Burning Passion

CHAPTER 229: HE IS MISSING NINA

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Harry is walking slowly to match Kristina's pace. He glanced at her foot, and she was wearing a four inches black shoe heel.

This time, Harry took gradual steps to slow down their pace. And Kristina notices it. She proved it more that Harry is such a gentleman. 

Waiting for the perfect timing to speak, Harry couldn't spill out the words. 

"Are you alright?" Is what he sputtered to Kristina, and it was lame. 

Kristina glanced in his direction, a smile tore her mouth. 

"I am, so, don't worry about me," answered Kristina.

"I'm glad." 

After that, another silence wrapped around them. Harry could still not say another word. He sucks in dating a woman when there's no topic he comes up with. He always observes how Steven, Ash, or Lee, and the other boys talk to girls. But the things he was only interested in are books. Maybe also movies. Though he likes sports, he doesn't like to talk about it. 

Harry could now see the crossroads that led to their dormitories. He should speak up again before he and Kristina separate ways tonight. 

"So, next Saturday... It was Lee and Ash's game." 

"Yeah! The girls will perform their new cheer dance. So I am excited to see them!" 

"Sounds great! They have a new captain, right?" 

"Yes. It's Vanessa, and she's great and pretty!" 

Harry couldn't agree more. Vanessa is Ash's current girlfriend, and Ash has also become a new Captain of the Rugby team. 

"Then, see you around the school?" Harry attempts to sound lively. Still, Harry could not bring himself to ask Kristina out again. He has no idea where to bring her next time. 

"Sure! See you around." 

Harry contemplates for a short time as he has to decide real quick. 

"Do you like to go to a theme park sometime?" Harry asked Kristina after a long silence. Theme Park is the first thing that came to his mind. Honestly, he was wondering if Kristina would like it as much as Nina. He is honest that it was what he could only think after those few times he went out with Nina, Steven, and Korin. 

Harry heaves a silent sigh. Nina appeared in his head again all of a sudden. He pulls himself together and keenly waits for Kristina's reply, whom she only remains gaping at him. It worries him she might think about the danger they would encounter again.

"It will be during the daytime to avoid trouble. And if you have no work at the restaurant?" Harry sputtered and cursed himself for being a lousy date. 

Kristina, on the other hand, stutters her words after being overwhelmed with excitement. 

"Su-sure! I'm cool with it!" she answered enthusiastically. 

It makes her thrilled. She thought Harry wouldn't bring it up again after Mr. Feng interrupted them. And Harry hasn't spoken in the car throughout their way to the university. 

"Okay. Let's go visit the Theme Park in Newark once we're not that busy in school." 

"Oh? In Newark? I want to go there again! I haven't strolled through the city when Sam's parents pick me up at the airport, and we only have a quick stop in a diner." 

"Then a perfect place for a drive! Maybe at the end of the month?"

"Sure! You are going to be busy with the Student Council meetings, so it's fine by the end of the month." 

"Oh, you know?" 

"Ah, yes." Kristina bit her lip. That's embarrassing! Now Harry thinks she stalks him as to how well-informed she is about him! "I… I learned it from Jamie!"

Is what her excuse, which is true. Jamie is living next door to her bedroom. Kristina sighed in relief.

"Oh, right? I call a meeting with the Journalism Club. We have to cover all the Sports activities in the coming weeks." 

"You are so busy. I'm glad you asked me out, even if there are a lot of things to take care of." 

"Hm. Steven is a great help to me." 

"Right! I heard about his girlfriend! They said she is close to both of you. What was her name? Oh, I'm sorry, Steven mentioned before, but I could not remember." 

Harry blinks several times before he settles down his chest, which a flash of jealousy pinching his heart thinks of Nina as Steven's girlfriend.

Steven was vocal about his feelings in front of everyone. He has been inviting everyone to attend his wedding, even if it's not officially announced his engagement with Nina. 

And he is a hypocrite if he would not admit to himself how his heart is breaking every time Steven talks about it.

"Oh, we're almost there!" 

