LOVER MONSTER!
11. Too Well.

Although they are under the same roof, both Jessica and Demian, do not necessarily build closeness.

Jessica-even though she treats Demian with the hospitality of a host to her guests, still feels uneasy over Demian's existence around her. Even Demian, even though she relied on Jessica for a while, she did not show much of her true identity to Jessica.

In the past few days, they only talked at lunch and dinner. At other times, Jessica busied herself in the cafe, and Demian busied herself with sleep all day.

They don't interact much, and if they do, they don't say anything important.

Jessica, in fact, has a lot to ask about Demian. What was the reason his family was after him? Why did he run away from his family? Who her?

there were many other things piling up in Jessica's mind. However, in order to keep herself from excessive concern, Jessica decided to shut up.

According to Jessica, the more she knows someone's situation and sympathizes with that person, the harder she will find policy for herself.

Demian succeeded in making Jessica soften with just one sad story. Jessica could not imagine how much she would be willing to sacrifice if Demian spilled grievances on her.

Ugh, just thinking about it made Jessica shudder in horror. Jessica didn't want to get crushed at Demian's feet, not anymore!

"Strawberries?"

"Huh?"

Dania-Jessica-co-worker thrust out a bowl of fresh strawberries to Jessica who had since been sitting in front of the bar with a dumbstruck expression. Dania was rather worried about Jessica who had been pondering a lot lately, and now, Dania was already unable to hide her anxiety.

"Are you okay, boss? You seem to have a lot of thoughts lately."

According to Dania's supervision, Jessica's change in attitude began when a man who looked like a gangster, appeared on Elixir. Dania did not know if the two were concerned, but she could not keep quiet.

"I.., well. Oh, thanks for the strawberries." Jessica fakes a smile.

"You sure you're okay? I mean, Boss. Honestly, your attitude lately has been quite strange. Not only me, Elli and Ethan think so. You become somewhat mysterious, spend a lot of time in the room, reflect often and ah, you don't talk much lately either."

The problem is, Jessica became quiet because she was afraid of lethargy and told about Demian's whereabouts to her friends.

Jessica felt, the problem related to Demian did not need to be exaggerated. When a week passes, Demian will disappear from his room and their path will be separated forever. Just like that!

"You don't have to worry about anything. I just have a lot of work." Jessica calms Dania down while smiling witfully. "When my work is done, how about Saturday night we go clubbing?"

"Eh?"

"Why? Is your schedule full?"

"No. It's not that." Dania glared stunned. "I just didn't think you'd take me clubbing. This is the first time this year! Seriously, are you healthy, boss?"

"Don't overdo it. I was just being cramped. My work piles up and creates stress. I need refreshing."

No, rather, Jessica wanted to celebrate her freedom day from Demian. If Demian left her room, the problem that was already weighing on Jessica's mentality would come off as well. Jessica-without worrying about Demian's whereabouts again, will find her comfort again.

He does not need to dress in the bathroom, does not need to steal food in the refrigerator, does not need to worry about whether the man in his room has eaten. Free, Jessica will be free from her uninvited guests. He only needed to last two more days!

"I don't mind" said Dania. "Then should we close early on Saturday?"

"I guess," Jessica responded. In addition to taking Dania, Jessica also wants to invite Ethan and Elliot with her. They haven't had fun together in a long time, have they?

"Alright, then I'll limit the number of reservations on Saturdays." Dania smiled broadly. Obviously, Jessica's invitations made her very happy. However, just as he was about to start his work again, the radiant Dania recalled something.

"Ah, one more.." said Dania. He put his tab on the table. "Angela contacted me recently."

Angela Lancaster's?

Jessica frowned as the name of the woman who was a former waitress in her cafe, greeted the ears again. Angela, the girl who has successfully invited many visitors to Elixir through her social media. Angela, the girl who is the main character in the love triangle story that happened in Elixir.

Angela is the woman Demian loves half-dead. Until recently, when Demian remembered something about Angela, she always ended up being a nelangsa.

Jessica-as a Demian supporter, feels somewhat disappointed at Angela's choice. However, he did not blame the girl's choice anymore. Not after Jessica caught a glimpse of how dangerous a Demian was.

"What's wrong with Angela?" ask Jessica.

"He wants to get back to work."

"Huh?"

"Actually, I want to reject her request. I've got a new employee. However, rethinking his contribution in promoting Elixir, I think you have more right to decide whether or not to take it back."

"Has the personal issue resolved?"

"Also...?"

"He's parting ways with Jake."

"???" Jessica's eyes were perfectly rounded. He did not expect, love triangle that smoldering and happened in his cafe for months, only lasted for two months? Two months?

What the fuck?

Where is the happy ever after that supposed to be? If he was going to hurt Demian, he should be happy with his choice now!

Jessica's fangirl soul is so enraged!

"I understand the meaning of your gaze" Dania sneered. "So, are you going to reject her because she has a vain love story?"

"That's none of my business" Jessica said at last. "Haaaah.., as you said, since he's already contributed in promoting Elixir, I don't think it's wrong to accept him back here."

After all, if Angela doesn't end up with Jake, does that mean Demian has a chance to reclaim Angela's heart? Their love triangle story, does that mean the drama hasn't stopped?

Jessica tapped her fingers on the table. Strawberry in his bowl he chewed one by one while he came back smitten.

*

[Main street is safe enough, you can come back anytime now. Adam's been spreading his group out to patrol every highway. So far, the police have withdrawn from looking for you. You don't have to hide anymore.]

A long message appeared on Demian's phone screen. He read every strand of the word listed there with a grim expression. The situation is under control now, he can live his life as usual. He does not need to be his family for a while.

Demian doesn't need to be a burden to Jessica.

Demian felt like time was turning around for him. He who has lived a static life in this house and cafe - does not need to feel imprisoned anymore. He can come out of hiding and leave Jessica behind.

Demian should have been happy, but somehow he couldn't trust the security that his friend had promised him. If this was Selina's order, the road conditions wouldn't have abated this quickly. What was?

[How are things at Bellamy?] Demian sent a response.

While she waited for an answer, Jessica came from the first floor.

Just like the previous days, in Demian's mind, if Jessica came, then the girl had definitely brought food. The girl had already taken care of him like a pet dog, and Demian did not feel any objection. He was quite happy to get the attention and intensive care from Jessica.

Every food and drink the girl brought was always appetizing. Demian didn't even think he would get better treatment outside of this place.

Unfortunately, this situation is coming to an end. Demian felt bitter.

"I brought you a popsicle" Jessica said. He closed the door before walking towards Demian. The arrival of the girl was so familiar, Demian would miss her when they separated.

Jessica and her thick strawberry scent.

"Ah, thank you." Demian, acting casual, stuck her phone in her pants pocket and walked over to Jessica. He greeted the block-shaped ice cream from Jessica and ate it in a big bite.

The sweet acid strawberry melts slowly in the chew of Demian.

While he was eating Jessica's popsicle, Demian recalled a message that landed on his phone. That, he could return to his original place. To the familiar world of its existence. No need to wait for Saturday to come for farewell. He can go now.

"Jessica," call Demian.

"Hmm?"

'May I stay longer?' the question came to Demian's mind as he looked at Jessica's face. However, that question he held in his throat.

"What's wrong?" Jessica curious.

"Thank you for keeping me well all this time."

Getting good treatment from Jessica is enough. He should not have put more expectations.

"Md. It's not a problem."

No, it's a problem.

Jessica is too good is a problem.

*