Finding You, Again
Us 3 - Lunch and More

I praise my own intelligence in my heart. Because it seamlessly managed to change the meeting accidentally earlier, into something profitable.

This burger lunch idea is really creative.

That br*ngs*k actor was trying to disrupt my plans. I had to go to great lengths to resist my urge to break his hand.

If I could still transform, it was possible that one of my hands had already grown claws, upon hearing that he intended to join us.

But I'm relieved for one thing. According to my assessment of Bee's attitude towards him, I suspect they have no relationship whatsoever.

Bee looked distant as he spoke to her earlier. He was still friendly and smiling, but I knew Bee very well. Bee wasn't too comfortable with his presence there, for whatever reason.

I'm glad Oscar banned him from coming, of course it wasn't because he wanted to help me, but he had to. Because he gave me a deadly glance when I came out following Bee. Which of course I don't ignore.

Oscar couldn't have acted rashly by preventing me from going with Bee, because it would have been very suspicious and would have raised questions from Bee. At the moment Oscar has no choice but to follow the storyline that I've formed.

But now I'm in a really shitty situation!

All my life I don't like to lie. But now I was in a situation that required me to lie. And I definitely hate him.

As long as we walked towards the elevator, I was eager to mince words asking little things about her. But then I realized, I already knew all about Bee!

I can't pretend I don't know, because that means I lied to her.

So now that we were in an awkward situation, the elevator ride to the ground floor turned out to be very long, we were on the top floor earlier. I almost scratched my head in annoyance.

But my reflection off the elevator wall made me stop. Bee was indeed standing in front of me while looking at the screen of his phone, not that he could act recklessly.

"I'm really sorry! I asked you for this lunch, but I didn't ignore you from now on" I finally managed to compose a sentence that I thought was good enough.

"Oh. It's okay. You seem to be thinking about something weird, you look really agitated" Bee said, pointing at my reflection on the elevator wall.

Oh..Thank goodness I didn't scratch my head.

"Yes.there's something that happened a while ago, quite a complicated problem. And now I'm trying to finish it" I said carefully. At least I'm not lying.

Bee nodded with understanding hearing it. "Whatever it is, I hope you can finish it well" he said kindly.

Oh Bee---finished or not my problem depends on your heart, my mind ironically.

"But I think you're busy too, since you've been typing messages non-stop" I pointed to the phone in his hand.

My tongue is a little muddy with all this manners.

"Oh, I just told Jovi to meet with us at the booth. He kept asking me why I hadn't returned to the office" he explained, still politely.

I need to find a way to stop this excessive courtesy. There was nothing wrong, because according to Bee, we had just met. But not for me. My brain got stuck, so thinking about what polite sentence I should say after this.

"Mrs. Theobald. Before London, where did you live?" tanyakanya.

Enough's enough!!

"Well... Miss Delmora, may I call you Lui? And please call me Duke. Our age is not too far away, so I hope we do not need excessive courtesy." I asked, painstakingly composing the word.

"Oh. thank goodness. Say.i mean..I also don't really like the official attitude. I was busy thinking what I should say to avoid sounding rude" he said, breathing a sigh of relief.

I know Bee never likes to be official if not forced. So Bee was also silent because he was busy thinking about the same thing as me. It's so funny.

I unconsciously laughed when I heard her words. Immediately Bee's face flushed to hear my laughter.

"An. I mean, you don't have to laugh that hard, I don't really like being polite" he said, turning his face red.

Did I make him angry?

"sorry. I didn't mean to laugh at you. It's just that I've been thinking about something more or less the same as you. This is of course funny, because it makes us not talk to each other at all" I explained, smiling to apologize.

Bee looked at me for a moment before finally also chuckling amusedly. "It's so ridiculous!" among the sounds of laughter.

Laughter is contagious, I let go of my happy laughter for the first time in 6 months. Bee's smile and laughter made all the pain and regret that I had been experiencing as if it were a dream.

I'll make you mine again Bee... I promise!

---------- *0o0*----------------

His laughter was not what I thought it was. Slightly hoarse due to his heavy voice, but also soft. Of course I like it too.

Conscious Lui!!

Back to my perfectly reasonable brain, warned. I was too absorbed in enjoying her charm.

"You haven't answered my question" I reminded him of my question.

"Before in London where did you live?" I repeat, because the Duke frowned. He seems to have forgotten what I asked.

"Ohh.it. I live in many places. But recently I was living in Canada" he replied, as his eyes lost focus, thinking.

"Oh. I love Canada! My Mom said the view is amazing. Too bad I have never been there. These few years, I rarely travel" I said unknowingly.

Why should I bring Mom to this conversation? You are so stupid Lui!! the curse in my heart.

