Finding You, Again
Us 6 - Anger and Lie

I almost squealed when I saw Duke, because he looks-perfect-!!!

He stood quietly next to his car, looking at the mobile phone in hand.

Fortunately we promised to meet in the underground parking lot. Otherwise, such an appearance would invite a lot of attention from the women passing by.

Duke yesterday had looked so perfect in a suit, then I wonder he can still look even more charming with his clothes today.

He wears a long black coat with a wide collar that perfectly frames his well-built body. A bottle green turtleneck sweater, peeking out from behind that coat. His facial lines look more and more beautiful, because of the collar that covers his neck.

His black hair that yesterday was neatly combed, now looked a bit messy, some children hair fell on his forehead. That messy hair, as if exhaling a sexy fragrance filled the air around him.

And yes!---- I was fascinated with all that.

Lui, admit it, you were indeed fascinated by that beautiful face, my mind whispered in a triumphant tone.

My feet seemed to be floating from the ground where I was tracking, as Duke suddenly smiled when he saw me coming. Although we were still about 9 meters away, but I could clearly see her perfect smile.

The corner of his mouth was raised, and his teeth were neatly lined up as if making sure, if indeed he was a flawless creature.

The Duke was still smiling broadly when I arrived before him. And of course I am too. I couldn't have ignored that smile, without having to reply with all my heart.

For a moment we looked at each other. I followed the face more closely, the eyes that I thought were sliced brown turned out to be lighter in color, almost yellow. I've never seen irises like that before.

The sound of a car passing behind me, resuscitated us. I blinked my eyes a few times to get me to look away.

The Duke lowered his head while rubbing his palm into his black coat.

Is he nervous? Or maybe his hands are sweating because they've been waiting for me in this parking lot for too long. The air down here is warmer.

"You look so amazing tonnage" he said, opening the car door for me.

"Thanks" I replied, my face immediately warmed up quickly because of it.

I made my coat nervous. Jovi picked out a light blue pastel, and a white coat for me this afternoon.

He almost killed me with his eyes, when I said I was going to dinner with Duke, wearing my work suit.

Jovi dragged me to a nearby boutique at lunch and immediately picked out the clothes she thought were most appropriate for me. It was fortunate that our time was limited, otherwise the nightmare involving twelve boutiques would be repeated again.

Earlier this afternoon before returning home, Jovi styled my hair into a complicated loop and pinned some accessories there. I'm a little relieved, at least I'm wearing makeup more appropriately now.

Jovi is right, if I insist on wearing work clothes, it would be a shame to walk with the Duke who is clearly dressed up for this event.

Duke took over the bag containing the job proposal file from my hand, and put it in the back seat.

"Where are we going tonight?" my many.

Duke hasn't told me where this dinner is going. "Montcalm Royal London House Hotel" he replied.

"Oh.. The aviary?" ask me with curiosity.

Duke nodded. "Have you visited him?"

I shook my head "Hotelnya already, but not Aviary. I used to meet my ballet partner there a few times, but I've never been to the Aviary" I explained.

A moment later, I regretted it, why did I bring up the topic of ballet? He'll wonder about that. I really don't want to talk about it.

But it turned out that my guess was wrong, the Duke just nodded while still driving quietly, as if my explanation did not require any additional.

A little bit of disappointment infiltrated my heart, because it could be that his silence was probably because he was not too interested or concerned with what I said.

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

She's absolutely lovely, elegant, and so fine in every way.

Her petite body was wrapped in a thick white coat that dangled down to her knees.

Her hair was neatly sprawled with a few circular strands dangling beside her charming face.

The black workbag that he held, might look strange because it does not match his current appearance. But not in my eyes. He's still amazing with everything.

The thin sweep of soft pink lipstick made her lips that were now smiling towards me look so intoxicating.

I had to regulate my every breath, because the smell was so tempting that it even defeated the damp smell that enveloped this parking lot.

Bee walked slowly towards me.

The sight seemed unreal in my eyes, Bee made me seem to be thrown into another realm. The atmosphere and whatever is around me now is not important. Whatever is in this world is not important.

Only him.

I want to repeat everything I see now in slow motion, because I want to enjoy every detail.

After Bee stood in front of me, I also still felt that this was not real. I don't know how many nights I spent dreaming about this, being able to stand up and look at Bee at close range like this.

A piece of my mind that was still healthy, kept warning me not to do stupid deeds, because my greatest desire right now was to embrace it. I miss her warm body in my arms.

The sudden sound of a passing car made me aghast and brought me back to the real world now. I bowed to calm myself.

Then I realized, for a while before, we had been standing without saying anything.

"You look so amazing tonnage" I said the words that first crossed my brain.

"Thanks" he replied in a soft voice.

