Chapter 4

“I KNOW you’re not there, yet, but you’ll see, Zharm. One day, you’ll like me,” Jared added, oblivious to what Zharm just thought of him. But Zharm wouldn’t let him know about that.

“Keep on dreaming.” She laughed.

“I’m a pretty good catch,” He winked at her, feeling so confident about himself. She shook her head as she laughed at him. Zharm has to agree, though. He’s a pretty good catch. He has good character, he made a name for himself and he’s very good looking. Like the way he looks right now, it’s really distracting. “You’ll see, I’ll win your heart.” He chuckled but the tone of his voice sound like he’s really determined to make her fall for him.

She cocked her head to one side, a hint of smile playing across her lips. She just had a thought. Wouldn’t it be crazy to think that he really likes her and his jokes are just his subtle way of telling her? She touched her chin with her finger and curiously looked at him.

“Jared, can I ask you a question?”

“Yes, sure.”

“Do you like me?”

“Yes, of course,” he answered immediately as if it’s nothing to think about. “You’re pretty, hot…” he smiled. “…You’re smart and you have a good personality, what’s not to like about you?” He paused and his intense gray eyes gazed at her. She felt like her heart jumped out of her chest. She’s supposed to tease him or maybe argue with him, like what she always does but why did his words made her feel so good? Why did it feel like it was such a blessing to be liked by someone as gorgeous as him.

“Why did you ask me that question? Are you perhaps falling for me, already?” he teased. She knew he’d make fun of her again.

“You don’t even have a chance,” she chuckled.

“I don’t believe you.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest, looking so confident. “Don’t you remember what you said when we were in college?” She frowned. How can she remember that? It was a long time ago.

“What is it?”

“You said that we’ll try to be in a relationship if we reached the age of twenty seven and we are both single by that time.”

Did she really say that?! She hoped that he was just joking but when she looked at Jared, there was no hint of smile on his lips. She knows when he’s joking and when he’s not. So, maybe, she really said that but she can’t believe that Jared took it seriously. She shook her head as she laughed.

“Who remembers crazy promises in college?”

“I do,” he answered seriously.

“But Jared, it was a long time ago. I don’t even remembered why I said that. I can’t believe that you took it seriously. Like, come on! Do you honestly believe we’d make a good couple?” She chuckled. Jared avoided her stare and looked away.

“I believed you and I always do.” There’s a hint of sadness in his voice.

“But Jared---”

“No more buts. Let’s just do it if that day comes. I got curious whether you’d fulfill your promise or not.” He looked at her once again. “But do you know what is it that I’ve been asking myself all along?” He did not wait for her to answer. Instead, he continued. “Why do you have to look for another man when I am by your side all along?”

Zharm couldn’t muster the courage to answer. His question hit her and she felt sad when she saw the longing in his eyes. She did not mean to give him false hopes. She doesn’t even know that he’d take everything she said seriously. They were used with just goofing around each other but why does he act like he really have feelings for her? She’s confused.

“Look at you, you can’t even answer me right now.” Jared chuckled, making light of the situation. Thanks to his naturally playful side, he got rid of the awkwardness. Maybe, she thought, she doesn’t want them to be awkward that’s why she’d always take everything he says as a joke. Their friendship is important to her and she doesn’t want it to be ruined by anything or anyone. “Don’t worry about it. I won’t push myself to you just because of that crazy promise. If you’d ever come to realize that you love me, I want it to be because that’s how you really felt about me, not because you’re pressured to keep your promise. I don’t want to be a winner by default. I want to work hard for me to earn your heart.”

Zharm can’t help but smile at the moment. If there’s one more thing that she likes about him, it’s his respect for her. With that, she can say, any girl would be so damn lucky to have Jared as a boyfriend. She clapped at him and he laughed at her.

“Hands down to you,” she laughed. “I just don’t get why you’re saying that to me when there are so many girls throwing themselves at you.”

“Are you seriously asking me that question or you’re just jealous of the attention I get from other girls?” Jared smiled sheepishly.

“Why would I feel jealous? I am far better than all of them combined,” she said confidently. Jared laughed.

“That’s what I like about you.”

“Thanks. I know I’m great and…”

“I’ll show you that I’m perfect for you,” he answered immediately. “Maybe, I can be a prince charming to this princess right here.”

“Prince Charming? You look so gross, you can’t even pass as a servant of the Prince Charming,” she teased.

“Why not? I’m quite hunky.” He stood from where he was sitting and playfully posed in front of her, flexing his muscles and showing off his smoldering vibe. Zharm laughed as she looked at him. She knows that he’s doing that just to make her laugh and she appreciates that.

“Stop it! You look like a fool.”

“I don’t mind looking like a fool as long as you’re happy.” He playfully ruined her hair and as soon as she fixes her hair, he’d ruin it again. They ended up laughing so hard while making fun of each other. Suddenly, she’s not sad anymore. Thanks to Jared.

“I don’t want seeing someone I love look sad. So, please smile, Zharm,” he said before he walked back to his house.

As she looked at Jared, she can’t help but smile. How can someone like him make her feel so much better just like that?