My Two Love, My True Love

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

***note: I know I should not be writing another fan fic since I'm not yet done with all the fan fics here (star, blue moon, secretly loving you, fireworks and shooting stars, the assistant). I promise to update those fan fics soon. i realized I have not made a ChunElla fic since God knows when. The last Chunella fic I've posted here, if I'm not mistaken, is "Choices". Plus, I cant find an inspiration to continue "Star". Anyway, I decided to make a CE fic... with a twist***

P.S.
If you're asking where I got the inspiration to write, I find the inspiration from the songs playing in my playlist. I don't know, but for this story, I got inspired with the song "Wo Zhen De Yi Wei" by Nic Teo, though I don't really know what the song means.

My Two Love, My True Love

Prologue:

The wedding march began, and the entourage began to walk down the red carpeted aisle. I can feel bits of sweat running down my forehead. I was happy and nervous at the same time. Happy, foy I will finally be with the girl that I love. Nervous because... well... all grooms have the right to be nervous, right?

I looked at my best man, and he smiled at me. I gave him a nervous laugh. "You'll be OK, don't be nervous..." he said to me. Then, the wedding march ended. At the end of the aisle, I could clearly see her, my bride. Our song began to play, as she walk down the aisle.

One...
Two...
Three..
Four...
Five...

A few more steps, and she's already here in front of me. I reached out for her hand, but before she could, she looked at my best man, and smiled. "Thank you... thank you..." I could hear her say. "Anything for you..." he said. I know the reason why she was thanking him. If it's not for him, we would not find this happiness that we have now. If it wasn't for my brother, I would never realize that I could love someone like her. She was not my dream girl, but she's everything that I ever needed and wanted.

Then, she took my hand. I looked at her lovingly, as I said I love you to her, and she smiled back at me. Even without her saying it, I could feel she loves me as well. Today is our wedding day, and today is the start of our forever...

--

A Year Ago...

Today was his engagement party. Everybody knew from the start that Chun and Ariel were destined to be with forever. I could only watch them as their father gave them their blessings to the two love birds. Arron held my hand and squeezed it. I know that the pain I am feeling right now, he is feeling too. I have no idea what came into me, and accepted Chun's invitation for this party. First of all, I think it's because of the fact that Chun is my boss. I am obliged to follow his order, and one of his orders is for me to come to this party. Second, maybe this will be the last time I will get to see him.

At the part that Chun was about to kiss Ariel, I decided to walk away. I just can't bear to see the man I love with another girl. I've had enough heartbreak, and this is too much. "Ella..." I heard Arron said. He followed me. "I'm sorry that you have to go through this... this charade..." he said in a low voice. "I wish I could do something for you..."

I faked a smile at him. "I'll be OK, Arron. I guess I have to get used to it..." I said. "Ella..."
"Look at you Arron... you're also feeling the same way right? But you have to see the girl you love with your brother..."
"No, you're wrong, Ella..."

I paused. He walked closer to me, and cupped my cheeks with his two hands. "I can't bear seeing the girl I love being hurt because of my brother..." he finally said. Was I surprised? No... I have always loved Arron, but it's a different story now. His confession came too late...

"Give me a chance, Ella... I'll prove to you I am worthy of you. I will never hurt you, just like what Chun did..."

--
My Two Love, My True Love

Characters:

Ella Chen
- She is streetsmart and sassy, although she is clumsy at times. Ever since her university days, she have a huge crush on Arron Yan-Wu. She and Arron became friends when Arron saved her from falling from a ladder when she was busy putting on props for their school play. It was through Arron that she was able to work in the Wu Corporation as an assistant to Arron's brother, Chun. She finds Chun very arrogant and bossy, and she starts hating him because he always looks down on his brother.

Wu Chun
- He is the CEO of Wu Corporation at the age of 27. He is arrogant and bossy, and he takes his work seriously. He looks down at his brother Arron, because he have always thought that Arron is the happy-go-lucky type of guy, and he doesn't want his brother to be like their father. His world turned upside down when Ella started working for her. He is arranged to be married to Ariel Lin

Arron Yan-Wu
- He is Chun's younger brother. Happy-go-lucky, down-to-earth and very artistic. He have always wanted to be a painter, and although his father and grandpa approves of this, his brother, Chun wants him to help run Wu Corporation. He became friends with Ella when he saved her from falling from a ladder, and in return, Ella saved him by tutoring him. He helped Ella get into Wu Corporation as Chun's assistant. Although he knows Ella have feelings for him, he could never reciprocate her feelings because he is in love with Chun's fiance, Ariel Lin

Ariel Lin
- She is the only daughter of Francis Lin, the richest man in Taiwan. She is arranged to be married to Wu Chun, and he dotes on Arron as her younger brother (She's two years older than him). She became friends with Ella, and eventually helped her to confess her feelings for Arron. While she is helping Ella with Arron, she finds herself being attracted to Arron to the point of being jealous of Ella and Arron's relationship.

Minors:
Jiro Wang and Calvin Chen - Ella's Best friends
Wallace Huo - Chun's assistant and confidante
Joe Chen - Ariel's best friend
Gui Gui - Arron's ex-girlfriend

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter One: When I Met You

You gave me a reason for my being
And I love what I’m feeling
You gave new meaning to my life
Yes, I’ve gone beyond existing
And it all began
When I met you

--

It all started four years ago...

Her head above the clouds, Ella dreamily looked at the poster on the school bulletin. It was about the upcoming school play entitled "Grease". She sighed. She regret not trying out for the school play. Her best friends, Jiro and Calvin have convinced her to try out, but being the sissy that she is, she never heeded their advise. But the good thing was, Mr. Hsu, her English professor, is willing to give extra credits for those willing to help behind the stage. Good thing she and Calvin signed up for it.

So why is our heroine seem to be looking forward with this play? It's because the school heartthrob, a.k.a. the apple of her eyes, Arron Yan-Wu would be acting as the lead, Danny Zukko. So, why is she excited with the play? You see, ever since her first day in the university, Ella's madly in love with Arron Yan-Wu. But just like other girls, she can only adore him from afar. He's the school's prince. She's just an ordinary student.

"If you keep on staring at Arron's face, that poster will melt..." she heard someone say. Ella turned around, and saw her best friend, Calvin. “Hey, Calvin!” she greeted him. Calvin put his arm around Ella as they walk towards the school auditorium. “You know what, if you really like Arron, why don't you ask him out...” he said. Ella paused and looked at him. “I don't want to do that! Besides, I don't have the guts to, and he doesn't even know who I am...” she said. “He doesn't know you? Weren't you in the same class as him last semester?”
“Yeah... but I sat at the back... he sat in front of the class... I don't even know if he knows me by name!”
“You know what, El, you're such a sissy.”
“I know, I know... but can you blame me?”

Before they knew it, they were already inside the auditorium. “If I were you, Ella, I'll take this opportunity to befriend Arron. Don't be such a scaredy-cat, OK?” Calvin said. Ella just sighed. “You know that when I see him, my mind goes blank...” she said in a low voice. Calvin looked at her and smiled. “Then have a presence of mind. Come on, they're all waiting for us!” Then, he took her hand and they ran towards the stage.

--

“No! Move that to the left! Not your left, it's my left! There!” Mr. Hsu just shook his head in dismay as his student put down the plant on the stage. He looked at his watch, just five more minutes before his favorite student could come and help with setting up the stage. He looked back, and he saw Calvin and Ella running towards the stage. “Finally...” he said to himself. He sighed with relief. Now that Ella and Calvin's here, they can take charge of the props while he can concentrate on rehearsing with his actors. “Thank heavens you two are here...” Mr. Hsu said as soon as Calvin and Ella approached him. He was thankful that they both volunteered to do the props and the other technical aspects of the play. He could use Ella and Calvin's creativity in his school play. “Calvin, Ella, take charge of the props OK? Make sure these guys won't mess up.” Mr. Hsu said to them. “Yes, sir!” they said in unison.

They watched as Mr. Hsu go down the stage and sit at the front row. “Time to work...” Ella said. She was about to go back stage when Calvin stopped her by holding her arm. “Wait...” he said. She gave him a startled look. She noticed he was looking towards the auditorium's entrance. Ella looked back, and then she saw him, her prince charming, the apple of her eyes – Arron Yan-Wu. “Oh. My. God. He's here!” she thought. She watched him as he walked inside the auditorium. He smiled at the people he passes by. As he reached the front row seat, she watched him as he talked with Mr. Hsu. She felt her heart melt whenever he smiles. She sighed as she watched him glide across the room. Everything seemed to be in slow motion.

“Earth to Ella Chen!” Calvin shouted in her ear. She snapped back to reality with that. “Awww...” she said as she massaged her ear. “Why do you have to shout at me, Calvin Chen?”
“You were dozing off! You just saw your prince charming, and you're brain shuts down and goes to dreamland.” Calvin shook his head. With Arron around, he doubts it if Ella could concentrate on their work. “She'll just watch him and daydream about him...” he thought. “Come on, let's just work on the props...” he said, dragging Ella at the backstage.

--

As Mr. Hsu handed him his script, Arron looked at the stage and found Ella and Calvin going to the backstage. He smiled to himself. “So, she is here...” he thought. He wondered if Ella has been casted for the school play. He remembered seeing her trying out for the play, but before her name was called, she left. “I sure hope you have memorized the third act, we'll start rehearsing from that part.” he heard Mr. Hsu said. Arron looked back at Mr. Hsu and smiled. “Yes, I did...” he said. “Good. Let's just wait for Gui Gui and the rest of the cast before we start, OK?”
“By the way, sir, is Ella part of the cast?”
“No, but she and Calvin's in charge of the props. We'll be working with her in this play as well.”

Arron nodded his head, then he excused himself from the professor. He took a seat at the
far side of the auditorium, and began to read his script.

--

“Calvin, can you help me put this disco ball at the ceiling?” Ella asked Calvin, who was busy painting their wall props. Calvin looked back at her then show her his hands, which is filled with pain. “Sorry, dirty hands.” he said. Then, she turned to the other guy beside her. “Nic, can you help me put this thing up?” Nicholas looked at Ella and smiled at her. “Sorry, El. My hands' are filled with paint as well. Why don't you ask Andy?” he said.

Then, she walked towards the other guy at the far end of the stage, who was busy moving the rest of the props on the stage. “Hey, Andy, can you help me put this thing up” she asked him. Andy looked at the disco ball she was holding, and then looked up at the ceiling. “Sorry Ella, I'm scared of heights...” he said apologetically. “You're a guy! You can do it!” she insisted on Andy. “I'm really sorry, El. The last time I went up a ladder, I fainted and fell. Why don't you ask Calvin?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “ Fine! I'll do it myself!” she shouted.

She pulled the ladder and put it up. With the disco ball in her hand, she went up the ladder and fixed the disco ball in it's place. As soon as it's fixed, she went down the ladder, but she missed a step and fell. “Aaaaahhh!” she shouted. She anticipated falling off the stage floor, or worse, falling off the stage floor then falling off the stage. She just closed her eyes as she fell, then she felt someone have caught her. She slowly opened her eyes, to find herself being carried by none other than Arron.

She felt her world go slow mo again. She found herself staring into his almond eyes, and getting lost in it. She felt her heart melting again as he smiled at her. Then, he helped her up. “Good thing I was here.” he said to her. She just smiled dumbly at him, as she slowly nodded her head. “Be careful next time, Ella...” then he waved at her and walked off the stage.

She still felt like she's in a dream, even though Arron have left already. Calvin, who saw Ella fell from the ladder, immediately rushed to her side as soon as Arron left. “Ella, are you OK?” he asked in a worried tone. Ella nodded her head. Then, she looked at Calvin, and held his arm really tight. “Calvin! He knows my name!” she said in a low, shrieking voice. “He knows my name!” she said again, then he pinched Calvin's arm. “Awwww! Stop it Ella!”

--

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 2 – Meet Mr. Perfectionist

You're a God
And I am not
And I just thought that you would know

--


It's 6 AM in the morning. As soon as his alarm went on, he immediately got up his bed despite the fact that it was almost 1 in the morning that he came home from work. He took a quick shower, and then readied himself for work. For this day, he wore his newest Armani suit. Seems he's ready for another corporate battle, and he sure is going to win the battle again.

Meet Chun Wu. At the age of 25, he is the youngest CEO in the business world. He got his position in Wu Corporation as soon as his grandfather, Wu Jian Ling, retired from his post. He studied in the most prestigious business school in Europe, and right out of college, he began to work in their company as General Manager. Everything he does is planned out – from the clothes he wear, to the route he will take, even his activities for the next weekend, and he hates it when something is out of the plan.

He went down the grand staircase of the Wu mansion, and headed to the kitchen, where he found his grandfather, his father Jonas Wu, and his brother, Arron, having their breakfast. “Good morning everyone.” he said in a formal tone. His grandfather and his father looked at each other, then they looked up at Chun. “We're not in a meeting, Chun. This is family breakfast. No need to be too formal.” his father said. Chun took his usual seat, which is beside his grandfather. The first thing he took as soon as he sat is the business section of the newspaper. “Chun... take your breakfast first. You can read the paper on your way to work.” his grandfather said. Chun looked up to his grandfather and smiled. “I just need to see about the stocks before going to work.” he said as he put the newspaper down

They had their breakfast silently, then his grandfather began to talk. “Arron, why don't you tell Chun about the school play you're in?” he said. Arron looked up to his grandfather, then shifted his eyes to Chun. “Well... I'm part of the school play, 'Grease' in our school... it's going to be in three weeks time. I wish all of you could watch, especially you, Chun....” he said. “I sure will watch that. How about you, dad?” their father said. “Count me in.” their grandpa said. The two elders then looked at Chun, waiting for his answer if he'll come or not. Instead, he looked at Arron sternly. “Arron, instead of wasting your times on those kind of things, why don't you come and help me run the company. I need you to help me, especially at these times.” he said to his younger brother. Arron lowered his head as he speaks. He already knew that his brother would not approve of his extra-curricular activities in school. If only his brother knew the real reason why he participated in the school play, but then again if Chun knew, he'll be really mad.

“Will you watch your brother in their school play or not?” their father asked him. Chun gulped his coffee before he answered. “I'll check with my schedule.” Then he stood up from his seat. “I need to go. I still have a board meeting today.”

--

As soon as he got off the elevator, the employees greeted him. All he answered to them was a nod. By his office door, his assistant, Wallace, waited for him. “Good morning, Mr. Wu.” Wallace greeted. “Good morning, Wallace. Do you have the financial reports?” he asked. Wallace nodded. Then they went inside his office.

Wallace put the folders on his table, and as soon as Chun is settled on his table, he began to review the report. “By the way, Mr. Wu, you have a meeting with Mr. Zhou at 10 AM regarding the Yu Fei towers project, then a meeting with the board of directors at 2 PM regarding the expansion.” Wallace told him. Chun looked up at Wallace. “Thanks for reminding me that. Can you ready the proposal by 12 noon? I need to present that to the board of directors for today's meeting.”
“Don't worry, I have readied that last night. All you have to do is attend those meetings, and make sure that the board will approve ofthe expansion.”
“Excellent, Wallace. Good thing you're I disagreeistant.”

Wallace smiled at Chun. He know he already have a lot of things in his hand. He watched as Chun reviewed the financial report. “By the way, Uncle Jonas told me it's going to be Arron's school play in three weeks. I checked with your schedule and -”
“No need, Wallace. I'm not coming.”
Chun closed the folder he was reading and leaned on his leather chair. “But Chun, it's your brother...”
“I know. I don't know with that kid... he prefers to do other things than help me run the company. I'd rather not go.”

Wallace let out a sigh. He's not just Chun's assistant, but a friend as well. He knew from the start that there's a gap between him and his younger brother, and it started when their mother died. Chun have always wanted Arron to do all the things he says, but being younger, the latter never listens to Chun.

“If that what you want... I won't change your schedule...” he said. “Let me know if you changed your mind. You know Arron needs your support at this time.”

--

From the stage, Ella could see Arron at the back row seat in the auditorium. He was busy reading his script, but she could tell he's spacing out. He was staring at the first page of the script, and he never saw him change the page. “What could be wrong with him?” she thought. She decided to come up to him, but as she was about to go down the stage, she saw Gui Gui approach him. She saw as she hand him a drink.

“If you really want to come up to him, then do so! Don't let Gui Gui stop you from approaching your prince charming.” she heard someone said. She turned to her side, to find her other best friend, Jiro, beside her. “What are you doing here?” she asked him. “Don't you want to see me? I'm starting to think there's something going on between you and Calvin... till I saw how you looked at Arron Yan-Wu!”
“And I thought you have a soccer practice...”
“I'm here, right?”
“Or a date with Vivian.”
“Don't you want to see me?”

