Imperfect Desires

229 Get A Room Already!

We live in those times where self-esteem and belief in one's self have become a luxury. A luxury not everyone can afford. Why? In view of the fact that people have come to love degrading others. At one point in life, all of us said something to someone that had hurt their belief. And in turn, ended up affecting their self-respect or bring doubt in their own self.

The words that were once used as flower seeds in a garden for encouragement are now used like blades to cut down the other person's belief to the extent that they would crumble down without us knowing it. It's a common belief that only strong people are not scared of criticism but why do we forget that every person is strong in his own right. Yet everyone ends up breaking in their own way as well.

It's true that one can't make others believe in himself unless he believes in himself. But that belief in oneself is too expensive these days.

As for Xiu, she had learned the value of words and had suffered from those words as well. Nobody knew better than her how much a little thank you or sorry could do to others. And yes, she indeed said thank you to Dylan as Chen Xiu and not just as Bai Xiu.

To be honest, whenever she had an argument with Dylan, the reason she enjoyed it so much had been because it felt like the banter that only siblings would do. And someone like her who had been deprived of having a sibling in her both lifetimes really cherished those moments without even realizing it herself.

Meanwhile, for Dylan, her simple thank you brought more confusion and yet he felt happy because he had seen the sincerity in her eyes. He thought the relationship between him and Xiu was really obvious; they both were vying for Darren's attention in their own way and for their own reasons. But now, he wasn't so sure anymore. Because after spending some time with Xiu, he realized that she and he could indeed be closer than he thought so.

In the evening, when Xiu was leaving the office, Dylan came around her and asked, "How are you going home?"

"Like I do every day," replied Xiu in her usual nonchalant manner.

"And how do you go every day?" questioned Dylan, rolling his eyes at her reply.

"There is a thing called public transport," answered Xiu and went on to elaborate, "It's a bus that normal employees like me take to travel. It's affordable and convenient at some level."

"I know what public transport is," said Dylan seeing the look on her face that almost said she-doubt-that! "Anyways, what I mean is you should just get a car. It's even more convenient. Oh, right! You can't drive."

"Who said I can't drive?" asked Xiu as they both entered the elevator together. "I just don't drive because I don't want to."

"So when you told me that you can't drive, you're just trying to get out of having to drive me around?" Xiu nodded her head without thinking making Dylan gape at her. "How could you?"

"Don't overreact now. Although I can drive, I have no sense of direction. Apart from that, my night vision is not that great, so I avoid driving at all costs." Xiu explained before he would go berserk for no reason.

After knowing the reason, Dylan decided to drop this topic. They silently exited through the glass doors of the company and Dylan halted in his steps saying, "Since I'm leaving early today, I can give you-" He stopped himself from continuing as his eyes caught a figure behind Xiu and shook his head with a sigh, "Nevermind. Your ride is here."

Xiu raised her brow at him in question and he pointed behind her with his chin. Xiu turned her head slowly and her eyes widened when they fell on the most hypnotizing person in her life with the most gorgeous gray eyes that sparkled when he saw her standing there and waved his hand at her while the corners of his lips stretched in a blooming smile making a dreamy sigh escape Xiu's mouth without her even realizing it.

It was none other than Darren himself. His dark hair looked scattered as strands fell on his forehead making him effortlessly handsome. But then again, his structured jawline and striking features were already enough to scream how handsome he was. But somehow, those gray eyes of his made a huge difference.

"Close the mouth already. Your lust is too obvious with that drool," came a deep voice near her ear making Xiu lift her hand to touch her mouth but finding it dry, she glared at Dylan who laughed in turn and said, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"Whatever!" said Xiu and ran towards Darren leaving Dylan staring at her back with a thoughtful look. "What are you doing here? And if you came, why didn't you call me? Why wait here?"

"Easy there," said Darren as he touched her hair and said, "I just came and was about to come up when I saw you. As for why I am here... Hmm... Isn't that obvious that I'm here to pick up my girlfriend?"

Xiu made a face but inwardly she was shrieking with happiness. Because this was certainly a surprise to see him here. And she'd be lying if she said it wasn't a pleasant one. Darren pulled out a single red rose from his jacket and gave it to her.

Xiu stared at the rose oddly before asking, "What's this for?"

Darren touched her nose saying, "To remind you that I love you."

"You could have done something else to remind me that," said Xiu.

"What's that?" Xiu touched her cheek with her index finger and even leaned towards him. Darren chuckled at her before leaning down to plant a kiss at her cheek. He came close to her ear saying, "I certainly don't think this kiss is enough. Because I want to do more than just to kiss you."

Xiu hit his chest, "What the hell are you talking about?"

Darren played the role of an innocent saying, "What? I meant that I want to hug you as well. What is going through that head of yours?"

Before Xiu could say anything, they both heard an annoyed voice, "Can you both stop flirting in public? Or just get a room already!"Please go to