Imperfect Desires

When Don Herold said, "Interruptions are the spice of life." he wasn't kidding. Because first of all, interruptions are never in our own control. And secondly, wouldn't life be a little too plain without those spices of interruptions? If everything became predictable, how would one enjoy the unexpected moments?

However, the interruption between them was really unexpected. It was certainly important because the thing that interrupted them was the loud sound that came from Xiu's stomach indicating that someone was really hungry. When earlier she said, "I am hungry." she meant it wholeheartedly.

But Xiu certainly didn't want her stomach to growl so loudly to embarrass her before him. While Xiu was flustered, Darren chuckled as he said, "I have already seen everything. Do you have to be embarrassed over such a thing?" Xiu didn't pull away but hit his back in defiance. With his deep laughter, he asked, "You didn't eat?"

Xiu shook her head in reply, "I got distracted by you."

"So, it's my fault now?" Xiu nodded her head up and down. "Okay. If it's my fault then I should take responsibility for it. Go take a shower, we'll go out."

"Sounds like a good plan," said Xiu and got up with sheets rolled around her body. She slightly winced when her feet touched the ground. Her body was a bit sore.

"Are you feeling sore?" Xiu heard Darren's concerned voice and turned to look at him.

"It's fine. It's actually a lot better than I expected," replied Xiu in plain honesty as she turned towards the bathroom again. 

She had only taken a step when she felt his arms around her waist as he placed his chin on her shoulder and said, "If it's fine then shall we go for round two? Oomph!" Darren grunted as soon as he ended his sentence since Xiu hit his stomach with her elbow and escaped from his arms while Darren crouched over in pain.

As Xiu ran in, Darren laughed out at her reaction while shaking his head. "Why are you so predictable at a time like this?" he whispered to himself before picking the rest of his clothes off of the floor. He had taken a shower when Xiu was sleeping peacefully and had been wearing his jeans. Now, he found his shirt and picked up his jacket from the floor. 

After that, he changed the sheets and made the bed perfectly well. And by the time, Xiu came out Darren wasn't in the room. Xiu could hear his voice from the living and knew he was talking over the phone. Now, she came back to exactly where this day had started... Clothes!

Xiu was frustrated at the thought of rummaging through her clothes but was pleasantly surprised when she found a long sleeve v-neck shirt with shorts and a peach-colored dress on her bed. It seemed like Darren had chosen those two for her. Now the final decision was up to her. Xiu smiled to herself and started getting ready. It wasn't something over the top or too plain but it wasn't something she wore every day as well. She had gotten too used to wearing work clothes.

When Xiu came out dressed up, Darren hung up the call and looked at her. She had finally decided up on wearing the peach dress since it didn't seem too casual. Besides, it was her favorite color. She styled her hair in a simple half up-do and applied light makeup. 

"How's this looking?" asked Xiu as she twirled around to show off her dress that ended right above her knees.

Darren patted her head and said, "Not as beautiful as you are. But you're definitely making it look better."

Xiu's face scrunched up as she said, "Smart eh?"

"That I sure am. Now tell me what do you want to eat?" asked Darren as he took her hand in his own and started walking towards the door.

Xiu tapped her finger on her chin in a thoughtful way before saying, "I don't know. I'm fine with anything."

Darren tsked at her as he said, "I knew you'd say that." They were waiting for the elevator when he asked, "Oh, I just realized that Nora wasn't home."

"Took you long enough," said Xiu and added, "Anyways, she went home last night. I don't think she'd be coming this week."

"Why?" Darren showed curiosity unknowingly since he was planning on talking to Nora about Xin Xiaosi. He had to make somethings clear.

"Her nanny is coming to An City and since she had been very attached to her, I don't think she'll leave her side," replied Xiu without paying any attention to Darren's curiosity.

Just when the elevator's door opened and Darren took a step, his hand was pulled back and when he looked at Xiu, she was staring at him weirdly. "I forgot earlier..." he raised his brows at her and she continued, "Where did that magical condom come from? Were you carrying it all this time?"

Darren choked on his own saliva as he started coughing. Now it was her turn to laugh at his reaction. Darren pulled her inside the elevator first and then replied, "After what you pulled on me on Friday night, I knew you'd not back off. And I also knew that I didn't have as much self-restraint to say no again. So, I decided to play safe."

"So, you already knew that I was gonna do something and you're gonna lose?" Xiu was amused by his answer. 

"You looked like a broken doll when I pulled away last time. And I didn't want to see that disappointment in your eyes again," replied Darren while cupping her face in his hands.

Xiu leaned into his touch and said, "I wish you had noticed my presence sooner." Darren's brows knitted up and she elaborated, "I could have loved you longer."

Although Darren thought she was referring to the present, only Xiu knew that she was referring to the past instead. Because only she knew that even before she noticed Zhou Jinhai's presence, that mysterious Mr. Champion of hers had already taken a place in her heart.