Confession

I was enjoying my meal alone in the kitchen with explosions of thoughts about my dream still lingering in my mind. It felt so real, yet I could vividly see Alex's back by the beach, not quite the same as in my dream.

As I sipped on a glass of water, a sudden flashback occurred.

"I liked you, Alex!"

I gasped in surprise.

"No! No! That was just a dream, dear. Don't be so surprised. According to some beliefs, dreams are the exact opposite of reality!" I tried to calm myself as the scenes kept flashing back.

"Every time I call you ugly, that means you are the most beautiful woman in my eyes. When I said you're stupid, I was referring to myself that I can't even express how much I like you."

"That's nonsense!" I shouted, tapping the table in frustration. My anger was reaching its peak.

"What nonsense?" Alex's voice surprised me as he was already behind me.

"What? Oh, nothing. How long have you been there?" I quickly changed the topic.

"Just now, are you done? Mind if you join me there?" He pointed to his set-up tent. "You know, since we're here, why not enjoy—"

"Enjoy the view! Yeah, I got it!" I interrupted him. "I'll just clean up here, and I'll join you!" I pushed him out of the kitchen.

"Are you sure?" he asked, puzzled.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" I sarcastically replied.

"Just making sure, PUMPKIN!" he said, emphasizing "Pumpkin."

He is still annoying!

"One more 'Pumpkin,' and I swear—"

"Pumpkin?" he teased while wearing a sarcastic smile.

"Whatever!" I left him alone and headed to the beach. The sun was scorching, and I realized I didn't bring any sunblock.

If only I had known.

I sat inside the tent. The sea breeze was refreshing, starkly contrasting city life—no heat, no smoke, just the pure, fresh air.

Sunbathing wouldn't hurt.

I lay down, closed my eyes, and drifted off.

I woke up because of the water splashing on my face. Slowly opening my eyes, I was surprised to see Alex's face inches away from mine. I jolted up, accidentally bumping my head into his.

"Ouch! You're always so stupid!" he complained, holding his forehead, and so did I.

"You're the idiot! Your face scared me!" I retorted while massaging my forehead, genuinely in pain. "Is there a bump?" I touched my forehead. "What were you thinking!?" I asked, standing up.

"I'm just looking at how angelic you are when sleeping," he smiled.

Oh no! Alex, don't be like this! I'm getting all giddy!

"Next time, don't do something so scary—"

"I don't have plans on raping you. It's not worth going to jail!" He smirked again.

"Wow! So handsome—"

"Pumpkin?" he teased, still wearing his sarcastic smile.

"Enough!" I left him and went ahead to the beach. The sun was high and blazing.

If only I had known.

I returned to the beach after a quick shower. The bonfire was a beautiful sight, creating a better ambiance than the previous night.

"Hey!" I tapped him. He had already showered, and I could smell the soap on him. "You're done showering?" I asked.

"Yup!" he replied, giving me a thumbs-up. He seemed to like using that gesture. "Mama's clothes suit you," he added. I didn't have extra clothes, so I wore his mother's.

A long silence enveloped the night. We both enjoyed the starry sky, far from the city. Finally, we spoke.

"Alex—"

"Alex—"

We both burst into laughter. I abruptly stood up, and my left eye stung.

"Ouch!" I rubbed my eyes, but the dirt wouldn't come out. He got up and blew on my eye. I recoiled in surprise.

Everything seemed to slow down. He was so focused on blowing my eyes. Our faces were inches apart.

"Does it still hurt?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.

"What? Ah—" I gasped in surprise. "Yeah! Yeah—thank you," I stuttered. I shifted my gaze to the bonfire. It was hot earlier, but why do I feel even hotter now? I touched my face, and it was burning.

He lay back down, using his hands as a pillow, and spoke, "I hope we'll always be like this." He sighed deeply.

"Is that profound or what?" I laughed. "Why do we keep arguing when there's nothing to argue about?" I glared at him.

"I can't help but tease you—" he paused. "That's my way of saying, 'Hey, notice me!" he explained while smiling.

"Notice you?" My face grew hotter, and my ears felt like they were on fire. "Seriously? Or do you just have nothing better to do in life—"

"I like you, Alex!" He suddenly hugged me.

"I liked you, Alex."

"I liked you, Alex."

"I liked you, Alex."

"I liked you, Alex."

"I liked you, Alex."

"I liked you, Alex."

Those words echoed in my mind repeatedly, but this time, they felt real—Deja vu.

I tried to break free from his embrace. "Haha, is this another joke?" I forced a laugh and pushed him away, but he wouldn't let go.

"I'm dead serious. I like you!" He released a heavy sigh. I just let him continue hugging me.

What's happening? What's wrong with Alex?

"Just let me hug you. I won't do anything stupid—I won't anymore." He faced me.

Awkward!

"Let me talk; save your rebuttals until I'm done!" Another deep sigh from him.

Rebuttals? Is this a debate? What's the topic? I wasn't informed.

"I know it's not the right time to tell you everything, but I'm desperate to tell you before it's too late," he said seriously.

What's happening? Am I going to die?

I kept staring at him, not wanting to ruin the moment.

He seemed to compose himself. "Every time I call you ugly, that means you are the most beautiful woman in my eyes."

He locked eyes with me, and my heartbeat accelerated.

Oh my God! Oh my God! I know all his lines.

"When I said you're stupid, I was referring to myself that I can't even express how much I like you." He didn't move, just like in my dream. It felt awkward. "Please forgive me." He lowered his voice. "It wasn't my intention to prey on you." He held both my hands.

This wasn't part of my dream.

...to be continued.