9 I Won't Let You Go

Evan laughed at her before continuing his words, "Well, actually, my future mother-in-law…." Evan proudly declared with his big smile framing his calm, handsome face. Rose almost laughed when she saw him.

He continued his words, "She invited me to have lunch at your house tomorrow."

"What!? My mom did that?"

"Hmm… while you were still asleep, we made a deal…." Evan laughed meaningfully, making Rose curious. However, when she asked him, Evan refused to tell. She could only laugh and be happy at the same time because tomorrow, she would meet Evan again at her house.

Rose wanted to know Evan deeply because she knew nothing about him so far. She never had the chance or interest to pursue this further in her previous life. All this time, she only knew that Evan cared about her and that he was smart, but she didn't know his personality and his deep love. Maybe if they meet and talk often, her heart will open up to him more quickly.

"Alright! Now go… your mother will be worried if we talk too long here." Evan pulled Rose towards the stairs.

"Evan, you must drive carefully, alright!?" Rose, who was already standing on the stair, turned to look at Evan, still standing looking at her. "And, call me if you have arrived at your house..."

"I will, Rose. And…" Evan paused, unsure of what to say.

"What is Evan?"

"Can I kiss you, Rose?" The words were already on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't say them aloud. Too worried that Rose would think wrong of him. He just smiled at her and shook his head slightly.

"Nothing! I will go now… see ya tomorrow Rose!" He waved his hand. He walked fast towards his car while trying to calm his irregularly beating heart and scolding himself for being too brave to kiss her.

"Evan!"

Evan stopped his step when he heard Rose calling his name. He turned back and looked at her. He was surprised when he saw Rose standing right before him.

"R-Rose ..." Before he finished his words, he saw Rose asking him to draw his head closer.

Even though he was confused by Rose's sudden request, he followed her request. But as soon as his head was close to her face, his eyes widened as Rose's soft lips touched his lips. It made him freeze for a moment, so shocked by what had happened. It was so fast. He didn't even notice that Rose had run fast to climb the stairs and disappeared behind her house door.

After a while, Evan regained his senses while smiling widely because his girlfriend had just kissed him! This is the first time a girl has kissed him. Even if it's just a peck on the lips. His heartfelt light. Like a spring breeze gently slapping his body.

While Evan was still stunned by a quick kiss that Rose gave him. From a dark corner on the other side of the parking area, Dustin, who had been staring intently at Evan couldn't contain the anger that suddenly appeared in his heart.

Dustin had been waiting for Rose to come home ever since. He wanted to share his happiness about his success in auditioning. But when he arrived at Rose's house, her house lights were dark. He tried to call her, but her cell phone was off, she couldn't be reached.

He waited a few minutes in the parking lot, and just as he was about to leave, he saw a car enter the parking area. He had thought it was a typical car usually parked in the area. Still, he was surprised to see that Evan, Rose's class president, got out of the white sedan. What surprised him even more, he saw Rose and her mother getting out of the car.

Dustin was really shocked. What's more, he really knows who Evan is. This man has openly admitted to liking Rose and is pursuing her. He had never felt Evan as a threat all this time because he knew Rose just wanted him and never seemed to like Evan.

But, what is this?

Why did they suddenly become close?

And how could this man know Rose's mother?

What's with that kiss? Are they dating?

How could Rose kiss a man just like that if they weren't in a relationship?

This is too much for him to know Rose changed a lot in a short time. Many questions popped up in his mind. The image of Rose kissing Evan made his head hurt instantly.

Then he remembered this afternoon. Suddenly Rose canceled her intention to follow him to audition for a singing competition. He feels weird because Rose has been the one who has been very enthusiastic about participating in this singing competition. She was willing to leave her classes or seminars in her faculty to be able to practice with him.

Was it all because of Evan? He forbade her to take part in the singing competition?

Dustin clenched his fists tightly as his raging heart made him unable to reason.

Only this time, he felt jealous seeing Rose with another man. He had been too confident all this time; Rose will never like another man.

Like someone slapping his head, he feels worried and afraid he will lose Rose forever. His relationship with Rose was just a close friend. They are not a couple. He has never confessed his love to her. Instantly he felt sorry and blamed his stupid self.

With anger still engulfing his heart and mind, Dustin could only stare intently at Evan's car, slowly leaving the parking area. After that, he looked at the third-floor, Rose bedroom. He tries to call her, but still, her cellphone is out of reach.

After a few minutes in silence, looking at Rose's room window, which was now turning dark, he slowly moved his car, leaving the parking area with a mixed feeling.

He vows in his mind that he will do something to keep Rose beside him. He can't lose her just because Evan comes between them. He knows Rose only likes him, and he believes Rose does this just to make him jealous.

"Rose, I won't let you go… I love you so much, and you are mine and mine alone!" Dustin sinisterly whispered as he lit his cigarette.