Chapter 8

“TO BE honest, I’m also happy when I’m with you, Jared…”

“…but you’re not ready, yet,” he said, like he already knows what she’s about to say. When Zharm looked at him, he did not look angry about that. Instead, he looked at her with his understanding eyes. He understood how she felt and she appreciated him for that. “I’m fine with that. I’m happy being with you and we don’t have to rush things.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Why don’t you just continue eating and let’s drop that conversation.” He put another serving of food on her plate. “Finish this quickly before I think of putting a love potion on your food to make you fall in love with me faster,” he joked and they both laughed.

“As if! You can’t make me fall for you. I’m not that easy.” She laughed. He looked at her with amusement in his eyes.

“I’m not the type who gives up easily.”

“Let’s see how long you can keep up.”

“You won’t even stand a chance with my gorgeousness.” He had a sheepish smile on his face and he was really trying so hard to make himself handsome, not that he needs to. She’s just making fun of her, again. Zharm loved that kind of moment with him. She loved the way his eyes smile when he looked at her, she loved the sound of his laughter and most of all, she loved that he’s always making her happy.

“You’re very conceited!”

“I just know that you can’t resist my charms.” He flashed a very charming smile and winked at her, her heart almost fell.

“You’re delusional! Maybe you're just hungry! Why don’t you eat some more? ” She laughed. She playfully offered her a spoon of food and motioned him to eat. Zharm wanted to laugh at his surprised expression. It looked like he was taken aback by the sudden gentleness. She noticed that he even blushed. Zharm tried to control her expression and when Jared was about to eat, she shoved the spoon into his mouth. He was surprised by what she did that he almost choked. Zharm laughed so hard. It was just a prank and they were both used to those kinds of pranks.

“You really love me, don’t you? You even want to give me the whole spoon.” They both laughed. “I knew that you like me, too. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it a secret.”

Zharm shook her head as she continued to laugh. If only he knew, she can’t resist his charms. She’s having fun whenever she’s with him and she wants to spend more carefree moments with Jared. It’s what matters now for Zharm. She’s not closing any doors but she doesn’t want to think more about it, either. As the old adage says, “whatever will be, will be”.

“Keep on dreaming,” she said.

“I will. And I won’t ever give up until you tell me that you love me,” he confidently replied. When he finished his food, he wiped the side of her lips with a table napkin without breaking eye contact with her. Darn! How could he look so handsome even while doing that?!

“And what will you do if I ever get sick of your ugliness?” she joked. She knew it wouldn’t come to that because she realized that as the days passed, Jared becomes more handsome in her eyes. Maybe Jared knew that, too.

“It wouldn’t come to that. I knew that I am always handsome in your eyes.” She rolled her eyes and then he laughed at her. “But kidding aside, if we’re twenty seven and we’re not both in a relationship, can we be together? Like together, together.” she knew what he meant and she was curious why he suddenly brought that up.

“Why would you want that?”

“Because I don’t want you to be alone.” There was no hint of smile on his lips for a few moments. He looked at her like he really cared for her and it warmed her heart. But knowing Jared, he couldn’t keep the serious expression for so long and he finally smiled a sheepish smile. “It would be a pity if you’d be an old maid,” he joked. She playfully punched him in his arm.

Zharm knew that behind his jokes, he genuinely cared for her. She thought that there would be no harm in just agreeing with him. She nodded, a sign that she’s game with his deal. What could go wrong with that? She wouldn’t mind being with him, also. He’s special to her and there would be nothing wrong if they would end up together.