She just shook her head, then she walked away from Jiro. “OK, OK... I'm here because I need the extra credits for English. Coach said I won't be able to play for the next season if I fail English... so I'm here now...” Jiro explained to her. “Good. We need another pair of hand for the production. Just don't mess up or else we'll all fail English.” Ella warned her. Jiro smiled at his best friend. “Aye aye, captain!”

While she was painting one of the wall props for the stage, Ella glances at Arron once in a while. She watched him as he happily chatted with Gui Gui. She watched as he smiled at Gui Gui. She just shook her head. She can't be jealous of Gui Gui, after all she's Arron's girlfriend. Then, she saw Gui Gui leave with her friends. She stood up from her place, and began to take a step, but she paused. She wanted to go near him, but she was too shy to approach him. “If you want to talk to him, just talk to him, OK? He's not Prince William or something...” she heard Jiro telling her. She gave him a glare. “Mind your own business, Jiro Wang!” she hissed at him. “Yeah, I think Jiro's right. Why don't you go to him...” Calvin said. Ella glared at him. “Hey, you can thank him for saving you the other day...” Calvin continued.

She remembered the day she fell from the ladder and Arron caught her. She was too overwhelmed by him that she was unable to thank him. “Is that the ladder incident Ella was talking about the other day? Wherein she was too happy that Arron knows her name?” Jiro asked Calvin. Calvin nodded his head. Then Jiro gave Ella a bewildered look. “You were not able to thank him? Oh my God, Ella Chen! What happened to your manners?!” Jiro told her. “But I... I...”

Before Ella could answer Jiro back, Jiro held her hand and dragged her off the stage. “Aiyo! Jiro what are you doing?” she asked as Jiro dragged her towards Arron. “It's your opportunity, Ella. Your chance to talk to him!” Jiro said. Then, he continued to drag Ella towards Arron. With Jiro calling Arron's name at the top of his lungs, it doesn't help to keep her from being too embarrassed with what her best friend is doing. “I'll get you, Jiro!” she thought, reminding herself to make him pay for what he's doing.

--

“Thank you, Mr. Zhou.” Chun said to the elder executive in front of him. “It's nice doing business with you, Mr. Wu.” Mr. Zhou said as he shook Chun's hand. “I'm looking forward for your the final draft of the proposal next week.” he continued. “No problem. I'll hand it to you by Thursday next week.” Chun assured him. Then, his car stopped in front of the hotel. As soon as the driver opened the door to the back seat, he said his goodbye to Mr. Zhou.

They were driving back to his office, when his mobile phone rang. He took it from his pocket, and looked at the caller ID. He smiled as he saw the familiar number flashing on the screen – it was his fiance, Ariel Lin, the daughter of his father's long time friend. “Missed me?” she said sweetly to him. For the first time that day, he smiled upon hearing her voice. “You know that I always do...” he answered. She have been away for months because of her studies. She's a year older than Arron, and is taking up Fine Arts as her major in one of the universities in Switzerland. “So how's school?” he asked her. “Oh, please Chun... let's not talk about school for the mean time...”
“OK, if that's what you want. Did you miss me, honey?”
“Of course I do. Hey I have some good news for you...”
“What is it?”
“I'll be coming home in three weeks' time for a vacation.”

Chun was happy to hear that Ariel will be coming home. His smile widened upon hearing that. He's excited to see his lady love again. “Really? That's a great news, honey!”
“Yeah! Will you promise to pick me up at the airport?”
“Of course I will. I'll fix my schedule so that we could spend more time together while you're here in Taiwan...”
“Great! I'll let you know the details as soon as our finals are over, OK?”
“OK, my princess... can't wait to see you...”
“I love you, Chun...”
“I love you too, Ariel...”

After he ended the call, he smiled to himself. Life has always been perfect for him, thank God. He got the deal with Mr. Zhou, and Ariel is coming home. What else could possibly go wrong in his perfect life?

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 3 – Speechless


Speechless, I wish there was something to say
I drank too much of you and now it's gone to my head
I'm laughing like a fool
You leave me speechless...

--

“Arron! Yoohoo!” Arron looked up and saw Jiro and Ella walking up to him. He smiled at the two. “Hey, Jiro!” he called. Ella, who was still being dragged by Jiro, gave her friend a startled look. “He know you?” she asked innocently. Jiro looked at Ella and smirked at her. “Of course! I'm the star player of the soccer team! Everyone in the university knows who I am. Duh?!” he said as he rolled his eyes.

Arron stood up from his seat, and walked towards them. “What can I do for you?” he asked, smiling at the two. “Hey Arron! I suppose you know my best friend here, Ella Chen?” Jiro said, then he looked at Ella and winked at her. Arron looked at Ella and smiled at her. “Of course, I know Ella. We were classmates in Humanities last semester...” he said. Meanwhile, Ella was surprised to know that he remembered that they were classmates before. She was surprised that she just stood sill in her place, and was speechless. She could only watch the two as they talk.

“Oh, by the way Arron...” she heard Jiro said. “Ella has something to tell you.” Jiro looked at her, then tapped her at her back, making her step forward in front of Arron. She swallowed had before she opened her mouth to speak. She felt nervous in front of him, she felt giddy. Her heart is beating loudly. Then, she closed her eyes and bowed at him. “Thank you for saving me the other day.” she said. “I'm sorry if I was not able to say thanks that day... it's because I -”

Before she could continue what she's suppose to say, Arron lifted her chin up, and smiled at her again. “I understand. I forgive you.” he said to her. With that, Ella got up. “Guess you were to shocked at that moment, if I were in your shoes I won't be able to speak as well.” he said. Ella was surprised at him. “Oh... oh... thank you, thank you!” she said. Then, Jiro nudged at her. “I better leave the two of you. I'll check what else I could help Calvin with.” he said. Before he left them, he winked at Ella, then gave her a thumbs up sign. Ella just glared at him as he walked away.

“I'm sorry about Jiro...” Ella said to Arron as soon as Jiro left them. “It's OK. I'm used to him...” he replied. Then, there was an awkward silence between them for a few seconds. “Uhmmm... I guess I -”
“Can you keep me company for a while?”
Ella was speechless at what he said. This is her prince charming asking her to stay for a while! Ella nodded her head and smiled. “S-sure! No p-problem!” she said. Arron's smile widened. “Great!”

--

Ella sat beside Arron, and watched him as he read his script. She noticed, just like a a while ago, he just kept on staring at it. “You seemed a little spaced out...” she said to Arron. Arron looked up at her. “Can't believe you noticed...” he said. “How would I not notice. You've been staring at the same page for a long time...”

Arron looked up at the stage, and smiled “Ella, do you know why I joined the school play?” he asked her. Ella just shook her head. All she knows is that Arron was picked out for the part. “Mr. Hsu said if I accept this part, I'll automatically pass English. At least English would be the least subject I'll be worrying for this semester...” he began. “I failed a lot of subjects last sem... and i'm failing two more subjects this sem...”

Ella watched him as he explained everything. She could understand all of his worries. Then, he looked at her. “I'm not really a smart guy, Ella... and I'm scared that if my family finds out about my failed subjects, they'll get mad at me.” Ella held his hand and smiled at him. “I know they will understand...”
“I know my dad will, but I'm worried about how Chun and my grandpa would react. They're expecting a lot from me...”
“What subjects are you failing at?”
“Algebra and Natural Science...”

Then, an idea struck her. Since he saved her the last time, it's time to help Arron back. “I have an idea...” she said. Arron looked at her. “If you want, I can tutor you with those subjects. Well... that is if you want me to tutor you...” Arron smiled at her. “Of course I want to. I'll do everything to pass those subjects.” he said. Then, it was Ella's turn to smile at him. “It's a deal then.”
“Ella...”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for helping me out. You're such an angel...”

--

Calvin and Jiro looked at Ella dumbfounded. They still can't believe what sh have told them just seconds ago. “Whoa...” Jiro said. Calvin smiled as he shook his head. “What happened to our shy, little Ella Chen?” Jiro said. “It's all your fault, Jiro. You encouraged her!” Calvin said.

They were hanging out at their favorite cafe after the rehearsals that afternoon. It was there that Ella told them about Arron's dilemma, and how she volunteered to tutor him. She could tell her two best friends were happy at her progress with Arron. At least this time, she got to talk to him instead of watching him from afar. Jiro looked closely at her, then poked her cheeks, which annoyed her. “Aiyo! What are you doing, Jiro?” she shouted at him. “Who are you and what have you done to our best friend?” he shouted back at her. “It's still me, OK? It's just that now that Arron's been talking to me... I realized I just couldn't let this moment pass...” she said in a low voice. Calvin smiled at her and held her hand. “I'm happy for you...” he said. “If Angela's with us, I know she would be happy for you as well.”

Angela is another childhood friend of them. Before the second semester started, her family migrated to Canada, leaving the three behind. Like Jiro and Calvin, she knew from the start that Ella's crushing on Arron. “Oh yeah... she will be very happy and our ears will bleed because of her high pitched shriek.” Jiro said as he rolled his eyes. The two just laughed at his reaction. “Don't be like that, Jiro. I know you miss Angela as much as we do.” Ella said. Jiro sighed, and raised an eyebrow at the two. “Yeah, right...” he mumbled. “Anyway, Ella... just to remind you, don't expect too much from him. You know... he just broke up with Gui Gui and - “
“I know, I know. As for now, I'm contented being his friend and tutor. Let's fate take it's course...”

The, she looked up at Calvin, her eyes widened. She was grinning from ear to ear when she heard the last part he said. “Wait, did you just said he broke up with Gui Gui?” she asked. Calvin gave him a confused look. “Didn't you know? It's all over school. They broke up a few weeks ago.”

Ella leaned at her seat, her smile widened as Calvin confirmed what she heard. “Hmmm... then let's just see what's going to happen...” she said. “Let's just leave everything up to fate...”

[gherella07]

nice story! keep it up.=)

[sarahtiu015*Dolphin girl*]

waaa..
ate keisi!

ang ganda..

ahaha..ppwede ko ba iprint ate?

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 4- Getting to know each other


And we're getting to know each other a little too well
We're starting to show our feelings and people can tell
Every time your eyes meet mine
I light up like a neon sign
Coz we're getting to know each other a little too well...

--

“Then all you have to do is take the value of X the substitute it... from then you will be able to get the answer.” Ella explained to Arron. Ella looked up at him. She was hoping Arron would be able to understand her explanation, and that he would not be confused about it. “OK. I got it now!” Arron said, smiling at her. Ella sighed with relief upon hearing that. “Wow... you're explanation is way better that what Professor Lei told us. Maybe that's why I can't catch up with his lessons...” Ella blushed upon hearing his compliment. “Thank you...” she said shyly. “Thanks for the big help, Ella. Promise, if I pass this subject, I'll treat you out. Sky's the limit.” Arron said. Ella looked up at him, and shook her head. “Really, you don't have to do that Arron. I would be more than happy if you'll just accept me as your friend...”
“Actually... I've always wanted to befriend you. Since the first day of school when I saw you...”

Ella looked up at him again, surprised at what he said. “Y-you... you do?” she asked. Arron nodded his head. “But whenever I try to approach you, you would turn away. So, I thought you really didn't like me at all...” he said. Then, he smiled at her again. “Sorry if you think it that way... actually I've been wanting to befriend you as well, but I can't approach you since you're always with the popular kids.”
“Ahh... those guys... between you and I, sometimes I think they only hang out with me because I'm a Wu... because my family is rich. That's all. I really don't consider them as friends. I just hang out with them for the sake of hanging out.”

Then, he looked away from Ella, and stared at the stage. “I just wanted to have real friends... I feel like those people only liked me because of my family... they're with me through the good times, but they can't be there for me whenever I'm down. Sometimes I wonder, if I wasn't a Wu, would there be a chance that they would notice me? I don't think so...” he continued. Then, he looked at Ella again and smiled. “But you, I knew the first time I saw you, I know you're not like them. I've seen how you have been supportive with your friends, especially with Jiro. I've seen how much you cared for them, and how you valued them. And you know what, it would be my honor if you become my girl best friend. Not that I want to take you away from Jiro and Calvin. I know you three have been best friends since kids.” Arron said, laughing at the last thing he said. Ella, on the other hand, was just grinning from ear to ear. “Go Ella! Arron seems to like you a lot...”she said to herself. For her, this is a start of something more beautiful between her and Arron.

--

Meanwhile, at the other side of the auditorium, Gui Gui was watching as her ex-boyfriend and Ella. She crossed her arms, and threw dagger looks at Ella. “What a flirt!” she thought. She have observed that Ella and Arron have been getting close these past few days. It's not unknown to her that Ella have a huge crush on Arron, and seeing them close slims her chance at getting back together with him. “It seems that Arron is pretty interested with the nerd.” she heard someone say. She looked back, and saw her friends, Petty and Albee walking towards her. “I don't give d**n. Arron's still mine. There's no way she'll be able to take him away from me.” Gui Gui said. Albee put her arm over Gui Gui as they watched the two talk. “Seems like he really is. Seems like he have already moved on.” Albee said. “I could feel he still loves me. Besides, he's just using Ella because he's failing some subjects.” Gui Gui snapped back. “He's still mine. Arron's still mine.”

--

That afternoon, after the rehearsals, Ella and Jiro were about to go out of the auditorium when Gui Gui and her friends approached the two. “Excuse me...” Ella said. They tried to get to the door, but Gui Gui blocked their way.“Hey, can you get out of the way?” Jiro asked in an irritated way. Gui Gui smirked at Jiro. “Do you mind? I want to talk to Ella.” Gui Gui said. “You could've told us that you want to talk to my best friend instead of blocking our way.” Jiro said. Gui Gui rolled her eyes at Jiro, then she looked at Ella from head to foot. “What do you want from me, Gui Gui?” Ella asked, smiling at her. This time, Gui Gui smirked at her, then rolled her eyes. “Stay away from Arron.” she said. Jiro and Ella looked at each other, confused at what Gui Gui said.

“I thought the two of you broke up already?” Jiro asked. “No, we didn't. And whatever it is that's going on between us, it's none of your business!” Gui Gui snapped at him. Then, she turned to Ella. “So, better stay away from my man, or else...”
“Or else what?” They heard someone say. They looked back, and saw Arron walking towards her. “Arron.... honey?” Gui Gui said sweetly at him. He looked sternly at Gui Gui, and when she tried to hold his arm, he pulled her away. “Why are you threatening Ella?” he asked in a hard tone. “W-well... honey, its not that.... I'm just kidding her...” Gui Gui lied. “It didn't seem to me that you're just kidding around, Gui Gui. I don't think it's any of your business to pry into my life because we already broke up. Ella is my friend, my best friend. If I see you bullying her or her friends, you'll get it from me.” he said. Gui Gui turned to Ella, and gave her dagger looks. She and Jiro just stuck out their tongues at her as they watched her and her friends leave.

“Are you OK?” Arron asked Ella as soon as his ex-girlfriend left. Ella smiled at him and nodded her head. “Hey, Arron. Would you like to hang out with us? It's Ella's treat.” Jiro said cheekily. Ella gave him dagger looks and then, she nudged him. Arron nodded his head and smiled. “It would be my pleasure to hang out with you guys.”

--

Arron and Ella were at the library the next day. This time, Ella was tutoring Arron in science. “Hmmm... I think we need another book for science. I'll go get one, OK?” Ella said to him. Arron nodded his head, he watched her as she stood up from her seat and headed to the book shelves. Arron began to toy with Ella's notebook. He was flipping through its pages when he saw a lyric of “My Little Princess” written on one of the pages. He began to hum the song. As Ella went back to their table, she heard him humming her favorite song. “I can't believe you know that song...” Ella said. Arron looked up to her and smiled. “It's one of my favorite DBSK songs.” he said. Ella was surprised to hear what he said. “Really? You know what, I am a big fan of DBSK...” she said. “Ditto. Love DBSK as well.” he said. Ella could not believe what he said. She could not believe that they have something in common. “No way! Get out of here!” she exclaimed. Arron laughed, and nodded his head. “Really, I am. Though I am not a member of Cassiopeia, but I really am. I even went to South Korea to watch their concert.” he said.

