Memory Of Love
The Part 26

Steve looked as if he could not stop smiling, and even almost laughed, just after they came out of the movie theater.

Casey who initially felt guilty, because Steve could not watch the film until the airing was over, it became regrettable, because Steve who seemed to only laugh at Casey's fear.

With anxiety, Casey then pinched Steve's stomach, until Steve grimaced in pain.

"Auch! ... That's hurt!" said Steve, who despite complaining, but still looks like he wants to laugh. "What's my fault?"

"Hmmm!" Casey threw away his face, then sped up his pace, to get away from Steve.

"Hey...!" steve said slowly, holding Casey's hand. "There's no way you're gonna leave me here alone, is there?"

"I'll leave you, if you don't stop mocking me" Casey said.

"I'm sorry ... I'm just kidding," said Steve, then hugged Casey tightly.

"Nrt! ... Fine!" sahut Casey, ketus. "Now let me go! Because then we'll be a spectacle of people here!" 

Steve let go of Casey's embrace, then smiled broadly, and said,

"Now! ... But can I keep your hand?"

Casey nodded in agreement, and let Steve hold hands with him, while walking casually along the urban area.

A cafe is located not far from the cinema, so their choice place to sit relaxed, while enjoying a cup of tea and snacks.

Casey and Steve, taking a seat on the outside of the cafe building, in order to be able to see freely, the crowd around it. 

"What's it like living in a xxx country?" ask Casey, open the conversation.

"Comfortable ... Quite comfortable. It just feels lonely, because I don't have many acquaintances, apart from colleagues at the university," replied Steve.

"Is it as crowded in this city?" ask Casey, again.

"Yes ... But in that country, less pedestrians. So on the highway, there's always a long traffic jam." Steve took a sip of his tea, then put his cup on the table.

"Money-seekers on the streets, very much. Homesteaders, stray traders, even those pretending to be disabled, could be seen almost in every direction the eye looked at, in the city.... 

...Especially on the river bank. Many slums, which are uninhabitable. And only damage the habitat in the river. Not infrequently, if it rains heavily, then the flood water will cover almost all parts of the city....

... But most of the people are friendly people. So, it feels balanced. There are shortcomings and there are also advantages," continued Steve.

"Until now, I still don't understand why you want to stay in the country" Casey said.

"Hm ... 'Ugly duckling syndrome' ... There, I was still considered handsome. Because of racial differences, which made my appearance stand out" said Steve, smiling.

"Pff.ht...! You've got to be kidding!" Laughing, Casey shook his head. 

"You are an attractive and handsome man. It doesn't matter where you are" Casey continued.

At once, Steve's countenance seemed to change drastically, as if he was not excited, and simply forced himself to smile, then said, saying,

"Thank you ... You always say good things about me. But I hope that you stop pitying me.... 

... We are no longer students. So I think you better not lie anymore, just to make me happy."

"Hey! ... What are you talking about?" casey said, frowning. "I never lied to you!"

"Because of your attitude, I'm having trouble moving on with my life!"

Steve who sounded rushed to say Casey's words, then looked wrong, at that moment.

Steve immediately lowered his gaze, and bit his own lips, as if he was regretting what he had said to Casey earlier.

Then, Casey and Steve, just kept quiet for a while, while Casey looked at Steve, and Steve kept his eyes down.

Only occasionally, Steve was seen stealing glances at Casey.

"Steve! ... Whatchu mean?" ask Casey. 

"I didn't mean anything ... No need to think about. I'm sorry.." replied Steve, slowly.

"Steve! ... If you don't want to talk honestly, then I don't want to talk to you anymore either" Casey said, threatening.

"Casey...!" said Steve, by putting on a facial expression, and his voice is clear.

Casey threw her face away, turned her head to the side, and was unwilling to look at Steve, who was sitting in front of her again. 

"Nrt! ... Fine! ... Casey! Look at me!" said Steve.

"I like you ... I mean, I really love you, so I can't see another woman." said Steve, slowly.

Casey.

At first, Casey thought Steve would say that he thought Casey was a hindrance, so Steve couldn't be himself.

However, after hearing Steve's confession, Casey became confused, because he did not know what to respond to it, and even felt quite sorry, because he had forced Steve to talk.

"Why?" casey said, without realizing.

"I'm sorry ... But that's the truth. I've been in love with you ever since we were at university. I know you're not interested in me....

... You just feel sorry, because of the situation I've been in on campus. So that I never dared, to reveal it to you before" said Steve.

"So I hope, you stop pitying me, so that's—" Steve doesn't continue his words, because Casey interrupts him immediately, saying, saying, 'So,

"You're such a fool! Why are you saying that now?"

"Ugh?" Steve looks confused.

"Of all the opportunities, and the time wasted, but you chose to tell me about how you feel right now....

...I like you Steve ... But you always treated me like your sister, so I didn't dare to continue that interested feeling....

... Because I didn't want to ruin the friendship between us, just because of my stupid feelings, which seemed like a clap of one hand" Casey said.

"Casey! I—" Again, Steve could not continue his sentence, because Casey interrupted again, saying,

"Now, I'm engaged."

Casey was really upset, because Steve had been hiding his feelings from Casey.

While in the past, Casey was expecting love from Steve, but Steve never showed, that he also had the same feelings as Casey.

For the sake of his interest in Steve, until Casey pretends as if he needs Steve, to be a tutor for him, so that he can often spend time with the man.

Casey realizes that he can't leave all the blame to Steve alone. 

Because Casey also has to admit, that in the past, he was just as cowardly as Steve.

Not to mention, with Steve who is often mocked by other students, because of his closeness with Casey.

So Casey must understand, how Steve's situation at that time, if the man might be afraid, to relate more than friends with Casey.

However, Casey still feels annoyed, because they are equally stupid, in love affairs.

And right now, it doesn't seem like Casey's the only one who's disappointed, because Steve even looks like someone who's frustrated.

After a while they both fell silent, Steve then said,

"I'm sorry ... Maybe we should go back to your house, now. I'll prepare for my return as soon as possible."

"What did you say? ... After making a confession, then you will run away again? Basic b*jerk!" casey said, furious.

"Casey...! Then what do you want me to do? You already have someone who will marry you....

... Do you want to torture me, because I didn't confess my feelings before?" steve said, with a clear voice.

The expression on Steve's face right now, revealed that it was as if he was getting frustrated.

With his elbows resting on the table, Steve who slightly lowered his head, then was seen massaging his forehead.

"I am engaged. But I didn't say that I'd marry her, did I?" Casey.

"Ugh?" Steve who seemed to flinch, raised his head, then stared fixedly at Casey.

"Why? Don't you love your fiancee?" steve asked, as if he could not believe it.

"Do you think I love Aaron?" Casey asked back.

"Aaron? ... CEO? ... Is that your fiancee?" Steve could not seem to hide his surprise, until his forehead shriveled, and formed deep folds of skin.

Casey nodded her head. "Yes!" 

"I don't love him. So is he. Our engagement was arranged only by our family. And I'll figure out a way to cancel it....

... After knowing this, are you still going to leave me again?" continued Casey.