Bee then sat down and placed her briefcase on her lap. I grabbed him and put him in the back seat, he won't need that bag anytime soon.

"Where are we going tonight?"

"Montcalm Royal London House Hotel"

"Oh.. The aviary?" Bee asked again. I nodded\, don't tell her that she has already visited him with the actor t*l*l!

"Have you visited him?" I was half-hearted. Bee shook his head.

Thank goodness!! I almost breathed a sigh of relief.

"Hotel's been, but not Aviary. I used to meet my ballet partner there a few times, but I've never been to the Aviary" he explained.

Whatever it is, it's better than I thought. But I won't ask any further, ballet isn't a fun topic to discuss with Bee.

I finally decided to ask about his current job. It's a safer topic, and I don't know much about it, so I don't have to fake a reaction. Because it's so hard and torturous to pretend to be enthusiastic.

One dark blue car moved as I left the parking lot. It was Roan and El, they insisted on following me in a safe distance. I was lazy to argue at this crucial moment, which is why I let it go.

The journey to Aviary is smooth, because it is an ordinary day, not a weekend. And Bee's mood is very good, because he looks excited all the way.

"This place is beautiful!!" Bee exclaimed softly as we arrived at the Aviary.

"Oh.yeah!" I totally agree.

Aviary is not only a restaurant but a rooftop restaurant with the most beautiful views in London, not to mention its stunning interior.

The small lights were neatly arranged as if forming a strand of water dripping from the tree emitting a soft blue color.

I was thinking how do they bring those trees to the 10th floor? Because the tree is not embedded in the pot, but on the floor with earth map.

Some cushioned sofas are arranged strategically in the corners of the room. For visitors who want to just relax and drink afternoon tea, this place is also very suitable. Dey seems to be very good at managing restaurants, because the place is amazing.

"Welcome, Sci..."

"Emmm...." I thumped hard cutting Dey's words.

He stood with an official attitude welcoming us. "I'm sorry, I mean, Welcome to Aviary Mr. Theobald!" his face was a little nervous at the glare full of warning from me.

Fortunately Bee did not pay much attention, he was fascinated by the scenery that the Aviary presented, and was busy admiring it.

"Your table is here" having gained control, Dey escorted us to a shirt on the edge of an elaborate waist-high threaded fence.

"This table has the most beautiful view among all the other tables here" explained Dey, when he saw Bee's eyes widening to see the scenery plastered in front.

London's sea of lights was slick, and because the Aviary was on the 10th floor, the typical urban noise did not hurt my ears.

For a while, Bee kept silent while continuing to admire the scenery that was in front of us. But I won't waste my time with that sight, I enjoy the thing I think is the most beautiful, Bee's face. Who is now sitting right in front of me.

Before long Dey came to us with a menu, after Bee had chosen the menu, Dey passed.

I followed whatever dish Bee ordered, not wanting to throw away my brain cells to think about the current meal.

"London is really a busy city" Bee said, with views still pointed to the highway.

I nodded in agreement. "And I think you're busy, actually, you even brought your work files home" I said, remembering the black bag that's still lying in my car.

"Well, that's because tomorrow I have to do a field survey. The place is closer if within reach of Park Castle" he explained.

"I didn't expect the Charity Division to be a busy place, usually it would be avoided, because of its boring work" said El, Monath also has a similar division, but the place only contained 1 person.

"Because of the few things that happened before this, the proposal that went into the Charity Division surged several times than usual. I'm happy that we can help more people, but it also means that Jovi and I have to work really hard to get it done" Bee breathed heavily in the words.

"I think it's related to dinner and actors" I unconsciously said it out loud.

"Oh.You know what?" Bee looked at me while widening his eyes.

My heart throbbed in relief, as Bee was unaware of the cynical tone in my speech earlier.

"It's hard not to know. News about you guys is everywhere" I replied\, trying to be normal\, covering up my anger at the actor t*l*l who had made Bee's life difficult.

"Hmm.yaaa, you're right!! I almost died of shame. I'd love it if my ballet made me into the news, but I really don't enjoy this kind of news" she said, shuddering.

A few seconds later Bee's face turned a little tense

"Eh.I mean.." Bee went back silent with glancing eyes between myself and the table.

"What's wrong?" my many. Did I make a mistake? My mind panicked.

"Ah .no, it's okay!" Bee wiggled her palm as a sign she was okay.

I tried to find an answer from her face, which still seemed to want to say something to me.

"You don't want to ask me about ballet? Usually people will ask for an explanation when I call it!" After being silent for a few seconds, Bee finally made a sound.

His blue eyes were now blatantly avoiding my gaze.

"Oh--that's because I already knew that you stopped ballet a few years ago" I replied without thinking.

