"I wouldn't ask you to date me if I didn't." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew continued, shrugging his shoulders as what he was saying was the truth. He didn't mind speaking his thoughts aloud.
How would they get to know each other if they kept guessing each other's thoughts? After all, she wouldn't know what he was thinking if he wouldn't say it, right? Moreover, since it seemed impossible to predict her, he might as well be honest and train her to do the same.
They still have two dates left. So, while the agreement between each other stands, Matthew wanted to get to know her and vice versa. In that case, they would have a mutual agreement if they wanted to continue the abrupt decision from last night.
"Why?" Zoey inquired faintly, almost not audible but her words managed to reach his ears.
"I also wonder," With a smile, Matthew answered. Zoey examined the youthful, carefree, and honest smile on his lips, melting her heart as she was moved by his words.
Some would think she was overreacting. After all, his answer was vague, but that was enough for her. Does one need a reason for liking someone? Was the reason that important than what the heart knew from the get go?
That moment, the two of them remain silent, staring at each other. Surprisingly enough, there wasn't the slightest awkwardness between them. If anything, it was the strange harmony of their hearts beating in the same motion, breathing the same inbound air, and the gleam in their eyes which made the ambience quite enchanting in the plain hospital ward.
It was nice… they thought internally in unison.
"Z!"
"Sis!" Just then, the peaceful air surrounding the room broke as the door slammed open with Cora and Ivan calling out to her from the top of their lungs.
Zoey, who turned her head in their direction, could not help but let her under eye twitch. By the looks of it, both of them had rushed in here and managed to arrive at the same time. On the other hand, Matthew tilted his head to the side, his eyes darted from Ivan to Cora who he hadn't met in the past.
"This guy of yours is crazy! Can you believe he drove me to the Kwan Medical Hospital?! Not just that! He even looked for your brother boldly! Pushing me to him -- he is crazy!" The moment Cora took a long inhale, her exhale was followed by her complaints as she stomped her way in.
At the same time, "Sis! Your friend is crazy! She told me to drive her there and thought of helping! But instead of being thankful, she dragged me by the ear while shouting! I didn't understand her but she's bad mouthing me!" Ivan complained as he hastened his pace as he approached Zoey.
Because the two were busy complaining, they didn't notice the very noticeable figure of Matthew Xi sitting literally on the edge of the bed. Meanwhile, Zoey watched the two complain as they approached, not a single word was understood as they competed on how loud their voices could be.
When they reached by the side of the bed, both shut up as they both cast Zoey a threatening glare. "Tell him he's stupid and insensitive!" said Cora, pointing towards the person on her side.
"Tell her she's so ungrateful! She'll be single for life!" Ivan did the same, pointing at Cora as his gaze was on Zoey, asking her to translate his words so Cora would understand.
Zoey alternated her gaze from Cora to Ivan, her entire face twitched as she wondered how the hell these two bicker despite the language barrier? Just when she thought that they would eventually get along, she thought wrong! Zoey underestimated their unknown source of their dislike towards each other!
"Pfft--!" While Zoey judged the two inside her mind, Matthew couldn't suppress his amusement as he shook his head. With that slight noise he made, Cora and Ivan subconsciously turned their attention towards him.
Ivan, who already has a bad impression of him, frowned. On the other hand, Cora, who was laying her eyes on him for the first time, knitted her brows. Her curiosity regarding who he was evident by the gleam that flickered across her eyes.
"Sis, why is this guy here?"
"Z, who is he?" As if they were meant to talk at the same time, both Cora and Ivan inquired. Upon the realization, both glared at each other, grinding their teeth as if they were two rascals who were ready to bark at each other.
"Jesus…" Zoey murmured, massaging her temples as she shook her head sideways. By the looks of it, anything that they would do, they would take offense for it. It was akin to those natural nemesis that shouldn't cross paths in the same lifetime.
If Zoey would've known this would give her headache, she would rather keep their existence secret from each other. Or rather, she shouldn't have asked him to follow Cora; Zoey should've done it herself! By doing so, she would probably have less headache! What a bad bad decision.
"I'm here because someone needs to look after the patient and…" Matthew paused, shifting his attention to Cora who appeared to be close to Zoey. Hence, he decided to answer in the language she could understand. "...I'm her boyfriend." Without further ado, he said languidly.
As soon as his words reached Cora's ears, she gasped and looked at Zoey in disbelief. Meanwhile, Zoey just wanted to dig a hole for her to hide. Why did he have to tell her before Zoey could?
'Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain, but good lord, what is this situation you're putting me in?' The corner of her lips twitched, feeling that the three pairs of eyes were all on her: one was in dismay, one was in disbelief, and the last pair was in amusement.
It was evident in Matthew's eyes that he was enjoying this. Thus, Zoey couldn't stop herself from glaring at his playful front.. 'This guy's time will come!' She oathed. When that time comes, he would be groveling on her feet asking for love and affection!