"What makeover challenge?", he asked with a glare.

"Fashion makeover challenge?", I said with a grin.

“No, Avery. Won’t happen.”

"Please...", I pouted. "Just so your closet would finally have some colors."

“And what makes you think that my closet doesn’t have any colors?”

“Duh, I’ve never seen you wear anything other than black”, I rolled my eyes.

He just let out a heavy sigh.

"But you promised", I tried my best to show him my best puppy dog eyes impression. "Please..."

"Fine. Under one condition."

"What is it?", I said with the widest grin.

“It should be limited to neutral colors.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t go pulling tricks on me, ‘cause if you will, I swear”, he said as we locked eyes.

My lips parted and I noticed his eyes going down at my lips, "What?"

"Nothing", he muttered as he was shaking his head.

"Also, let me pay for the clothes, you're always the one spending when we go out", I offered.

“That’s because I want to. I want to spend for you. I’m the guy here.” He shrugged.

"It's already the 21st century, Ethan. Don't you think it's better if we go Dutch? I'm actually earning, in case you don't remember."

He hasn't said a word, so I continued. "Just think of it as my gift to you. You already helped me out a lot here. I barely spent on anything since we've met!"

Letting out a heavy sigh, he said, “fine, I don’t wanna argue.”

Sensing his frustration, I held his hand reassuringly and gave him a smile. Our hands clasped and I can't help but feel sparks.

We stayed that way for a few more minutes.

I wish it will always be like this, just us, not minding everyone around.

I went home with a smile on my face. I got two things on my mind—I was happy that I'll get to dress up Ethan and I can't forget that moment at the cafe. Until now, I can still feel his hand holding mine.

This is a dangerous territory, Ave. It's too soon and you're on the verge of falling...real hard. Hope he catches you.

I woke up early the next day even when I slept late—I conceptualized the things I needed to do for his makeover. Then immediately texted him what my plans are.

averyday_: Hey

Good morning

I’m done conceptualizing for your makeover

I'll just tell you my plans, okay?

1. We'll go to the mall - shopping

2. Your condo. I wanna take a shot of your closet (is it okay?)

3. Pool area - where I'll take photos of you

Or maybe on your balcony? Or mine?

What do you think?

When I still haven't received any reply after a few minutes, I just got up and prepared my breakfast. I decided to make my favorite—pancakes. I also made a healthy smoothie. I haven't been able to workout lately so I'm just making up for it with my diet.

While eating, I received a message.

ejandrada: Good morning Ave ☺️

just woke up

I’m fine with number 1

u sure about my condo?

averyday_: If it’s okay with you

Would be nice to take a shot of your all black closet 😛

ejandrada: Okay then

We can also take the photos here

averyday_: What time are you free?

ejandrada: I’m actually free now

we can have breakfast together if you want

averyday_: I’m already having mine

How about lunch?

ejandrada: Okay

Let’s have lunch together

So…basement at 12?

averyday_: Sure

See ya 😊

At exactly 12 o’clock, we met at the basement parking. As usual, he was wearing an all black outfit—black hoodie, black jogger pants, black runners, and black cap.

Honestly, it really suits him, it actually makes him look mysterious, which I find attractive. But I know that with his physique, he can wear anything and carry it with ease. I guess I just wanna see a different side of him compared to this Korean drama bad guy that he seems to project.

As for me, I was wearing a coral mini cami cropped top, high-waisted jeans, and sneakers. Pretty basic since the subject of my vlog this time would be different.

And since we were going shopping at the mall, we decided to have our lunch there as well.

We settled for an Italian restaurant since I was craving for pizza and pasta. While waiting for our order, he tried to grab my hand from under the table.

"What are you doing?", I whispered.

"Nothing", he said nonchalantly.

"So there you are, Jared!"

We immediately let go of each other's hands, startled. It was that friend of his that he was with the first time he talked to me.

“Oh, is this a bad time? I’m sorry for interrupting your date.”

"Great timing actually", Ethan with a tinge of sarcasm.

He sat in front of Ethan and said, “mind if I join you? I haven't had a date in a while. All my friends are busy with their girls and I'm all alone."