I have never been to Canada. I, as Ballerina, actively go to many places, but mostly in Europe. And now that I quit, I'm only traveling because of a survey proposal.

The elevator doors opened and showed a slightly quiet view of the ground floor lobby, because lunch was already half an hour late.

"Yes.. Canada is beautiful. For people who really like nature like your mother, it will definitely be very fond of the atmosphere there" said Duke, while walking slowly next to me.

Wait a minute!!!

"How did you know that my mom really likes nature?" ask me in wonder. For a moment he stopped walking and looked at me.

"Of course I know. I'm a friend of Oscar's, I know a few things about your family" Duke replied, looking away.

Ow. this is amazing. Oscar told her that? He must be really close to Oscar. Oscar very rarely shares anything about our family. Why have I not known him all this time?

"How long have you known Oscar?" my, interested.

"Hmmm about 3 years!" Duke rubbed his jaw, he thought back.

Just 3 years ago and Oscar already believed in him so much? I'm getting curious about their story. I had to make him tell me a lot about their friendship. Oscar never wanted to tell me anything about his social life, it would be interesting to hear it from Duke.

In the distance I saw Jovi who was looking at me with a very astonished face. The more we got closer to where he stood, his eyes widened to look at the Duke. I think he would really be in balance if we were in front of him.

---------- *0o0*----------------

I could feel the sweat rushing down my back, but it was almost winter.

My mouth lost control when I mentioned Canada. Of course I know, Belva-Bee's Mom-is really into nature. He told me himself.

You should be able to keep your mouth shut Duke!! The stupid statement earlier, almost dismantled all the neatly arranged lies.

This is so hard!!

I have to be careful about what I say. Otherwise, Bee would be very suspicious. Bee is not like Oscar who can tell for sure if someone is lying to him, but Bee hates lying the most.

Bee finds it hard to forgive someone who deliberately lied to him. This is also what makes me have to think about my plan really carefully.

"Is that your friend? He was looking at us?" my question is, trying to distract him.

"Yes.it's Jovi. He's the secretary at my division!"

While running slightly, Jovi ran towards us coming. I recognize him, he's the one who's always with Bee at lunch.

"Include this Jovi, and this Jovi is Duke Theobald" Bee introduced us excitedly.

Jovi looked at me a long time ago. From the sight of his eyes, I could already guess what he would say after this. But half my face is safely covered in sunglasses.

"Have we ever met Mr. Theobald? Your face feels very familiar" he asked later, according to estimates.

"I'm sorry, but I just moved to London for about a month. I don't think we've ever met. And please just call Duke" I said calmly.

I've prepared all sorts of answers to questions like this.

"Before Duke lived in Canada, it was very unlikely that you ever met him Jov" Bee chimed in while holding Jovi's hand, then pulled her inside to order food.

They whispered noisily in front of the booking counter. Their conversation was supposed to be secret, but with a slight opening of the ear ability, I could clearly hear the contents of their conversation, which turned out to be unimportant.

Most of this conversation they had was a hysterical hiss from Jovi, in disbelief, Bee could get acquainted with a man as handsome as I was.

Bee gave me some of her favorite menu choices, while explaining the content as clearly as possible. He also forced me to pay for this lunch, because he didn't want me to lose it if I didn't like the burger.

To be honest, I don't really care about that. I don't mind any menu containing meat. But I let Bee explain everything to me. I can listen to Bee talk about anything, even if it's about something very boring.

The three of us sat by the window and enjoyed our meal.

And I agree with Bee, this burger tastes better than what I used to eat at some famous outlets. "Don't you like coffee or other drinks?" jovi asked, staring at the bottle of mineral water I chose as a drink.

"I actually like coffee and chocolate, but they don't have real coffee and chocolate. Just a flavoring drink". Because my nose is so sharp, I can't drink anything that smells chemical.

I really enjoy coffee and chocolate, but if it really comes from the original steeping is not just a flavor.

"Oh, we're the same. I also love chocolate and coffee" Bee said, looking at me with sparkling eyes.

I know that, Bee.

It was you who made me crazy about coffee and chocolate. The smell is always present when we are together. Of course after that, I was crazy about those two scents.

"Ohhhhh. Your taste is very expensive" Jovi teased. He would be a good fit if he met Roan.

"It's not like that, it's just that my nose is very sensitive. I can't drink anything that smells of chemicals. To be safe I always choose water" I explained, with a little reluctance.

I could smell the chemicals contained in the flavoring drink and it made my stomach nauseous.

My biggest enemy is alcohol, whatever it is. My nose burned when I first kissed her. I can't smell anything for the next 3 hours. I never got close to booze again after that.

Bee nodded his head understandingly at my explanation.

Then Bee and Jovi started asking standard questions about my life. What is my job like, living in what area and others. I really hope not to have to think hard every time I want to answer, but impossible. I had to work hard, so that my answer wouldn't make Bee suspicious.

