Ranita was afraid that the two of them would start fighting, so she signaled to Dylan, "Dylan, you go back first."
Dylan hesitated for a moment and gritted his teeth in anger but still obediently left. He even helped take out the trash before leaving.
Ranita walked him to the door and reminded him, "Remember to sort the garbage and stay safe on your way back."
The door closed behind Dylan.
Inside the apartment, tension hung in the air.
"Can you explain what happened?" Brendon asked.
"He helped fix a leaky pipe and got his clothes wet. It's not what you think," Ranita pursed her lips. "He couldn't wear my clothes so I took yours without asking. I'm sorry for not consulting with you first."
"It's my fault. I'll buy you another shirt," Brendon grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer until she sat on his lap unsteadily.
Brendon looked fierce as he asked again, "You're not lying?"
"There's no need for me to lie," Ranita lowered her eyes. When they met again, there was a faint lipstick mark on Brendon's white shirt collar that belonged to someone else's and perfume scent that smelled sweet but prickly like thorns.
Ranita felt wronged by it all; why did men have such bad tendencies? Even though he was hurting her himself, he could still blame it all on her with such conviction!
"I'll trust you one more time! You can keep the shirt!" Brendon pressed his hand against Ranita's waist as if trying to get closer while asking nonchalantly, "Did you have breakfast this morning?"
"I already ate!"
"Well I haven't yet..." Brendon rested his forehead against hers, his tone casual, breath brushing against her nose, and his lips kissed the corner of her mouth.
This made Ranita feel flustered inside; she asked him nervously, "Are we okay now?"
"I trust you," just those few words made Ranita feel like she had stepped into mud up past her ankles. Looking at Brendon encouraged herself maybe she should gather up some courage... perhaps there was still hope?
"Brendon... I want to say... we shouldn't..." She didn't finish speaking because then Brendon's phone rang from inside his pocket interrupting them both.
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