STEAK HOUSE
I fixed my things and the folders on the table. In about fifteen minutes, Hunter would be here. Yes, for the dinner. Perhaps, I have trained myself to be spoiled by Hunter. I even think I can’t live without seeing him in a day anymore.
It’s not like we’re in love with each other. And besides, we are friends. I consider him one of my best friends right now, so, I don’t see something wrong with us eating and seeing each other every single day.
I heard a series of knocks on the door.
He is here.
“Ashanti?” I heard Hunter call me as he opened the door.
I looked at him and smiled. “Yes, I’m ready,” I told him as I grabbed my bag and walked to the door where he is waiting. He was smiling widely but I can see that he is tired.
“Did you finish practice early?” I asked. I know he is tired because they are preparing for another comeback now.
He nodded and smiled.
“You look so tired,” I told him.
He laughed. “What do you mean?” he asked. “Of course I would because we practiced today.” He remarked.
I wrinkled my nose. “I was saying you should’ve rested, you ass,” I told him as I closed my office door.
He chuckled. “And what? Let you skip dinner?” he asked me. “No thanks, Ashanti.” He continued. “And besides, I want to eat before I rest,” he told me.
I sighed as I nodded. “Okay, okay. But you have to rest your body,” I told him.
“Yes, Ma’am!” He saluted at me.
I rolled my eyes while shaking my head as we walked out of the building.
***
“So where do you want to eat?” I asked Hunter as we entered the car.
He thought for a moment. “How about steak?” he asked.
Steak? Wow! Just by the thought of it, I am already salivating. Is this is even called appetite? My mind is all over steak right now.
He chuckled. “Okay. Let’s eat steak then,” he said as he revved the engine.
Wait. I didn’t even say yes, did I? He must have seen my face getting all pumped up over the steak.
I scoffed and shook my head. He sure knows all my expressions. He got something into my mind and he can read it anytime.
So we drove to the nearest steak house around—the nearest, of course, because we are both starving.
We entered the restaurant which looked like there are a lot of people inside. And yes. Just when we were about to enter the door, a lot of girls swarmed around us.
Well, of course, everyone knew who Hunter is.
“Hunter, Baby!”
Girls were screaming his name and even chanting something like “Show us a dance” or whatnot.
Hunter was smiling his gums out to his fans and he took selfies with them. Typical TV personality. I was chuckling at the side because I can see how the seatmate I had in high school is now a big star. Sure he is. He even had a successful world tour!
Perhaps, all of the world knew who he is.
I was happy for him of course. At least his conceited personality suits being an idol. Well, he needs people to praise him and the fans are totally good at that, right?
Hunter smiled at me as he walked out of the crowd of the girls. “Hah! That was tiring.” He chuckled as he led me inside.
I looked at him. He is smiling. He must really love what and where he is now. I’m sure all of his bandmates love their fans too much.
We sat at the corner-most part of the restaurant to prevent more fans from coming. But I doubt that. The fans probably have updated their social media accounts and the other fans would be coming by the minute.
“Wow, Hunter!” I told him as I looked at the girls outside waiting for him.
He looked at me and shook his head. “Now you know who you are talking to, huh?” he asked in a conceited manner.
I rolled my eyes at him. I shouldn’t have told him that. “Conceited brat much?” I mumbled making him chuckle.
The waiter gave us the menu and we ordered for steak. Hell, my tummy is growling. Yes, growling.
I looked at another swarm of girls coming our way. No way! Are they Hunter’s fans as well?
But they seem looking at a different direction.
The door opened and showed six men. Everyone’s eyes were on them. Even mine.
That’s when I realized who they are.
Damn! Who else would the girls swarm over other than idols?
Of course, it’s Kristoff’s crew.
Xander looked my way. I couldn’t even move. It’s my first time seeing them after three months and I don’t know what to act in front of them.
He narrowed his eyes on me before whispering something to Leo. I bet he told them I was here because Leo looked my way.
He smiled at me though…and he even waved.
I shut my eyes in frustration. Does he even have to be Leo here? He is just too jumpy to see me. Not long after, Chester and Thad looked at me as well. Then, Yeoj.
They were all waving at me.
And I wanted to get buried over a hundred feet under the ground right now.
“Hey, why do you look like you saw a ghost?” Hunter asked me as he looked at the direction I was looking at.
I heard him gasp. “Shit.” He cursed lowly but I heard it. I sighed and looked at Hunter, smiling. I bet he is thinking of a way to get out of this place right away.
He looked at me. “Do you want to get out of here?” he asked me.
I gave him a look. “But we just ordered,” I replied.
He sighed. “But you won’t get comfortable here,” he told me. “Are you sure you can do it?” he asked me.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. But I think I need to try,” I replied.
He smiled and nodded. “Okay,” he said. “As a matter of fact, you have to get used to seeing him again. To see if you still have feelings for him or not,” he added.
I narrowed my eyes on him.
“What?” he asked. “Isn’t this a good test? To know if you have to get back to him or live your life alone?” he asked again, chuckling. I bet he is teasing me again.
I glared at him. He just gave me a peace sign. I rolled my eyes. There are those rare times when I don’t get him at all!
“You’ve got to be stronger this time, Shan. Face your fear,” he said as he waved at his fans outside.
I shook my head. I have to escape from here. I need to breathe for a while. “I’ll just go to the rest room,” I told him.
I nodded and smirked. “Don’t push your intestines out, Ashanti.” He reminded me, I gave him one last death glare. He chuckled.
I shook my head at Hunter. I knew he would tease me at a time like this. I just knew he would. He is Hunter Looney, for Pete’s sake!
I walked to the rest room preoccupied of what I would do once Kristoff and I bumped to each other. What would I tell him?
Hello? How have you been? How’s Bianca?
I can’t even think straight! And to think I have been planning on being a bitch to him when we meet! Fuck! This isn’t a part of my daily plan! I wasn’t ready to meet him today!
Too much thinking and I suddenly bumped into someone. “Sorry.” I bowed without even looking at the person. Hell, I was thinking of a lot of things to even look at the person.
“You should look into the one you bumped to when you apologize, Ashanti Marx.”
I was stoned on my spot as I slowly looked at the person who talked. Damn.
It was Kristoff and he was smirking at me.
Holy shit! Why is my heart beating like crazy again? I thought I already passed that stage!