My mom? When did mom tell Eion that? Are they messaging each other or anything?
"You don't have to, robot." I said, wanting to leave here but he still persisted, "Why do you keep on calling me that?"
I crossed my arms in front of me, clutching my backpack, "As I said, you're not even showing any emotion besides glaring and scowling that makes you unapproachable. That's the impression you left me."
He just scoffed at that. Glancing around, he changed the topic, "It's dangerous at night." "I'll give you a ride."
Dangerous? For all I know, he's more dangerous than any squad here.
When he knew I still wouldn’t budge, he said, "Fine. Freeze to death," He revved the engine making me rush to the car immediately, my body overriding all logic.
"Wait!"
I called out, and he stopped the car for me. I quickly slip into the passenger seat, releasing a shaky breath as the warm air of the heater hits my skin. Driving away now, Eion just stares ahead at the road, the corners of his lips turned slightly upward, almost smirking.
Oh, now he's smirking and all?
I shifted in the seat, my teeth still chattering as I shuddered. I closed my eyes as the hot air caressed me. The car instantly started moving as I adjusted myself to the seat, clenching my jaw in the cold.
Glancing at Eion beside me, I watched as he removed the eyeglasses on his eyes and put them hanging by his collar.
I couldn’t help but think of something. Hates aside, he just looked like a twenty-five-year-old professional bachelor with glasses on earlier.
And now that he removed it, he looked like a young CEO of some big company and let his eyeglass hang on his collar. He caught me staring and I averted my eyes, clearing my throat.
Say something, Snow.
Silence. I turned my head to properly look at him. He was now staring ahead, focusing his attention only on the road, clenching his jaw, and not planning to make a conversation.
I cleared my throat again to show him that I am here, beside him, talking to him. "I mean maybe you know-"
I was stopped when he started to talk, "Don't think I'm being all nice here to give you a ride. I just happened to pass by because I need the jacket I lent you earlier."
I stopped and my eyes widened. His jacket? I gulped, suddenly remembering where I put it. I kinda...left it at the shop in a hurry so...
Change the subject, Snow! Oh, which reminds me I hadn't still thanked him for that incident earlier at the shop, "Thank you for that by the way. For earlier." I might be a little too rough at times but I'm still a little nice. Hope this will divert his attention...
"You don't have it right now, do you? My jacket?" It looks like a question but it was actually a statement coming from him, almost like he knew it already. Damn. He read through my thoughts!
I chuckled nervously. Oh, so that's how it is huh? I thought this idiot was being nice. Guess I was wrong then. Well, now that he started it, let's continue it. "Don't worry. You'll get your lovely jacket tomorrow." I intentionally emphasized the word lovely since it seemed that he really loves that jacket.
At this, I heard what I was expecting.
The tension was lingering in the air but I ignored it. Remembering his choice of ice cream, I asked, "Why do you order the same flavor? Strawberry?"
Silence. I turned my head to look at him. He was staring ahead, focusing his attention only on the road and not planning to make a conversation.
"Why? Why do you keep bringing it up? Does it bother you that much?" he spoke up.
I looked at him, "Yes, strawberries are not suitable for robots like you."
He sighed. "I'm your boss, stop calling me that."
"Whatever, you know, It's not bad to order other flavors."
From the corner of my eye, I see him now tightly grabbing the steering wheel. Oh, he seemed clearly annoyed now...I suppressed a laugh. He really gets annoyed if it's about his strawberry...
"If you keep talking, I'll drop you on the side of the road," he threatened.
I ignored him, "Why though?" I asked, both curious and at the same time loving the situation. "What's wrong with other flavors?" I continued, tracing heart shapes at his car's window.
"It's none of your business," he said.
"But why-"
"End of conversation." I stopped when he growled in a low voice, so low that I shrink back, staring at him apprehensively. His voice was menacing....no—it's deadly. I turned away from him and inches myself as far away as possible until I can feel my bones squeezing. I chose to keep quiet for the rest of the ride, busying myself with the view of the night sky.
Looking at the road, we were stuck in traffic. There was an awkward silence again. I didn’t have to tell him where my house is as he already knew his way. It took a whole thirty minutes for us to get stuck in the traffic. Good thing he knows a short route to take that we managed to get away from.
When I managed to see the silhouette of our house, I sighed. I couldn't be more relieved to get back home. He parked in the driveway, waiting for me to get out.
"Thank you," I murmured, moving out of the car and closing the door behind me. He was still quiet.
Gosh. this is so awkward, I sighed, glad I was away from him now.
He slid the window open to catch my attention, almost like he wanted to say something to me. He's so calm like nothing even happened. I mean nothing really happened. I gulped. Don't tell me he'll go off again like a time bomb and explode because I don't have the energy to play around anymore.
"Eion," he spoke up, only loud enough for me to hear. I furrowed my eyebrows, "What?"
"You know my name is Eion, right?" He asked. I heard him mumbling in a low voice, "stupid."
I was taken aback for a second. Did he just give me his name? My lips curled up at him, "I know. I already told you this, but I just like calling you a robot." I stated. "Thanks again, Eion."
He stared at me, and I stopped. I cleared my throat, kinda nervous at his stare before starting to ramble on, "What do you want me to call you? Are you okay with the name ‘robot’? I mean, I call you that to annoy you...Or strawberry guy? Nah, that's not fun. I don't want to call you boss though.."
"Eion....” He finally said, shushing me. “Call me Eion. I really hate it every time you call me a strawberry guy."
I was surprised at first but I regained my composure. I stuck my tongue out at him, "No way, Eion." I smiled at him, "Okay, fine. Drive safely."
He smirked at that, “You’re welcome….Snow..” I didn't know what happened after that but I remember watching him drive away, dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events.
Well...that was...different?
Now that I think of it, I don't even know if it's right to hate him since I barely knew him from the start. He tried to cover my stain earlier, offered his jacket, and even drove me home now. I don't know anymore. I guess I judged too quickly...
But I have one question. Did he really come for his jacket?