He then turned to look at me and extended his hand, “I’m Kel by the way.”

Ethan immediately swatted his hand and glared at him, "don't touch her". He muttered.

"Chill, bro". He raised his hands. "I just wanna be friends with her."

He turned to me again, "I've watched a couple of your vlogs by the way. You're cool", he then turned to Ethan and smiled at him, mockingly. "But someone here's a bigger fan of yours. Even went to Hatteras last summer because he was hoping to stumble upon his crush."

My eyes widened at what he said, and Ethan just kept looking at him as if he was shooting daggers with his eyes.

"Okay. I'll get going. I just passed by here to get some food anyway", he said as he stood up. "Nice meeting you, Avery."

I only answered back with a smile.

“They own this place. I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

“Oh, that’s why. Well, it’s fine, I actually found out something interesting”, I told him with a sly smile.

He just shook his head. "This is why I don't want you to meet my friends, you'll probably just listen to whatever nonsense they're saying."

I can't help but stiffle a giggle. "But you really went to Hatteras last summer?"

He avoided my gaze. "Let's not talk about that."

"Why not? Tell me where you've been to."

"Just at the resort. It was only for two days."

“Oh, okay”, he didn’t really seem interested to talk about it, so I just dropped the topic.

“Fine. I’ll change the topic. Anyway, I’ve been dying to ask this. Why is everyone calling you Jared?”

“Because it’s my name?”

“Duh, obviously”, I rolled my eyes, “I mean, why can’t I call you Jared too?”

“So that you’ll be the only one calling me Ethan.”

“Wow, that seems special.”

“Because you are.”

I was completely caught off guard. My heart's beating really fast, and the butterflies in my stomach are going in a riot. Good thing our order came right on time.

After we finished eating, we stayed there for a little while before deciding to head out—it was time to go shopping!

We were strolling side by side at the mall, looking for a men's boutique. I kinda felt uneasy walking alongside him as I felt a couple of stares, glances going our way. I think I can even hear some whispers.

Seemingly frustrated, I asked him, "Ethan, do you know a good men's boutique here?"

"I don't usually go shopping, if you've noticed," making a gesture pointing towards his clothes.

I let out a heavy sigh.

"I usually shop online", he added.

“It’s okay, I understand.”

“Look, there’s one nearby. Is that okay?”, he pointed at a boutique just a few meters away from us.

I just nodded.

When we got in this sort of fancy boutique, I immediately asked for the manager's permission if it's okay to vlog inside their store. Since it was sort of a downtime, I was allowed to do so, and we were also assisted by some staff.

I'm actually kinda used to vlogging without asking permission, but since Ethan's a major part of this vlog that I'm doing, I feel like I need all the help I can get.

After prepping up, I asked Ethan what his sizes are—shoes, clothes, pants—then I scrimmaged through the racks, looking for styles that I think suits him.

I was able to find a nice floral button down top which I know would look good on him, but as I slowly raised it to look at it better, I can immediately hear him protest.

"Ave, please."

Can't help but chuckle at his reaction and just ended up choosing this oversized beige with black stripes button down polo, to which he smiled reluctantly. I then chose other styles and picked two shoes—a pair of plain white sneakers and brown boat shoes.

After finalizing my picks, I then asked Ethan to try it all out.

The first look was this vintage denim jacket with hoodie, paired with ripped jeans, and white sneakers. He looked very serious while going out, but I was smiling the whole time and gave him a thumbs up.

Next was this brown leather jacket with a white button down polo underneath, paired with khaki pants, and white sneakers. He was frowning as he went out, but the staff and I were clapping and smiling.

Third's the oversized beige button down polo, paired with khaki shorts and brown boat shoes. Just like the first ones, he still wasn't smiling even though we were happy seeing him.

The last one's the oversized long sleeve flannel top with a white undershirt, paired with faded jeans and white sneakers. Seeing a ghost of smile on his face, I can't help but think that maybe it's because of the black and white plaids pattern of this. I just smiled and shook my head.

When I was about to pay, he immediately grabbed his card and gave it to the cashier.

I immediately stopped him. "Oops. Not that. Wait."

"Ave-"

"Ethan...", I glared at him.