This sucks!! I just want to enjoy the conversation without feeling anxious.

You already knew this would be difficult Duke!!

The smell of metal and oak that I know comes up to my nose, this is Roan's scent.

I looked out and saw him walking towards the booth where we were eating. He gestured for me to come out, when our gazes met.

What the h*ll!! What's he doing here?

I say goodbye to Bee and Jovi, who are finishing their drinks. They just nodded confused.

"I'll kill you if it doesn't matter!" threaten me, after arriving in front of Roan.

"Heyy don't kill the messenger" Roan raised both hands.

"My dad wants you to come home soon. El's gone home with Id. I actually didn't want to pick you up either, but you didn't answer your phone from earlier" Roan delivered the news, with an exasperated cry.

I felt the pocket of the suit that turned out to be empty.

"F*ck.. I left it in Delmor" I said, annoyed. I didn't take him when I got into Oscar's office.

"Can't your father wait?' my many. I don't want to end my meeting with Bee so soon.

Roan looked at the table where we were sitting. "I think your meeting with her brother went well". He pointed towards the table where Bee was sitting with his face.

"I don't want to bother you, either, Duke, but he said this is very important. Something about that vampire" he added, still looking at the table.

"Stop looking at him!! You're gonna make them suspicious!" my hardik.

Roan just shrugged his shoulders hearing my clasping, but he grazed his eyes onto the highway.

Once again I cursed in my heart. I haven't heard any news about that blonde vampire, in almost 6 months. But now, when I just made a little progress on Bee, the vampire reappeared.

Very bad timing!

"I'll come with you home, but I have to say goodbye to them. Waita minute!" I left Roan and went into the booth again.

"Is there a problem?" Jovi who asked, he looked at Roan who was now standing back at us while looking at the traffic.

"Ah.no! It's just that suddenly there's something I have to finish. Forgive me, for having to leave now" My regret is very sincere.

"It's okay! You better hurry up, he looks really angry!" Jovi pointed at Roan who was now turning to look at me with narrowed eyes.

I opened my eyes, as a gesture for him to turn again, but this time Roan was defiant.

"I go first Lui, Jovi. I really enjoyed this lunch. Thank you again for this delicious menu"

"Oh. I don't mind accompanying you to lunch at any time" Jovi looked at me as he rolled his naughty eyes.

I laughed hearing that, it was a temptation I used to hear. Bee glared sharply at Jovi while whispering to be more polite to me.

But Jovi just rolled his eyes while smiling.

"I'll call you again. Next time, I will treat you in return for this wonderful lunch" I said to Bee, who looked a little surprised, but then he nodded.

I smiled happily, looking at that little nod. We can still meet again.

I waved and immediately approached Roan who was now walking ahead of me.

"You look a lot better than I've seen in 6 months" Roan looked at me who was wearing a seatbelt.

"Because that's what I'm feeling too" I replied calmly.

I drove the car without much talking. I still want to repeat the memories of every detail of my conversation with Bee earlier.

---------- *0o0*----------------

The woman is beautiful and very attention-grabbing. I could see many pedestrians, who were blatantly looking at him.

His hair was black and straight like a shampoo, not to mention his eyes and nose were also perfect. I wouldn't be surprised, if one day I saw him play a movie with Zeno. She is well suited to be an actress.

He looked a little angry at Duke. They spoke with their heads almost stuck.

Who her? Is that her lover?

I threw the thought away, because suddenly my feelings became very uncomfortable.

"Who is he? They looked very familiar" Jovi also looked at them with curious eyes.

"Sister or brother maybe?" my guess.

Jovi looked at me while frowning. "Normally other people will assume that they are lovers, but of course you are not the average person"

I just laughed hearing that, trying to cover up the disappointment, which seemed to not want to go away from my heart.

Even Jovi guessed the same thing as me. But they were perfectly suited standing side by side like now. Their height is almost the same, not to mention they are equally amazingly beautiful.

The statues will fit on display at Madam Tussaud's wax museum with the label 'Gorgeous creation'.

The Duke walked back towards us.

From his slightly troubled face, I can guess, this lunch event is coming to an end.

"Is there a problem?" Jovi asked at bullet speed once the distance was close enough to our table.

"Ah. no, it's just that suddenly there's something I have to finish. I'm sorry, for having to leave now" the Duke replied, with wistful and regretful eyes.

I held my hand, who suddenly wanted to stroke her back and say a word of comfort.

Lui!! it's outrageous!!

My mind shouts disobedience at that presumptuous thought. Duke said something again, but I didn't hear much, because I was busy calming my crazy brain.

"Oh. I don't mind accompanying you to lunch at any time" I instead heard Jovi's words clearly, not to mention his eyes winked mischievously at Duke.