He flipped another page from her notebook, and this time, he saw her drawing of Detective Conan. “Are you Detective Conan fan?” he asked. Ella nodded his head. “Why do you like the things that I like?” Arron said jokingly to her, then he winked at her. “Hah! You're the one who likes what I like.” Ella snapped back. “Don't tell me you like strawberry ice cream as well...” Arron said. Ella looked at him, with a surprised look in her eye. “Well... I like strawberry ice cream...” she said. “I knew it. I like strawberry ice cream as well...” Arron said. Ella smiled. “Well, isn't it funny? We both like the same things...” she said. Arron nodded his head. “It's like we're meant to be...” he said. Ella looked up at him. “Meant to be?” Arron nodded his head. “We're meant to meet and meant to be friends. Isn't it great?” he said. Ella nodded her head. “Yeah... you're right...” she said. Actually, she was thinking that they're meant to be more than friends. Then, Arron held her hand and looked into her eyes. “I'm really glad I met you, Ella. I'm glad to meet someone who could understand me and with the same wavelength as me. I'm glad you're my friend...”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 5 – True


I'm weak, it's true
I'm afraid to know the answer
Do you want me too?
Coz my heart keeps falling faster...

--

As soon as stepped out of the airport, Ariel's phone rang. She took it, and looked at it's screen. It was Chun that was calling her. “Oh, don't tell me you can't pick me up...” she thought. Knowing her boyfriend really well, she knows he's such a workaholic man. After all, he wouldn't be where he is right now if not for his hard work. She answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Hey princess...”
“Where are you?”
“Look behind you...”

She looked back, and saw Chun smiling at him. She smiled back at her boyfriend. He looked handsome as ever in his suit, it's as if he stepped out of men's magazine. Chun hugged her, and kissed her on the lips. “And I thought you were not coming...” she said to him. Chun shook his head. “I won't miss this for sure. You know how much I missed you...” he said to her. Then, he kissed her again on the lips. “Love you...” Ariel said. “Love you more, my princess.” he answered. Ariel smiled at him. She just love it when Chun says those words to him. “Shall we go? I want to have a quick lunch with you before I drive you home.” he suggested. Ariel nodded. He took her luggage and put it on the car that's already waiting in front of them.

--

Arron entered the front door of their mansion. As he was about to go up to his room, he heard someone call his name. “Arron!” he looked back and saw Ariel standing at the living room. Arron's face lightened up as she saw her. He smiled at her. He put his bag on the floor and ran towards her. “Ariel!” he said. As soon as he's already in front of her, he hugged her. She sure missed this girl. “I missed you so much, Arron!” Ariel said. “Me too...” then he let go of her. “When did you come back?”
“I just came back a few hours ago. I decided to stay here since mom and dad are on a cruise.”
“Really? That's great!”
“So you'll get to see much of me. And don't worry, I'll still annoy you to death.”

Arron just laughed at what she said. He wouldn't mind having Ariel around. They have a lot of catching up to do, and there are a lot of things that he wanted to show her. He knows that with Ariel around, Chun won't keep on picking up on him. Ariel is like his shield against Chun, since she's the only one that could calm his brother. “So, how's your school? Any girls that you're dating?” she asked. Arron shook his head. “Me and my girlfriend just broke up. I decided to be single for the mean time.” he said. “But there must be a lot of girls after you...”
“You can say that but I have no interest in them whatsoever... I want to concentrate on school, and on my art...”
“That reminds me. You promised me you'll show me your latest art works.”
Arron nodded her head. “Later after I cleaned up my room. I'll show you my latest works.” he promised. Ariel smiled at him. “I'm looking forward to that.”

Just then, Chun came. He put his arm around Ariel, and gave her a kiss on his cheek, then he looked at Arron and smiled. “Hey, you're home early.” he said, smiling at him. Arron smiled back at his brother. E was happy that Chun is in a good mood today. “Yeah, we didn't have rehearsals today.” he explained. “Rehearsals for what?” Ariel asked Arron. “I'm part of our school play, Grease. I play the lead actor. Will you watch me tomorrow?” he asked the two. Ariel looked at Chun, then turned to Arron. “Of course, me and your brother will watch your school play. I won't miss it for the world.” she said. Chun wrinkled his eyebrow as he looked at Ariel. “But, honey, it's not in my schedule and -” Ariel looked up at her boyfriend and glared at him. “Aiyo! Then fix your schedule. Besides, I know uncle Jonas and grandpa will watch him. I don't want to miss seeing Arron act on stage.” she said. She then looked at Arron and winked at him. “Fine. I'll change my schedule so I could go with you guys.” he said. “Thank you, honey!” Ariel said to Chun. She pinched his cheek, and kissed him on the lips.

Arron felt his heart twitch at that sight. He know he should get used to it by now, after all, it won't be long till Chun and Ariel's wedding, But he still felt jealous somehow. Chun was so lucky to have Ariel, his dream girl. “Uhmm... I guess I'll leave you guys for a while...” he excused himself. “I'll go change for a while. I'll meet you guys later.” then, he took his bag on the floor and went up to his room.

--

After changing to more comfortable clothes, Arron plopped to his bed. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about Ariel. He was happy to see her again, and he really missed her a lot. While she was away, he is contented with just thinking about her lovely, smiling face. Now, she's here for real. He looked at the side table, and saw his sketch pad. He took it, and open its pages. Most of the pages contains his sketches of Ariel. He would sketch her whenever he feels lonely and if he misses her. He softly traced his hand on her drawing, and smiled to herself. “Ariel... I wish I could tell you how I feel towards you...” he thought. To secretly love her is the only thing he could do now. He have been in bad terms with his older brother, and he knows that if he would confess his feelings towards his fiancée, things would complicate even further. He have loved her since they were kids. She have always been fond of her ever since, and though for her it's just a sisterly love, he knew what he feels is beyond that kind of love. He know that she is his true love, and though he have dated other girls, no one could compare to her. No one could compare to Ariel. He guess he could never love someone as much as he love Ariel.

His thoughts were interrupted with a soft knock on the door. “Arron...” he heard Ariel call. He immediately stood up from his bed, put the sketch pad on his drawer and locked it. “Coming.” he shouted. He opened the door, and Ariel immediately went inside his room. She scanned his room, and saw his sketches and painting all over the wall. “As time passes by, you're getting better, Arron.” she said. Then, she turned to him and smile. “Are you really sure you don't want to shift majors?” she asked Arron smiled at her and shook his head. “I promised Chun I'll help him with the company, so I guess I'm better off taking up Marketing.” he said. “But looking at your works, it seems that you are most happy when you paint. If you want, I can talk to Chun to let you off. You can still accept the scholarship that my school is offering...” Arron shook his head again. “I want to please Chun, so it's better if I follow what he says to me.” he said. “Well, if that's your decision, then I'll respect it. But if you changed your mind, you know you can always tell me.” she said. Arron smiled again and nodded his head. Then, he noticed that Ariel is all dressed up. “So, you any Chun Ge going out tonight?” he asked. Ariel nodded her head. “He insisted on a date, so might as well spend more time with him.” she said. Arron swallowed hard, feeling the green-eyed monster creeping up him again. “Well, I hope that the two of you would enjoy.” he said. Then, Ariel reached up to him, and kissed him on the cheeks before saying goodbye. Arron reached for that spot that Ariel kissed, smiled to himself. That kiss is another beautiful memory with Ariel on her vacation here in Taiwan.

--

That night, Chun took Ariel out for dinner, and Ariel was amused to find what her fiancee have prepared. It was in a private garden, there was a table for two in the middle, and the place is filled with her favorite flowers – red roses. At one corner, she saw a violinist playing their love song. “Wow...” she said. Chun looked at her and smiled. “I knew you would love this.” he said to her. Then, Chun gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You really know how to melt my heart, Chun Wu...” she whispered to her. They walked towards their seat, and had their dinner. They talked about each other's life while they were away from each other. After their dinner, Chun asked Ariel to dance with him.

“I missed you, I really do...” Chun whispered to her as they were slow dancing. “I missed you a lot, Chun...” Ariel answered. “I wish you could be by my side forever...” he said in a low, husky voice. Then, he paused. He reached for his pocket, and took out a red velvet box, and opened it. Ariel saw a diamond ring inside the box. Then, Chun bended on his knees as he took the ring inside the box. “Ariel, marry me. Be with me forever...” he said. Ariel smiled at her boyfriend. “You know very well that even if you don't propose to me, we'll end up getting married. After all, our parents have arranged for us...” she said. Chun shook his head. “Ariel, I can't wait any longer. Let's get married this year, don't come back to Switzerland, please?” he asked. Ariel was surprised at what he asked. She knew she should be ready for this, but somehow, she's just not ready to settle down. She love Chun, yes, but there are a lot of things that she wants to do before she become his wife. Ariel sighed, and shook her head. “I'm sorry... I can't... what you're asking is impossible...” she said. She looked at Chun and saw the smile slowly disappear from his face. He stood up, and walked away from Ariel. Ariel followed him. “Chun, I'm sorry...”
“All I want is for us to settle down now. Why can't you accept my proposal?”
“I wanted to settle down, Chun. I want to marry you. I really do... but not now.”
Chun turned around to face Ariel. “What difference will it make if we get married now or the next few years?” he asked. “A lot.” she said, smiling at him. She walked towards him, and put her arms around him. “There's a lot of things I want to do. A lot of places I want to see, a lot of things I want to experience. If I get married to you now, I won't be able to do those things for I will have to be a dutiful wife to you, and one day I will regret not being able to do things I want to do while I'm young. If you let me explore a little more, then I won't have regrets when I get old, and I can do my duty are your wife.” she explained. Chun sighed, as he resigned to her. “OK, but until when do I have to wait, Ariel?” he asked. “Give me four or five more years, then I'll be Mrs. Chun Wu.” she said. Chun can't do anything, but to give in to her request. “OK, a few more years... and I hope when I propose to you after five years, you'll accept this ring.” he said. Ariel nodded, then he kissed him on the lips and hugged him tight.

--

Chun drove Ariel to their home, and then he went to his favorite bar. He usually come to the bar whenever he feel stressed, or when he is disappointed. Tonight, he is really disappointed because Ariel turned down his marriage proposal. Things are not going as planned, he have expected that Ariel would say yes to him, but it didn't turned out that way. “Jerry, give me a Martini, please.” he said as he sat on the bar. The bar tender looked up at him and smiled. “Long time no see, Mr. Wu.” he said. Then, he poured him a glass of Martini. Chun took it and gulped it all down, then he ordered for a few more, until he finished up a bottle of Martini.

Meanwhile, Ella came inside the bar. She worked here as part-time waitress. “Hey, El!” she heard someone call her. She looked back, and saw her colleague, Joe, coming towards her. “Hey, Joe, what's up?” she asked. “Jerry asked you to help him at the bar. He'll go half-day tonight.” Joe explained. Ella nodded her head, and then went to the bar. “Hey, Jerry...” she said as she went inside. She heard him sigh with relief as soon as she came. “Thank God, you are here, El. I needed to go home early tonight, I think my wife's about to give birth...” Jerry explained. “No problem about that. I'll cover for you.” Ella said. Jerry nodded his head, and then handed her his apron. He was about to leave, when he noticed that Chun was already drunk. “By the way, don't let that guy drink too much. He already finished a bottle of Martini.” he said, pointing at Chun, who was pouring himself another glass. “And if you need help, you can always ask Danson, OK?” Ella nodded her head, and then waved goodbye to his colleague.

That night, they didn't have much customer, and Chun was the only person at the bar. “Give me another bottle of Martini, please...” he said, his speech already slurred due to too much alcohol intake. Ella walked up to him, and took the glass from his hand. Chun looked up at her, and gave her dagger looks. “Hey!” he shouted at her. “Sir, I think you had too much drink already...” she said. “I don't care. I know I can still take it.” he shouted at her. “But you're already drunk, sir...” she said in a calm tone. “I have a lot of money here, just give me another bottle, OK?” Chun insisted. Ella had no choice but to give in to her. She took a bottle of Martini and opened it for him. She watched him as he gulped down his drink. “I think this guy's depressed...” she thought as she watched him. Then, Chun looked up at her. “Hey why don't you join me?” he offered. Ella shook her head. “I'm sorry, sir. I can't drink at work. Besides, I'm allergic to alcohol...” she said, the last thing she said about the allergy was a lie. She looked closely at him, and she could see the sadness in his eyes. “Sir, are you OK?” she asked. Chun shook his head. “If you want to talk, then I can listen to you....” she said. Chun did not respond to her. Instead, he poured himself another glass of Martini and drank it.

Time passed by, and it was already closing time. Chun have managed to finish three bottles of Martini, and then he fell asleep on the bar. After Ella cleaned up, she approached him and woke him up. “Sir... sir...” she said, tapping him. Chun slowly woke up and looked at her. “Sir, we're already close...” she said. “I want another bottle of Martini...” he said. Ella shook her head. “I'm sorry sir, but we're already closed.” she said. Chun took his wallet and took out some cash. “Keep the change...” he said. He stood up, but he can't barely walk. As he took another step, he almost fell. “Sir!” Ella shouted. She ran to him and help him walk. Ella helped Chun until they reached for his car at the parking lot. As soon as they were in front of the car, She leaned Chun to his car, and then opened the door for him. As she reached for the door, Chun held her hand. She looked up at him. “Ariel...” he called. Then, he cupped her face, his face moved closer to hers. Ella knew what he was about to do, and was surprised at his action. She tried her best to free herself from his grip, but even though he was drunk, he's was too strong for her. “Uhhh... sir...” she nervously said. Then, it happened. Before Ella knew it, Chun was already kissing her. It was a long and passionate kiss, and not only that, it was her very first kiss. “Uhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm” she tried to shout as he kissed her. As soon as his lips released her lips, she gathered all her strength. “Waaaaaaahhhhhhhh!” she shouted, then he punched him on the face. In an instant, Chun fell unconsciously on the ground. She was too traumatized with what happened, her mind suddenly felt blank. She didn't know what to do, so she immediately ran back inside the bar. As soon as she's inside, she cried. She cried as she touched her lips that was kissed by a drunk stranger. “That bastard...” she thought. She lost her first kiss to someone she didn't know. She lost her first kiss to someone who have mistaken her for someone else. “And I was saving my first kiss for Arron!”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 6 – Dream of Me


Let me sleep, for when I sleep I dream that you are here
You're mine and all my fears are left behind
I float on air and nightingales' sings tender lullabies
So let me close my eyes
And sleep, a chance to dream
So I can see the face I long to touch, to kiss
But only dreams can bring me this
So let the moon shine softly on the boy I long to see
And maybe when he dreams, he dream of me...

--

It was 3 AM....

Ella opened the door of their apartment. She dropped her bag on the floor, and slumped on the couch. She still could not believe what happened a while ago. She felt harassed and exploited when that man kissed her outside the bar. She was saving her first kiss to her true love, and she never thought she would jut lose it a drunk stranger. “That bastard...” she thought. “He should not think of showing up himself to me or else!”. She will never forgive that man. “Waaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh” she shouted. Then, she saw the lights on upstairs, and heard someone running downstairs. Someone opened the lights to the living room, and there, she saw Calvin and Jiro giving her a confused look. Looks like she awakened the two with her shout of frustration. “Wei, Ella... do you even have an idea what time it is?” Calvin asked, yawning. Jiro scratched his head as he looked at her. At that moment, Ella began to break down. The two looked at each other, wondering what's wrong with her. “El, is there something wrong?” Jiro said as sat beside her. Calvin put his arm around her, and consoled her. “He... he... waaaaaaaahhh” she said before crying again. “He? Who? Did someone tried to attack you?” Calvin asked in a worried tone. “Did someone molested you?” Jiro asked. Ella slowly nodded her head. “What?” the two boys exclaimed. They will definitely not forgive the guy who molested their best friend. “What did he do? Did he tried to rape you?” Calvin asked again. “Was he able to reach the first base?” Jiro asked. Upon hearing that, Calvin glared at him. “He... he... he... waaaaaaaahhhhhhh” she cried again.

