Chapter 32: Chapter 32

"Anya, you've been daydreaming all this time. Is something bothering you?"

I blinked. Realizing that Dewa was seeking attention, I just gave him a small smile. "Oh, just stuff to work on, you know? I have a report that's been pushed to be done urgently," I complained, pretending. Well, what can I do? Lying for the greater good is better than saying there's nothing to worry about. It wouldn't make sense, right?

"Being a secretary is really busy, huh?" he said.

I just responded with a chuckle. We ended up at a seafood restaurant near the apartment area. Dewa had been waiting for me after confirming through his message at four in the afternoon. I couldn't bring myself to refuse him again. And well... I had promised in the morning, right?

"You're also busy as a cafe manager," he continued. I chose sweet and sour squid for my menu this time. Just by looking at the photo on the menu, my mouth started to water. When it was served, it tasted just as I imagined. I even asked for an extra portion. Luckily, Dewa didn't suspect anything. In fact, he seemed happy that I ate a lot.

Is it not allowed for a woman to eat a lot? I wonder why.

"Ah, it's busy, but you know, when you're in love, what can you do? Oh, I need the money too," Dewa said while looking at me without a break. "Want to add some shrimp?"

I shook my head. "Two portions of this and grilled fish. Do you still want to add more? My stomach is not a bottomless pit, you know?"

Dewa laughed quite loudly. I didn't mind; after all, he became the subject of other customers' glances. I remained relaxed, enjoying my meal.

"I've been waiting for a moment like this, Anya."

"What do you mean?" I understood exactly where his conversation was heading. However, as a woman, I still wanted to see if I could make this guy in front of me blush with my apparent insensitivity when he moved closer.

"It's been a long time since we had dinner together and went home together. I don't know why you keep avoiding it."

"Busy, that's all. Not avoiding."

Dewa just shook his head. "Your reason is always the same. Classic." I saw him finish the last bit of his orange juice. "My request never gets an answer."

Memories of Dewa since I first met him two years ago came flooding back. At first, we were just normal friends. Maybe because of my lack of sensitivity or something, but a year later, Dewa began to act differently toward me. Naomi said it seemed like Dewa had a crush on me but was too afraid that I would avoid him if he made a move. Until one day, when he drove me home, Dewa finally mustered up the courage to ask me.

"If I approach you not just as a male friend, is it okay?"

"We're already close, right?"

Dewa chuckled. "Not close like that, Anya. Getting close where there's an attraction that leads to a love story. I'm interested in you, and you feel the same."

"Are you confessing your love to me, Wa?"

We both laughed. I didn't directly say that he could get close. No, I didn't. At my age, twenty-nine years old, I'm selective about who I get close to. Especially with the opposite sex. I let it be while assessing what Dewa would be like later on. But instead of adding positive points, my perception of Dewa had been eroded.

I'm not picky. But can you imagine how it feels when his lips are always sweet-talking and saying things that make me cringe? That's not all. Sometimes, Dewa would be overtly possessive of me, as if I were already bound to him.

Oh my God!

"Can I ask for a closer friendship?" I asked during this unfinished meal.

"Yes."

"But we're already close, Wa."

"But I want a more serious relationship, Anya. Like dating."

I chuckled softly. "I'm too old to date."

"Same here. Or do you want to go straight to engagement? I'm okay with it as long as it's with you."

"Oh, Dewa, you're a master with words."

"And you're even better at playing with my heart."

I chuckled, but Dewa didn't. Instead, he looked at me with a look that I couldn't interpret its meaning. Even the movement of my hand feeding me, I felt a bit intimidated by his behavior.

"For that, honestly Dewa, I can't."

"Why?" he asked immediately. I don't think he thought it through.

"I tried to open my heart, to accept that you're also around me. You know, I rarely refuse you unless I'm really busy?" I saw him nodding, meaning he agreed with what I said. "But it's just not possible, and I can't force it, Wa."

"So, my wait has been in vain all this time?"

I gave him a small smile. I rubbed his arm gently. "Of course not. We're friends. We have dinner together, have lunch together. Sometimes, we have fun, right? Same with Naomi and Dona."

"Is there something missing from me? Are my standards not met as your future husband? Do I have to dress up like Kelvin?"

I was quite surprised that Dewa brought up Kelvin's name. "Why Kelvin?"

Dewa snorted in annoyance. I'm sure of that. "Yeah... I'm not blind every time I see Kelvin looking at you. He's just like me, interested in you. Does Kelvin meet the criteria for a potential fiancé? Maybe he's closer to becoming your husband."

Ah, Dewa. If only you knew what happened to me. You'd be more determined not to be interested in me, right?