The Unexpected Encounter

Relief of seeing my dear, even if she is far away, but my heart aches with jealousy and a twinge of sadness seeing her smile and be so close with a stranger. It's a bittersweet moment, filled with love and longing, but also a deep sense of insecurity and yearning for her attention.

As Jack and James continued searching through the shopping mall, they came upon a group of people who seemed upset. Something might have happened, but what?

James approached and tried to have a conversation with them. Hey man, what happened?! His voice was so light that the other man didn't catch the question. He came closer to James to hear him better.

what is happening here? James asked again.

"Ah, nothing serious," the man replied. These ladies always show off, and today some young lady put them in their place, so they're throwing words back at her. He laughed hard but made sure the ladies didn't notice. He slapped James on the shoulder. Man, I'm going home. Hahaha, ladies are hard to understand, he added while walking away.

James, on the other hand, remained puzzled. He ran after the man again. Can I ask one more question, please? His voice seemed pleading.

Hahaha, it's okay. You can," the man replied.

Is she the one? James showed a picture of Mia to him, shifting his gaze from the phone to watch the man's response. James' face was filled with hope and a questioning stare.

Yeah, she is the one. That young lady fought with all those ladies alone. I was so impressed with her actions, the man laughed and went on his way.

James thanked him before running to find Jack, who was still trying to ask around about Mia's whereabouts. With a wide smile, James called out to Jack and directed him to follow, pointing to where Mia was. Follow me now. Mia is this way. Hurry before we miss her.

Jack's heart felt halfway at ease. Are you sure? His voice was filled with hope, shaking and worry when he asked.

"Yes! Hurry," James added while running fast, but to his surprise, Jack ran and left James behind. He was so happy and excited with the new hope and news. James stood and smiled at Jack's excitement. Hahaha, I'm happy he is smiling again. This man is really in love. See the way he's running like a crazy man. Hahaha, I hope he knows the way. He shook his head and followed him with laughter and enjoyment, mocking him. Jack, go slowly! You might scare the poor thing. You know she is still in shock, so go easy on her," he laughed so hard.

Mia's POV

God, why is it that the worst enemies to people are also people? Why?

Her voice seemed so disgusted at the way everyone was looking at the young man. It seemed inhumane. If one is rich, they should not treat the poor like dirt!

Unknowingly, she said it out loud, mumbling, Poverty is not as scary as how people treat the poor. Her voice was filled with anger towards the situation. She stood up and handed some items to the young man.

Do you want me to thank you?! The man's attitude seemed uncomfortable with her assistance. His voice was filled with a questioning and uncomfortable tone, his eyes demanding an explanation for her help.

Mia saw herself in the young man because she also didn't like the feeling of being helped. She always shared the same way or even abused or chased away those who tried to help. She laughed at her thoughts, revealing an innocent laughter. Hahaha, oh wait, sorry, I laughed.

You remind me of myself, young man, she said.Wait!? Why are you laughing? I see nothing funny, or did I make a mistake unknowingly? the young man asked with a questioning, serious face.

This only added to Mia's laughter. She couldn't control it anymore. She laughed whenever she looked at his face and stopped when he seemed serious, she tried to also be serious.

Young man, for real, you should at least thank me! She inhaled slowly, trying to catch her breath and stop herself from laughing more. Yes! Man, you should thank me! She straightened her head, responding with a poker face while still trying to hold back her laughs.

Okay! Thank you. Are you happy now? he asked, not breaking his stare from her.

Giggling, Mia thought, Oh God! So I'm always rude to people who help me?! She spaced out, placing her hand on her cheek.

Hey! I'm heading home. If you want to stay here in the cold, it's your own call, or you should also head home, young lady, he said before turning around and starting to pack his soap bottles.

Hmmmm. You can go if you want to, she mumbled back to him.

What!? Did you say something, lady? he asked while staring at Mia.

Aaah, who?! Me! No, I didn't say anything. You must be tired; now you're hearing voices, she smirked at his confused face and shook off the smirk before he could noticed it.

Jack arrived and saw Mia standing with a stranger who was shaking hands with his beloved. What the heck! He was about to reach them when James blocked his way.

Don't do something you'll regret! He is the young disabled man Mia helped earlier. Please control your jealousy for now. He's nothing to her, man, James explained to Jack, making him feel at ease.

Jack only said, Oh! Okay," but his voice was still tense with jealousy. His eyes locked onto the stranger, and his heart raced with fear and envy. The sight of Mia being so close to another man made his stomach churn. He tried to control it, but the jealousy was evident on his face.

James was enjoying the view. He chuckled in laughter that he hid with his back. Love is love. The man is so jealous, trying to hide it. Yay! Now I've got a sister-in-law, he mocked lightly.

James? Jack called, his voice slightly shaking. Did you say something? Sorry, I was lost, Jack said calmly.

No! Did you hear anything? James mockingly asked.

Not sure, but I think I heard you say 'sister,' and the rest I'm not sure! Jack replied while facing Mia and the stranger with a poker face.

"Oh no, I said nothing, Jack. Don't think too much; we have found your Mia, James mockingly said while looking for a good spot to sit.

Jack mumbled, Yeah, I'm at ease now. She is fine and strong, he smirked. Even she tried to help someone else indeed. He shook his head. That's why I fall for her and am still falling for her. My Mia, his face filled with peace and a shy smile.

He was broken from his peaceful imagination when James pulled him down to sit and enjoy the view.

"James!" he called out while falling on the hard, cold ground.

He's not letting her go, Jack muttered, filled with envy towards the stranger's hand holding Mia's.

Jack's heart pounded as he watched Mia with the stranger. Every smile she gave the man twisted his insides. He feared losing her, but seeing her happy brought him joy. As he struggled with these conflicting emotions, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Despite his envy, he was relieved to see Mia safe and sound.

James noticed Jack's turmoil and whispered, Relax, Jack. She's yours. Just look at her.

Jack glanced at Mia and saw her eyes searching the area, landing on him with a look of recognition and affection. His heart soared with joy, and a smile spread across his face. He stood up and walked towards Mia, his jealousy fading into the background as he realized that no matter who was around, she would always choose him.

Jack, right? Mia asked the man in front of her with a calm voice and steady gaze.

James slapped Jack to prompt him to reply to Mia's question.

Y-yes, I'm Jack, he stammered, his face lighting up with joy and shock. His heart raced with excitement, causing him to grip his friend's hand so tightly that James moaned in pain. The overwhelming emotions of kilig, joy, and disbelief surged through him, leaving him breathless and ecstatic.