Jiro and Calvin looked at each other, not knowing what to do with Ella. “Should we report what happened to her to the police?” Jiro asked him. Calvin shook his head, and then looked at Ella again. “Ella, tell us what happened? We can't help you if you'll just keep on crying...” he said to her. “He... that bastard... he... he... he...” she said between sobs. “He what?” Jiro and Calvin asked. “He... he stole my first kiss!” she finally said. Jiro and Calvin looked at each other, they don't know if they would sympathize with their best friend, or laugh at her, or smack her head for making them worry for nothing. And they both thought she was almost raped. “Owkey...” Jiro said. “Someone just devirginized Ella's lips...” Calvin said. They looked at her, as she still cried. “We're definitely not going to report this to the police, Calvin.” Jiro said. Calvin nodded in agreement. “Was the guy drunk?” Jiro asked Ella. Ella nodded her head. “OK, the guy is drunk, he might've mistaken Ella for some hottie.” Jiro said to Calvin. When Ella heard that she smacked Jiro in the forehead. “I'm serious, OK. He kissed me. He stole my first kiss. I was reserving that for... for... for...” Jiro and Calvin sighed and rolled their eyes at her. “For Arron Yan-Wu...” the said in unison. “Get over it, Ella. It's not even you're first kiss. You used to kiss Calvin on the lips when we were five years old.” Jiro said to her. Then, Ella stopped crying and looked up at him. “I did?” she asked. Calvin nodded his head. “So technically, it's just a kiss. Not your first kiss, so get over it, OK?” Jiro said. Calvin looked up at Jiro, surprised at what he said. “Did I really kissed her?” Calvin asked. Jiro nodded his head. “You were the one chasing Ella for that kiss. And yes, Ella's your first kiss as well. And get over it. We were kids back then...” Jiro said. “Yuck...” Calvin muttered under his breath. Then, he looked at Ella, who was as surprised at her. “And don't ask me to give your first kiss back!” he shouted it. Ella smacked him on the head. “I won't ask for it, you dummy!” she shouted at him. Jiro shook his head as he watched the two bicker again. “Ella, I think it would be better if you don't go back to the bar. You're making us worry.” Jiro said to her. “But I just got in there, and besides my pay there would help a lot for our expenses...” she said. “I think Jiro's right. Just get another job. I'm afraid you'd kill that guy if you see him again.” Calvin said. Ella wrinkled her eyebrows. “I sure will kill him for what he did!”

--

Chun found himself standing in front of the altar. He looked around the empty church and found flowers decorating the place. He looked back and saw her standing by the door. As he expected, she looked beautiful in her long white tube gown. Underneath her veil, he could see her smiling at him. He smiled lovingly at her. Then, she started to walk towards him. He counted the steps she make as she walked down the aisle. One... two... three... four... five... twenty steps. She took twenty steps before she could reach him. “Ella...” he whispered his name. With her hand, and she reached up for his cheek. “I love you...” she heard him say. “I love you more...” he whispered. “I can't wait to spend forever with you, Ella...” he said. Then, he pulled back her veil, and kissed her lips.

He heard the alarm beeped nonstop. Chun reached for it and snoozed it. He sat up on his bed. Suddenly, he felt his head ache, as if it was being hammered. “Aww...” he said as he reached for his head. Well, he shouldn't have drank too much last night. He was too frustrated last night that's why he drank too much. Then, he looked around, and realized he was inside his room. How could it be, when he can barely drive last night? “What happened?” he thought. The last thing he remembered was the waitress telling him that he had enough drinks. How was he able to come home last night?

What bothered him more is his dream. Who is that Ella? Why is he marrying that girl in his dream instead of Ariel?

--

She found herself walking through the garden path with daisies all over the place. She smiled as she touched the daisies as she walked. Then, she heard someone call her name. “Ella!” She looked up and saw Arron, smiling at her. Then, she saw him extend his hand to her. “Come with me, Ella...” Arron said. Ella smiled and nodded her head. But as she was about to reach for him, he heard another voice calling her. “Ella...” the voice is much huskier, baritone in fact. She turned around and saw him, his face somehow blurred, but it felt as if she know him. “Don't choose him. Choose me. I am the one you love...” the man said. Ella became confused. He looked at Arron, who was still waiting for her, then he looked back at him. “B-but... I... I love Arron.” she said to him. Then he looked at Arron. She saw him smile and took her hand. Then, he pulled him towards that man. “Do you really love Ella?” Arron asked the man. She saw the man nod his head. Then, Arron looked at her and smiled. “Choose him, Ella...” she heard Arron say. “I know him too well, and I could feel he loves you more than anything else in this world...” Ella looked at the man. “Who... who is he?” she asked.

“Wakey wakey!” Ella was startled upon hearing Calvin and Jiro shout into her ears. As she woke up, she sat up on her bed and threw a pillow at them. “Wei! You guys don't have to shout!” she said to them. Jiro and Calvin just laughed at her, seeing that angry expression in her face. “We were trying to wake you up, you mushroom! We just couldn't wake you because you were still dreaming.” Jiro said. Calvin nodded in agreement. “And you were calling Arron's name.” Calvin added. “Did I?” Ella asked. Her two friends nodded their head.

--

“Good morning!” Ariel said as he entered the room. It was 10 AM, and she was surprised to see Chun still in bed. Chun looked up at her and smiled. “Aren't you going to work today? If you aren't then I would have to remind you about Arron's school play.” Ariel said. She saw down on Chun's bed, and noticed that he was rubbing his temple. “I've got a big headache...” Chun said to her. Ariel crossed her arms and glared at him. “That's what you get for drinking too much.” she said. Then, she noticed a bruise on Chun's left eye. “Did you got yourself in a fight?” she asked. Chun was startled with her question “What do you mean?” he asked. “You have a black eye.”

Then, Chun stood up and went to the bathroom to check on his face. When he faced the mirror, he saw a black eye on his face. He was trying to remember what happened last night. All he remembered is that he drank too much, and this lady bartender trying to talk to him into not drinking too much. As he tried to remember the events last night, he felt his head aching again. He flinched as he walked back to his room. “I have no idea where I got this black eye...” he said to Ariel. Ariel could see that Chun's in pain again. “Fine. Just take the day off, and rest for a while. You don't look well...” she said. Ariel helped Chun to his bed and tuck him in. “Sleep for a while. I'll be going to Arron's school to watch him. Don't worry, I'll cover for you...” Ariel said to him. “Can't you stay?” Chun asked giving her puppy eyes. Ariel just smiled and shook her head. “I promised Arron Ill be there.”

--

Backstage, Arron was pacing back and forth. Once in a while, he would peek behind the curtain. The seats he have reserved for his family is still empty. He wondered if his family and Ariel would be able to come. Then, Arron let out a sigh. “Please let them come. Please...” he prayed. “Arron?” he heard someone call. He looked around and saw Ella standing behind him, smiling at him. “It's OK to be nervous. Just breathe in and breathe out.” he said. Then, she walked up to him to fix his costume. “You're all set!” she said to him. Arron don't know why, but upon seeing Ella, all the anxiousness he's feeling was gone in an instant. “Actually, I'm more anxious that my family won't be able to come...” he confessed to her. Ella walked towards the curtain and took a peek. Then, he saw a lady and to elder man about to sit on the seats Arron have reserved. “I think they're here...” she said to Arron. Arron took a peak from a curtain, and saw Ariel with his dad and grandpa. He sighed with relief upon seeing them. “Whew...” he said. Then, he looked at Ella and smiled. “They're here...” he said to her. “Later after the play, I'll introduce you to my family...”

Ella smiled at him and nodded her head. “So, you're good to go now?” she asked him. Arron shook his head. “Now that family is there, I'm getting more nervous...” he said. 'What if I made a mistake while dancing? What if I forgot my lines? What if I've gone off-note while singing?” Ella smiled at him, then help his hands. “You'll be all right, Arron. I've watched you rehearse, and I know you will wow them with your performance. Believe me...” she said to him. Arron smiled at him again. “Ella, thank you for your encouragement. It means a lot to me.” he said to her. “No problem, anything for a friend.”

--
Arron and the whole cast took a bow, and the audience stood up from their seats. Arron felt happy, knowing that their audience have loved their performance. As soon as the curtain closed, Arron rushed to the backstage to look for Ella. “Ella!” he shouted as soon as he saw her. “It was an awesome performance, Arron! Congratulations!” she said. Arron was so happy, that he hugged her, and carried her, twirling her around. Then, he put her down, pinching her cheeks. “You are my lady luck, Ella!” he said. Ella blushed at what he said. “Aww, you're so sweet, Arron!” she said. “Hey, it' true. When you peaked at that curtain, my family arrived. Then, you took all my nervousness away. Plus, you helped me pass my subjects. I really don't know how to thank you, Ella.” he said. Then, he held her hand “Come on, I'll introduce you to my family.” he said to her. Then, he pulled her to meet his family.

--

“Dad, Grandpa!” Arron shouted as he ran towards them. The two elders, as well as Ariel looked up at him and smile. “Congratulations, Arron! Job well done!” his grandpa said. “Thank you, grandpa.” he said to the elder man. “I'm sorry that your brother was not able to come. He's not feeling well today.” he heard Ariel said. Arron looked at her and smiled. “It's OK...” he said. “As long as you're here...” he added silently. Then, his father noticed Ella, who was standing beside him. “And I see you have a friend here...” Jonas said to his son. He winked at her, thinking she was Arron's girlfriend. “Oh... Dad, Grandpa, I want you to meet Ella.” he said. Then, he looked at her and smiled. “She's my best friend.”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 7 – Close to you


With you by my side
Girl it feels all right
And now that I'm close to you
I could stay all night
No matter where I go
No matter what I do
In the end your smile
Will bring me back to you

--

“She's my best friend.” Arron said to them. Ella blushed upon hearing what he said. Well, it's close to him telling them that she's his girlfriend, right? “Oh...” both his grandpa and dad said. And they both thought that she is the girlfriend. His father extended his hand to her, and smiled. “I'm Arron's father, Jonas Wu.” he said.. Ella shook his hand. “Hi, Mr. Wu, I'm Ella Chen...” she said. “Oh, please call me Uncle Jonas. I'm glad to meet one of Arron's friend here in school.” he said. Then, the elderly man smiled at her, and shook her hand as well. “I'm Wu Jian Ling, I'm Arron's younger brother, but you can call me grandpa.” he said. Ella couldn't help but laugh at the old man's joke. “Nice meeting you, grandpa.” Ariel looked at her, and smiled. “Hi, Ella. I'm Ariel, Arron's future sister-in-law.” she said Ella smiled at her and shook her hand. “It's nice meeting you as well, Ariel.” she said. She felt giddy meeting Arron's family. She never thought Arron would introduce him to them, and she wondered if Gui Gui was able to meet his family as well.

“So, is she also going to be my daughter-in-law?” She heard Arron's father asked. He looked at uncle Jonas, and saw him winking at his son. She looked at Arron, and saw him blushing. “Dad... stop it...” he muttered. He looked embarrassed in front of him, but she felt more giddy. “Maybe Arron likes me after all...” she thought. “Yes, Jonas... stop teasing your son. I bet he haven't proposed to Ella yet...” grandpa said. “Actually, Arron and I are really good friends.” Ella said. She felt happy that his family would accept her, and would consider her being part of their family in the future. Ella looked at Arron, and saw him nodding his head. “That's right. Ella here helped me with my subjects. She's a dean's lister, I forgot to mention.” he said. “Wow, not only is your best friend pretty, she's a smart girl too!” Uncle Jonas said. Ella just blushed at what his father said. “Ella,” she heard Ariel call. She looked up at her, and saw her smiling at her. “We're going to have a small dinner party at our house to celebrate Arron's performance. Would you like to join us?” Ariel asked. Ella looked at Arron, and he saw him giving her puppy eyes. “Please?” he asked. “OK...” she answered. Anyway, she can't say no to the guy he loves, right?

--

“Come, I'll show you my room...” Arron said as he opened the door. Ella followed Arron inside his room, and found its walled filled with his drawings and paintings. “Wow... you made all of these?” she asked in an awed tone. Arron looked at her and nodded his head. “I made them during my free time.” he said. “Wow! You're really talented, Arron! One day, you'll be a great painter, Arron. Just do your best. Jia You!” she said to him. Arron just laughed at her shaking his head. “I really wish I would become a painter, Ella...” he said. Ella saw the smile slowly fading in his lips. Arron sat on his bed, and Ella sat beside him. “I really wanted to paint. That's my greatest dream. But...”
“But?”
“I don't think it would happen...”
“But why? You're really good. If you'll just put your heart in it, you'll make it.”
Arron just smiled at her. Her encouragement means a lot to him, Guess he have tell her the reason why he couldn't fulfill his dream as a painter, after all, they're friends. “I know dad would like me to do whatever it is I want to do. He's not a strict dad, Ella... but there are just things that I can't do because I am one of the heirs of the Wu...” he began. “I have my obligations and responsibilities in our family. And one of them is to help run our company in the future. They may not say it, but they expect a lot from me, especially Chun Ge... well, Chun Ge expects me to help him in the future. I understand, since I've seen him sacrifice a lot for the company ever since dad quit and grandpa retired...” he said. Ella wrinkled her forehead, she could understand what Arron is trying to say, but she could not understand why he have to forget his dream just because of his future responsibilities. “You can still become a painter, if you really want, Arron. Besides, there are people out there who chases their dreams while doing an 8 to 5 job. Some of them really become famous. So, just do whatever it is that your heart says, and one day you'll achieve great things.” she said. Then, she winked at him. “You know Hana Kimi, right? Sano Izumi said that hard work will definitely be rewarded, and the rest is to believe in yourself. Just believe in yourself, Arron. Do your best, and always believe that you can do it.” she said.

Arron smiled at his best friend. She always tells him the right things, making him feel much better. He's glad that Ella's here, and that he could confide in her. If not, then maybe he would go crazy being lonely. Most of all, he was glad that she's here to listen to him. There's a lot of things that he wanted to tell her, but he'll just save it for another day. Arron held her hand, and squeezed it, much to Ella's surprise. “Ella... thank you for listening to me. I really owe you a lot...” he said. “Hey, what are friends for?” she said. Then, she realized just what she said. Friends... she was glad that Arron's her friend now. But despite that fact, her heart is wishing that Arron would someday see her as more than that.

--

After a while, the two went downstairs to have dinner with Arron's family. They were happily chatting about Arron and Ella's activities in school, as well as about the school play. “Really? I almost forgot my line?” Arron asked his dad, who was teasing him about his small goof at the play a while ago. “Yes, you did. I saw you looked backstage, and then you were able to deliver your ad lib.” Uncle Jonas said. Arron suddenly remembered that incident. Yes, he did forgot his line, so he looked at the prompter. Instead of reading the idiot board the prompter was holding, he looked at Ella who was mouthing his line that time. “Oh, I remember...” he said, smiling. Then, he looked at Ella. “It was Ella who reminded me my lines that time.” he said. Ella smiled back at him. “Good thing I was holding your script. Wei, why aren't you looking at Jiro, who was holding the idiot card?” she asked. Arron just luahged. “I don't know, but whenever I look at Jiro, I want to laugh out loud. He looked funny with his golden highlights. He looked like a monkey!” he said. Everyone laughed at what he said. Arron glanced at Ariel, and saw her laughing hard. He felt his heart skip a beat at her sight. He have always wanted to see her smile and have her attention, and today, he did all that. He was glad that Ariel came to his school play to watch him. “But really, Arron...” he heard Ariel said. Arron looked up at her. “You were great out there.” she said. Arron blushed at what she said. “Thanks, Ariel...” he said.

Just then, everybody paused, as they saw someone walk downstairs. “Chun is finally here...” Ella heard Arron's dad say. She looked back, and she was surprised to see him – that same man who stole a kiss from her. “Uh-oh...” she thought. She froze in her place, not knowing what to do next. All she can do is watch Arron's brother as he kissed Ariel on the cheeks and sit beside her. Chun threw a glance at her, and noticed the way he looked at her. “What's wrong with this girl?” he thought. “Oh, by the way. Chun, this is Ella, Arron's classmate at the Uni. Ella, this is Chun, Arron's older brother.” Ariel said. Chun looked at her and smiled, extending his hand to her. Ella hesitantly took it, and shook his hand. “N-n-nice meeting you...” she stuttered. Chun raised an eyebrow at her, she looked she have seen a ghost when she saw him. “Why can't Arron have normal friends?” he thought. Arron looked at Ella and noticed a change of expression on her face. She looked pale upon seeing his brother. “Wei, are you OK, Ella?” he whispered to her. Ella looked at him and nodded her head slowly. “Y-y-yeah... I think...” she said.

She became silent all throughout the dinner. She would just stare at her plate, and would sometime glance at Chun when he's not look. “Oh my God... why are you playing a trick on me?” she thought. This is more complicated than she thought. She swore to herself that when she sees that man at the bar again, she will have no mercy at him, and would make him pay for kissing her, but he never thought that he is related to Arron. “Why does it have to be my future brother-in-law?”

