ROMANTIC TO ARGUMENT

Kaye seemed to stop breathing. With Ivan looking at her, the world seemed to stop revolving and all she could see was Ivan in front of her, getting closer.

She leaned back as his handsome face drew closer until he's inched away from her. "Ivan, what are you doing?" her voice came in whisper which startled Ivan who was about to kiss her.

With the spoken words tint with fear, Ivan held her waist and helped her stand straight. "I was checking something in your face." Ivan denied calmly but he was cursing himself internally, 'You damn idiot! Don't ruin the night!'

Kaye didn't mind the least bit with what happened. They decided to walk their way to the restaurant and enjoy the nightscape.

"This place is quite nice. The park in front of the building looks really good at night." Kaye commented as she walk beside Ivan looking around the scenery as it was her first time in that area.

"Indeed. I chose a great place. I don't want to be in a crowded place, much more a city. Alex and I had a hard time looking for a place like this. I'm glad you like the view." Ivan responded with an intense gaze directed at her. Kaye noticed him watching her but she didn't utter a word. The thought of Ivan liking her made her happy but it scared her the most as well.

"After this day, I'll be busy in the next few days since I have to move some appointments scheduled on Friday. Will you be picking me up or should I head directly to the meet up place?" She switched on a different topic which would was more interesting since she would be spending time with Ivan and his family.

Ivan smiled at her knowing that she was looking forward to their weekend getaway. "I'll come pick you up. What time will you be ready?"

"Just pick me up at home around 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon." Kaye responded with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Alright then. I'll be there on time."

They walked hand in hand like a couple towards their destination. As the saying goes, happy times doesn't last longer. They reached the restaurant after a few minutes.

Ivan ordered the food and wine since he's been to restaurants a lot of times, unlike Kaye who didn't like restaurants at all until Ivan came.

"How was your meeting with Mr. Gonzalo earlier? I'm sorry I slept the whole afternoon." Kaye opened up while waiting for their foods.

Ivan laughed faintly at her which made her blush. "Don't worry. Everything's fine. We got the deal and Alex would be working on it."

"I'm glad that it turned out fine." Kaye paused for a while and maybe it was because of the ambience or the sweet interaction between couples around them that made her lower her guard.

"Is there something bothering you?" Ivan asked when he saw her frowning face.

"Let's say I would confess. Let's say you knew my past. Let's say I'll tell you I like you. What will be your reaction?" Kaye's voice wasn't loud but it was enough for Ivan to hear her shaky voice.

His heart was beating so hard that his chest started to hurt. It was the same for Kaye. She waited for his answer which didn't come out until few minutes later.

"That's very difficult question. I know your past. I know what you've been through but I still like you." Ivan answered. He was about to add something when Kaye interrupted him.

"You like me as a friend, right?" This was even more difficult for Ivan. Thankfully, he found a way for diversion. Their food came in time to save him from the dilemma.

"Let's eat before it turns cold." Ivan didn't look at her and focused on his food. He was still thinking how to confess his feelings and with the sudden questions he was baffled.

Kaye misunderstood his silence and felt uncomfortable. To ease the situation, she laughed awkwardly and spoke, "You don't have to be bothered with what I say. I just asked you if ever I would confess. You've been asking me about this before."

What Kaye said darkened Ivan's eyes. A sudden coldness enveloped him and Kaye felt that too.

"Did I upset you? I was just joking." She tried once again to ease the tension but Ivan felt worse instead.

They were both expecting a romantic dinner in a French restaurant but they didn't speak to each other after those few statements. Even the staff felt that something was wrong in their table. They didn't even touch the wine.

Until the dinner was over, Kaye and Ivan were both silent. They walked back to the company without talking to each other. It was a deafening silence that Kaye didn't like.

"I'll just take a taxi." Kaye muttered before they reached the building. She was trying to hail a taxi when Ivan pulled her back on the safe side of the road.

"I'll send you home as promised." His cold voice resonated in her hear which made Kaye shiver.

"I don't want to be in the same car as you. I don't know what I did wrong but you gave me a silent treatment. We were fine earlier. You don't really want to be friends with a freak like me, right? You don't have to pretend to like me. You don't have to force yourself to be with me." Kaye's voice was hoarse and the mixed emotions bubbling inside choked her. She was about to cry.

Ivan felt frustrated as well. He didn't know what to do with himself. Indeed, they were fine but it angers him that Kaye likes somebody else.

"I'm sorry Kaye." He pulled her closer but Kaye didn't budge. She stood her ground.

"Don't tell me you're sorry when you don't know what you're sorry for. If you don't like me, it's fine." She turned and left while flagging a taxi. She waited for Ivan to stop her but he did not. The last lock to her control was broken and tears started rolling down on her face.

When a taxi stopped in front of her, she got inside immediately without looking back. Her heart that was never healed was shattered into smaller bits of pieces once again.