Y/N's POV
*Kayden *
I picked up the call, feeling a little surprised that Kayden was calling me this late.
On the call:
"Hey, Kayden," I greeted with a smile, trying to sound normal.
Kayden: "Hi, Y/N… how are you?" His voice sounded a little hesitant, as if he wasn't sure how to start the conversation.
"I'm fine, Kayden. Do you need something?" I asked directly, getting straight to the point.
Kayden: "Ah—yeah, actually… You're coming to the office tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, I am!" I replied, wondering why he was asking about my schedule.
Kayden: "Oh, good… So, how was your date, by the way?"
I paused for a moment. Why is he asking about that?
"Umm... It was good. Why?" I tried to sound casual, but my hands fidgeted on my lap. I can't tell him the truth… What would he think if he knew I agreed to date someone for a year?
Kayden: "Ah… I-I was just a little curious, that's all," he said, his voice slightly nervous.
I let out a small laugh, trying to ease the sudden tension. "Oh… Umm, so how are you?"
Kayden: "I'm good. Actually, I wanted to tell you something important!"
I frowned slightly, sitting up straighter. "Yeah? Tell me."
Kayden: "No, not like this… I mean, let's meet in person. Then I'll tell you."
I sighed. "Okay, where do you want to meet?"
Kayden: "Where are you right now?"
"I'm at Emma's apartment," I replied, still confused about what was so important.
Kayden: "Okay, I'll pick you up from there. We'll go somewhere outside and talk."
I hesitated for a second. "O-Okay…"
Kayden: "Great! I'll be there in a few minutes," he said cheerfully before hanging up.
I stared at my phone, feeling puzzled. What does he want to talk about? Shaking my head, I grabbed my jacket and stepped out of my room. I knocked on Emma's door twice, waiting for her to open it.
After a few moments, she opened the door, her eyes filled with concern.
Emma: "Hey, what's the matter? Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.
I smiled a little. "I'm fine, Emma… Umm, Kayden called me just now."
Her eyes widened instantly. "AND?!?" she nearly shouted.
I blinked at her reaction. "Umm… He said he wants to talk to me about something important."
Emma: "W-Then??" she asked eagerly.
I rubbed the back of my neck. "He's coming to pick me up so we can talk outside."
Her mouth fell open. "YES! Then what are you waiting for?! Let's get you ready!" she cheered.
I quickly shook my head. "NO, NO, NO! We're just going for a quick talk. I'm fine in these clothes."
Emma placed her hands on her hips, staring at me as if I had lost my mind. "Are you kidding me right now, Y/N?"
I folded my arms. "No, I'm not."
She sighed dramatically. "Fine, as you wish!" she said, raising her hands in surrender.
I smirked. "That's good. Okay, I'm heading out. AND YEAH, DON'T FOLLOW ME, OKAY?" I warned her, knowing her too well. She always had a habit of spying on my interactions.
She controlled her laughter and nodded, giving me a thumbs-up. I shook my head at her antics and opened the door.
As soon as I stepped outside, I spotted Kayden already standing there, about to knock.
Kayden: "Ah—I was just about to knock on the door… Umm, are you ready?" His eyes briefly scanned my outfit, and I suddenly felt a little self-conscious.
"I—yeah, I'm ready," I said, nodding.
A big smile spread across his face. "Let's go, then!" He grabbed my wrist and gently pulled me with him.
We walked outside, and I got into his car, buckling my seatbelt as he started the engine.
After a few minutes of driving, I glanced at him. "So… where are we going?"
Kayden: "Umm, maybe the park? I mean… if you want," he said, his voice unsure.
I smiled softly. "I love parks. I always feel calm and happy there. I often go to the park when I'm sad or just need to clear my mind."
Kayden: "That's good to hear!" He looked relieved at my response.
Soon, we arrived at the park, and I noticed that it was completely empty.
Kayden: "Looks like it's just me and you here," he said with a small smile.
"Yeah, it's nice. I love spending time in quiet places like this," I replied.
He led me toward a bench, motioning for me to sit next to him. Once we settled, I turned to him. "So, what's the matter? Tell me."
I saw him stiffen slightly before taking a deep breath.
Kayden: "Actually… Umm… You remember the day we met in the men's washroom?" he asked, scratching the back of his neck.
I blinked in embarrassment. "Yeah, but w—"
Before I could finish my sentence, he interrupted me.
Kayden: "Umm… but I actually saw you before that."
I stared at him in surprise. "What? Where?"
Kayden: "Before we officially met, I had already noticed you. When I saw you for the first time, I thought you were the most beautiful woman… I wanted to talk to you and be friends with you."
I felt my breath hitch as he continued.
Kayden: "But when we talked in that mall… and then at that party… When I saw you in that dress that night, I realized I liked you. Please don't be scared or get angry. I just… I wanted to be honest with you. I like you very, very much."
My heart pounded in my chest as he spoke. I could see the nervousness in his eyes.
Kayden: "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable, and I don't want to lose our friendship. I just needed to tell you how I feel. Even if you don't like me back, I don't want you to distance yourself from me. Just stay like this… Please don't leave me because of this," he said, his voice soft but sincere.
I was speechless. My mind went blank, and my fingers fidgeted on my lap.
Oh no, Kayden… I like you too. But I can't tell you. If you knew about my deal with that idiot, Lucas, you'd think I was a fool. I can't let that happen. It's better to stay silent.
Kayden gently took my hand in his.
Kayden: "It's okay, Y/N. I won't judge you for anything. If you don't feel the same way, that's fine… I just wanted to confess my feelings," he said with a gentle smile.
I looked down, still unable to find the right words. "I-I… I don't know what to say," I admitted in frustration.
Kayden: "It's okay, Y/N. I understand. This is sudden… Please take your time. You don't have to say anything right now."
I sighed, feeling conflicted.
Kayden: "Let's eat something before we go back?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
I nodded, feeling a little relieved that he wasn't pressuring me for an answer.
Kayden: "Do you like ice cream?"
I looked up at him and smiled. "I— I love it!"
Kayden: "Then let's go!" He grabbed my hand again, leading me toward a nearby ice cream stand.
I glanced down at our hands. I like you, Kayden…