Intention.
"Something that someone had planned with an aim or objective. It could either be good or bad. However, sometimes, even if we do not have ill intentions, we might still end up hurting our loved ones in the process without even knowing it, and would only realize it until it's too late, and everything just seems regrettable in the end."
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Guests were in their seats, and upbeat music began to engulf the venue that could make the heartbeat sync to it. The fashion show had already started. All of the guests were focused on watching the models showcasing the designs of a well-known fashion brand.
However, JIMHUESH, who always hated waiting, impatiently wished the fashion show to end. Their stay, or rather, their last date, was in Paris and should last for a week, but he was thinking of flying back to the Philippines early in the morning tomorrow. Somehow, the words of the man earlier, Jackson, had been bothering him since then. He'd been stealing glances, or sometimes, even staring at Senthie evidently, and wondered if what that man said was true. By now, he was starting to believe Jackson. Senthie had been acting strange after meeting him. It was as if there was suddenly an invincible wall or a great distance between them.
Jimhuesh wanted their last date to be a memorable and the best one, but he doubted that it would be, because of how everything seemed to be ruined by Jackson's warning. He began to be cautious and wary of Senthie's intentions, though, he was the one who started all of this dating thing. Still, he couldn't help but feel afraid. He couldn't afford to be one of her victims--if any by chance, Jackson was telling the truth. If Senthie was a real player, he wouldn't certainly fall for it. He'd make sure that no one would ever fool him again. His parents should be the first and the last.
Jimhuesh sighed and instead paid attention to the fashion show. Finally, the last model appeared wearing an elegant dress that could be worn at any formal event.
"This is the first time I'm seeing Kas on a catwalk! She's freaking gorgeous and obviously meant to be a runway model," Senthie suddenly stated with a wide smile that reached her eyes.
Jimhuesh wasn't sure if she was talking to him or if she was just talking to herself since her gaze never met his, but he agreed internally. Jimhuesh always thought that Kassandra looked her best doing what she loved the most. He was very supportive of her since day one and would always be until forth.
The fashion show started at 5 PM and ended at 8 PM, and during that whole time, Jimhuesh didn't initiate a conversation with Senthie, until they headed back to the hotel near the Eiffel Tower that Jimhuesh had booked--where Kassandra was also staying at. Their room was across from each other and Kassandra's was adjacent to Senthie's.
Jimhuesh was about to enter his room when Senthie called him. "Mr... I mean, Jim... Can we talk?"
He turned to her and said "sure" but then his phone vibrated. He took it out of his pants pocket, looked at the phone screen, and then mouthed "wait" to Senthie, and she nodded.
"Yes, Sandy?" Jimhuesh uttered as soon as he brought his phone to his ear.
"Are you and Rychie in the hotel already? I'll be there in twenty, let's have dinner together, then!"
Jimhuesh glanced at Senthie. "He's not with me." He then turned around, facing the door, covered his mouth, and whispered to his phone. He didn't want Senthie to hear what he was about to say. "He didn't come. I'm with you know who."
"What? I didn't invite you so that you can have your date!" She groaned. "I didn't even invite my Kenny!" She huffed. "I'm not third-wheeling!"
He chuckled and began to walk to keep his distance out of Senthie's earshot. "Stop acting like a brat, Sands. Senthie and I are not a thing. Rychie is just busy and Senthie happens to be in the same line of career. She has the potential to be a well-known fashion designer someday. I'm just doing a good thing."
"Ha! Right! As if I'm buying that. You like her, you can't deny that. You don't usually care about other people. I know that because I'm like that, too."
Jimhuesh scoffed. "I always care about others. I'm not like you."
She laughed. "Oh, really? Then how about when two girls fought over you? You didn't care even if they were in front of you. That was hilarious! You just left and went straight to the teacher's office to tell on them!"
"And what did you want me to do? Be the referee?" Jimhuesh snorted.
"Okay, I think you did the right thing there. But...what about when you--"
He cut her off. "Stop right there. Can you just think of what I did for you to reach your dream? I always care for you."
Kassandra laughed hysterically. "That's even funny, Jim! If I remember it clearly... You just did that in return for a favor."
Jimhuesh smiled and shook his head in disbelief. "I truly care for you, Sands. Believe it or not."
"Thanks for saying that. Anyway, see you later, but I won't let myself be the third wheel! Bye!"
As soon as the call ended, Jimhuesh turned and walked towards Senthie's way. "I'm sorry, the call took longer than I expected."
She shook her head and smiled. "It's okay. So... Can we talk now?"
"You mean here? In the corridor?" His forefinger pointing down.
Senthie cocked her head as she narrowed her eyes. "Mmmm, which do you prefer? My room or yours?"
There was a brief pause after that. Jimhuesh was taken aback. How could she ask that to a man? If she said that to other guys, they would surely take it the wrong way. Jimhuesh raised his brows. "Let's just go back to the ground floor and go to a restaurant. Kassandra's asking to meet later, I was just on the phone with her, besides, we haven't had dinner yet, anyway. Let's just do the talking there as we wait for her."