--

Ella was still shocked when she got home. As she opened the door, she saw Jiro happily chatting with someone on the phone, while Calvin is busy preparing their dinner. “Wei, Ella, what's wrong?” Calvin asked as soon as he saw her by the door. Ella did not notice him, and instead, she sat on the couch. Jiro also noticed the shock in Ella's face, she really looked pale as if she have seen a ghost. “I'll call you later, Angela...” he whispered on the phone. He stood up from his seat and went near Ella. “El, are you OK?” he asked. Both of them were wondering what happened to their best friend. She looked up at the two, and then she shouted. “Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh” The two flinched as she shouted in their face. Calvin glared at her. “Wei, if you're mad at us, don't just shout at us, OK?” he said. Ella shook her head in disbelief. She seemed like she discovered something she shouldn't have. “Oh my God... oh my God, oh my God, oh my God...” she muttered. Jiro looked at Calvin, confused with what's happening. “What's wrong?” Jiro asked. Ella looked up at Jiro. “I saw the man who stole my kiss...” she said.

It was Jiro's turn to be shocked. “Oh my God! Ella killed someone!” he said. Then, he looked at Calvin, and held him by his shoulder. “Calvin, let's hide Ella. What if the police is now looking for her? What if there's witnesses?” he panicked. He sat beside Ella and hugged her. “Don't worry, El. We'll help you. Get your passport ready, I'll call Angela and tell her we'll send you to Canada because of the crime you've done....” he said to her. Calvin just raised an eyebrow at his crazy friend. Ella, on the other hand, broke free from Jiro's hug. “Aiyo! What are you talking about?” she asked. Jiro gave her a confused look. “You killed the guy who stole a kiss from you, right?” he asked. Calvin just laughed. “Wei, you're jumping to conclusions, Jiro. Let Ella explain first...” he said. Ella leaned on the couch, pouting at the two. “How I wished I hit him till he's black and blue... but I didn't and I can't...” she said. Calvin sat beside her and put his arm around her. “Why?” he asked. “He just so happened to be Arron's older brother, that's why.” she explained. Jiro and Calvin looked at each other. “Oh...” the said in unison while nodding their head. “At least you got close with the older brother now...” Jiro joked. “But it was so embarassing! You should've seen me when I saw him, it's like I've seen a really scary monster. He is such a pervert, despite that he looked respectable. He looked really mean!” Ella said. “Just consider that kiss as Arron's kiss, anyway he's his brother, right?” Calvin said. Ella glared at him, and then punched him in his arm. “It's not funny...” she said, rolling her eyes at him.

--

Arron heard a knock on his door. He stood up from his bed, to open the door. He was surprised to see his brother. “Chun...” he said. Chun smiled at him. “May I come in?” he asked. Arron nodded his head, and let his brother enter his room. He looked around the room, and saw that his room was filled with his paintings. Arron can tell that his brother is not happy seeing his works. “So, is this what's keeping you occupied that's why you can't study your lessons?” he asked. Arron lowered his head. “I'm only painting when I have free time...” he said in a low voice. “I'm just concerned about you. Better focus on your studies. I heard from one of your professors that you might fail several subjects this semester.” Chun said. Arron just nodded his head. “I will, Chun Ge...” he said. Chun smiled at him. “Good. You know that you have to graduate soon so that you can help me run the company. I have planned everything for you, so don't fail me...” he said. “I understand, ge...” Arron answered. “And by the way, about that girl... is she your girlfriend?”Chun asked. Arron looked up at him and shook his head. “He's just my friend, ge. A really good friend. She helped me a lot in school.” he explained. “I have nothing against her, but I just find her really weird. Don't you have other friends beside her?” Chun asked. Arron nodded his head. He does have a lot of friends in school, and most of them are the children of Chun's business partners. But he can't explain to his brother that he prefers hanging out with Ella and her friends because he considers them as his real friends. “D-don't you like Ella, Chun ge?” he asked. “Well, from what I heard from Ariel, she seems to be a nice girl. Plus the fact that she's a dean's lister. I have no qualms about her.” he said. Arron just smiled at his brother. “Thank you, ge... I'm glad you approve of Ella as my friend.” he said.

Chun reached for him and ruffled his hair. “You better go to sleep now. You still have classes tomorrow.” he said. Arron nodded his head, and watched Chun as he reached the door. Chun paused, and then looked back at him. “By the way,” he said. “Congratulations. I heard you did great on your school play. I wish I was there to watch you.” he said before leaving his room. Arron smiled to himself, happy at what his brother told him. It's not always that Chun recognizes his achievement, and to him, this means a lot to him. He just hope this would be a start of a good relationship between them.

--

“So, you finally did it...” Chun heard someone say as he reached for the door. He looked back, and saw Ariel walking up to him. Chun smiled at her as she got closer to him. “Well, it's a start. I just wish Arron would start listening to me now.” he said. “Arron is an obedient boy. You just have to see that, Chun. He really doesn't want to fail you that's why he's trying his best. Give Arron a chance, OK?” Ariel said. Chun nodded his head. “I will.” he said. “And one more thing...” Ariel said. “Let him do what he wants to do...” Chun knew where their conversation is heading - it's the scholarship that Ariel's school is offering his brother. “Ariel, sweetheart... you know that I need Arron's help with the company. He can still paint while working for me. And besides, it's just a waste of time...”
“But sweetheart, Arron's really god at painting. I know that the only reason why he turned down the scholarship is because of you. Talk to him, it would be much of a waste if he won't hone his talent.”

Chun gave Ariel a confused look. “Arron turned down the scholarship?” he asked. Ariel nodded her head. “So, talk to Arron about it, OK?” she said. Then, she reached up to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Good night, my prince...” Ariel said, then she retreated to her room. Meanwhile, Chun ;eaned on the wall, reflecting on what Ariel said. “Arron turned down the scholarship... but why?” he thought. He knew his younger brother is excited about it. He could still remember the day when Arron told him about his art scholarship. Instead of congratulating him, he told him that he will just be wasting his time if he would accept it, and that he should help him run the company after he graduate from college. He have already planned everything for his younger brother, and if he took that scholarship, he would ruin everything he have set for him. He could still see the hurt in his eyes that day, but Arron agreed o everything he said. “Maybe I'm too strict at him...” he thought.

--

He found himself in a garden filled with daisies. He looked up, and he saw Ariel running away from him. “Ariel!” he called. Ariel stopped, and looked at him, smiling. Ariel smiled back at him, and began to ran again. Chun ran after him, and when he reached her, he held her hand. “Ariel...” he called again. Then, she looked at him, but Chun was surprised to see that it's not Ariel that he was holding anymore. It was another girl. “Who... who are you?” he asked. “Chun...” he heard someone call him. He looked back, and saw Ariel behind him. “Ariel?”
“Chun... I'm sorry...”
“B-but Ariel...”
“She's the one you need... that one that's in your heart. Choose her, Chun... be with her. I want you to be happy...”
Chun looked at the girl he was still holding. “You?” he asked her. He's getting confused with what's happening around him. “Ella...” he heard someone call the girl. He looked back again, and he saw his brother walking up to him. “Choose him, Ella.” he heard Arron say. “I know him too well, and I could feel he loves you more than anything else in this world...” Chun gave his brother a confused look. He looked at the girl, and he can tell she was confused as well. “Who are you?” he asked. “Chun... she is your true love...”

Chun slowly opened his eyes. He looked at his clock, and saw that it's only 3 AM. He sat up, wondering what his dream is all about. This is the second night he have this dream. “Ella...” he thought. Then it hit him. Ella was the name of Arron's friend that he introduced a while ago, and she was the same girl in his dream. “But... why her?”

--

Three weeks later...

Arron took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Before he could, Ariel already opened the door. “Hey, Arron!” she greeted. Arron smiled at her. “Hi... uhmmm... are you busy?” he asked. Ariel shook her head. “I'm just packing my things. Why do you ask?” she said. “I was hoping we could... uhmmm...”
“Do you want to go out with me?”
Arron looked up at her and nodded his head. “OK. Just wait for me.” she said, then she entered her room again. Arron leaned on the wall and smiled. “Yes...” he thought. After a while, Ariel came out of her room. “I'm ready!” she told him. Arron smiled at her, “So, where do you want to go?” he asked. “Let's go to the park where we used to hang out as kids.” Ariel said. Arron nodded his head, and then held Ariel's hand as they went down the stairs together.

They were strolling along the park, watching the kids as they play tag. “Remember when we were kids? Chun, you and I would always play tag here at the park...” Ariel said. Arron nodded his head and smiled at her. “Yes, I remember. Remember when Chun was away, we were playing tag and you fell on the ground?” he asked. Ariel laughed as she remembered that. “Ah, yes...”
“And you were crying hard that time because you have a big wound on your knee...”
“And you did everything to make me stop crying. You even bribed me with ice cream!”
“The only way that I made you stop crying was when I did that funny dance.”
Ariel laughed hard as she remembered their childhood. “That dance was really funny... where did you learn that dance?” she asked. “I just saw that on TV... and don't ask me to dance that one as I can't remember it already.” Arron said. Ariel pouted at him. “You really don't remember it anymore?” she asked. Arron shook his head. “OK... I won't ask you to do it again.” she said.

They walked towards the swing, and then sat on it. “Arron, thank you for taking care of me while I'm staying here...” she said to him. “I'm glad that you enjoyed my company, although we didn't get to hang out that much.” he said. “You know what, your girlfriend will be lucky to have you as their boyfriend. You're nice, sweet and a gentleman.” she said. Then, she looked up at him. “Do you like someone already?” she asked again. Arron paused, and then she looked into her eyes “Yes... there is...” he said. He wanted to tell her that he have liked her since they were kids, but he's scared of what will happen if he admits it to her. “So, who's the lucky girl?” Ariel asked. Arron looked up at her again, and smiled. “It's A.... It's Ella...”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 8 – Because of You



From the moment the morning smiles by showing its golden ray
I know I won't be lonely anymore
Seeing your bursting face in front of me, I put it on top of my heart
Having you, my world is not the same

--


Two years later...

“Congratulations, graduates of 2009!” Everyone inside the school auditorium cheered. They all took off their hat, and threw it in the air. Batch 2009. Finally, they are free from school.

Ella looked around her, and smiled to herself. Finally, all of her hard work have paid off. “Ella!” he heard someone call. She looked back, and he saw Arron holding a bouquet of flowers. Ella smiled at him as he walked towards her. “Congratulations!” he said as he handed her the flowers. “Thank you...” she said. Arron just smiled at her. “I envy you guys... you have graduated, but as for me, I still have to stay here in school for another year.” he said. Ella just smiled at him. “Don't worry, You'll graduate next year. I'll still help you with school.” she said. Arron shook his head. “You've helped me enough, Ella. More than enough. Guess this major is really not for me. Gee, I never thought it could be tough...” he said.

During their final year in college, Arron failed a lot of subjects, and most of it were major subjects. Ella tried to help him with all that she could, but she was not able to save Arron's grade unlike before. It was hard on her part since they belonged to different classes. “If only we were classmates this semester, then maybe I was able to help you...” Ella said in a low voice. Arron smiled at her as he lifted up her chin. “Hey, don't blame yourself. It was my fault that I failed. But now, I know better. I assure you, next year, I'll graduate with flying honors.” he said proudly. “Promise?” Arron lifted his right hand. “Cross my heart and hope to die.” he said. Just then, they saw Jiro and Calvin running up to him. “Arron! Ella!” Jiro shouted. “Hey, Jiro!” Arron greeted. “Congratulations to the two of you.” Arron said to the two. Calvin smiled at him. “Thanks, Arron.” he said. “So, what are your plans after graduation?” Arron asked. “Well, a sports channel hired me to be one of their staff, and Calvin here will take over their family business in a month's time. “Jiro said. Arron turned to Ella. “How about you, Ella?” he asked. “I think I'll have a vacation first then I'll find a job.” she said. “Oh, by the way, Arron. I already emailed it to you.” Jiro said. Upon hearing that, Arron looked at him, and put his finger on his lips, asking him to keep silent. Calvin nudged him as well. “Blabber mouth...” Calvin muttered. Ella gave the three a confused look. It's as if they were keeping some things from her. “What is it? What did Jiro emailed to you?” she asked. “It's your resu -” before Jiro could finish what he was saying, Calvin covered his mouth. “We really can't trust you with our secrets, Jiro.” Calvin told him. Ella looked at Arron again. “Secret? What secret?” she asked. Arron sighed, and then asked Calvin to let go of Jiro. “Well, I guess it's not a secret anymore, since Jiro already gave you a hint.”
“What do you mean?”
“I asked Jiro to send me a copy of your resume.”
“My resume? What for?”
“Well, there's an opening at our company for Chun's specialized marketing team, and I gave your resume so that they would consider you for that position.”

Ella's eyes widened upon hearing what Arron said. She will be working with his pervert brother? “What?!” she exclaimed. “I'm really sorry, Ella. Your friends told me that you were already looking for a job, and the companies you've applied for did not call you yet, so I decided to seek help from my brother so that you'll get a job. It's my way of saying thanks to you for all the things you've done for me.” Arron explained. Ella smiled at him and shook her head. “No, no... it's OK, really. I appreciate it. You helped me a lot, Arron. Thank you.” she said sweetly. “And by the way, “ Arron continued. “You have an interview with my brother tomorrow, so better be prepared.”

Upon hearing that, Ella's eyes popped out. “Tomorrow?!” she exclaimed. Arron nodded his head. She looked away from Arron. What if she gets hired? How will she get away from his pervert brother?

[Ella's imagination]

“Oh, Ella... come here...” Chun called her. Ella walked slowly towards him. She hugged the folders tight. She know what Chun wanted this time. “Y-y-yes s-s-s-sir?” she stuttered. Chun smiled sexily at him. “Ella, baby, come here...” he said, pointing at his lap. She looked at his lap, and then looked at her boss's face. He saw him as he licked his lips. “Come on, Ella baby. It's time to play...” he said. She looked up at the ceiling, hoping God would have mercy on her. “Noooooooo!!!!!”

[End of Ellas imagination]

Arron could see the frightened expression on her face. He could understand why she's that way, after all, Chun is really a strict guy. “Wei... don't worry. My brother is not as bad as you think. You're going to be all right.” he assured her. “Well...” she said as she sighed. “I wish I will be.”

--

The next day, Calvin drove Ella to the Wu Corporation's office. Ella took a deep breath, but as she reached for the door to get out of the car, she hesitated. She turned to Calvin again. “Can you tell me why you won't hire me in your company?” she asked. “Because I've been with you since kindergarten, and I'm fed up with your mushroom face.” Calvin said. “Don't you really want me to work for you?” she said, giving him puppy eyes. Calvin rolled his eyes at her. “Please, Ella. We've been together wince kids, can you separate yourself from me for once? And how will you be able to get close with Arron's family if you won't accept this job?” he said. Ella lowered her head, pouting. “I will if Arron will become my boss, not his pervert of a brother...” she said. Calvin just sighed at his best friend. He pushed Ella from her seat to make her come out of the car. “You're gonna be late for your interview...” he told her.

Ella walked through the carpeted lobby of the 35th floor of the building, where Chun's office reside. She walked over the reception area, and she saw a girl receptionist and a guy talking. She approached them, and smiled. “Good morning...” she said. The two looked up at her. The guy smiled at her as well. “You must be Ella Chen, right?” he asked. Ella nodded her head. “Hi. I'm Wallace Huo, Chun's assistant. I've heard a lot about you from Arron.” he said. He extended his hand to Ella, and Ella shook his hand. Then, she watched him as he looked at his watch. “Hmmm... you're way too early for your interview.” he commented. Ella just smiled at him. “I didn't like to make people wait, and I want to make a good impression on Mr. Wu.” she said. Wallace smiled at her. “Oh, you can call him Chun ge. That's what Arron call him.” he said, winking his eye. Wallace walked away from her, entering Chun's office. Ella got what he was trying to say. Obviously, Chun's assistant got it all wrong. “No.. you don't understand. Arron's not my boyfriend...” she explained. She heard the lady receptionist laugh as she tried to explain to Wallace. “No worries. I know you're not yet Arron's girlfriend, but will be.” she said. The girl smiled at her. “By the way, I'm Joe Chen, the receptionist here. Why don't you take a seat for a while?” she said as she pointed at the couch at the corner of the room. Ella nodded and then took a seat.

