“Let me marry Cade, please!”
Cade angrily threw his car keys on the bed and sat on the edge. He quickly ran his fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself down. He wanted to throw everything in his room. He was so mad he could probably wring that woman’s neck. What right did she have to dictate his life?
Just a moment ago, when he passed by the library, he heard his parents talking to someone. He didn't want to listen to the conversation, but he accidentally heard his name, so he stopped by. It just so happened that the door wasn't closed all the way. He didn't need to peek inside to find out who was there with his parents. He knew the owner of that voice very well. That woman. Damn her!
Actually, he knew her. Yumika Rose Pelarca, or better known as Mika. She was his childhood friend who’s been eyeing him for years. Yes, he knew that because it was obvious from her actions even before. She was two years younger than him, and the best friend of his younger sister. Ever since they were first introduced to each other, she’s been showing up at their house all the time. She would always bring him something, like cookies or muffins, and he remembered himself always refusing to accept anything from her. But she still kept bringing him things anyway. She wasn’t really that subtle when it came to showing her feelings towards him, in fact, she was quite proud of it. Even with other people around them, it didn’t matter. Even his sister knew that her friend had a crush on him. He had caught her staring at him several times, always trying to get his attention. And if not that, she would always linger around during their basketball practices back in high school. She was beyond obsessed, and it crept the hell out of him.
Even when he entered college, she was still trailing after him. She enrolled in the same university and even shared almost the same classes. Worse, he could swear her eyes practically turned into hearts whenever he responded to her attempts at conversation, even if his replies were short and indifferent. To him, she was nothing but a freak who was always following him around. And instead of backing off, she only seemed more determined to chase after him.
And even now, she still refused to leave him alone. Was she too stupid to notice his obvious disgust toward her? Or was she simply born to be a nuisance in his life? He’s been avoiding her like a plague ever since. But damn, the woman didn’t even care at all! And if her plan to marry him ever pushed through, he swore he would make her life miserable for ruining his life.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. He opened it without a moment of thought, only to be face-to-face with the woman whom he was just mentally picturing hanging upside down moments ago.
“Hi,Cade.” Yumika squeaked, her eyes twinkled as soon as she saw him. She didn’t even bother to hide it.
His vision darkened even more at the sight of her smiles, especially when he remembered what she had said to his parents. “What do you want?” he asked the young woman, his voice laced with irritation.
Just like before, his rudeness simply bounced off her. “I brought you some Biscoff butter cookies.” Still smiling, she lifted a small box with a pink ribbon toward his face.
“I’m not hungry,” he replied dryly.
“They’re delicious, I promise.” Her persistence was relentless. The smile never left her lips, which only irritated him even more. “I promise, you’ll like it. I baked it myself—”
“I said I wasn’t hungry,” he insisted. He was hoping to somehow crush her soul. “Why don't you just give it to Stephanie.”
She still didn't budge. “Here, why don’t you try it first—”
“For fuck's sake!” He breathed out, he was completely annoyed now. "Can't you fucking understand? I said, I’m not hungry. Now, please get out and don’t bother me while I’m still asking you nicely.”
The smile on her lips slowly disappeared, and Cade almost smirked triumphantly. “C-Cade…”
He shut the door in her face. It was then he only realized his hands were clenched into fists. Cade took a deep breath and counted to ten. But when he closed his eyes, Yumika’s face appeared. He was reminded of what she had said earlier in front of his parents.
“Damn you, Mika. Damn you," he said in gritted teeth, fully determined to give her the cold shoulder for the rest of his life.