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"What do you wanna talk about?" Jimhuesh asked. They were now at the restaurant that had a view of the Eiffel Tower that could be seen through the glass walls. The atmosphere was romantic not just because of it but also due to the soft lighting as if they were just surrounded by candlelight.
"About the man earlier...Jackson."
He folded his arms. "What about him?"
"Did he...say something to you while I was in the restroom?" She sighed. "You...you just seem different. I mean, I, too, was acting out of character, but, you were, too. Did he tell you something that put you in a bad mood?"
Jimhuesh stared at her for a moment and then decided to just tell her the truth. "He did, actually." He smirked. "He said you are a player and that I should stay away from you. Is he an ex of yours?"
She sighed heavily and nodded. "Yes. He's my ex. He was my boyfriend before Kenzo." She smiled sadly. "And I hurt them so bad."
Jimhuesh was surprised at the name he didn't expect to hear. He thought Kenzo was just her friend that had an unrequited love for her.
"They loved me more than I deserved, but I hurt them in return. I'm not capable of loving someone romantically. Maybe, I was, indeed, a player. Maybe, Jackson is right. You should stay away from me if you think you are falling for me. But if not, you have nothing to worry about, I'm not seducing you or trying to make you fall for me. I'm just being me," Senthie added.
Jimhuesh chuckled, and Senthie seemed confused. "Did you just...laugh at me?"
He laughed again. "I'm sorry, I'm not trying to offend you but I think we're somewhat alike." She narrowed her eyes. He continued. "You're incapable of being in love, right? While me...well...I don't believe in love. Isn't that funny?"
Senthie giggled. Finally breaking out of the tension earlier. "Yeah, that's funny. I think we're a match made in heaven." Her eyes grew big as she pressed her lips together and shook her head. "I wasn't trying to flirt with you or something, just so you know."
"Yeah, I know. Perhaps, you're just a natural flirt," he teased. Senthie glared at him playfully and then laughed.
A few minutes later, Jimhuesh noticed Kassandra entered the restaurant, a man pushed the door for her. Senthie couldn't see them since their view was behind her, across from Jimhuesh who was now surprised as soon as he saw the man that Kassandra had brought. He knew she was coming with someone, she texted him. But, he didn't expect it to be someone that Senthie also knew.
"Why?" Senthie asked. "Is Kas here?"
She turned to look behind her, but not in two seconds, she returned her gaze to Jimhuesh. "Don't tell me he's her friend she was talking about?"
"I don't know, either."
Kassandra headed their way together with Jackson. When they were at Jimhuesh and Senthie's table, Jackson asked, "they're your friends?"
Kassandra nodded. "Uh-huh. Why? Do you know each other?"
He chuckled. "What a small world, indeed! We meet again, Sen." He leaned over her, his palm leaning on the table. Senthie averted her gaze.
Jimhuesh stood up and walked towards his way. "You're making her uncomfortable," he said sternly, glaring at Jackson as he gripped his arm.
Jack pulled away and raised his hands in surrender. "Sorry, I'm just so happy to see the woman who was once I loved."
"What? Are you serious?" Kassandra asked with wide eyes as she took her seat between Jimhuesh's and Senthie's, while Jack sat opposite of her. "She's the girl you were talking about? I don't believe you. Sen isn't like you've told me stories about."
Jack smirked. "Why don't you ask her?"
Jimhuesh resisted the urge to smack his head and instead took his seat since everyone already did.
Kassandra looked at Senthie and waited for an answer. "I don't know what he told you about me, but it wasn't my intention to hurt him."
"See? I told you, Kassy. She would never admit that she did it with intentions."
"Are you going to hate me for the rest of your life? Can't you find it in your heart to forgive me? Even just for tonight? Can't we just pretend that this is the first time we meet so that we can end this evening without any hard feelings? If it's difficult for you, then, I suppose I should leave." Senthie stood up, ready to leave, but halted when Jimhuesh said, "don't go."
She looked at him and shook her head. "I should."
"Yeah, she must. Don't force her to stay, man," Jack interrupted.
"Don't go," he repeated firmly. He clenched his jaw as he turned his gaze to Jackson. "You, you should leave. You wouldn't mind it, Sands. Would you?"
"Ohh, sorry, Jack." Kassandra pouted. "I think Jim's right. You should leave."
Jack had no choice but to leave, so he did. But he bumped into Senthie's shoulder intentionally. Jimhuesh had almost lunged toward him if it weren't for Kassandra. Her hand held his arm. "Do not make a scene, Jim. He's leaving, anyway. Keep your cool."
Jimhuesh breathe heavily as he tried to calm down. It was the first time he lost his cool about something like this. He was usually calm even if he was facing troubles with the company.
When Senthie sat down, he did the same and asked her if she was okay. She only smiled at him and apologized for everything that happened that night. It seemed that they tried their best to act as if nothing happened, however, the dinner still ended awkwardly and uncomfortably.
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Hello, Noomiells!
Thank you for reading this chapter. Hope you liked it. :D
What do you think of Jackson's attitude toward Senthie?
Do you think Sen is a natural flirt?
How about Jim? Did you like him in this chapter? :D
I would like to know your opinion. Please, let me know! :D