Meanwhile, Wallace entered Chun's office and handed him the documents he needed. “Thanks, Wallace.” he said, not looking up at him. “By the way, Arron's friend is already here.” he said. Chun looked up at him, wrinkling his forehead. He looked at him watch, and saw that Arron's friend is an hour earlier. “Well... at least she won't have to ruin my schedule. Let her in.” he told him. Wallace nodded his head and went outside to call Ella. After a few seconds, Wallace came back, and behind her is Ella. “I'll leave the two of you for a while.” Wallace said. Then, he got out of his office. Chun took a glance at Ella and then proceeded with reading the documents. “Have a seat, Ms. Chen.” he said. Ella nodded his head, and took a seat in front of Chun. Chun put the document down, and then faced her. He have read Ella's resume the night before. Honestly, he didn't want to consider Ella for this position since she's still inexperienced, but his grandfather insisted. After all, Ella have charmed her way to the Wu family. “I won't beat around the bush anymore, Ms. Chen. As you can see, Wu Corporation is the leader when it comes to marketing strategies, and we only hire the best people. We handle marketing strategies to the top companies not only in Taiwan, but also all over the Asia. Right now, we are expanding our company to make it known globally. Wu Corporation is...” Ella is not listening to what Chun is saying. She know she should have learn about what their corporation is all about, but can he save it for their orientation on the first day? And what happened to to 'I won't beat around the bush' part?

“And so with that, Ms. Chen, you're hired.” she heard him said. Ella seemed to be shocked at what he said. “Excuse me?” she asked. “I said you're hired.” Chun repeated, this time, he took the document from the table and reviewed it again. “But, you have not asked me a question yet. What happened to the 'Tell me more about yourself' part?” she asked. Chun was annoyed with Ella's questioning. He sighed as he put the documents down again. “My family already knew you, and your capabilities, Ella... except for me. To tell you honestly, I'm eying another candidate for this position. Grandpa insisted on hiring you because she's really fond of you. So, consider yourself lucky that you got this job without lifting a finger.” he said. “But, that would be unfair to the other applicants. You can't just hire me, just because your grandpa likes me or I'm Arron's friend...” she said. Chun stood up from his leather chair, and then walked towards her. “Ms. Chen, just because I hired you right away, doesn't mean I'm going to make your life easier when you start working for me. You'll work for me directly, and you will be under probation for the next six months. And I tell you... I am a very strict boss.” he said. Then, he leaned over her, that his face was too close to her. Ella's eyes widened as Chun moved his face closer to him. “Perv...” she thought. She was thinking that Chun will kiss her again. “So...” he asked in a husky tone. “Tell me something about yourself, Ms. Chen?” he smirked at her, feeling contented seeing the fear in her eyes. He didn't wait for her answer, and he moved away from Ella. “That question is irrelevant, I must say. I will get to know you as soon as you start working for me. You will start on Monday, and don't be late.” he said. He retreated back to his seat, and resumed to what he was doing a while ago. “You may go now, Ms. Chen. I'll see you on Monday.”

--

“OK... I'm on my way.” Arron ended the call. It was Ella who called him, asking him to meet him at the coffee shop near the university. She said that his interview with Chun just ended, and she needed to talk to him. As she was about to leave the mansion, he saw his grandfather having tea by the patio. “Grandpa, I'll go out for a while to meet Ella.” he said. His grandfather looked at him and smiled. “Are you going to propose to her this time?” he teased. Arron just smiled back at him. “Grandpa, you know that Ella and I are just friends...” he said. “But you're acting otherwise. I know you like Ella a lot. Why don't you tell her how you feel, and make her your girlfriend. No, make him your wife. I want her to be a part of this family.” his grandpa said. He took a seat beside his grandfather. “She's the first girl you introduced to us. It means that Ella is really special. What's keeping you from courting her?” grandpa asked. Arron lowered his head, unable to answer his question. “Or is it because you like someone? Someone you loved secretly, and whom you can't confess your feelings to?” he asked. Arron looked up at him, surprised at what he said. Does his grandfather know about his feelings for Ariel? “Grandpa...”
“I am an old and wise man, Arron. I've been there and done that. I know. I have a strong feeling. It would be better if you let that girl you like what you feel because you might end up regretting it.” he said. His grandpa gave him a warm smile and then put his hand on Arron's shoulder. “The only wrong this to say the way you feel is when you don't say it at all.” he said. Arron smiled at him and nodded his head. “I'll keep that in mind, grandpa.”

--

Arron reached the coffee shop, and at one corner, he saw Ella. He smiled as he walked towards her. “El!” he called. Ella looked up to him and smiled. He took the seat in front of her. “So, how was the interview?” he immediately asked. “I'm hired...” she said. Arron's face lightened up upon hearing that. “Really? That's a good news!” he said. Ella just sighed as she leaned on her chair. “But your brother... I don't feel like working for him...”
“He's just a little strict, don't worry. I know you'll wow him in the end. Just work hard. I know you can do it.”
“Why can't you be my boss instead?”
“I'm not yet working there... don't worry, as soon as I graduate, I'll make you I disagreeistant.”
Ella frowned at him. She was expecting not to be hired by Chun, but the opposite happened. “Your brother's really weird. He didn't even asked me any questions. He only oriented me about the company, the mission and vision, blah blah blah. Then, he told me I'm hired. Is he really that weird?” she asked him. Arron laughed at what he said. “Well, he's not always like that. There's always an exception. Grandpa pulled a few strings so that Chun would hire you. Grandpa really likes you, you know...” Arron said. Ella smiled at him this time. “I like your family, Arron. They're all nice, well... except for your brother...” she said. Arron gave her a confused look. “You didn't like my brother, don't you?” he asked. “I've noticed when you first met him, your face became pale. You always come at our house when you're sure he's not around. Did he do something to you?” he asked. Ella sighed, guess it's no secret anymore. She have to let Arron know what happened in the past so that he could understand the reason why she's scared his brother. “OK, I'll tell you, but promise me you will still be my friend. OK?” she said. Arron nodded his head. “Well, you know that I was working part time before in a wine bar as a bar tender, right?” she began. Arron nodded his head again. “Your brother is one of our customers, and one time, he came to the bar. He drank five bottles of Martini. When it's already closing time, I helped your brother to his car, but in the end he....” she paused, she could still clearly remember what Chun did that night. “He what?” Arron asked. “Your brother kissed me.” she answered. There was a long silence between them, and Ella felt anxious with Arron's reaction. Just then, Arron burst out laughing. “Wei?” she said in a confused tone. “Sorry... sorry...” Arron said while trying to keep his laughter down. “My brother kissed you?” he asked again. Ella nodded her head. “I'm really sorry about that... I'm really really sorry. You might be thinking that he's a pervert now. I'm really really sorry, Ella...” he apologize. “Yes, I think he is a pervert.”
“He's not really like that, Ella. He only drinks when he's stressed out or frustrated. Maybe something happened that night that's why he drank beyond his limit. When he does that, he either turns into a hugging monster or a kissing monster. I'm really sorry that you became his victim that night...”

Ella could not believe what Arron told him. “He becomes a kissing monster?” she asked again. Arron nodded his head. She wondered, if she'll make Arron really drunk, will he kiss her the way his brother did?

--

Calvin's mobile phone rang while he was watching TV. He took it and answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Calvin, this is your dad.”
“Oh, hey dad!”
“Son, I know I promised to give you a month's vacation... but I need you in the office on Monday.”
“Sure, no problem. Jiro and Ella will be starting on Monday. Why dad?”
“Well... I... well...”
“Dad?”
“Fine... I'll tell you. I'm taking your mom on a second honeymoon, that's why.”
“That soon? You didn't even planned about it?”
“Come on... give us a break, son. Promise, once I return from the honeymoon, I'll give you three months leave.”
“Fine, I'll do it. So how long will you and mom will be gone?”
“Six months.”

Calvin stood up from his seat, surprised at what his father said. “Six months?! Who in their right mind would go on a honeymoon for six months?!” he shouted on the phone. “Calm down son... give this time for us, OK. Don't worry, when we're back, I'm sure you'll have a baby sister. Thank you, son. I love you.” Before Calvin could further react, his dad ended the call. “d**n!” he thought. Six months. His parents will be gone for six months, and he'll be left alone with the company. Good thing he was his dad's side kick all through out the years, so he knows what he's going to do. He sat on the couch again, his face frowning. “Better make sure to give me a baby sister, dad, or else...” he thought.

Jiro walked down the stairs, and he saw Calvin. His looked like as if it rained down on him. “What's wrong?” Jiro asked. “Dad wants me to report to office on Monday. He'll be going on a honeymoon with mom.” he explained. Jiro sat beside him, and took some chips from him. “So?” he said. “They'll be gone for six months.” Calvin said. Jiro looked at him and smiled. “Don't you like it? At least when they're back you'll have a baby sister.” he said. Calvin was an only child, and ever since he was asking his parents to give him a baby sister. That's why he is close to Ella, because he sees her as his little sister.

Just then, Jiro's mobile phone rang. He took it from his pocket, and answered it. “Hello?”
“Look outside the window, monkey boy!” the caller said. Jiro sat up on the couch and then looked outside the window. Outside the house, he saw a familiar girl smirking at him, and waving at him. “Oh my God...” he shouted in a shocked tone, which startled Calvin. “What?” he asked, and peeked outside the window. “Angela...” Jiro said. “She's back!”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 9 – Back To You




Back to you
It always comes around
Back to you
I tried to forget you
I tried to stay away
But it's too late...

--

“Angela!”
“Ella!”

A loud shriek was heard all over the house. Scratch that, a loud shriek was heard all over the neighborhood. Arron, Calvin and Jiro flinched as they watch the two girls. Can't blame them, it's been four years since the two girl best friends last saw each other. “Oh my God! Look at your hair! It's nice and curly!” Ella said. “And look at you... you really looked very professional! Oh my God, let's go shopping this weekend OK?”
“Yes, yes! You know there's this sale at the mall...”
“Sale? Oh my God! Then let's go there tomorrow instead.”
The two girls looked at each other, almost teary-eyed. And then, they hugged. “I missed you, girl...” Angela said. “I missed you too, Angela. I really can't believe you're here for good...” Ella said. Jiro looked up at Angela upon hearing what she said. “Wei? For good? I thought you're only here for vacation?” he said. Angela glared at him. “For your information, Jiro Wang, I'm here to stay for good. Aren't you cleaning your ears?” she snapped at him. Jiro rolled his eyes at here. “Oh please, Angela. I always clean my ears. You told me a while ago that you're only here for a vacation.”
“Well, a girl can always change her mind, OK?”
“You're too fickle-minded Angela.”
Angela gave him a death glare. “Jiro Wang, you're such a jerk...” she said. Calvin and Ella looked at each other. They knew where their little conversation would end up. Before world ward 4 could ever happen, Calvin stepped in to stop the two from bickering. “Whoa, whoa... calm down guys, OK?” he said to them. Calvin gave Jiro an authoritative look. “And Jiro, Angela just came back from Canada. Give her a break OK?” he said. Jiro glanced at Angela, and saw her sticking out her tongue. “Fine.” Jiro said. He crossed his arm, and then looked at Angela. “Did you brought me some chocolates?” he asked her. “It's inside the bag.” Angela said. Jiro took Angela's bag and searched for the chocolates.

Angela finally notices Arron standing beside Ella. She looked closely at him, unable to believe that this is Arron Yan-Wu. “You're Arron, right?” she asked him. Arron nodded his head. Then, Angel looked at Ella with shock. “Oh. My. God....” she said. Then, she jumped to her, and hugged her tight. “Oh my God, Ella! I can't believe you finally did it!” she shrieked again. Ella broke free from her hug, and gave Angela the keep-quiet-you're-going-to-spill-my-little-secret look. “Uh... what are you saying Angela?” she asked, so that Arron won't notice. Angela have her a confused look. “Aren't you dating Arron Yan-Wu?” Angela asked. Calvin and Jiro paused and then looked at Angela with shock. “Wei, how come I didn't know Arron's already dating Ella? She didn't even have the courage to -” before Jiro could end his sentence, Calvin jumped onto him and covered his mouth. “Shut up, will you?” he hissed to him. “D-dating? Oh... you're really funny, Angela... really funny...” Ella said with a nervous laugh. Ella looked at Arron apologetically. “Sorry, Arron. Angela thought we're dating. She's really a funny girl. She said. Arron just smiled at her and nodded his head. “It's OK, Ella. I understand.” he said.

--

Days passed by and it's already Monday. The three were busy preparing for their first day of work. “I'm nervous...” Calvin said as he walked down the stairs. “Aww... Callie... don't worry, you're going to be fine.” Angela said. “You worked with your dad before, you can do it. Besides, you dad will train you first before he leaves for his honeymoon, right?” Ella said. Calvin nodded his head. “But it's just going to be me this time. What if I messed up? What if I failed my dad?” he said. Ella walked up to him, and gave him an assuring smile. “You'll be OK, I know.” she said. Calvin just smiled at her. “I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!” Jiro said as he walked to the dining table. “Imagine, the great Jiro Wang is going to work for Taiwan Sports Channel? Oh my God, this is really great!” he said proudly. Angela looked at him, and just rolled her eyes at him. “So that makes you great now?” she asked. Jiro gave her a death glare. “You're just envy.” he said. Before everything could worse, Calvin stepped in again to stop the two. “Stop it. It's early in the morning and the two of you are fighting again.” Calvin said.

Calvin then looked at Ella. “Something wrong, El?” he asked. “Calvin, tell me you'll hire me at your company... please? I'll help you out, promise. I just don't feel like working for Chun Wu...” she said. Calvin shook his head. “You'll be OK, Ella. Don't be such a scaredy cat.”

--

As the elevator opened, Ella took a deep breath. “You can do this, Ella. No need to be scared with Arron's brother.” she told herself. She started to walk towards the entrance of the office, but as she took her first step inside the office, she retreated back. “Ms. Ella?” she heard someone call. She turned again, and saw the receptionist, Joe, smiling at her. “You're not planning to resign on your first day of work, aren't you?” she asked. Ella smiled at her and shook her head. “No, of course not... why would I resign?” she said, letting out a nervous laugh. Ella walked towards Joe, and leaned over the counter. “I know you're scared of Mr. Wu. I was intimidated with him as well when I started working here. But Mr. Wu is a great boss, I tell you.” Joe said.

Just then, Wallace came in. “Wow, you're earlier than our boss.” he said. The two girls looked at him, and smiled. “Good morning!” Joe greeted. “Good morning, Mr. Huo...” Ella said. “Please call me Wallace, Ella. After all we have the same position in this company. We're both Mr. Wu's assistants.” he said. Ella gave him a confused look. “Assistant? I thought -”
“We also work as the specialized marketing team for Mr. Wu. You, me and Joe are his team. We handle the most critical and important account of this company.” Wallace explained. “That's weird, why didn't he tell me that during the interview?” she asked. “I believe I told you that, but you were not listening, Ms. Ella Chen.” they heard someone said. The three looked at the door, and saw Chun. Wallace and Joe immediately bowed to him. “Good morning, Mr. Wu.” they both said. “G-good morning, sir...” she stuttered. Chun crossed his arms as he looked at her. “You were not listening while I was interviewing you, you disappoint me, Ms. Chen.” he said. “Sir, I never thought that you would blabber about the company's mission and vision and your plans and some other random things I didn't catch. I was waiting for you to ask me something,.”
“But you should still listen, Ms. Chen. If you're going to work for me, you have to listen carefully. I hate repeating myself.”

Chun put his hands on his back, as he circled around Ella. “Ms. Ella Chen, now that you're working for me, expect the unexpected. Always look forward to the worst case scenario. This is not an easy job, and this is not like college. There will be a lot of challenges for you, and you have to face them, and listen carefully to what is being requested from you. Understood?” he said. He stopped in front of her, and looked closely at her. Ella slowly nodded her head. “I understand, Mr. Wu.” she answered. Chun nodded his head, satisfied with her answer. “Good. Come inside my office. I will explain everything to you again, and I'll give you your first assignment for this week.”

--

Ella looked at the pile of folders on top of Chun's table. He have just finished explaing that nature of her job to her, and he have given her her task for that week. “I've prepared your laptop for you. It's on your desk, right beside Wallace. And this...” he said pointing at the table. “These are the reports for the Yu Fei project. I want you to revise the marketing plan for them. I want it on my table before 12 noon on Friday. Do you understand?” he asked. Ella smiled and nodded her head. “Good. Now take these documents and start working.” Chun said. Ella collected the folders, and went out of his office.

She found her desk right beside Wallace's desk, just outside Chun's office. Ella walked over her desk, and started reviewing the documents that Chun gave her. “Hey, Ella...” she heard Wallace call. Ella looked at him, and he saw him smiling at her. “Don't get intimidated with Chun. He's just testing you. If you could impress him with your job, then he'll go easy with you. He's a great boss, I tell you.” he said. Ella just shrugged her shoulder. “I don't know. He still looked scary to me.” she said. “And a pervert...” she added silently. “Chun's really strict when it comes to work. All bosses are, so just understand him.”
“Wei, how long have you been working for Chun?”
“Since he started in this company. Honestly, Chun is my high school best friend. When he came back from studying in Europe, he hired me to be his assistant.”
“So, he didn't go easy on you on your first day even though you're friends?”
“Well, he did. It's because we were both starting out that time, and we both didn't know what to do.”