“Just let me pay for this, Avery.”

I grabbed my card and gave it to the cashier.

"Please use mine. This is my gift to him", and I flashed a sweet smile.

And since my content can be used for a promotion for their boutique, they decided to give me a small discount, so long as I tag them on my posts. One of the perks of being an influencer, I guess.

I tried not to let my frustration get to me up until we reached the parking area. When we were inside the car, I immediately talked to Ethan.

"I already told you, right? I'll be the one spending. You're already helping me out...a lot! You already agreed to do the makeover. It's too much!"

"I'm sorry, okay? I guess I got used to it", he tried to reach for my hand and we locked eyes.

"But we already talked about this", I said, more calm.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t know how these things work.”

I looked at him as if trying to decipher what he meant by that.

"I don't know how to treat a girl...a girlfriend." He looked away.

My eyes widened as I was too stunned to speak.

"I mean, I know we're not...I know you're not my girlfriend, but I like you", he sighed. "I haven't been in a relationship. I don’t know how these things work. I don’t know how I should be towards the person that I like. I’m just doing this the way I know how, even when I’m not sure if it’s right.”

I slowly looked away. I don't know how to respond and my heart kept on racing. I really wanted to tell him that I feel the same way, but I don't feel ready. Not yet. We only knew each other for a couple of weeks and the things that are happening between us all seem too fast.

The ride home was eerily quiet. It was only when we reached the condominium that I was able to speak.

"Ethan", I called him as he immediately got out of the vehicle.

"Hey, Ethan", he's still not looking back.

"Ethan Jared Andrada!", I shouted. This time he looked back. "The things we bought..."

He lightly took it from my hand, then immediately went on his way without looking back. Up until we reached the floor to my unit, no one was still speaking.

As I got out of the elevator, it felt as though I was in a daze that I didn't notice I bumped into someone.

"Hey, watch where you're go-", she stopped. "Oh, it's you."

I looked at her with raised eyebrows. 

"I'm Jordyn Blake, JB for short. I know you don't know me, but I always see you around with Jared. We were classmates before, Jared and I, I mean." she giggled.

I just nodded and smiled. I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone.

She pointed to the door beside mine, "I just live there by the way, you?"

I pointed to the door of my condo.

"Oh, so you're just staying there? We're neighbors. That's cool", she said while smiling at me.

"I'm sorry my mouth runs a lot, it's just that I haven't really been talking to anyone for days. Anyway, I'll go ahead. See you around!"

"Okay", I said while lightly smiling.

When I got inside my unit, I immediately lied down in my bed. It just sinked in. He confessed to me! 

And I wasn't even able to answer him properly. I sighed.

He's probably mad at me right now.

Although I'd want to leave him a message, I don't even know where to start. I just kept on typing and deleting.

Minutes passed and I noticed him typing as well.

ejandrada: I’m sorry, Ave

I didn’t know how to deal with this

I'm so relieved that he messaged me first.

averyday_: It's okay

me too

☺️

I decided to change the topic, to lighten things up a bit. I really didn't know how to respond to the message he sent me other than it's okay.

So…shoot there? 😊

ejandrada: u sure?

averyday_: If that’s okay with you

ejandrada:  but is it okay with you?

I’m all alone here

People might get the wrong impression

He's actually right, but I doubt we'll be doing any funny business. And most people here are probably just inside their own units anyway.

averyday_: I don’t mind

ejandrada: Ok

Just wait there

I’ll fetch you

After what seemed like a minute, he was already at my doorstep. Things seemed normal between us as though there wasn't any awkward encounter earlier. Then we both went up to his unit. I thought that he was just living a couple of floors above mine, but I was shocked when we were already at the top.

He was just able to mention, in passing, that he lives up, but I didn't expect it to be at the top—the penthouse—with a great view of Forthworth's skyline.

As I was scanning this neat, minimalist place, I can't help but notice how big this is. Enough for him to have his own gym, living, kitchen, and dining area, three bedrooms, and his own private pool!

Now, I’m stunned. I know it should’ve been obvious because he drives a sports car, but I didn’t think too much about it.

Just who are you, Ethan Jared Andrada?