I looked at him in disbelief, what was he doing?

"Jovi.. be polite, he's Oscar's friend" I whispered from the corner of my lips, warning. But the Duke only chuckled at Jovi's words.

"I'll call you again. Next time, I will treat you in return for this wonderful lunch" he said, turning his eyes to me.

I was a bit surprised to hear that, because I didn't think he would invite me to eat together again. I nodded, as slow as possible, so as not to look too hopeful.

And a big smile spread beautifully on her face. I could feel most of the cells in my body, dancing happily at the sight.

He then walked out while waving towards us. The duke approached the woman earlier, and they walked hand in hand through the sea of humans that crowded the sidewalk.

"Lui.., Lui..!!" Jovi flicked his finger in front of my face.The flick managed to bring me back to the real world.

"What's wrong?" I asked, while sucking my coffee-flavored drink that was almost finished.

"You're going to make this glass hollow, if you keep looking at it like that" Jovi smiled broadly now, pointing at the glass window of the burger stall next to us sitting down.

"I didn't look at him" I said, grinning.

I know where the talk is going.

"It's okay if you're fascinated. All normal women would be swept away with her charm" she said, in a ignorant tone.

"Yes and that includes you!" my word.

"Of course!" Jovi agreed quickly.

"I thought you were kidding me, when you said we were going to have lunch with someone very handsome, but it turns out your taste is not bad when it comes to men" Jovi now giggled happily.

I just rolled my eyeballs hearing it. Jovi is indeed the most passionate handsome male fan I have ever met.

But that was of course because she was the first female friend, who invited me to chat about this. My first girl talk.or woman talk is with Jovi.

We walked a little fast, because the lunch hour was only 10 minutes.

Am I really fascinated with him? Because frankly, what I feel every time I meet Duke, is very different from what I feel for Zeno.

The Debaran that I felt when I was with Zeno, felt foreign. My feeling when I was with Duke, was like sweetness on the tongue when I drank tea. Warm and familiar.

"But Duke is a little weird!" jovi said while pulling me away from drowning in the crowd, my rather petite size, made me often carried away by human currents.

"What do you mean?"

"He always thinks a little while answering things. You know-like-he had to set up an answer first before speaking" Jovi replied.

"You mean he could've lied?" ask again.

"I don't think so, he's not lying. But as if he could not answer freely, there was something he was hiding" Jovi explained.

I just nodded meaninglessly. Since I'm a bad character appraiser, I'll just trust Jovi.

"Oh..oh is he someone with a criminal record? You know, like a gangster or a mobster, it makes sense that he'd have to hide something?"

Jovi's opinion is very absurd in my opinion, let alone he's a friend of Oscar. He will not be friends with a criminal.

"Oscar wouldn't let me go to lunch with him, if he was a criminal. You know that!" I said, refuting his opinion.

"Yes, you're right. Your paranoid brother will definitely do everything possible to prevent it" Jovi smiled wryly.

We both think the same about this. Oscar is paranoid.

"O .iya. Do not forget to make sure your phone battery is always charged. You don't want to miss a call from Duke, do you?" god again with a big smile.

"Jovi!! I haven't given him my cell phone number!" I cried, I don't know why I'm panicking now.

Then Duke won't be able to call me. "Do I have to ask Oscar Duke's cell phone number? That way I can give her my phone number"

Jovi who walked into the elevator now laughed out loud. Two people who were already in the elevator turned to look at us in surprise.

I nudged his ribs to keep him quiet. He closed his mouth to stop his laughter.

"You really like Lui. I've never seen you so eager to tell someone else your phone number" Jovi whispered to me after her laughter subsided.

"What?!... no. I mean, I just don't want her to have any trouble contacting me again" my dear. I could feel the heat running down my face.

"When do you care if someone's gonna call you or not?" attack again. That's right, the contact number on my phone is not mined drastically after work. Last time was just Zeno's number, which I kept.

"Jovi. stop it. Ok? I just enjoyed our conversation, that's all, nothing more" I said firmly, trying to disavow Jovi's words.

Jovi shook her head with a twisted face hearing my words. He must have been confused by my attitude.

I just don't want to feel the pain like with Zeno yesterday. Fatal misunderstanding that causes pain. I need to be more careful.

Confusion with my own feelings, guilt that always whack, not to mention deep regret when I hurt Zeno with that rejection. I don't want to do that stupid thing anymore.

I did feel very relieved and light after all that I let go, but I also know, if the loneliness and emptiness that I used to feel before meeting Zeno, back to my senses.

But I like it better than continuing the relationship with Zeno, because I know for a fact it was wrong. I don't know what's wrong because of what.

My thoughts and feelings may also be on display at the museum under the label 'The Most Twisted Mind in The World'.