My Ex is my Bestfriend

"Hey Ash!" Ethan greeted. "And who is this beautiful lady? One of your conquests?"

Ash laughed and said while looking at Gina. "My only conquest." He looked at Ethan and introduced them to each other, "Ethan meet Gina. Love, meet my friend Ethan."

Gina replied with a small hello.

"So, Cassidy, Ethan, I didn't realize we'd meet here."

"Yeah, we were a bit hungry and we remembered this Waffles Station, so we decided to come here. And you?"

Gina answered, "Well, we're going to his apartment, but I said I was hungry, so we passed by here." I noticed she was holding her phone tightly, as if afraid that someone might see what and to who she was texting.

"Uh-huh." Ash nodded. But I could see the calculative look he is giving my way. I felt that he's about to realize something and I don't want to know about it.

"Okay. Anyway, I just took Gina away from work. I have to make the best of this time. So, if you'll excuse us."

I laughed and waved them off. "Okay. Ash, Gina, you go enjoy."

"Nice meeting you Ethan." Gina said, but she was looking at me, her eyes conveying something that I don't want to understand.

I don't like what I'm feeling right now. There was something odd in Gina's actions, but I can't deduce what it is.

Huh. whatever it is, I'll face it. For now, I just have to be happy.

When the both of them were out of earshot, Ethan looked at me and asked in bewilderment, "Was that really Ash? He was an innocent, little lamb back then."

"Well, everyone evolves Ethan. Don't dwell too much on it. Besides, you should now be happy for your friend."

"I am happy. I am. I was just surprised, that's all."

I chuckled, and remembering what happened a moment ago, I said hesitantly, "So, uhm, I better go home now. Where will you go after here?"

Well, that turned out something wrong. It was as if I was inviting him to accompany me. And true enough, Ethan was smiling mockingly. Oh no.

"Okay. I didn't mean it that way. I meant to ask you of your plans for today-" I stopped talking when I saw him smile more. "Uh, it still gives that impression, does it?"

Ethan nodded. I sighed frustratingly. "Ugh whatever. Just answer the question Ethan."

He chortled but still answered, "I think I'll go back to the hospital first. I want to check on my patients before and talk to other doctors there. I want to get some fresh insights that might help me in our research."

"Well, that's good Ethan. Just give me a call if there are problems at my apartment. And don't forget to call me when you fly back to Japan."

Ethan chuckled. "Always the worrywart. Don't worry Cass, I will."


He ruffled my hair, kissed my cheek and said, "Goodbye Cassidy. Take care. Text me when you arrive."

"Well, you are a worrywart too." I chuckled. "Yes I will. And you text me too. But charge your phone first."

"Oh yeah." He scratched his head while laughing. "Okay, bye Cassidy."

I waved at him. "Bye Ethan. Take care."

***

I arrived at Minho's apartment feeling light. It was the first time in how many days that I felt the weight on my shoulders lighten. I felt no more worries. Ah, this is life.

I immediately went to the kitchen to prepare food because that one waffle was not enough and I am super hungry right now. I opted for ramen, since I decided to binge-watch anime, again. What better food to prepare for multitasking, eating while watching, than ramen? I laughed inwardly. Huh going unhealthy again Cassidy, huh? At least Minho's not yet here to scold me.

So while waiting for the water to boil, I changed my clothes and prepared the couch for my activity later. I turned on my laptop and opened the browser and let my episodes load, so that there will be no buffering later on when I watch.

When I finished preparing the ramen, I happily sat at the couch. I'm ready for a lazy day!

As soon as I pressed the play button, I heard the entrance door open.

Huh? Who could that be? Housekeeping? Well this isn't a hotel. Who could have my keys? Am I expecting a visitor?

Oh right this is Minho's place.

Minho! My eyes widened in excitement. But Minho said he'd be returning tomorrow. Maybe he's early?

I pushed my thoughts aside and decided to see for myself. I put down my ramen and ran towards the door.

Oh my! It really is Minho! So handsome. God I missed him so much.

"Baby!" I ran towards him to hug him tight.

Just when I thought that our bodies would soon collide, I was met by air. I almost collided with the door, but thank God for my quick reflexes, I managed to stop just before my head bumped at it.

I put down my arms on my sides, my hands unable to resist to form a fist. My body started trembling in what I believe was disappointment and fear of what is to come. And maybe guilt. I turned around to look at him.

He was looking down at me, his face devoid of any emotion. I could feel him staring down at me coldly, it's as if I was a stranger to him.

"Minho..."

He looked away and said indifferently, "Let's talk." And he continued walking towards the living room.

In all the days of my life, this was the day I felt so afraid, so lost, and so guilty. I have to tell him now, or I might lose him, forever.