The Rise of the White Lotus

After a few gentle pats, Ethan Lu retracted his hands from her and meekly smiled. Lexi, on the other hand, was dumbfounded by his sudden gentleness. Knitting her brows together, she repeated;

"Sorry for?"

"For being insensitive, for teasing you and crossing the line up until now." Hearing her side of the story, though she didn't sugarcoat her words and fully accepted what others pointed as wrong alas, with these incidents, Ethan Lu came to an understanding that Lexi was a rather serious and dignified person. Not only did she protect her comfort zone but also proved how loyal she was to Morris Liu.

If something he does to her earlier was the same deeds those men did to her, then, it means he gave her great discomfort. In his perspective, Lexi must've been struggling to not make the same aggressive retaliation she had done in the past. Even so, there's no excuse for him to not make amends to her.

Though Ethan was a known Casanova who's dating list was longer than the government's wanted criminal list, he got his consent to every girl he dated with just a wink of an eye. Alas, the urge of his curiosity this time on his best buddy's former fiance took the better of him.

"Also, what you did to them and probably what you'll say to me no matter how harsh it is -- it's justifiable and understandable." He added earnestly.

Lexi was stunned hearing him admitting his wrongs with his full comprehension this time and taking her side on the 'wrong' action she had done in the past. Aside from her parents, none understood her disposition as they only blamed her unreasonable smart mouth running and overbearing personality. Hence, she didn't quite know what to feel or how to respond to Ethan's words.

Alas, what's clear to her was that this man, the seemingly preposterous man who changes his lover faster than when he changes his clothes wasn't that… bad. Did she misunderstand him as well? After all, his reputation from his dating history was as messed up with her arrogant past.

"Stop saying such embarrassing words -- it's awkward." Lexi gazed down feeling a little awkward with the situation.

'Why would he say such things right up front?'

"Pffft--!" Upon seeing her act not with her usual cold and proud front sent ripples of emotion inside him to the extent that it was ticklish.

His muffled chuckles turned into giddy laughter that almost made the corner of his eyes well up. For some reason, Lexi was indeed cute whenever she acts this way and admiring when she bore that proud countenance of hers. Overall, Ethan was more than willing to be her friend and probably guard her if necessary.

"You're so weird," Lexi cast him a disdainful look as he laughed to his heart's content. Even so, she didn't find any displeasure and only responded with her honest overview out of habit.

Surely, without Lexi realizing it, the chained door guarding her heart that was making sure no one could enter was being lacerated with a chainsaw.

"Sorry, sorry but you'll get used to it in the future. We're friends after all." Ethan stated as he wiped the droplet of tears on the side of his eyes.

"Who would want to be your friend? A weird one, I might add. " As usual, Lexi's sassiness retorted back alas, it didn't bore the same unnerving she had when she first encountered him. If what she feels now is rather an easement -- a friend's comfort just like Churu.

"Aya~, didn't you already approve that? Don't worry, I'll be a good big brother." Ethan winked as he clicked his tongue -- forgetting the fact that he was slightly dizzy earlier.

"Wow, Director Lu. I'm speechless." Lexi shook her head with a subtle smile on the corner of her lips while she rolled her eyes.

Their banter continued for about an hour before Ethan Lu felt dizzy again and was forced to rest by her.

"Don't be stubborn and let me have my upcoming peaceful days, alright?" Lexi reminded with a glare to the lying man.

"Yes yes, madam… As you wish," Ethan turned to the other side -- against her. Lexi peered at his back before she squinted her suspicious eyes, yet she decided to leave as it was rather late. Glancing back at him for the last time, Lexi slightly shook her head before completely leaving.

When Ethan heard the door lightly shut close, he opened his eyes with a complicated look on his eyes. He mumbled in discontent,

"Big brother… friend… aish, Ethan Lu! I might have lost my mind for a second." Though he doesn't regret offering Lexi or rather, forcing her to be his friend, alas, his actions and words were all out of character. Moreover, just having a short conversation with her showed that every action she took, she always had Morris Liu in mind which somewhat made him frown inwardly.

"*sigh* What a waste." He added before deciding to shrug his thoughts off and rest.