COMPARISON
Kristoff, Hunter and I entered the elevator. I don’t know why but I think there is an awkward atmosphere in the elevator. No. I think there really is. I could feel it radiating from the three of us.
And you know what’s worse? Kristoff’ arm is wrapped around me and I can contain all my emotions. I am dying inside. I don’t know why but he seemed to be a bit protective of me in front of Hunter. It is weird. But is a good weird.
This is the first time I have ever saw him come this close to me for the longest time.
Hunter Looney, on the other hand, is really quiet. This is one of the rarest times that I will see him shut up and not pester me.
Should I bring Kristoff all the time for him to stop bothering me?
But then again, that would be hard on my part.
“Wow. Hunter, you’re quiet,” I started to tease him as I looked at him.
Okay, let me do this just this once.
Hunter scoffed at me. “What quiet are you talking about? I am thinking of words to tell you, as a matter of fact,” he replied quickly.
I chuckled and nodded, not believing him. He is tensed and I know that. “Can’t think of one?” I asked him teasingly again.
He smirked. “You don’t want Kristoff to hear our bickers, don’t you?” he asked.
I gave him a narrowed look. Oh yes, my husband is just beside me. I am just trying to get of the awkward atmosphere.
Hunter shook his head as he leisurely inserted his hands in his pockets. Well, now, he looks like an idol, finally.
The elevator door opened and we got out. Fortunately, it was my time to get rid of Kristoff’s grip. As much as I want to be close to him like that—because I feel like he really is my husband when he is like that—I don’t like that awkward feeling in us. I feel like it is not right.
We walked to the entrance. Hunter looked at Kristoff and bowed. “See you, Kristoff and Ashanti,” he said as he walked to the parking lot where he parked his car.
I looked at Hunter as he walked away from us. I felt something weird about him, starting when Kristoff appeared. It is like he lost all his confidence and he ate his own tongue.
I am not used to this mood of Hunter. I guess quiet and Hunter Looney cannot be used in one sentence since there is no such thing as quiet jerk.
“Don’t be a loner, Ashanti.”
I just shook at his words a while ago. I have Kristoff, Hunter. I am not a loner.
I sighed as I looked at Kristoff who was waiting for me to get in his car. I immediately stepped in. It was still quiet though. I don’t think I can handle this kind of atmosphere between me and him. Even if this is the only atmosphere we are always in.
Somehow, all I am wishing for is that everything would lighten up right now. But every time I try to think of ways to lighten the mood, all I can think of is the voice of that Bianca who had the guts to tell Kristoff that he doesn’t love me.
Well, truth be told, he really doesn’t love me. And I am dying knowing that fact.
“Why?” Kristoff suddenly asked.
I looked at him confused of what why he is asking.
“What?” I asked back.
He looked at me briefly before looking at the road again. “You. Why are you sighing hard?” he asked me.
I looked at him. So, I unconsciously sighed hard. “Nothing,” I replied, lying of course. How could I tell him that he is sweeping my consciousness away?
Kristoff just nodded. But I believe that he knows I am lying.
It was about fifteen minutes of driving before he pulled over a restaurant. I think it is a Japanese restaurant. I felt disappointment in my veins. Doesn’t he know I hate Japanese foods?
I gulped as we entered the restaurant.
“Hello, Sir! Miss! Konichiwa! Table for two?” The receptionist in kimono asked us, but she is totally just looking at Kristoff.
I rolled my eyes.
No, girl, do you have a floor for two? How I wanted to tell her that. And stop looking at my husband. You’re not helping me decrease my insecurity.
Kristoff nodded politely and the girl flirtatiously led the way. I shut my eyes hardly as I collected my cool and my proper state of mind.
Gosh! I wanted to push her face into a bowl of flour so that she can look like an instant geisha now.
The geisha, I mean, the receptionist, helped us, or him, sit down. I raised my brow at this girl who is serving Kristoff really closely.
I don’t get the point why Kristoff is just letting her be so close to him like that. Just a while ago, he never wanted to let go of my waist in the elevator and now somebody is flirting with him and I think he is enjoying it to the bit.
I faked a cough that made them look at me.
The geisha might have noticed that she was serving Kristoff too much and she decided to spare me her time as well.
She smiled and bowed at me as she gave me tea.
I watched her expression as she poured that tea. She looks like she is in a hurry to serve me so that she can serve Kristoff again.
I fought the urge to glare at her right now. Although I think I already am glaring.
Kristoff smiled and bowed at the girl as she went to take our orders, which he ordered for me as well. How great!
He looked at me as he leaned his elbows on the table. “You haven’t eaten, right?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes. I haven’t,” I replied shortly. My attention is still on that geisha.
Kristoff nodded. “How is your fashion show going?” I could sense hesitation in the way he asked me that question. He might be feeling guilty still about his talents.
I smiled and sighed. “It’s going well. I just finished all the presentations and I am going to meet my models tomorrow,” I replied.
He nodded. “That’s good.” He beamed.
“Thank God though,” I replied.
My statement isn’t intended to hurt his feelings. I am just telling him what a relief it is to have those spare of idols.
“Is Hunter Looney part of those idol models?” he asked.
I nodded. “Well, InfiniteX is included and Hunter is part of that group so he is needed. We also have Bisk, Minute Girls, PinkA, and B2B as well,” I replied.
He nodded. “Well, you have a pretty big line up.” He complimented.
“Thanks,” I replied.
He smiled at me. Then there was silence again.
I sighed. “Why did you come to office by the way? Don’t you have works to finish?” I asked.
“I finished them all early and I thought I might pay you visit,” he said. “But I guess, someone arrived earlier than me,” he mumbled but I managed to catch those words.
I nodded. “Oh. That’s great,” I replied. “And yeah, Hunter was there since this morning.” I added.
He gave me a queer look—a suspicious one. “What are you and Hunter?” he asked me.
I looked at him, confused of what he meant with his question. “What do you mean? We have been seatmates from freshmen to senior year. I thought you know that,” I replied.
Kristoff nodded. “You two just seem to be so comfortable with each other,” he spoke.
I looked at him. “We are like that always. He’s my bickering buddy forever,” I replied as I gave him a meaningful look. I wanted to know if he is jealous.
He smiled. “I see,” he said. “Can we be like that, too?” he asked me.
My eyes widened in shock. What is he asking me to do?
“No,” I said. I glanced at him looking faltered. “Don’t compare my relationship with Hunter and our relationship. They’re different in every angle,” I replied.
Kristoff looked at me. I don’t know what he is feeling. But I want him to feel different. Because he is my husband. And I love him.