Chapter 19 - Sometimes Something Planned Will Usually Fail

Zen smiled after he said that to Daisy. Of course, he was very nervous, but Zen was quite good at hiding his feelings. He was just happy to see Daisy blushed even though Daisy tried to act normal. But Zen knows that Daisy is starting to fall in love with him.

Keeping Daisy busy with her thoughts made Zen curious about what Daisy was thinking. Because when she's silent, Zen doesn't even have anything else to talk about. Like this time, when in the car after meeting with Dera, Daisy was silent. Even though Zen himself was only trying to stay with Daisy, so he took advantage of the time with the excuse of eating together and taking a walk as a substitute for yesterday.

"Dera's gaze earlier ... don't you feel like her?" Daisy asked suddenly.

Zen actually wasn't that surprised at what Daisy would ask so suddenly like now. He was just a little confused when he was about to answer. But hearing her question like this, Zen was happy.

The feeling of liking Dera, of course, there is. But for the heart, no. That's how Zen felt seeing a woman like Dera.

"No," Zen answered curtly.

"Why? I think all guys would like her … well, looks and pretty face."

Zen tried to think of Daisy's words. Just to pretend to look a little longer and piss Daisy off.

"Because she's not you, so I don't like it," Zen answered plainly.

Daisy was silent. Her lips seemed to gape but only for a moment. She then turned her face to the outside. Hiding her shy face and the faint smile that Zen could see at a glance.

Arriving at the restaurant, they immediately ordered the package menu that Zen proposed according to what the restaurant was currently open. Daisy just obeyed because coincidentally the menu wouldn't make her a problem either.

Zen continues to feel awkward when dealing with Daisy alone. He didn't know what to do because he wasn't the typical romantic guy.

"I'm going to the toilet first," said Daisy who was already standing staring at Zen.

"Yes. Not for long."

Daisy just rolled her eyes and occasionally looked back to see if Zen's eyes were following her or not. Of course Zen his eyes followed Daisy until she disappeared behind the toilet.

While Zen was still watching the women's toilet from a distance to wait for Daisy to appear from behind the toilet, Zen saw Devan come out of the men's toilet which was next to the women's toilet. Then followed Daisy who also emerged from the women's restroom. Zen gasped, his eyes fixed on Daisy and Devan with Zen's hopes that they wouldn't meet.

And luckily, Daisy didn't see Devan. He could only breathe a sigh of relief until he finally saw Daisy sitting across from him again.

"You think I'll run away again?" Daisy asked sarcastically.

"People who have been lied to, usually will be hard to believe, Daisy," replied Zen.

"In fact, I'm not running from you, Zen. I ..." Daisy's words were cut off when the food ordered arrived. Zen was curious about what Daisy wanted to say, but he just kept quiet and didn't try to touch her again. At this moment he didn't want to be seen pulling her closer. But in order to protect Daisy from any man but himself, Zen is willing to show herself how much he wants Daisy.

After eating, Zen took a little bit of time because it was almost the same time Devan and his friends left the restaurant. He couldn't understand why he could meet his father's stepchild for the past two days.

"Where are we going after this?" Daisy asked.

"I don't know, I'll think about it later."

"If you don't plan it, we better go home. I mean, take me home, OK?"

Zen looked directly at Daisy as soon as he said that. His piercing gaze really pounced on Daisy until she covered her mouth.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," Daisy said later.

"I didn't plan where I was going because I know sometimes something planned will usually fail. And about going home, tomorrow I will take you home," explained Zen.

There was an expression of relief that Daisy showed Zen. They finally left the restaurant once Zen had confirmed Devan was gone.

***

The night wind that blew was enough to make Daisy feel cold in the dress she was wearing. Zen finally draped his coat over Daisy's body which made Daisy jump in surprise but she let it be.

"Thanks," said Daisy.

They enjoyed the lake with the dim city lights and some people who joined also enjoyed it. Don't forget that Zen has also bought snacks and drinks to enjoy on the lakeside bench.

"It feels really calm here," said Daisy as she stared at the lake where the water moved in the direction of the wind.

"This place I often visit when I want to be alone," said Zen.

Daisy looked at the guy next to her. It was as if what she had just heard was a mistake. She thought, how could a selfish man like Zen want to be alone. She thought, Zen did negative things as boredom. In fact, she found no lie in Zen's eyes who were still looking straight ahead.

"I know you're surprised I said that, Daisy. And I know you've found the answer," said Zen, who did feel Daisy was staring at him.

"Sorry. It's just ... it looks weird."

"Everyone needs solitude. No matter how complicated that person is."

Like being stabbed by a sharp knife, it hurts to hear Zen's sad tone. It was as if he had judged Zen so badly that he thought that Zen didn't need things like this right now.

"Can you be nice to me once in a while without intimidating me, Zen? Or something like that? So I don't have to judge you to be a bad person," Daisy asked.

Zen chuckled. Daisy's question must have been a trap for him. Although Daisy's tone of seriousness and honesty is obvious, Zen isn't the type to be kind to someone easily after that person destroys a part of him.

"I'm trying to be my best, Daisy. And I am that kind of person."

Daisy just stared at Zen silently. Every now and then her hair was blown by the wind until the scent intoxicated Zen. Zen himself doesn't really know what Daisy is wearing in the bath and the fragrance. What is clear, every Daisy scent that wafted into his nostrils, made him feel very addicted to being near Daisy.

"Oh ... I see. Is it because of what Neva teaches you?"

"Not really. A person can act as you judge on the outside, that's for a reason, Daisy. Maybe like someone who said that pain changes a person. Have you heard of it?"

Daisy nodded hesitantly. Se doesn't really understand and knows Zen's background. All she knew was what Zen did and said. But hearing it, made Daisy's chest feel tight. I don't know what pain Zen felt to make him like this, she thought.

"Besides," said Zen, looking at Daisy intently. "Without me or you changing me, I know I'm one step ahead of making you start loving me."