Oh..F*ck!!! It took me half a second before I realized, if I had just made another big mistake. Bee scrunched his eyes with questioning eyes now.

"Oscar told me!" I said quickly.

I avoided her eyes by pretending to look at Dey, who came with the appetizer. The unpleasant situation was saved by Dey. I'll be thanking him after dinner.

The olive oil jelly that Dey served - - it was light, there was a little spicy that followed after - was able to distract Bee, because the appettaizer was indeed very delicious. Once again, Dey is indeed the right person to manage this place.

During dinner, Bee was very cheerful and told her some crazy things she met while doing work in her division.

I refrained from breaking the fork and knife I had in my hand\, when she told me about one of the b*j*t con artists who submitted a proposal to her. The man had boldly slapped his cheek. And that's only because his proposal was rejected.

I'm gonna ask Oscar who this guy is. But considering Oscar, I'm a little unsure that guy's still alive right now.

From his light voice, I knew Bee did indeed like his busyness right now.

There was a little wound back in my heart. Bee looks happy without me.

Doubt has once again consumed my spirit, have I done the right thing? What if Bee is happier when she no longer remembers me?

I took pains to get rid of those thoughts, while trying to concentrate on all of Bee's stories.

"Did I bore you with my story? I just realized from earlier that I was the only one who spoke a lot" he asked suddenly. He misinterpreted my confusion with boredom.

"Of course not, I'll listen to you talk as long as you want Lui" I replied honestly.

No doubt his face flushed automatically. "I'm sorry if I offended you" I continued. I really hope his face turns red because I was happy to hear my answer earlier.

"No, I'm not angry..... I'm fine" He lowered his face toward his nearly empty steak plate.

I knew Bee so well, that I knew that Bee would behave like that if he felt ashamed. And that means, my plan worked a little. I could barely hold back the happy smile.

"May I ask you something?" Bee asked, he already raised his face and looked back at me. I'm nodding.

"Did you rent this whole restaurant just to have dinner with me?" he asked, waving his hand to point at the empty chairs around us.

"Because this would be very excessive when compared to my lunch treaty" he continued.

"Oh.I don't--"

I looked around and realized that only the two of us had eaten dinner here. I just remembered, El asked Dey not to accept another guest.

"I thought that other guests hadn't arrived yet, but we've been here for almost 3 hours, and none of the guests have come" Bee said, holding his head in his hands and looking at me.

I could see in detail her lashes moving in unison with the blink of her eyes. The sight was not good for my heart.

"I didn't order this whole place" I replied slightly stuttering, my heart beating so fast.

I was unprepared for the attack of her beautiful face that was now directly in front of me, those eyes were still able to throw me in helplessness.

Especially now that my lips have the presumptuous desire to kiss those blue eyes.

"Are you going to say that this is all a coincidence? Charlie had been wanting to take me here for a while, but it was really hard to get a table at the Aviary" Bee tilted her head which made her face look perfect.

The sound of my heart beating, beating out whatever sounds were around me right now.

"You're mine" My mouth foolishly whispered the voice of my mind.

"Excuse me?!" Bee straightened her seat with a confused face now.

"I mean.eh-it-It's mine. This restaurant is mine"

A million curses I throw in my heart now.

"Oh wow.really?" Bee looked at me with pretty round eyes.

"It's worth knowing him" Bee moved his face, to point at Dey who was walking towards us with a dessert.

I smiled knots as I nodded, to hide the relief of having escaped Bee's suspicion.

The dessert was in the form of gelato with a soft pudding arranged nicely, and of course Bee chose a dessert with a coffee chocolate flavor. It was always his favorite.

But there's another scent in that dessert-and I know what it is.

"Wait!!!"

I stopped Bee's hand that was about to spoon the dessert into her mouth. Bee looked at me questioningly.

"Dey!" I called out to Dey who had walked back towards the kitchen.

With a little run Dey approached my desk. "It's there a problem, sir?" ask her a little bit.

"You used alcohol to make this dessert?" I said while pointing at Bee's plate. "Yes, I use a little wine to add to the aroma" Dey replied agilely.

"You forgot I asked you not to use alcohol of any kind for all the dishes tonight?" my snapping.

Dey's face now began to pale "Sorry, but I only used it in very small amounts. It won't be intoxicating" he explained, frantically seeing me angry.

Bee looked a little surprised to see me angry. She clasped my hand back and stopped her from scooping the food, which I felt was a way to calm me down.

"It's not Dey's problem, Lui can't consume alcohol in any form, because it would endanger her health. Obviously I asked not to have a single drop of alcohol" I said more slowly, but still furiously.

I don't want to scare Bee.

"I'm sorry Scion, I'll replace it soon!" In a hurry Dey took our plate.

