Proud Jerk

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the city as Ryan and Lia exited the bridal shop. She carried her newly selected wedding gown, swathed in protective fabric, while Ryan hovered close, his heart still racing from the subtle tension in their relationship that afternoon.

As they walked down the brick-lined sidewalk, the hustle and bustle of the city filled the air with energy.

Lia was deep in thought, replaying the moments of the day in her mind, attempting to forget the underlying tension that had colored their interactions. Just as she turned to say something to Ryan, her sandal snagged on a loose brick, and she stumbled forward.

"Lia!" Ryan shouted, instinctively reaching out to catch her.

With a swift motion, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back just in time. Lia gasped, her heart racing as she grasped onto his forearms, the warmth of his touch grounding her. The world around them seemed to fade away, and for a moment, all that existed was the intimate connection forged between them.

They found themselves locked in a gaze—Ryan's deep grey eyes searching Lia's hazel ones, both surprised by the sudden closeness. She could feel the steady beating of his heart, echoing in the silence that enveloped them. In that instant, time felt suspended, a world filled with uncertainty and past hurts replaced by the sheer intensity of the moment.

Lia realized the position they were and immediately pushed Ryan forcefully making him staggering backward slightly "What… just happened?" Lia stammered, breaking the spell as she stepped back.

"I caught you," Ryan replied, his voice steady but laced with unspoken emotions. "You almost fell, you should be thanking me right now"

"Right." She glanced down for a moment, processing the lingering contact that still tingled on her skin. "You should have just let me fall,I never asked for your help"

"Fine I'll keep that in mind he said, a hint of amusement creeping into his expression. But just as quickly, seriousness returned to his features. 

"Let's just keep going, shall we?" she interjected, her voice almost too chirpy in an attempt to mask the flurry of emotions churning inside. 

Ryan nodded, feeling the ambiguity hanging heavily in the air between them as they resumed their walk.

A comfortable silence enveloped them, each lost in their thoughts as they navigated through the city streets. Occasionally, their hands would brush against each other, sending tiny shocks of electricity tingling through Ryan's fingertips, 

"Where is the car" Lia asked turning to Ryan.

"Oh I guess I forgot to inform you,I sent the driver on a few errands, he'll be back in no time. Ryan responded.

"What? Then how do you expect us to get back home"

"Relax Lia, he'll be back in no time let's just head over to the cafe shop close by .

Staring at Ryan in disbelief Lia walked to the cafe shop leaving Ryan standing alone with a little smile plastered on his lips.

The truth is that he had deliberately sent his driver away for a few errands, Ryan found it hard to believe that he was actually creating time to be with this woman.

Walking into the cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping them in a wave of warmth. A few minutes later, as they settled at a small table by the window,Ryan felt an openness settling into his chest.

"Lia," he started quietly, " Do you have anything to tell me" he was hoping Lia would be thanking him for the presents he sent her.

Lia met his gaze, " Things like what"Lia replied.

"Nevermind" Ryan looked away in fraustration.

Lia knew Ryan wanted to hear her opinion on the gifts he bought her, but she swore never to thank him for apologizing using a gift.

A moment of silence lingered between them, heavy with emotions,

The sun sank lower in the sky, casting a vibrant glow over the world outside. 

Lia gazed outside through the window,"what's taking him so long" Lia asked .

"About last night" Ryan finally mustered the courage to speak.

"Hmm, what about it" Lia said drinking from her coffee.

Closing his eyes in fraustration Ryan stared at Lia whose focus was still on the coffee.

"Why is this woman making it more hard for me" he thought.

"We had a few misunderstandings" Ryan couldn't believe he was actually trying to apologize to a woman, something he has never done once.

On hearing those words, Lia could somehow feel the sincerity coming from him, but she pushed it back her mind "Don't think I'll fall for that",he clearly insulted my dad to my face last night Lia thought.

Why isn't he apologizing yet,Lia thoughts continued.

"Did you like the gifts I sent" Ryan asked jolting Lia off her thoughts.

"About that I'll send them over to you, I'm not a fan of expensive stuffs" Lia replied sharply avoiding his gaze.

"Do whatever you want with it, just don't return it" Ryan said with a serious expression.

No matter what I can't seem to bring myself apologizing to her, she'll think so low of me if I do that .

Suddenly a sleek car drove over to the cafe blowing a horn .

"I guess that's him, Lia said walking outside.

"That proud jerk,he couldn't even apologized properly" Lia scoffed getting into the car.