Harry came back to his senses from deep thoughts. It made him feel guilty that she was with Kristina, but he is thinking about Nina.

"Thanks for walking me home, Harry." 

"It's my job as your date tonight. I should make sure of your safety. And my responsibility to take you back whole." Now it sounds like a quiet joke in which Kristina laughs, and Harry chuckles at his corniness. "It was a lousy joke." 

"Nice try, yeah." 

She shared a laugh with Harry, Kristina purses a timid smile. Gladly, this part of the street has only dim lights. Just enough to see someone's silhouettes, and Harry would not notice she is a little disappointed in what he said. 

The truth, it's not the words she expects to hear. But she should not assume. She and Harry just dated for the first time. Why does she already presume many things? 

Ah, watching too much classic love story made her feel this way. Besides, Harry already did a heroic act awhile back. She was like watching a live-action movie. 

Now, to think about it again. Harry is so brave about protecting her. That was more than enough to flutter her chest.

"So, here we are!" 

"Yup. Good night, Kristina." 

"Good night, Harry." 

After goodbyes, Harry resumes walking when Kristina is already standing on the porch of her dormitory and pushes the door open. 

Harry halted and glanced back after he heard several female voices squealing. It looks like her housemates teased Kristina. Harry shook his head and pushed a party smile across his face.

Meanwhile, Harry was ambushed as well by the boys and forced to talk. Harry frowned while taking a single couch in the dormitory's lounge. He scanned the faces of his housemates; it made him astounded, looking at them grinning ridiculously. All are eager to hear an exciting story from him about his date. 

He glanced at the clock on the wall; it was now past midnight. Harry rolled his eyes before he muttered not long after. "Does anyone of you know Sam's telephone number?" 

"Huh?" They sounded disappointed when he did not start talking.

"And why are you asking for Sam's contact number? Would you ask Sam's blessing to marry his cousin?" 

Harry dropped his jaw. "And where that idea came from?" He blurted out, feeling ridiculous about it.

"Why not?" 

He should not surprise how his friends are such a bully. Harry heaves a sigh and goes on. "Look, we are just dating! We are not doing what you guys..." 

"What?" 

Harry widened his eyes, staring at Steven, who sounded teasing him. 

"Jeez. We are late to come back home for a reason... we have to settle a few things in the Police Department. " 

The boys crease their brows and forehead. It was Lee who instantly asked Harry. 

"Why do you have to go to the police?" 

Harry heaved another sigh before he shared what happened after he and Kristina dined at Pizza House. 

"What? Who are they? I will seek them! And beat the hell out of them!" Said Lee while forcibly sat up from the couch.

"No need, Lee. Mr. Feng will take care of the incident. We apprehend three witnesses to point out the other guys. So, there's no need to take revenge and worsen the situation. Remember, you guys have a game next Saturday. As the Student Council President, please, do not create trouble while you guys are in qualifiers. You all want to join the State team, right?" 

"But we can't just sit here! Do they want to beat you up? Huh! I won't let this slip away! I will teach them!" Steven angrily stated. Now he wishes that he was at that moment and helping Harry. Those bastards won't get away from him!

"Of course, I did not let them lay a hand on me, or Kristina." 

"Oh, that sounds like Superman saved the night!" cheered Christopher and did a superman pose.

"Well, I already saw it when Harry and Steven spar. Harry almost defeated Steven," said Ash.

"That's right! Harry is not active in sports, but he and Steven are both excellent in self-defense," Concurred Lee. 

Now that he is done talking to them, Harry went to his and Steven's bedroom. He takes a quick shower and puts on a boxer and plain white t-shirt.

Harry places the hand towel on his neck and sits on his desk. He misses Nina. He wondered how she was now. Sometimes, he wants to write a letter to Nina. But thinking he has no reason to do that. His mind changes.

Nina is Steven's girlfriend. He should not create any misunderstanding between his twin brother and Nina. 

Harry heaves a sad sigh and lies on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Nina…" his heart sighed hopelessly.