12.

It had been a little over a week since Casper had apologised. Since then, he had stopped by twice, with messages from Millevern or documents to look over. Each time with a bottle, that she couldn’t say no to. Feels like I’m accepting a bribe or something... Raine had since resumed at work. she returned happily after, as she joyfully went on about how her pay wouldn’t be docked and how both the manager and supervisor had been fired because there was justice in the world. Though I suspect it had more to do with Kain than justice; but still he doesn’t seem to be the type to get personal with business; anyway, Raine is happy so, whatever. Her phone rang. It was Kain. Speak of the devil.

She reduced the flame on her stove as she accepted the call.

“Morning Kain. What’s up?” she turned around to Raine staring daggers at her. She had just returned from her 8-hour night shift. Since replacing the human resource person, it seems the working environment at the hospital had improved and Raine looked to be enjoying herself.

“Are you on at Moondrop tonight?”

“Yes. Why?” her friend’s eyes did not waver even for a moment.

“Alright. I’ll see you.”

She took the phone away from her ear, attention now on Raine. “What? Why are you staring at me like that? Did I take away your favourite toy?”

“How am I staring at you? I’m not staring at you.” She sounded a little unhappy.

“Ahhh... I see. It’s because he didn’t call you, isn’t it?”

“It was a one-time thing. Why would he call me?”

“What was a one-time thing? I’m talking about the guy you asked to get you knew boxing gloves, what are you talking about?” Argen feigned confusion.

“I-” she stopped speechless. Pouting, she tossed the coat she had been holding at Argen’s face as she ran to her room.

“Does that mean you won’t have breakfast?” she called out laughingly as she pulled away the coat from her face.

“Why should food suffer? Of course I’m eating.” Raine returned, still pouting.

“Will you come along with me to Moondrop? I know tomorrow is your day off.”

“No.”

“Why not? Don’t you love the club?”

“I said no.” She snatched up a plate of food as she left the kitchen leaving behind a very amused Argen.

Upon Doore’s insistence, he agreed to take the penthouse of the apartment building. No doubt, it had a great view. Kain thought as he stood at the balcony of his new home. His apartment was finally ready and all his things had been moved in. He reached for the candy in his pocket, though he quit smoking for a while now, he couldn’t get used to his mouth feeling empty. He walked into the sitting room, candy in mouth; he picked up the controls of his already running game console and fell lazily into the couch. I guess I wouldn’t be seeing Raine tonight. He overheard part of the conversation before the call was disconnected. How amusing...

“Is this the first time watching her bartend?” Kain asked Casper who was staring at Argen, with wide eyed amazement, as she made a show of juggling bottles and glasses before pouring out drinks.

“Yes.” He couldn’t bring himself to take his eyes off of her. Kain had dragged him to Moondrop to watch her. He was happy he did. She looked like she was having the time of her life. It was quite a mesmerising sight. Maybe I should stop by Silver for a drink...

“Baaaaaabe, I need a hug and some loving.” Raine wailed as she walked into Silver through the front door, seeing it was open. The hospital had called her in for an emergency at 10:00pm the night before, it was 2:30pm the next day now, and she was beyond exhausted. “Geeeeeen!!! Won’t you show me some good loving?” she was met with a questioning look from Casper, who sat comfortably in one of the chairs. “Why are you always here? Do you want to become a permanent fixture in my bar?” she immediately initiated their usual exchange.

“Why can’t I be here? Did I come to see you?” Casper never failed to indulge her.

“You should learn to take a hint; my babe doesn’t want to see you either.”

“Who is your babe?” he came to his feet as he tried to intimidate her with his height.

“Obviously, it’s Argen.” She walked over to Argen who had just emerged from the backroom, slipped her arm around her waist and pulled her in as she place a kiss on her cheek. “This is my babe, get lost.”

Casper scoffed as a soft chuckle erupted from an occupied seat she hadn’t noticed before. Sitting quietly all this while was Kain who had been watching her from the time she walked in. She went silent but he said nothing. Embarrassed, she released Argen and ran up to the apartment.

“Kain, I know it’s fun but try not to toy with her for too long.” Argen said as she took a seat next to him.

“Hmm...”

“Kain, you know Raine?” Casper asked as he sat. Both turned their gazes to him briefly, ignoring his question, they returned their attention to the papers before them. “Is that a yes?”

Raine poured out her annoyance on the sand bag as she punched it continuously. Seriously, Argen was becoming more and more of a tease lately. She had managed to sneak off to the gym without them noticing. It’s been almost two weeks since the incident with Kain and it had been on her mind a lot. A part of her waiting eagerly for his call or even a text. He was so kind and attentive, if you didn’t plan on calling why bother being so nice in the first place. The fact that Argen kept saying he liked her didn’t help at all. She stopped hitting the sand bag. I’m just being toyed with right now, aren’t I?...

“Why are you still here?” Argen asked as she slid the bottle of beer he requested across the counter to him. Their business for the day was settled and Kain was gone but for whatever reason, Casper was still here. It’s been almost 6 hours, doesn’t he have other things to do?

“I can’t be here?” he asked curiously taking a sip of his beer.

“As long as you’re paying, I don’t really care.” She turned her attention to another patron.

With his eyes following her every move, Casper watched Argen at work, intently. It wouldn’t be right to say they were friends at the moment, one could feel the strain between them but they seemed to be able to tolerate each other. They had to, that was the only way there wouldn’t be blood whenever they came in contact with each other.

She was never the type to retaliate openly when offended but she wasn’t exactly so forgiving. I know she’s going to get back at me for those harsh words I hurled at her. She was leaning forward over the counter with a shy smile on her face, an intimate atmosphere between her and an attendee. They talked in hushed tones as she giggled sheepishly, tucking loose strands of her hair behind ear.

What exactly is she doing right now? Why is she acting that way? He was all too familiar with these signs. What is he saying that is making you so self conscious? Suddenly too irritated to sit still, he stood abruptly and walked out without so much as a glance back at his unfinished bottle of beer.

He’s gone? He could have at least said something before leaving. She reached for the bottle left behind. At least I can focus now, the way he is always staring at me started to make me feel a little self conscious...

Casper stepped on the accelerator angrily. Who was that? Daniel Jae? Getting angrier as the scene from before replayed for the 10th time in his mind. He clicked his tongue. An actor from Skye Entertainments, huh? So he is one of our own. Shall I make his life difficult for a while? His mind wandred as he sped back to his hotel.

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