“Rias, it's simply a photo. It's certainly not a spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding,” I spoke firmly into the phone.

“A photograph that is generating a lot of talk,” she conveyed with great intensity.

Why must I endure this meaningless drivel? 

“Can we discuss this at another time?" I insisted. 

I wanted to get off the phone. I was laying next to Kichi on the bed, my thoughts were consumed with worry and disbelief. It was a surreal experience, watching her collapse before my eyes. T 

 "Why? Little Ray wants to play with her new fling?" she said mockingly. 

I snapped. "You are my manager, so act like it and not like a possessive ex-girlfriend!" 

"I will atop once you start behaving like a professional!" Rias retorted sharply.

"Goodness gracious, woman. You are giving me a head ache." 

"Do you realise how much mess you're leaving for me to clean up? Do I need to jog your memory about the consequences of your last whirlwind romance?" 

I couldn't help but cringe at the mere thought of that crazy girl. Memories of our past encounters flooded my mind. Her erratic behaviour and unpredictable nature were a welcoming distraction,but things eventually got way out of hands.

"Rias, just stop talking. Your constant chatter is bothersome. I am not able to handle this at the moment. Instead, remind me what time my shoot is scheduled for tomorrow?"

“Sometime between the hours of one and two o'clock. Why?” she asked. 

“Is it possible for me to take a sick day?" I asked, my voice filled with optimism.

"It is not possible for you to do that. Stop procrastinating and make sure you return to Bridgeport by morning!"

I abruptly end my phone call, feeling frustrated. What a nuisance!

"Don't be angry with Rias. She's simply concern."

"You are awake!" I exclaimed in a slightly elevated voice.

Kichi tugged the sheet up to her chin. "I highly doubt anyone could sleep through your conversation.”

"I am sorry. Rias can be quite difficult at times. If I don't stand my ground, she tends to control my every move." 

Gently, I placed my hand on Kichi's stomach and noticed her body tense up. "Do you feel any better now?” 

"I believe I owe you an apology," Kichi murmured, avoiding eye contact and focusing on the distance instead. "I have a tendency to experience physical reactions to emotional triggers, ever since my mother's passing." 

Feeling remorseful, I expressed, "My words caused your shock. Please forgive me."  

"I am currently feeling better, so it's not a big deal." Kichi attempted to stand, but I gently restrained her.

“Must you leave at this moment?" I asked. 

“No.” 

"Perhaps we could stay together a bit longer," I proposed, my tone growing increasingly desperate.

“But..." she faltered, and I saw her tightly clenching onto the sheet with her hands. "Wouldn’t it be best if I go?" 

"Who is this best for?"

Kichi shut her eyes tightly and spoke in a pained tone. "You clearly don't want me around. When you said we wouldn't cross paths again, the anguish in my chest was unbearable. I felt like I wanted to disappear."

I did not want to speak words that would cause Kichi pain. Or maybe, deep down, that was exactly what I wanted. When I watched that person's face close to hers, I felt a sense of uneasiness and the more impatience grew within me. My heart was consumed with an overwhelming desire to proclaim you as mine. However, despite my innermost yearnings, I could not. 

I gently embraced her, pulling her close to me as tightly as I could. "Being able to remain by the side of someone you like for is one of the privilege of friendship. I am more than happy to be your friend, with the knowledge that our bond may eventually blossom into something deeper and more meaningful. However, I cannot continue to be around when you are involved with someone else. I simply do not possess the strength to endure it."

Kichi suddenly sat up straight. "Woah! What are you talking about?" 

I held her gaze and notice the deepening shade of red that appeared on her already blushing cheeks. I couldn't help but feel a sense of tenderness towards her.

”Are you not in a relationship with that girl?” I asked, sitting up straight. “I was under the impression that you were."

She let out a deep sigh. "Tie is important to me. We are friends," Kichi revelled, her gaze distant and reflective. “I never thought you actually cared.” Kichi gazed in my direction.

"Your words are not sitting well with me. I admit, our encounter was brief, but it held great significance to me." 

Kichi squeezed her eyes shut and covered her ears with her hands. "Please, Ray, stop it.” 

I longed to be by her side, yet Kichi seemed unconvinced by my words. Why was it so difficult for her to believe me? 

"Will you stay with me a while longer?”

Kichi gazed at me with those large, ebony eyes, causing my thoughts to become muddled. I couldn't seem to concentrate on anything else, the only thing audible was the erratic rhythm of my heart.