Estela by Miu

Fifteen days left.

Just fifteen days . . .

I chanted while my eyes never left the man opposite me –– making sure he was at least ten meters away from me.

In the past few days, I did nothing but to avoid him, but he was very determined to stick with me wherever I go. Whenever he would get close, I sprinted as fast as I could. I knew he couldn't catch me, yet he always found me in the end.

Eventually, he got the jest that I didn't want him anywhere near me. He maintained his distance while once in a while, checking up on me.

As the days progressed in peace, I never felt bored since the man would always have something to talk about even though I didn't react and just listened to him.

He always talked about his life. Funny things he remembered. Latest news, sometimes about his family, about my family, about himself, and mostly, about me and us –– like what he was doing right now.

We were seated under the shade of a large tree, ten meters apart from each other while watching the ocean waves and the birds roaming the sky.

"When we went out, you always attack me whenever you have the chance." He huffed a laugh.

"Then you would always demand that I kiss you, and you would roam your hands all over my chest in secret. I pretended I didn't know . . . but I know. Like that time when we were in Hawaii and also that time––"

"Enough!"

I shouted and covered my ears.

I didn't want to be reminded of the past because it stirred something inside me.

He paused, hurt, and worry painted all over his face.

"I'm not that girl anymore."

I met his gaze and took a mouthful of air, ready to tell him the words I was dying to say.

"F-forget about me. I d-don't want to be with you. I know it might be unfair, b-but I don't remember you. All those feelings, I d-don't feel it anymore."

I almost wavered when his face contorted in pain.

He shifted his gaze at the beach and closed his eyes while he ran his fingers through his hair.

"Estela . . . you're only saying it now . . . but what if your memories return––"

"And what if it doesn't?" I countered. "Are you going to live the rest of your life loving me? Loving a girl who doesn't love you?"

He faced me with a serious expression, and proclaimed in an unwavering voice, "Yes. I'll tell you this again. Even if you can't remember me and even you won't ever remember . . . I'll continue to love you. I'll love you until you'll fall in love with me all over again."

My jaw dropped as I blinked, and turned my gaze at the clouds. I couldn't believe how annoying this man could be.

Why did I even like him in the first place?

I didn't understand how I could possibly love this kind of man. Sure he was handsome and tall and manly and smart and knew his way around things and could hold his own –– but he was incredibly, persistently annoying.

"So, you're going to disregard my feelings and continue to pester me?" I said, annoyed.

He grinned. "That's right. I'm the type who can't take 'no' for an answer."

His eyes then glint a shade darker while his face turned a little scary as he laid out the words with an overbearing and arrogant tone, which left me speechless.