LOVATY 1.0
This Man

‘This man. What does it mean exactly?’

“What?”

“This is not a request, but a notice. Like it or not we will compete to get him, and he will decide the winner.”

“You think it's a game? Compete to get him as a gift?”

“I think it's not just me who argues that there's always competition in this world. I prefer to think of it as a game rather than a burden, it gives me less stress.”

“So this is actually the purpose of this meeting.”

“True. Since I said it, I'll go. Thank you for the time,” said Arion as he got up from the chair before the man stepped away from the cafe.

Ray's still sitting there. His fingertips were constantly tapping on the table while he thought. ‘There was something strange about this’ thought. Just as his phone vibrated signifies an incoming message has been received.

^^^‘Y Restaurant 8p.m.’^^^

“Should have told me before you made me a mosquito at dinner tonight,” Ray said as he reached one of Y Restaurant's rooms.

“You yourself requested in the treaty. Never mind, just sit down!” 

Damian and Qeiza who had sat there first immediately let Ray join. All three are cool to enjoy a meal while occasionally talking.

“How is your project?” damian asked Qeiza.

“Everything's smooth. There are several deadlines to pursue, but so far there is no problem.”

“What does it mean you're busy this weekend?” 

“Air this week? Could be, could not. I'm not sure.”

“Whether you are busy or not, just let me know later, okay?” ask the man again and immediately get a nod in response.

“Look at you two, am I not visible here? Should I leave you two here?”

“Hey, why are you so sensitive? You'd be like this too if you had a partner!”

“Maybe, who knows.”

The quarrel between the two companions caused curiosity in Qeiza's mind, and without hesitation the woman said it.

“By the way - by the way, I was curious. How many times have you dated?”

“I? I don't know.”

“Too many to remember?”

“Don't be fooled by her looks, she has actually never dated!”

“Really? Impossible!”

“This is not true! This world has to change! Why do masculine looks like me continue to be considered playboy?”

Ray is protesting. It was not this time that he heard such a question being asked of him. He realized the brownish skin color of his jaw firmly and his sharp eyes were the cause of people misjudging it.

“Not the world has to change, but the people!”

“Again, maybe not everyone thinks so, but Calya must think so.,” said Qeiza. The woman was intent on joking around by telling the facts.

“Talk about him, I think he is not having a relationship with anyone Arion.”

“I've said it's impossible. But why are you sure now?”

“Then I met Arion and he said he wanted to compete healthily with me to get Calya.”

“The guy told you that? It's weird.”

“He's a confident and ambitious type apparently. But you can definitely beat him!”

“Wait a minute! Why are you talking like this is a game? My friend is not a trophy!” Qeiza got up from her chair and left the room without excuse.

“I go first Ray!” 

Damian rushed after Qeiza. The woman had already walked out of the restaurant when Damian was finally able to catch up to her.

“Qei.. Qey.. Qeiza wait!”

Qeiza did not make the call of the man. Until the man's hand reached out to his hand and stopped his steps.

“Why did you just leave?”

“Are you seriously asking me that question?”

“You think we're degrading Calya? Although we spoke so does not mean we had bad intentions on him, that’s men!”

“Although not intending so but your words have hurt us enough, that’s women!”

“Okay, i’m sorry. But supporting Ray to win Calya's heart isn't something wrong, is it? Or are you more than happy that Arion won?”

“I'd rather you guys not play with things like this!”

“We are not playing, did you not hear that he said compete in a healthy way? It's not like making tricks to sleep with Calya.. Aww!”

The long-talking Damian was stopped by a Qeiza pinch on his left arm.

“Alright, I'm sorry. I'm gonna stop talking now. I'll drive you home now.”

“I can go home by myself.”

“I refuse! It is my responsibility to drive you home safely!”

Left alone in the restaurant Ray was stunned to think of the words - said Qeiza earlier. ‘My friend is not a cup!’ Sure was! He also uttered a sentence that was almost similar to that of the woman to Arion.

‘Did I ever think like that about Calya? Nah! Not once. Not when we first met, not right now. To me, he's more valuable than that. Like a treasure I have been searching for so long. That's what he's worth to me.”

***

A woman walks with a face I know. ‘Working partner?’ Thought. The woman sits down after introducing herself. Just one sentence, and then he just silently watched the people who spoke. ‘Very quiet,’ I thought again.

Then he was invited to make a presentation. I thought he would talk doubtfully, because I saw him playing his fingers as if he were nervous. But apparently not. 

He spoke out loud. Every word he spoke had a certain meaning. He spoke incessantly with eyes that took turns staring at us one by one. Everything he said sounded smart, so that not only I was convinced, but also the two people next to me.

The meeting ended and people started to leave. But I don't know why I don't want to move, even busy watching him who is busy packing some files. Waiting for him to finish and leave this place, no. Actually waiting for him to realize my presence.

He finally realized my presence and without hesitation I declared my intention. I enjoyed waiting for him to answer. Looking at the look on her face that looked puzzled, even though the fun was finally over when she gave me an unexpected answer. But ‘This is not the end,’ I thought.

‘He's not interested in me,’ that's what I realized at my second meeting with him. But I don't care, because I'm interested in him. This project will help me to get close to him, or at least get to know him better.

Of course I succeeded, there were so many opportunities created during this project. I repeatedly used the opportunity to express my interest indirectly. Does he seem to be unaware of it, or is he avoiding it?

That graceful, responsible and resolute figure one day disappeared, making me worry instead of playing. I even recklessly dug up his personal information, just to search for his whereabouts.

I found it, on the rooftop of his apartment. I didn't think I'd find him in such a state. Moist eyes, a pale face and a shabby appearance. Is he sick? Did something happen to him?

‘A woman who avoids love,’ my opinion of her, right after I was frank about my feelings. He ran away, dodged me and even asked me to forget my feelings. At first I thought she was rejecting the presence of love in her life, then I started to think that she was just rejecting me.

His attitude was different to that man, his gaze, his mind as if everything was fixed on that man. What I saw on his phone confirmed my guess, the sketch of the man's face was there. Then when he said ‘I... like another man,’ that's when I told myself to stop. I won't ruin his happiness.

Who would have thought a surprise would come to me. The man himself stated that he wanted to compete healthily with me. Either she doesn't know about the woman's feelings for him yet, or just wants to give me a chance.

‘I want to be with him,’ that's why I'm going to take this opportunity. I want to take care of her and I'm sure I can protect her.