Chapa POV:
After the arcade, we headed back to Bose's car. I had a really fun time and felt much more at ease now that we had defeated ShadowWoman's daughter, Elena, and wiped her memory. I won all the games today at the arcade against Bose, but he was close sometimes. I'm still surprised by his strength; he had probably been working out. I could tell by the way his body looked earlier. I haven't seen Bose in a long time, and he really has grown.
As we walked up to the car, I turned to Bose and asked, "Can I drive your car? Just for fun? Please?"
He hesitated but then nodded. "Okay, but be careful. This car is expensive. It's a Ferrari, after all."
I had driven it before when he needed help, but I didn't care about being careful then. I stepped into the driver's seat and turned on the engine, the powerful roar filling the air. I drove us back toward my apartment, and once we were on the highway, I felt a thrill and started driving like a racer. I went far over the speed limit, driving fast and wild.
Bose gripped his seat tightly, his knuckles white. "You should go slower," he said, his voice trembling.
"This is so fun!" I shouted, narrowly avoiding a collision.
"I don't remember teaching you to drive like this!" Bose shouted, his voice shaking with fear.
I hadn't driven for three years, and it felt amazing to let loose. It was already dark outside, and suddenly, I hit a tree. The impact wasn't too harsh, but Bose sighed and looked at me with a mix of exasperation and relief.
I gave him an innocent smile. "Am I in trouble?"
"No, it's fine, Chapa," he said, stepping out of the car to check for damage. I followed him. There were only a few scratches on his precious Ferrari.
He looked at me and smiled. "But I won't let you drive my car again."
I laughed. "Do I have to pay for it?"
"Of course not. I was the one to let you drive," he said, shaking his head. "Besides you're financially unstable, unlike me. But if you drive like this in someone else's car, you might have to pay for it."
"So, I should only drive yours like this?" I teased.
He rolled his eyes, but I could see he was trying to hide a smile. "Let's get back in the car."
As we got back in, I felt a mixture of exhilaration and guilt. I had pushed the limits, but it felt freeing. And despite everything, Bose had of course remained patient and understanding.
The drive back was quieter. I could tell Bose was still a bit rattled, but he didn't say much. When we finally arrived at my apartment, I thanked him for letting me drive and for the fun evening.
"Anytime," he said with a grin. "Just, maybe, less racing next time?"
"Deal," I replied.
Then Bose mentioned he was thirsty. Given I had slightly ruined his car, I figured I owed him at least a cup of water.
"Do you mind if I come in for a drink?" he asked, stepping inside.
"Of course not," I replied, gesturing him in. "At least I can do something for you after what happened to your car."
He chuckled, "Yeah, that was quite a ride."
We walked inside, and I handed him a glass. He sat on a chair near my bedâthe only seat I hadâwhile I perched on the edge of the bed. Bose stood up and came to sit next to me. The sudden proximity made me nervous, not knowing what he was doing. He bounced a little on my bed and remarked on how it was indeed a horrible mattress, far smaller and harsher than his own.
"This bed is horrible, Chapa," he said, testing the springs with his hand. "How do you even sleep on this?"
"I don't know," I laughed. "I guess I've gotten used to it. Your bed is definitely more comfortable."
"Yeah," he agreed, leaning back slightly. Bose had a soft, king-sized bed. I should've enjoyed it more when I had the chance.
Bose was still dressed in his dark blue suit and white shirt. He had removed his tie before we went to the arcade, probably thinking it looked too professional for such a casual outing. Silence fell between us, a comfortable yet charged pause that made my heart race.
Bose broke the silence, "I had a fun time today. Thanks for inviting me."
"Me too," I replied, feeling a bit shy. "Although you paid for everything at the arcade."
He smiled, his eyes locking onto mine, and he shifted closer. "It's no problem. I enjoy spending time with you."
The room seemed to shrink, the air between us thickening with an unspoken tension. I felt my breath hitch, nerves buzzing under my skin. Bose came a bit more closer. Not knowing what else to do, I stood up abruptly. "I'm really tired, and it's already 9 PM. You should probably go home."
Bose nodded, understanding. "You're right. I'm sorry, it's getting late."
He stood up, drained his glass of water in one gulp, and placed it in the kitchen. "Goodnight, Chapa," he said softly.
"Goodnight, Bose," I responded, walking him to the door.
As soon as the door shut, I slid down to the floor, my hands covering my face. My heart was pounding, and I couldn't shake the overwhelming feelings swirling inside me. "Get a grip, Chapa," I whispered to myself, trying to steady my racing thoughts.
The apartment felt empty after he left, the echoes of our laughter and conversation still lingering in the air. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, and started mentally preparing for the next day. I needed to focus on the art exhibition, but the memory of Bose sitting close, his presence filling the small space, stayed with me.
I tried to distract myself by organizing my art supplies. As I moved around the room, I couldn't help but replay the evening in my mind. The way he looked at me, the warmth in his eyes, the way he made me feel. It was overwhelming, and I didn't know how to handle it.
I finally settled on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. My thoughts were a jumbled mess of emotions. There was something different about Bose today. Something that made me see him in a new light. I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep, knowing that tomorrow would be a new day.
As I drifted off, one thought lingered in my mind: Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to change between us. And I wasn't sure if I was ready for that change.