Ella leaned on her chair and sighed. “I don't think I'll last here for a month...” she muttered. Wallace just laughed at what she said. “That's what all of those who worked for him said, but they lasted for years. The one you replaced, Joanne, she really didn't want to resign... if only she's not getting married this year, she would've stayed.” Wallace explained. Ella smiled at Wallace and then sat up straight. “Well, I guess I have to start working now so that he'll be impressed and go easy on me.” she said. She turned her attention to the computer in front of her, and began to work. “OK, just give me a shout if you need help.” Wallace said.

--

It was 11:30 in the morning, and Wallace and Ella were doing their work. Just then, Chun came out of his office. “Wallace, Ella...” he called. The two stopped what their doing and looked up at their boss. “Get ready, we have an meeting with Mr. Fang regarding the Cyberlandia project.” he said. Then, he returned inside his room. Wallace stood up from his seat and readied himself for the project. “Do I really have to come with you guys?” Ella asked. Wallace looked at her and nodded his head. “I think Mr. Wu wants to introduce you to the client as the newest member of the team. So, it's a must that you come with us.” he said. “But, I don't know anything yet about this Cyberlandia project...” she said. Wallace handed her a folder. “Read that on our way there. I've highlighted the important details regarding that project.” he said.

After a while, the three were on their way to the hotel to meet with their client. Along the way, Ella was busy reviewing the document Wallace gave her a while ago. She was reviewing it, as if she was reviewing for an upcoming quiz. Chun, on the other hand, was observing his new assistant. “She's a smart girl, she really know what to do so that she won't look like a fool at the meeting...” he thought. He smiled secretly to himself. His grandpa is right about insisting in hiring her. She would be an asset to their company. All he have to do is hone her to be his little protegee.

“Ehem...” he coughed. Ella put down the document, and then looked at Chun from the rear view mirror. “Care to tell me what the Cyberlandia project is all about, Ms. Ella?” he asked. He decided to give Ella pop quiz, after all, she was busy reading it. “Uhmmm... the Cyberlandia Project is a marketing plan designed for the new product being launched by O-games live. The marketing plan would consist of print, TV and radio advertisement, which shall be done by our in-house advertising team, as well as other strategies to promote this new online game such as product launch, cosplay sponsorship, and the likes.” she answered. Chun smiled satisfactorily at her. “Good. You'll do well at the meeting later.” he said. Ella nodded his head and smiled at him.

--

They were in the middle of the meeting when a middle aged woman walked towards them. Mr. Fang paused, and then looked back. His face turned to smile upon seeing her. “Honey…” he said, smiling at her. He stood up from his seat, and gave her a kiss. Then, he turned to Wallace, Chun and Ella. “By the way, this is my wife, Louise Fang.” He said to them. The three stood up from their seat, and shook her hand. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, honey. I thought your meeting would end soon.” She said. Mr. Fang smiled sweetly at his wife. “It’s OK, honey. Just give me more time, OK?” he said. Louise nodded his head.

She turned her attention to Ella, who was standing right beside him. “And this must be your girlfriend, Mr. Wu?” she asked. The two were shocked with her question, they eyes almost popped out. “Oh, no!” they said in unison. Lousie just laughed at the two. “Oh, I’m sorry…” she said. “Actually, Mrs. Fang, Ella here is new in my team today is her first day.” Chun explained. Louise just nodded her head. “I’m sorry about that. I thought she is your girlfriend.” She said, as she looked at him. “Would you mind if I tag your assistant for the mean time to keep me company?” she asked. Chun looked at Ella, and smiled. “Go with Mrs. Fang for a while. We’ll just let you know what happened.” He told her. Ella nodded her head, and smiled at him. She was happy that she could away from this very boring meeting. “Thank you, boss.” She said.

The two ladies went out of the restaurant, and then headed to a café nearby. “I’m sorry if I have mistaken you for Chun’s girlfriend…” Louise said to Ella as they took their seats. “It’s OK, Mrs. Fang…”
“Please call me Auntie Louise.”
Ella smiled at her and nodded her head. “So, today is your first day working for Chun Wu?” Louise asked. Ella nodded her head again. “Yes, Auntie Louise. I was lucky to get in, with the help of Arron, his brother.” She said. “That’s good. It seems that you get along with the Wus very well…”
“Arron was a classmate of mine in college, that’s why I got to know his family.”

Louise looked at Ella, and then held her hand. “You know, I don’t always do this, but I feel like reading your palm… would you allow me to do it?” she asked. Ella was surprised to know that Mrs. Fang knows how to read palms. “You’re a fortune teller?” she asked in awe. Mrs. Fang shook her head. “I can only read palms on certain times. Like today…” she explained. Then, she looked at her palm, carefully analyzing it. “Hmmm… you are one lucky girl, it says here. You’re lucky with friends, career, family and in love…” she said. Ella was happy to hear that she’s lucky in love. “Really? So, does that mean I get to meet the one?” she asked. Louise nodded her head. “Actually, I can see here that you have already met him.” She said. She looked up at her and smiled. “It’s one of the two brothers that you know.” Ella smiled to herself. She knew from the start that Arron is her true love, and he is her soul mate. After all, they have similarities.

But, maybe Ella is wrong…

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 10 – Smile at Me


You light my way
You always take my breath away
You set me free
When every time you smile at me

--

Thursday.

“Done, finally!” Ella said as she stretched out her arms. She looked at the computer screen and saved her work. After that, She clicked on the print button to print the report. After a while, she took the documents from the printer, and put it inside the folder. “Whoa? Your done with the report already?” she heard Wallace said. Ella looked at him and smiled. “Yup. Done with it.” she said. Wallace just smiled at Ella. Since the day she started working for Chun, she have impressed him a lot. “Better give that to Mr. Wu before he leaves for the meeting.” Wallace said. Ella nodded his head, and then headed to Chun's office.

She knocked thrice before opening the door to take a peek. She saw his boss talking to on the phone, and he was smiling. His smile that day is more than unusual, because he looked like a giddy school boy as he talked on the phone. Chun looked up at the door and saw her peeking. He signaled her to get inside the office as he ended the call. “OK, I love you too. Bye.” he said before ending the call. Then, he turned to Ella, his face is formal this time. “What can I do for your, Ms. Ella?” he asked. Ella handed him her report that day. “I thought this is due tomorrow?”
“I thought maybe I could finish this today so that if you needed me to revise anything, I can still do it before my deadline.”
Chun scanned through the papers, and she can tell that he is satisfied with her work. Then, he looked up at her again. “This is OK, Ella. No need for any revisions.” he said. Ella smiled at his boss. “Thanks, Mr. Wu.”
“Maybe Joe needs help on something. Just bug her for the mean time. I'll let you know if I need you to do something.”
Ella nodded her head, and then headed out of his office.

--

“Hi...” Joe heard someone say. Joe looked up and saw Arron smiling at her. “Hi Mr. Wu? What can I do for you?” she asked. “I'm looking for Ella actually. Is she around?” he asked. Joe nodded her head. “I'll call her.” she said. Before she could reach for the phone, Ella came out. “Joe, is there anything I could help you with?” she asked. Joe just smiled, and then pointed at Arron. Ella was surprised to see Arron at the office. “Arron!” she said. She rushed up to him, and gave him a big hug. “I missed you!” she sad to him as she let him go. Arron just smiled at her. “That's why I'm here. I missed you.” he said. Ella blushed at what he said. She glances at Joe, who was smiling at them. “Just pretend I'm not here.” she said. The two just laughed at her.

“Hey, are you free?” Arron asked her. Ella nodded her head. “Good. Would you like to go out for lunch?” he asked. “Sure. I would love that. Let me tell your brother first, then we'll go.” she said. She walked over at Joe's cubicle, and then called Chun to tell him that she'll going out to have an early lunch. As soon as he said yes, Ella turned to Arron and gave him a thumbs up sign. She put the phone down, and then walked towards Arron. “Let's go?” she said. Arron nodded, and then she held Arron's arms as they leave the office.

--

Meanwhile, after Ella has gone, Calvin came to the office. Not to visit Ella, but to meet up with Chun for one of their projects. He entered the office, and he saw Joe busily typing on the computer. “Excuse me, Miss...” he said. Joe looked up at him, and then stood up. He gave her his sunshine smile. “I'm Calvin Chen, representative to Mr. George Chen. Is Mr. Chun Wu around?” he asked. Joe smiled back at him, and she could feel her cheeks turn pink as Calvin looked at her in her eyes. “Uhmmm... yes. Mr. Wu is inside.” she said. “I have a meeting with him. I am the one who called him this Tuesday regarding the Eon Toys marketing proposal.” he said. He leaned over the cubicle, and then winked at her as he smiled. Joe felt giddy as he winked at her. “Oh... you're Mr. Chen's son?” she asked. Calvin nodded his head. “The one and only.” he said. “I'll inform Mr. Wu that you are here. Please take a seat for the mean time.” she said..

Calvin walked over the couch, and then continued watching Joe as she talked on the phone with his boss. After that call. Joe looked at Calvin and smiled. “You can go inside his office, Mr. Chen.” she said. Calvin stood up from his seat. “Can you show me the way to his office, pretty miss?” he asked. Joe blushed again, and she nodded her head. “No problem, Mr. Chen. Follow me...” she said. “Oh, and please call me Calvin...” he said, then he looked at the ID she was wearing. “Qiao En.” he continued. Joe giggle at him. “Please call me Joe instead, Calvin.”

--

“And cut!” the director shouted. Everyone in the news room retreated as soon as the live telecast of the intercollegiate basketball game had ended. “Thanks for all your help.” Jiro heard the news anchor, Mike He, said. Jiro looked at Mike, and he saw him smiling at him. Then, he walked towards him. “Cuz, thanks for the help today.” He said to him. Jiro smiled at his favorite cousin. “Its my job. Anyway, is there anything else I can help you with, Mr. He?” he asked. Mike nodded his head. “How about helping me convince my cousin to try out for the national team for soccer? Who knows, he might make it in World Cup.” he said Jiro just laughed at what he said. “You know why I can't do that right?”
“You really can't leave her, can't you?”
“She needs me...”
“And you can't live without her, am I right?”
Jiro blushed at what his cousin said. “So, when can I meet this very mysterious girl?” he asked. “I think you already met her.” Jiro answered. Mike paused, and then gave Jiro a suspicious look. “What?” Jiro asked. “It's Ella?” Mike asked again. “Aiyo! No way! It's not Ella, OK?” he said defensively. Mike could only laugh at his favorite cousin. “Fine, fine... as you say...” he said.

Just then, one of the PA approached Mike. “Sir, you need to get ready for your next show.” she said. Mike smiled at the PA, and nodded his head. Then, he turned to Jiro. “I'll go ahead, OK? Do good on your next assignment. I know you will do good.” he said. Jiro nodded his head, and watched his cousin leave. After a while, his phone rang. A familiar name flashed on the screen. He smiled before he took the call. “Hello? Oh hi baby! I missed you too...”

--

“Thanks for the sumptuous lunch, Arron.” Ella said as they walked back to the office. “No problem. I hope we can always do this… you know, have lunch together…” he said. Ella smiled at him, and nodded her head. “Of course. We can always have lunch. Next time, it’s my turn to treat you out, OK?” she said. Arron smiled at her, and nodded his head. Just then, they saw Chun outside the office. “Good afternoon, Mr. Wu.” Ella greeted. Chun looked at her. “Good afternoon, Ms. Ella.” He said. Then, he looked at his watch, his forehead wrinkled as his eyebrows met. “Wei, isn’t lunch supposed to be for just an hour? You came out of the office at 11 AM, and you came back at 1:30 PM.” He said, glaring at her. “Ge… It’s my fault. Please don’t blame Ella.” Arron said. Chun looked at his younger brother, and smirked. “You’re a bad influence to Ella, did you know that, Arron.” He said.

Ella looked up at Chun, angered by what he said to his brother. Arron could only lower his head, as he know that it was his fault why Ella have gone beyond her break time. They were happily chatting about their lives, that they both didn’t notice the time. “Wei, Mr. Wu… even if Arron is your younger brother, and I am your subordinate, you have no right to tell him that he is a bad influence on me.” She said to him. Chun just ignored Ella as he walked towards his brother. “You go wasting other people’s time than doing something productive. You spend your time on things that are not worthy, and that’s the reason why you didn’t graduate in time. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself, huh, Arron?” he said to him. Ella as surprised at what Chun said to Arron. “Wei!” Ella shouted angrily at Chun. “Why do you have to put your brother down? Aren’t you supposed to be encouraging and supporting him?” she told him. Chun glared at Ella. “Keep out of this, Ms. Ella. This is between me and my brother.” He said to her. “How can I not keep out of this?! Arron is my friend, and I can’t bear seeing you put him down.” She said. She put her hands on her waist, and glared at him. “For your information, Mr. Wu, Arron is a very smart kid. It just so happens that he doesn’t like the major he took up!” he shouted at Chun. Arron looked at Ella, and then held her arm. “Ella, stop it. Chun Ge’s still your boss…” he said to her. Ella looked at Arron. “I don’t care if he is, and I don’t care if he’s going to fire me I just have to tell him off.” She said to him. She just can’t stand Chun bullying his younger brother.

Chun chuckled at Ella, and then crossed his arms. “I never thought Ms. Ella Chen could be this childish.” He said as he shook his head. “Well, you can say anything you want. I won’t waste anymore time on the two of you.” Chun said. He took one last look at Arron before going on his way. “Ella…” she heard Arron call. She looked up at him, and saw him smiling at her. “Thank you…” he said. Ella smiled back at him. “Aiyo! It’s OK, Arron. I just don’t like it when other people put down others just to prove that they are all high and mighty.” She said to him.

--

Chun was interrupted by a soft knock on his door. Not bothering to look up at it, he continued typing on the computer. “Come in.” he said. Arron slowly opened the door, and went inside his office. “Ge...” he softly called. Chun looked up at him for a while, and then turned his attention on the monitor again. “Can I talk to you?” Arron asked. “I’m busy, Arron. Whatever it is, let’s talk about it later.” He said. Arron walked towards him, and then sat on the chair in front of Chun. “Ge… actually, there is another reason why I’m here aside from visiting Ella.” Arron began. Chun still didn’t look at him. “Ge… I know you’re mad at me because I failed in school and didn’t graduate on time. It’s all my fault because… because I didn’t focus on my studies. I’m really sorry…”
“Your sorry won’t make you graduate anyway, so what’s the use. Just make sure you’ll be able to march next semester.”
“I will Ge… I promise…”
“If there’s nothing else, you can leave now.”
“There is something else that I would like to ask you…”

Chun looked up at his brother this time. “Ge… since it’s our summer break, would it be OK if I work here with you?” Chun’s mouth curved into a smile upon hearing that. “I… I want to help you, and I want to learn from you… so that I would know what to do when I start working here…” Arron said. “It’s about time, Arron. It’s about time…” he said. “So… so you will hire me? You will let me work for you?” Arron asked. Chun smiled and nodded his head. “There’s nothing in this world that I wouldn’t want for you to help me run this company.” He said. He stood up from his seat and extended his hand to Arron. Arron stood up and took his hand. “Well come to the Wu Corporation, little brother.”

--

“Really? That’s a great news!” Ella said to Arron. She could see how happy he is that his older brother hired him to work for him. “So, does that mean that you’ll be working with our team?” Ella asked again. “Yes. He said we would be working closely with him so that he could train us.” Arron said. Ella sighed, and then rest her head on the table. “Aiyo… I thought you will become my boss…” she said. She looked up at Arron, and then smiled. “At least we’ll be together, right?” Arron asked. Ella nodded her head.

Just then, Wallace came. “Hey, Arron…” he called. The two looked at him, and saw him smiling at Arron. “Welcome to the company. Good thing you have decided to work for your brother. You never knew how happy he is.” He said. Arron smiled at him and nodded his head. “I’m glad to hear that he’s happy with my decision. You know that I’ve always wanted his approval, and I got it. At least, I made him happy despite the fact that I disappointed him…” he said. “Aiyo, Arron… don’t blame yourself for not graduating. Our last semester at the uni is really a tough one.” Ella said. Wallace nodded in agreement. “And don’t worry. We would help you out on your first day here, OK?” Wallace said. Arron looked up at him again “Thanks, Wallace.” He said.

