Distance of Three Centimeters

As a result of quarreling with Axel, he heartlessly left me in the middle of the road where I had no idea where I was. Granted, I asked for it, but I didn't expect him to follow through without an ounce of mercy. Foolishly, I brought nothing with me except myself. Axel is the most selfish man I've ever met in my life.

I continued walking to find shelter, and as my strength began to wane from exhaustion, suddenly, Varel appeared out of nowhere. I was grateful to meet someone I knew, even though I was reluctant to accept his help. However, I was in a condition where I couldn't refuse anything, especially considering my pride.

I have no idea where I am right now. Even if I return to Axel's house, I don't know where it is. Moreover, I can't return home, especially being escorted by a stranger whom I haven't introduced to my parents. And even more confusing, how will my brother react if his newly married sister is Escorted home by his friend? Argh!! My mind feels like it's about to explode.

"Um, where should I take you?" Varel broke the silence.

"What? Hmm–" I replied, pondering.

Varel occasionally glanced at Summer, who looked confused. Even Varel himself did not know that today was Summer's wedding day. Finally, Varel suggested going back to his apartment.

"If you have no destination, you can stay at my apartment for a while. Or should I call Hakim to pick you up?" Varel asked again.

"What? Hakim? No, no! There's no need to call him." I said, surprised.

"Then? Where do we go now? It's not possible to drive all night." Varel responded.

"I-I guess. Alright, to your apartment then while I wait for someone's reply on your phone." I replied.

Finally, we went to Varel's apartment. I thought maybe he and his family lived there. I had already prepared some words in case his family asked about me. Varel led me to the most luxurious apartment in the city. I became more convinced that Varel must live with his family, especially since he is still a student like my brother. I followed Varel while looking around.

As we arrived at the front door of the apartment unit, I saw he used a smart lock on the door handle. I thought it was sophisticated enough for an apartment as big and nice as this. The two of us entered. I was amazed at how spacious and luxurious it was inside. I had seen some apartments owned by my friends before, but none were like what I saw now. "Wow, this is not an apartment; it's a luxurious house on the top floor," I exclaimed.

"Come in, please rest. I'll take a shower first," Varel said casually, heading towards his room.

"What? Shower? Why does he need to shower? Is he going to do something to me? Ah, no. No. Don't think weird thoughts, Summer," I mumbled, hugging myself. I sat on one of the sofas near the entrance. I noticed this apartment had quite a few rooms because there were several doors leading somewhere.

After finishing, Summer saw Varel watching TV while enjoying a can of drink. And when Summer approached him, what he drank was not soda but beer. Summer became even more anxious. Then, Summer tried to borrow her phone again to contact Axel.

"Rel, can I borrow your phone for a moment? I want to contact someone," I asked.

"Here," Varel replied, handing me his phone.

Varel didn't use a password on his phone screen, unlike most people nowadays. Even I have a password on my phone. It was quite strange, but maybe there was nothing too important on his phone, so he didn't bother. I tried calling my phone again, which Axel probably still held. But it still went unanswered.

"Is my phone stuck in his car that he's not answering my call? Has he seen it but ignored it?" I wondered. 

I ended the call and returned the phone to Varel.

Time passed, and the night grew darker. I started to feel depressed because I didn't know where to go. Even Varel had consumed three cans of beer. I hadn't even finished a single can of soda. The situation became more awkward. I felt that if I stayed here too long, unwanted things might happen. Would someone get drunk after drinking three cans? I wondered.

There was no conversation between us, only the sound of the TV we heard at that moment. I remember we were watching an action movie with a thin layer of romance, making me shiver with fear. I was afraid that Varel might suddenly attack me and kiss me because he was drunk. What should I do?

"Rel, I'll just go home. It's probably better that way. I'll take a taxi home," I said, getting up From my seat.

"But it's already night. What if I take you?" Varel replied.

"It doesn't seem possible. You've even had three cans of beer."

"Ah, true. Well, I'll take you until you get a taxi," Varel said, grabbing his coat.

"Oh yeah, can you lend me money for the taxi?" Summer smiled.

"Alright, don't worry."

As we were about to leave, somehow, Varel stumbled when passing by me and made us fall together on the sofa. Our eyes met, and we stared at each other. The strong scent of men's cologne filled the air. Even the touch between our bodies felt strong. I could feel how broad his shoulders were and The firmness of his muscles, perhaps because he exercised. Maybe the distance between our lips was only about 3 centimeters. Were we about to make a mistake?