36 Texting

Jay

"Why the hell did you run off like that?" Anon asks as he pulls me into the restaurant. 

He is clearly annoyed, and I can't help but laugh. 

"I saw Rin. I wanted to ask him something." I say, hoping Anon won't dwell on it. 

"Rin? Oh, what did you ask him?" Anon avoids making eye contact. 

I think he is still conflicted about firing Rin. 

"I just wanted to see how he was doing. He brushed me off." 

It was concerning, but I understand. He probably feels uncomfortable around me now. 

"Ah, that's good. Well, Melony is waiting at the table. Let's eat. I'm starving." Anon clearly doesn't want to talk about Rin anymore. 

I wish I could make that happen for him, but I can't drop it just yet. There are too many unanswered questions. 

"I told you that the food here was amazing. Nothing but the best for you, Jay." Melony says with a smile. 

I used to find her endearing at first, but as the years went on, it was clear she wasn't interested in me but my title. I only put up with her, for Anon's sake. Luckily, when Anon moved into the castle with me, I didn't have to see her as often. 

"Yes, indeed. Shall we have it back now? I am quite tired." I say, signaling Anon to let him know I have had enough social interaction. 

"Yup, let's go back to the palace. I will call your driver to come get you, Melony." Anon says. 

"Uh, I was hoping to spend some more time with you both. Why don't I come back, and we can have some tea before I head home." Melony says as she grabs onto my arm. 

She leans her head against my shoulder and looks up at me. 

"Please, Jay. Can't I stay with you a little longer?" 

She is shameless. I wouldn't say I like telling people off. I always have a hard time telling her no. I glance over at Anon and widen my eyes. Anon makes eye contact with me and sighs. He is annoyed with her, too. 

"Melony, come on. Jay just said he was tired. We will hang out another time." Anon grabs Melony's arm and pulls her away from me. 

"Jay, why don't you go to the car, and I will see her off. I won't take long." Anon says as he begins walking towards the main road. 

"Sure, it was good seeing you, Melony. Let's do this soon. Goodnight." I say as I swiftly walk away.

What is taking Anon so long? I had to get the keys from the valet and walk here by myself. For someone so concerned with my safety, he is very inconsistent about it. I decided to play a game on my phone while I waited. In times like these, I wish I had someone I could casually text. Being a royal can be pretty lonely. Anon is my best friend, but he is also my valet. It is hard to keep the balance between personal and professional. Plus, he is always with me, and if he isn't, he is busy. It would be pointless texting him. All my other "friends" are superficial. They are mostly just for networking purposes. We exchange casual greetings at parties, and that's all. I wonder if Rin would text back if I texted him right now. Would that be weird? He seemed like he wanted to avoid me earlier. Fuck it! If he doesn't answer, who cares?

Jay: Hey! What are you up to?

Rin: just got home. Did you need something?

Jay: I just wanted to talk to you. I'm waiting for Anon. Am I bothering you?

Rin: uh, no. We never text. Just making sure you weren't in some trouble. 

Jay: Can I ask you something?

Rin: You just did.

Jay: Smart ass. Do you hate me now?

Jay: I mean, I don't know. I got the impression you were avoiding me earlier. 

Rin: Can't say it wasn't awkward. But no, I don't hate you. I would have fired me, too, if I were you. I'll be honest: Anon asked me to stay away from you. I was doing what he wanted. 

Jay: If that's the case, then why are you talking to me now?

Rin: He only told me to stay away. Not to never talk to you. I'm taking some liberties with his instructions.

Jay: That's so like you. I'm glad you don't hate me. I disagree with Anon's decision. I want you to be my bodyguard still. You saved me so much already. I don't feel right about this.

Rin: I understand, but Anon can't trust me. I don't blame him. I was surprised you trusted me in the first place. Once you see my mental health test results, I'm sure you will agree with Anon. 

Jay: Do you think you are crazy?

Rin: No.

Jay: Then why do you want me to think you are?

Rin: I don't want you to. I really don't want you, of all people, to think I'm crazy.

Jay: Me, of all people? 

Rin: I mean, well. Never mind.

Jay: Oh, come on! Tell me. 

Rin: Well, out of all the people who have helped me since I woke up in this body, you are the only one I feel comfortable with. 

Jay: Really?

Jay: Rin?

Rin: Yes. Really.

Rin: I feel this weird pull towards you. I feel like everything is clearer when you're around. Gah, this isn't very pleasant. Please don't ask me any more questions.

Jay: lol, you are cute. I honestly feel the same thing. The pull, that is. I can't help but be drawn to you.

Rin: That's not surprising. It explains your behavior. 

Jay: What is that supposed to mean?

Rin: You have done just about anything to keep me at your side. You hired a stranger you only knew for 24 hours as your bodyguard and moved him into the bedroom next to yours. 

Jay: ah, haha. Well, I guess that is somewhat strange. However, that said stranger went along with it. 

Rin: Yup. I did. Even when I was confused and overwhelmed. I couldn't help but follow you.

Jay: It almost sounds like you are in love with me. LOL

Jay: Hey, that was a joke.

Jay: Rin?

Jay: HEY! Don't ghost me! I was joking! 

Jay: RIN!!!!!

Rin: Goodnight, Your Highness.

Jay: Alright, Goodnight, Rin.