Ronan must be dying to know the identity of the man I loved. He had an insatiable curiosity, which was why I definitely could not tell him anything.
If he were to find out that Michael, his own cousin, was the man I loved, I guessed he would take it pretty hard.
“It doesn’t matter who he is,” I argued. “He’s nothing but someone insignificant in my life anyway. No matter how much I like him, it would be impossible for us to be together even in the future.”
I felt awful saying it. It was like I was giving up a part of something within me. I wasn’t even sure if I would be able to forget Michael with the passage of time. Maybe sometime in the future, I would be able to say his name without having the same heartache as I did at this moment.
“Since you are destined to not be together, why don’t you give me a chance instead? I’m very fond of you, and I’m certain that I could give you love and happiness.”
Everybody was selfish in their own way. Though Ronan appeared to feel sorry for me, I was sure that he was hoping with all his heart that I would not end up with my mysterious lover.
“You’re talking nonsense again,” I chastised. “Haven’t I told you before? You’re like a little brother to me. I’ve also told you many times that it is impossible for us to be together.”
I sighed with exasperation at Ronan trying his luck with me again. He was always on the lookout for opportunities to declare his undying love for me.
“I’ve told you many times before, too,” said Ronan stubbornly. “I don’t want you to see me as your little brother. Start thinking of me as a potential boyfriend or even your future husband.”
It was evident that my rejection had displeased Ronan. Being the playboy that he was, his annoyance had already been forgotten as he inched his face closer to mine, wearing a suggestive smile as he did so.
“Ronan, if you get any closer I swear I will punch you in the face.” I leaned as far back as I could, determined to maintain a distance between me and that boy.
Sometimes his teasing can go too far which really put my tolerance to a test.
If I had not known him as well as I did, I would never have befriended someone like him.
“Are you really willing to put a dent in a face as handsome as mine? You will have to be responsible for me for the rest of my life if you damaged my face!”
Ronan stared up at me with large puppy eyes, with a twinkle of mischief in them. When did he learn to be such a scumbag?
“Ronan, you’re really asking for it, aren’t you?” I said threateningly.
Despite my warning, he came even closer. I realized a little too late that I was stuck against the car seat with nowhere else to turn to.
I waved a fist in alarm in front of Ronan’s face as our lips were about to meet. I wouldn’t hesitate to hit him if he got any closer. Faced with a punk like him, one would have to exert brute force.
“Anna, are you even a woman? Shouldn’t you be closing your eyes and anticipating a kiss when a handsome guy like me leans in?” Ronan gazed at me, looking as innocent as a poor little lamb.
Though I had always viewed him as a little brother, I couldn’t deny the fact that he was indeed a good-looking guy.
Ronan’s confidence had been shattered when he realized that his charms were not working on me.
“Did I even tell you that you look are handsome?” I gazed at him as his eyes twinkled hopefully.
Though Ronan and I often bickered whenever we hung out, I had to admit that he did have a way of making me feel better.
It had just occurred to me that everything he did was with the intent of distracting me from dwelling on any unhappy thoughts.
My heart swelled with appreciation for Ronan. Though everything was a laughing matter to him, he really did have my best interests at heart. For that, I felt very grateful.
“Thank you, Ronan,” I said softly as I turned to face him.
Though the awkwardness that had flashed before his eyes had not gone unnoticed by me, he regained his composure quickly by laughing it off.
“I’m not used to you being this formal with me,” he joked as I rolled my eyes in exasperation.
It looks like I can’t say anything nice about him since he would make a big fuss out of it. Well, well, well… he’s more used to me being mean to him.
“I’m hungry,” I complained as my stomach started growling. “Take me out to dinner.”
I saw Emma at the office today, which upset me so much that I had lost my appetite for lunch. Since my mood had improved, I had suddenly realized that I was ravenous.
“No problem. What would you like to eat? It’s on me.” Ronan was delighted when I had finally smiled again. He looked as if he was a flaky fellow but he had always been good to me to the point of accommodating to all my requests.
“How do beer and barbeque sound? Has a rich brat like you ever had street food like barbeque?”
I had a sudden hankering for beer, but I wasn’t sure if a rich guy like Ronan would deign to accompany me to go for some cheap food.
“You have underestimated me, Anna. I’m pretty sure I’ve had more street food than you!” Ronan glared at me indignantly, though I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not.
“Excellent! Let’s go then. I’m excited to have a drink with you, little brother.” I placed my arm on his shoulder boldly.
Life could be sad sometimes, but Ronan’s presence made it impossible for me to not let things go and relax. Perhaps I had already considered him as a friend subconsciously.
“Don’t ever call me your little brother!” Ronan grimaced.
“Why not? I’m several years older than you, am I not?”
Ronan’s sudden seriousness had had me speechless with surprise. It was such a small thing to be upset about.
“I don’t want to be called anything else except ‘husband’ or ‘boyfriend’ standing next to you,” Ronan said with a pout. “Since you have yet to fall for me, let’s just greet each other by names, shall we?”
It appears that he took offense to being called “little brother” to heart.
Shaking my head incredulously, I decided to comply with his request as I wasn’t in the mood to argue with him.
“Let’s go, Ronan. I’m starving.”
Pleased that I had dropped the matter, Ronan started the engine and drove off to the place.
When we got to the restaurant, I had ordered almost everything on the menu and pigged out. Ronan was true to his word. He enjoyed himself as much as I did, not looking out of place in a restaurant serving cheap food.
In between bites, we drank beer heartily. Nothing bothered me at that moment.
However, having a low tolerance for alcohol as I did, I felt pretty dizzy after only two bottles. On the other hand, Ronan had almost an entire crate by himself. It was my idea to drink, but it seemed like he was making the most out of it.
