303 Crush

*Ding-Dong*

The tall figure rolled like sushi between the blankets turned to his side but didn't even flinch at the sound of the doorbell.

*Ding-Dong*

The doorbell rang again, and Darren used his hand to find his phone and placed it against his ear as he groggily said, "Hello!"

*Ding-Dong*

He opened one of his eyes to see that his phone was off that means the sound was coming from the doorbell. He groaned as he reluctantly and slowly uncovered his face and blinked his eyes. He sits up but wanted to fall back in the comfort of bed when the doorbell rang again. He dragged his feet off the bed and rubbed his eyes with his knuckles.

He was stretching his arms over his head while yawning as he came out to open the door. That persistence of the person on the door was really getting on his nerve now. His head was throbbing because of the pain and he really didn't wish to open his eyes at all. He twisted the doorknob and opened the door while saying, "Stop ringing the bell already!"

The yawn made him close his eyes while he rubbed his head.

"Good morning, sunshine!"

Darren's eyes opened wide as he looked at the person who stood before him. The first thing that came into his view was the beautiful little rose tattoo on side of her shoulder and the next thing was her trademark smirk. 

"Cali?" He asked in disbelief and rubbed his eyes again. But when the person before him didn't change he was really shocked, "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, what kind of reaction is that? I thought you'd be happy to see me here," replied Cali with a raise of her brow as if accusing him of looking so depressed.

"Of course, I'm happy to see you," he answered while he moved ahead to hug her but she pushed him back.

"Stay away while you look like a homeless person," she pointed at him who looked really worn out in his pajamas and messy bed hair along with his sleepy face. Okay, he looked semi-homeless person.

Darren looked down at his condition and sighed out, "Fine. Come inside first." She nodded and followed him inside. He sat down at the sofa while she sat opposite him.

He was still constantly rubbing his temples when he questioned, "When did you come? And why didn't you inform me?"

"I came a couple of days ago already. I couldn't inform you because it was the last moment kind of decision." She answered and frowned at him before she held his wrist and asked, "Are you sick?"

"I was taking care of a sick person maybe I caught the germs," replied Darren uncertainly.

She pushed his hand away, "Nope. You're absolutely fine. Just exhausted. Nothing else is wrong with you." He nodded his head. "Do you want some coffee?"

"Can you make it?" asked Darren with a look of horror on his face.

"I can try," replied Cali.

"Hey, last time was an accident," she said in her defense. 

"Yes, yes, of course. After all, accidents only follow Calista Novell."

"Now, you're just being a meanie!" 

He laughed at her reaction and got up to make coffee for himself and for her. She followed him to the kitchen and sat down at the high chair. The reason why Darren didn't allow her to even try making coffee was simple, last time in Norway, she almost burned his apartment down while trying to fry an egg. He really had no faith in her now. At least not when it comes to cooking.

"What are you here for?" asked Darren looking at her with a complicated look.

"It's personal," replied Cali in a calm tone but Darren could feel the hidden tension in her words.

However, he didn't try to probe because he knew she wasn't gonna tell that easily. "So, how long you're staying?"

"Don't know," answered Cali looking at the steaming hot cup of coffee that he offered her. Then her eyes fell on the cup in his hand, and her brows raised considerably. "R. D. Salvay..."

"What?"

"When did you become such a cheesy person?" asked Cali as she pointed at his cup with her eyes. "I didn't know someone could actually make you like those couple matching thingies." Darren didn't respond to her teasing as he languidly drank his coffee. He loved his cup, so what?! "It somehow doesn't suit your image and yet, I find it so adorable in your hand." She rummaged out her phone, "Wait, let me capture this moment." Before Darren could say anything, she already clicked the photo and even sent it to their friends' group.

"Having fun, are we?" 

"Very much," replied Cali with a broad smile.

"Then let's add more fun, shall I call Dylan to join us?" 

"Cough! Cough!" Cali choked on her coffee and started coughing. "Don't joke around, Regi." She took a brief pause before adding, "He isn't my goal to come here."

"So what?" questioned Darren. "Even if he isn't the reason why you're here, he is still around. You can catch two birds with one stone."

"He's not a bird, Regi."

Darren flicked her forehead, "Idiot! That's a metaphor!" He shook his head at her.

Cali stayed quiet for a while before she spoke, "I saw him today..."

Darren's eyes widened in surprise and he sat beside her. "Really? Where?" He excitedly shook her arm as he added, "See, this is why I always tell you that people who often meet on the same road are actually meant for the same destination. You're just being stubborn by not even trying."

Cali rolled her eyes at the sentence she was sick of hearing after all these years. "Regi, he was with a partner there. I didn't see her, but she was beautiful."

"You didn't see her but she still was beautiful? What is that?"

"I mean her silhouette was really pretty so she must be gorgeous as well," she replied. "Besides, my crush on him had been for years. It doesn't even mean anything anymore."

"Oh, so your crush on him is wearing out now..." Darren drawled his words before poking her cheek, "Then why do you look so sad at the thought of seeing him with someone else?"

Cali was startled by his words. She looked straight at him. "Is he really with someone else? I mean, there is someone in his life again?" Darren didn't reply and she took his silence as a yes. "Why is it that whenever I have a chance to get close to him, he already has someone in his life?"

Darren facepalmed himself. "You're impossible when it comes to love. Dylan is single. He doesn't have anyone at this moment. It's you who is finding excuses again."

"I'm not," retorted Cali.

"Oh, really? Then will you make a move this time?"

Cali's expression dulled as she said, "I don't think so."

Darren scoffed, "Loser! Always a coward when it comes to him."