."

He laughed. "I know but I let my sister do whatever she wants. I love her."

I grinned. "I'm sure you do." He gave me a full blown smile.

"Why didn't you want to get deployed? If they gave you recommendations then you must be really good."

He shrugged. "It was something that I didn't want. Looking back, there were students who wanted it more and I wasn't half way of what they're feeling. When Avery came back from deployment, she told me stories of the time they were sent for missions. It was heroic and inspiring. I felt selfish and guilty that I didn't feel the same way as them. The feeling of wanting to help, wanting to save, wanting to risk your life to save others. Avery never wanted to join the army at first but her experience firsthand made her want to go back and I've never been so proud of her. Unfortunately for her though, she wasn't able to come back. Her husband didn't let her."

"Your sister sounds so amazing." She really is. Although I've never seen her, I have already admired her.

"Yes, she is. That's why I feel awful knowing we didn't share the same ideal."

"It's okay. Everyone has different views, Keelan. You don't have to feel bad about it. Kindness doesn't have a particular definition. As long as your heart doesn't want to do something evil. Like you know... telling secrets to other people." I glare at him.

Keelan laughed and suddenly hugged me. His oversized body hovered my petite one while making sure I wasn't completely crushed from his weight. I squealed from the sudden interaction.

"If that secret makes you anxious and look at me every now and then with your fidgety self, know that I'll gladly exploit it so you could stay by my side."

"You are pure evi-"

I was cut off when he kissed me. I tried to push him away so I'll resume my ranting but he didn't budge and he was too strong for me. Compared to his size, I was short, small and really weak. He then grabbed my legs and let it wrap around his waist. Next, he grabbed my arms and let it wrap around his neck. I have long stopped fighting him and succumb to his debauchery.

Our night turned from simple conversation to a full blown make out session. He finally let me go and sleep when he noticed my exhausted face. He must have realized I haven't had enough sleep when I slept the whole ride this morning. I felt a kiss on my forehead, my cheek and my nose before drifting to darkness.

---

I woke up having finally had long enough sleep. I turned to my side seeing Keelan staring at me. I was shocked and jumped back realizing the lack of space we have. He smirked.

"Good morning."

"Morning." I mumbled. I frowned when I realized something. "Did you sleep?"

"I did."

"Really? I thought you'd have a hard time sleeping."

"I'm more comfortable knowing you're here with me."

I stare at him. He always says things that could make one's heart flutter. I guess I'm not an exception amongst her fan girls.

"Why do you always say things like that?" I said rather frustrated. I didn't want to feel this way towards a guy. I don't want to feel attached to someone knowing I don't have a choice in my life.

"Like what?" He asked innocently.

I sat up and stared at the front blankly. "Like... like I'm... with you." My voice faded out. I won't be surprised if he didn't hear me. Keelan sat up as well. His arm went around me, his face buried to my head, it went down towards my neck and he inhaled my scent.

"I don't know, love. Why don't you ask cupid instead?"

---

When we got out of the tent, everyone was already preparing for breakfast. Some of our friends already started bickering this early morning. The sun hasn't risen up yet but its orange tail is already showing. Ian suggested watching the sunrise cause he's going to film it with his camera. We happily agreed.

As I stretched my arms and my back, I didn't notice Mila was standing right behind me. My heart and I jumped back from her sudden appearance. She was standing with arms crossed and a mischievous smirk.

"Well, well, if it isn't my jumpy paranoid of a best friend."

"Ahh..." I looked around and avoided her eyes. I know I just came out from his tent but I was suddenly alarmed that everyone might have seen us. Keelan was already talking with Ian setting up somewhere for them to film.

"Everyone already knows, dear Kyree." I froze at her statement.

"Knows what?" Remi popped out of nowhere. His arms went around Mila, leaning his body onto her