Bee who was still holding my hand, suddenly jerked it a little harshly. I looked at him with surprise.

"Where do you know about it?"

Bee asked with a look on his face, which I know as Bee's dangerous face, because it meant he was angry.

"What about?" my many. I don't understand what makes him angry.

"Where do you know it would be dangerous for me to consume alcohol? Don't lie under the name Oscar!" cut it off before I can give you a reason.

I could feel how my back was being drained by the cold.

You're so stupid Duke! My name is in my heart.

"Oscar won't explain my body to anyone outside of our family! You can't possibly know that from him" he continued in a dangerous tone.

I avoided looking at her eyes nervously, while trying to find answers. But my brain, which is not used to creating lies, is certainly incapable of thinking about anything.

"I---" my voice disappeared into a panic, because I couldn't say anything to Bee.

"Did you lie to me, when you said you knew from Oscar about me quitting ballet?" he asked with a sharp tone as if slicing my ears.

I'm really screwing up!! I can't dodge anymore. I nodded slowly, without daring to look at Bee's face.

"Where do you know about my body condition?" repeat it cold. I'm getting scared, and I feel so stupid.

"Sorry,---Lui" That's all that can come up as an answer from me, after being silent for a while. My mind is completely dead-end now. Knowing my hope of enchanting her was already highly unlikely.

"I'm leaving!" bee said briefly, while getting up from the table. I clutched his hand tightly.

"I'll take you home" I said slowly.

"No need! I'll take a cab, now let go of my hand!!" he snapped, shaking his hand trying to let go of my grasp.

"You can't take a taxi to Park Castle. And again I can't possibly let you go home unattended" I looked at Bee's face still filled with anger.

"Please?! Let me take you home" I plead with all my heart now.

I won't let Bee go home alone, what if anything happens on the way?

"I'll be quiet. I won't say anything during the trip. You can assume I don't exist" Bee just kept silent with his face turned away from me.

After a moment of silent thought, Bee finally gave a small nod, I let out a sigh of relief and let go of her hand.

Without wasting any time, Bee then walked away from the table in a hurry, without looking back at me.

I followed him in silence.

I gestured with my hand that we were going to Dey who had just walked out while carrying our new dessert plate. Dey just nodded with a dumb face.

Bee hates lies, and I'm a bad liar. What do I expect will happen?

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

The trip to Park Castle feels much longer than it should. Two more hours were excruciating, for we passed through it only in silence.

I can't believe Duke lied to me just like that. I was a little suspicious of his attitude that eluded me when he said he found out about me quitting Oscar's ballet.

And it turns out I was right, he was lying. And quite frankly, he lied very badly. He always threw away his face, avoiding the sight when lying.

And after that, he still did not want to tell me where he could know about my body's state. If I could, I'd love to force him to say everything. But strangely I felt like I could not force him.

The voice sounded very sad when apologizing. And of course, I almost forgave him.

But no!!!!

I will not forgive him easily It is my right to know, for this has to do with my condition. And I know it's definitely not Oscar telling her. Oscar would never tell anyone that.

Jovi is an exception, because it is Jovi who will watch over and take care of me while I work. And I accepted it. I didn't like it, but I accepted it, because I knew Oscar was doing it to take care of me.

But Duke?? Oscar couldn't possibly tell her about my condition.

Like Zeno, even after seeing me faint and waiting for me to regain consciousness, Oscar still did not say anything to her. Oscar handed the decision in my hands, it was my choice to tell Zeno a story or not.

So there's no way Duke could have known that from Oscar. Our lives are not interrelated, unlike Jovi.

I glanced at Duke who was driving in silence. He had actually kept his words to not make a sound during this trip.

Duke parked his car right in front of the entrance, when we had arrived.

Without saying anything I opened the car door and got out. "I hate liars!!" I said loudly while closing the car door violently and running in.

I don't want to see him again after this. What do I expect from someone who has been lying when we even just got to know each other? My face was hot as tears of disappointment started to form in the corners of the eyes.

I stomped my feet hard on the stairs, to prevent my cries from becoming. Why are you crying about Lui? He's a nobody. Forget about him and continue your life in peace Lui, my inner being.

But I don't deny it, if I'm very comfortable with him. Unlike when I was with Zeno, I didn't feel uneasy at all. I told him everything that went through my mind.

With Zeno, it was usually me who listened to all the stories.

And my tears were deaf, because now I could feel my cheeks wet.

I removed it violently.

"He's a nobody Lui!!!" This time I shouted out loudly, hoping that the disappointment that struck my heart would go away.

I threw my body into the bed and closed my eyes.

Sleep Lui, forget her, you don't have to cry because of her. I repeated the incantation constantly hoping that drowsiness would come.