CAN WE JUST TALK?

I groggily opened my eyes to the delightful aroma of beef stew. As I attempted to stretch my arms, I felt a warm blanket enveloping me. My gaze travelled around a room that was not mine. It was pleasant enough but nothing that screamed 'male den'. It felt more like a woman's chamber. Suddenly, it hit me. Nalani must have let me in. But how did I get in? As I looked down, my clothes had been changed.

My curiosity piqued, I kicked off the soft blanket and got out of bed, my bare feet touching the woollen carpet of the room. I made my way to the door and traced the corridor that led to the staircase. As I made my way down, I could smell something delicious wafting in the air. My stomach grumbled in anticipation, and I soon found myself following the aroma that led me to the kitchen.

Nalani was in the kitchen, donning a white shirt that showed off her toned midriff, and tiny shorts that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her luscious hair was wound up into a messy bun, but still, she looked breathtaking. I couldn't help admiring her effortless beauty, and as I stared at her perfectly curved ass, I realised that this longing was so much more than just physical attraction.

An internal battle raged within my mind. Why did I push her away so quickly? I mean, just look at her, she's a goddess. My mind was consumed with thoughts of her, so much so that I didn't even realize I was staring until she spoke.

"Stop staring at my ass and come eat. I'm almost done setting up the table."

Her voice startled me out of my reverie. How cute were her senses, I wondered. I dragged my gaze away from her and smiled, "Sure thing, can't resist some good food."

My heart was pounding; the tension between us was palpable. I wondered what the evening would hold in store for us. All I knew was, I couldn't wait to talk things out with her no matter what.

As I sat across from Nalani, I couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. She sat there, picking at her food, not saying a word. It made me realize that things were definitely not okay between us. I cleared my throat, trying to break the silence.

"The food tastes great. You're a great cook, Nalani," I said, trying to ease the tension.

"Hm," was her response, a nod following it.

"I'd love to learn how to prepare this someday," I added hopefully.

"Okay, it'll be nice," she responded, but her answer lacked enthusiasm.

"So... will you teach me?" I asked with eagerness in my voice.

"We'll see," she said, standing up from her seat.

I panicked, realizing that I might have lost her for good. Without a second thought, I reached out and caught her wrist before she could walk past me.

"Please... can we just talk?" I asked with pleading eyes.

"About?" she replied, completely uninterested.

"Anything... Look, I know I messed up, although I don't know the full story. But I'm here now, and all I want is a second chance, please," I said, my voice full of emotion.

She sighed, and for a moment, I thought I might have made progress. But then, the anger in her voice shook me to my core.

"Look, Logan... I admit we had something but, you threw it all away when you forgot about my existence. Maybe it was the coma, but that's no excuse for the way you pushed me! I'm not some call girl, cheap slut, or my cousin that keeps throwing herself all over you. If you want me, earn me!!" she exploded, standing up and storming off.

As I watched her walk away, I knew that just talking wasn't going to fix this. I had hurt her in ways I couldn't even imagine, and I had a lot of work to do if I wanted to make things right.

AT LIAM'S

Bro what do you think happened yesterday??

I don't know, Logan hasn't said anything, I don't know anything too. But I'm hoping they straighten things out, it's exhausting.

Yeah, I hope so too, although I'm tired of waiting. Said, Leo.

Do you think we should go there and check things out?

No, it's going to be bad to disturb their privacy, and we don't know what transpired yesterday between them so let's stay out of it.

KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.

The air was thick with tension as Liam and Leo sat in silence, contemplating what had transpired the day before with Logan. They both wanted to reach out and offer their support, but deep down, they knew it was a private matter that had to be handled delicately.

As they sat in silence, a knock at the door interrupted their thoughts. A young woman, with big glasses and a cute appearance, entered the room. "Master, food is ready," she said softly, avoiding eye contact.

Liam's eyes lit up as he acknowledged the girl. "Okay, Sophie, I'll be there soon," he replied with a hint of mischief in his voice.

Leo couldn't help but notice the way Liam was looking at the girl, and he quickly spoke up. "Oh...my God!! Liam! Don't tell me you're into that nerd!" Leo exclaimed, completely surprised.

Before Liam could even respond, Leo continued, "Wait! Is she the reason why you didn't bring anyone to that event?? Bro, you're into a nerd?!" Leo screamed, even more shocked.

Liam was taken aback by Leo's reaction and responded defensively. "What's so wrong with being interested in a nerd?" he asked, not wanting to be judged for his feelings.

Leo chuckled nervously and tried to backtrack. "No, no, there's nothing wrong with that, it's just unexpected coming from you, Liam. I mean, you're the Almighty Playboy," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Liam shook his head and sighed, "Look, I think we all need to take life seriously. Women aren't puppets, they also have feelings. I learned that from Nalani. She's so brave and yet so weak when it comes to Logan, and right now, I don't even know if they'll ever be together again. It's not about status, it's about feelings."

Leo nodded in agreement, understanding where Liam was coming from. "I agree with you, but it's hard for me to move on. You do know why I turned out this way, right? Love didn't do me justice. Ella left me for no reason. It hurt me to the core. I don't know where she went or why she left. I loved her, man, but she hurt me pretty bad, and I don't know how to trust another woman with my heart."

Liam sympathized with his friend's pain and offered a suggestion, "What if you had the chance to see her again?"

"I don't know, man. I don't know what to say to her. It's been three years. I don't know if I'll be able to listen to her," Leo replied with a hollow expression on his face.

Just then, Liam motioned for Leo to turn around. As he did, he saw a familiar face standing at the door. It was Ella, the woman who had broken his heart and left him shattered. He didn't know how to react, and for a moment, he froze in shock.

Ella?...