Chapter 48: Chapter 48

JONEA

“Let’s go on a date tomorrow!” invited Daran.

“What?” I started it; now I’m the surprised one.

“Why? Don’t you want a dating simulation? Do you want to practice making that guy--Hunter Abraham, hate you? Let’s do a dating simulation so you can quickly make him sick and stay away from you! Isn’t he the man with the red mark on his forehead? He could endanger your life.”

I heard Owen grumble, “This isn’t going to end well. It would be more practical if I just killed him!”

Why did he have to kill Hunter? I don’t want to get involved with Hunter, but there’s no need to kill him, right? I just glanced at Owen in annoyance.

The next day, I got ready early in the morning. I even put on my makeup for the first time since arriving here. When I was about to leave the room, I stepped back and looked in the mirror.

“Fool, why am I wearing lip gloss and blush? I’m just going to do a dating simulation. Besides, my goal isn’t to actually date but to practice making Hunter hate me if we really have to go to the movies next weekend.”

I took cotton wool and started cleaning the makeup on my face. I also changed clothes to what I usually wear every day.

“Well, it’s better this way. I don’t want Daran to laugh at me for looking too excited.”

I left the room and stood in front of Daran’s door, which was still tightly closed.

“Am I too early? Or has he forgotten our promise?” I hesitated before knocking on the door.

Because I felt embarrassed, I decided to go back to my room. But when I was about to leave, I heard Daran open the door and come out. That’s when I realized something unusual was happening.

I smelled the fragrant perfume. I couldn’t take my eyes off Daran. He came out of the room neatly dressed and looking very stunning. I was stunned for some time because Daran wasn’t wearing his mask.

“You...”

Daran stood in front of me. He looked tall and stunning--as if I could not touch his existence.

“I know this is just practice, but I want to dress appropriately for a date. I don’t want to embarrass you. Is this enough? Or should I change my clothes to something else? I don’t really understand today’s fashion developments. I hope it’s not too old.”

“Perfect!”

Without realizing it, I had said very embarrassing words. I immediately looked down to hide my red face. How could he look so elegant and fragrant? He can attract the attention of many women. Damn!

“Jonea?” Daran scolded. “Is there something missing from my appearance? Do you not like my clothes?”

“Ah, no, that’s not it. You look interesting. I think that’s enough!” I grinned nervously. “You’re even too perfect for a dating simulation,” I muttered softly.

“You said something?”

“Umm, how about you wear your mask?”

Daran fell silent and looked at me confusedly. “Wouldn’t it be strange if you walked outside with a man in a mask? People will definitely think I will do bad things to you.”

“Or just change your face to an old man?” I suggest.

“You want to date Grandpa?” Daran looked even more surprised.

Oh, damn! That’s not what I meant. I don’t want Daran’s handsome face to be the centre of attention. But how should I explain it to him?

I could only grumble in my heart and bite my lips until they hurt.

Daran froze as he looked at me, his face turning gloomy. This was the first time I could see the expression on Daran’s face, although I’m not sure if it was a natural face.

“Wh-why?” I asked hesitantly.

“Are you going out dressed like that? Should I ask Loko to come? I’m sure he’ll be able to recommend suitable clothes for you to wear at a time like this.”

I quickly shook my head. “Of course, I have to look as bad as possible to make a bad impression in Hunter’s eyes when we go to the movies next weekend. What do you think?”

Daran sighed. “Yes, you have to choose the worst clothes for Saturday. But, can you dress properly in front of me today? I’m not Hunter--”

Before Daran could finish his noisy words, my clothes had unknowingly changed. I screamed in surprise.

“How could that be--”

“You look beautiful in that dress. For today, don’t irritate me!” Daran took my hand and took me outside.

“But... This is not how we agreed!” I protested while secretly admiring the beautiful dress and high heels that stuck to my body.

“Today is our date day. I want you just for me. So, focus your attention only on me!”

Then Daran just walked away. He walked first and left me still stunned.

“What was that? Why does he fascinate me?” I quickly shook my head and patted my cheeks to wake me to reality. “He really is a devil.”

My dating simulation plan was ruined. This is not at all what I imagined. I just wanted to practice making Hunter sick of me. But what happened? I felt like a couple on a date with Daran all day. He treated me like a woman.

We went out to eat together and took a walk around the park. Daran even tends to spoil me. I felt this wouldn’t be good, so I stopped this dating simulation.

“I can not take it anymore. You make me feel so bad!” I complained to Daran when we just left the cake shop.

Daran looked at me seriously. “Was there something in my attitude that was impolite?”

“You...” I was so annoyed. “Are you pretending not to know? While walking with you, everyone kept looking at you. Especially women. They keep praising you. Meanwhile, they continued to insult me. Like what just happened at the cake shop. The woman whispered, how can a man as handsome as you date a country and ugly girl like me?”

Daran grabbed my waist and pulled me into his arms without realising it. “Are you jealous? Isn’t this just a dating simulation? Why should you feel bad if the most handsome man is by your side and admiring you? You... You’ve made everyone jealous, Jonea.”

I’m out of words. I could only gape in Daran’s arms.

Once again, he whispered, “Should we kiss in front of them?”

I glanced at the window of the cake shop we had just left. The women secretly watched us with envious eyes. Good grief! What is this feeling?

Daran, then just let me go. At first glance, I saw him smiling. I’m so annoyed. Is he playing me on purpose?

I ran to catch up with his wide footsteps. “Daran, wait for me!”

“Jonea!” scolded someone from one of the shops I had just passed.

I turned and was surprised to see him.