Just then, Chun came out of his office. “Ms. Ella, please come inside my office.” He said. The three looked at each other, and then Ella stood up from her seat and went inside Chun’s office. As soon as she closed the door behind her, Chun began to speak. “First things first, Ms. Ella. I am not very pleased with the way you acted a while ago.” Chun said as he leaned on his table. “It’s a matter between me and my brother.”
“Even if it’s something between you and your brother, I am there. I just can’t let you say those things to your brother.”
“I know you are Arron’s friend, but please… next time… shut up.”

Ella glared at him, clenching her fist. “Do you really hate your brother that much? What did he do to you?” she asked. “Even if I explain it to you, you won’t understand. That brother of mine never listens to me.” He said. “But, isn’t it enough that he decided to work for you?” Ella asked. “I told you to mind your own business, Ms. Ella. Never interfere with my family life, especially with Arron.” he said. Ella could only sigh as she resigns herself to what Chun wanted her to do. “I understand, Mr. Wu. This would not happen again.” She said. Chun smiled at her, and nodded his head. “Good. At least now, we're clear. Second thing. Arron will start to work for me this Monday. The two of you will work closely with me so that you would learn all the loops of this company.”

--

Jiro was holding a bouquet of red roses in his hand. He entered the restaurant, and at one corner, he saw her patiently waiting for him. He smiled to himself, he brushed his hair with his fingers, and then proceeded to their table. “Baby...” he called. She looked up at her, her big brown eyes, staring into his own orbs. At that moment, he wanted to melt from where he is standing. He surely missed the way she looked at him. “Hey, baby...” she said in her sweetest tone. Jiro leaned over her, and then kissed her on the cheek. Then, he handed her the roses. “Aww... baby, you shouldn't have. But thank you. I love them...” she said. Jiro took his seat in front of her, and smiled at her. “It's my peace offering... for what happened to us this morning.” he said. “You really don't have to, baby...” she said. Jiro looked at her lovingly, and then held her hand. “I love you....” he said to her sincerely. “You know that I love you too...” she said as she blushed. “I always know that. Hey, let's order now. I'm hungry...”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 11 – I Only Want To Be With You



It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do
I want to spend each moment of the day with you
Oh, look what has happened with just one kiss
I never knew that I could be in love like this
It’s crazy but it’s true
I only want to be with you
--

Ella wants to kill Chun. Now.

Arron started working for Chun that week, and Ella was so happy about it. She thought that she would be able to spend more time alone with Arron, but she was wrong. She thought she and Arron would work together under Chun, but, again, she was wrong. Chun would always give her paper works, but as for Arron, he tags him along whenever he goes out for a meeting with a client. She and Joe would always stay inside the office, while the three guys would go out to meet the client (which, somehow she should be thankful for). Whenever Arron asks her out for lunch, Chun would find ways to make her stay, like give him an urgent assignment. It's like Chun is doing his best so that she won't be able to spend more time with his brother.

“Ella... want to have lunch with me?” Arron asked. Ella looked up at him and smiled. She stood up from her seat, and as they were about to leave, Chun went out of his office and called him. “Ella, where's the report I asked you to do this morning? I need it -” Ella looked at Chun and glared at him. She is hungry and tired, and the last thing she needs is this nagging from his boss. “Can I take my lunch first, Mr. Wu?” she asked, trying to control her temper. “I need the report, Ms. Ella. Can you finish it?” Chun said. “But, Mr. Wu... it's beyond my lunch time already. Can you -”
“I said I need the report, Ms. Ella.”

Ella took a deep breath, and counted to ten silently. Then, she opened her eyes, and then glared at Chun. “Mr. Wu, I hope you understand...” she said smiling sweetly at him. Then, that smile turned into a frown. “That I am also human and I am d**n hungry, and you wouldn't really like me when and angry and hungry!” she shouted at him. Everyone at the office were surprised at the way she reacted. Chun almost lost his balance when she shouted at him. They all stopped and looked at Ella. Chun was also surprised at her, and he almost got scared of her. “Oh... OK...” he said in a bewildered tone.. He composed himself then looked at Ella. “You can take your lunch first. Go out with Arron for a while. Finish your report later.” he said to her. Ella mocked a smile at him, then turned his back and leave, pulling Arron who was as surprised as his brother. Chun looked at Joe and Wallace, who were trying their best not to laugh, as well as the other employees there who were doing the same thing. He was surely embarrassed because of what Ella did to him.. “Go back to work.” he ordered before he retreated back to his office.

“That Ella Chen...” he muttered as soon as he is inside his office. He was trying to break the two apart, but for some unknown reason, Ella was able to find a way to be able to spend sometime with Arron. For him, Ella is a distraction for Arron, and so is Arron to Ella. As long as they are together, he doubts if there would be any work that will be done. He sighed as he headed back to his seat. He really didn't need urgently the report that Ella was doing, but all the paper works he have assigned to her is just to torture her. He doesn't know why, but he liked torturing the newbie.

--

“Ella, can I disturb you...” Calvin said as he entered her room. He sat on her bed, and she put away her paper works to listen to Calvin. “What's wrong?” she asked. “El, how did you know that you are in love with Arron?” he asked. “Hmmm...” she said, looking up at the ceiling while scratching her chin. “I knew I was in love with Arron the first time I saw him. That moment that I laid my eyes on him, my heart was beating fast. The world seemed to stop, and he's the only person that I see. Then, I hear music in my ears...” she said dreamily. Then, she looked at Calvin. “Why do you ask?” she asked him. “So, your heart beats fast, the world turned slow mo, and you hear music, right?” he asked.. Ella nodded her head. “So, when you saw him, he never left your mind and you know that moment that you love him?” he asked. Ella nodded her head again. “Why are you asking this?” she asked. Calvin laid on her bed, and then sighed. “I met a girl...” he told her. Ella gave him a meaningful grin. “Oh, so you met a girl...” she said. Calvin glared at his best friend. “Aiyo, Ella... don't tease me, OK?”
“OK, OK, I wont tease you. So tell me about this girl...”

Calvin's lips formed into a smile as he remembered the girl. “Big brown eyes, cute smile, long curly hair... not your typical sticky note girl...” he said. Then, he looked at Ella. “Do you know someone named Joe Chen in your office?” he asked. Ella gave Calvin a surprise look. “Joe Chen, as in the receptionist at the evil brother's office?” she asked. Calvin smiled and nodded his head. “I met her when I went there a few weeks ago to discuss the marketing plans for Eon Toys with Chun Wu.” he said. “Wei... how come you didn't tell me?” she asked. “I don't want to tell you yet until everything is final. Anyway, I will specifically ask for you when it pushes through.” he said. Ella smiled and nodded her head. “So going back to Joe... wow! I can't believe that my best friend finally found the girl that will make his heart beat faster!” she said. Calvin blushed at what he said. “Is it love at first sight, huh?” she asked again. Calvin nodded his head. “I really like her, Ella...” he said. Ella smiled at him, and folded her arms. “Want me to set you up on a date with her?” she asked. Calvin gave her a surprised look. “You would do that?” he asked. Ella nodded her head. “Anything to break your vow of celibacy.”

--

“Hey Joe!” Ella called as she entered the office. Joe looked up at her, and fixed her eye glass. “Yes?” she asked. Ella smiled at her, and handed her a calling card. “Someone named Calvin Chen asked me to give this to the prettiest receptionist from Mr. Wu's office. As far as I know you are the only receptionist around.” he said. Joe took the calling card from her hand, and then flipped it. She smiled as she read what's at the back of the card. 'Can I ask you out for dinner later tonight?' it says. “By the way, Mr. Chen told me to have your answer now. He threatened to cancel the Eon Toys project if you won't go out with him.” Ella said. Joe looked up at her, and Ella so the worried look on her face. “He said that?” she asked. Ella let out a giggle. “Just kidding... but he will definitely kill me if you won't say yes... so please say yes... please...” she said, giving her puppy eyes. Joe laughed at Ella. “Fine. I'll go out with him. But... do you think he's interested with me?” Joe asked. “Aiyo! I know Calvin all my life, and based from experience, he doesn't date a girl unless he is really interested in her. Don't worry, just be yourself at your date tonight, OK?” she said. Joe smiled and nodded her head.

Just then, Chun opened the door, and looked at the two girls. “Ella, come inside my office.” Chun said. Ella looked at his boss, and nodded her head. She followed Chun inside his office. As she entered the office, Chun put a folder on his table. She saw that it was the files for the Eon Toys. “Work on this marketing strategy. We have a two months to work on this. Mr. Calvin Chen specifically asked for you to work on this, since he told me that you know the loops of their business.” Chun said. Ella nodded her head and then took the folder from the table. “I'll start to work on this, Mr. Wu.” she said. Then, she turned to leave. As she reached for the door, Chun called her again. “And by the way, you'll be coming with me to meet Mr. Fang regarding the Cyberlandia project tomorrow afternoon. Prepare yourself.” he said. Ella turned to Chun, and smiled at him. “Aye, aye, Captain!” she said, smiling at him. Then, she left his office.

Chun didn't know why, but when Ella smiled at him, he felt his heart began to beat faster. There was something in her when she smiles. Maybe, it's the fact that even if he tortures her with work, she always still have that perky attitude. Then, he smiled to himself. It's fun torturing this newbie after all.

--

Arron walked over Ella's desk, and then put her favorite juice on her table. Ella looked at it, and then looked up at Arron. She saw him smiling at her. “Oh my God... Arron stop looking and smiling at me like that... I'm melting!” she thought. “Have a break first. You've been working on that Eon Toys project since this morning.” Arron said. Ella smiled at her and then took the canned juice from her table. “Thanks for this...” she said as she took a sip. “Look at yourself... you've been working too hard...”
“I want to. I have to impress Calvin, you know.”
“You don't have to. Calvin knows what you are capable of doing that's why he specifically asked you for this project.”
“I know, but I don't want to disappoint Calvin or Uncle George that's why I'm putting all of my efforts here.” she said.

Arron smiled at his friend. “But you see, it's way past lunch time... and I've been waiting for you to get out of your seat and ask me out for lunch. You promised me you'll treat me out today.” he said. Ella looked at her watch and saw that it was almost 2 PM. “Oh my God!” she panicked. Then, she looked at Arron. “Oh my God... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make you wait that long...” she apologized. Arron laughed at her. “Silly girl! It's OK. So, shall we go now?” he asked. Ella smiled and nodded her head. She stood up from her seat, and then held on to Arron's arm. “Prepare yourself, Ella. You made me really hungry... I think I'll order a lot today.” Arron said, grinning. Ella laughed and nodded her head. “Don't worry, you can eat as much as you want. You do know how to wash the plates, right?”

--

Angela waited outside the restaurant. She looked at her watch, and smiled to herself. In five more minutes, he would be here. After a while, she finally saw him. As always, he was holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Angela felt herself blush as he smiled at her. She bit her lips as she looked up at him. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I promise I won't do this again...” he said. Angela smiled and shook her head. “You're early. I just got here...” Angela said. “I just don't like to keep you waiting, and aside from that... I really want to see you. I missed you a lot...” he said. Angela felt giddy upon hearing what he said. “I missed you too...” she said in a low voice. She looked up at him, and saw him frowning at her. “I didn't hear that...” he said. Angela let out a faint laugh and smiled at her again. “I missed you and I love you!” she said in a louder voice. She saw his mouth curved into that sexy smile again. “That's more better.” he said. Then, she frowned at him, and he noticed the change in her expression. “I love you!” He said in a more loud voice. Angela smiled at him and hugged him tight. “That's more like it....” she said as she looked into his eyes. He smiled lovingly at her, and then reached down to her, and kissed her on the lips.

--

A petite figure walked inside the office. She took off her shades, and then smiled as she looked at the receptionist, who was busy talking to some client on the phone. She approached her, and smiled. Joe looked up and was surprised to see her. “Hi!” she said. “A... A... Ariel?” she stuttred. Ariel smiled and nodded her head. “How are you, Joe?” she asked. Instead of answering her, Joe shrieked and then went out of her cubicle. The two girls were shrieking, and they gave each other a hug. “Oh my God, I missed you!” Joe said. Ariel smiled and nodded her head. “I missed you too!” she said. Joe looked at her carefully at her, and saw a big change in her. “You looked more prettier! Seems like you're enjoying yourself in Switzerland, huh?” Joe said. Ariel just nodded her head. “Why didn't you tell us that you'll be coming home?” Joe asked again. “I want to surprise everyone. Anyway, I'll be here for a month or so, before I leave for the US. I got a job in the Smithsonian Institute, so I decided to have a long vacation here before starting work there.” Ariel explained.

Just then, Wallace came out. He heard some shrieks outside the office, and thought that there might be some problem. “Joe, why are you -” he paused when he saw Ariel smiling at him. He was just as surprised as Joe when he saw Ariel. “Chun would never believe this.” he muttered as his mouth formed into a smile. What he didn't know was Chun was just behind him. “Wouldn't believe what? What's the noise all about?” he asked. Wallace looked at him, and pointed outside the door. Chun made his way out, and just like Joe and Wallace, he was surprised to see his girlfriend standing right in front of him. He blinked his eyes several times to make sure he is not dreaming. “Is this true? You're really home?” he asked in disbelief. Ariel laughed at him, and nodded her head. “Yes, I am here...” she said. Chun ran towards there, and hugged her tight. He carried her and then circled her around. Ariel could only laugh at his excited boyfriend. Chun put her down, and looked lovingly at her. “I'm glad you're finally here...” he said to her. He smiled at her lovingly, and then kissed her on the lips for a ling time, despite the fact that there are people who were watching them. He doesn't care, for all he wanted is to let Ariel feel how happy she is now that she is here.

--

Arron and Ella came back to the office from lunch after an hour. As they opened the door, they saw Chun and Ariel together. “Oh, Ariel's here!” Ella said as she looked up at Arron. She saw Arron turn into her smile, but then she noticed the sadness in his smile. Then, she looked at the happy couple in front of them. She stared at Ariel for a long time, and looked up at Arron again. He only had his eyes on Ariel. Then it hit her – Arron was in love with his brother's fiancee all this time.

She felt a thug in her heart upon realizing that. Maybe thats the reason why despite the fact that they have been friends for years now, he did not even proposed to her. Still, she understood how he felt. She knows the feeling of secrely loving someone you could never have. She forced a smile and then squeezed his hand. “Arron...” she whispered. Arron looked at her and smiled. “Ariel's back...” he said. She nodded her head.

Then, Ariel looked at them. She saw that Arron was holding Ella's hand. A smile formed on her lips upon seeing the two together. “Arron!” she said. At that instant, Arron let go of Ella's hand and walked towards Ariel to give her a hug. Ella's smile slowly disappeared from her face. She watched Arron as he gave Ariel a kiss on the cheek. Meanwhile, Chun noticed the change of expression in Ella. He smirked as he shook his head. “This girl's obviously in love with my brother...” he thought. “And she is obviously getting jealous with Arron's future sister-in-law...”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 12 – Ready To Fall


I get a feeling I cant explain
Whenever your eyes meet mine
My heart spins in circles
And I lose all space in time...

--

Ella looked at Arron as he hugged his future sister-in-law. She felt that for Arron, Ariel is a very special girl, and not just because she is Chun's wife-to-be. “When did you came home? Until when are you staying here?” Arron asked Ariel. “I just came home today. I'll be here for a month before I leave for the US.” she said. Arron smiled at her. “I'm glad you're home even for a while. I really missed you...” he said. Ariel smiled at Arron and hugged him again. “I missed you too, Arron...” she said. Ella let out a faint smile as she watched the too. It's quite obvious that Arron is in love with Ariel, well that's what she's seeing. She doesn't know if anyone else in the office have seen that. Meanwhile, Chun let out a playful smile as he observes Ella's reaction. “Really jealous...” he thought as he shook his head. As far as he is concerned, there is nothing that she should be jealous of, as Ariel only treats Arron as her younger brother, well, that's what our leading man wants to think.

“Ehem...” Chun coughed as he walked towards his girlfriend. He hugged Ariel from behind, and smiled at Arron. Ella could see the sadness in his eyes again at that sight. “By the way, princess... remember Arron's friend, Ella?” he asked, pointing at Ella who was standing behind Arron. Ariel looked at Ella and smiled. “Of course, I remember her!” she said. She broke free from Chun's hug, and then walked towards her. Ariel held her hand and them smiled warmly at her. “It's been a long time since I last saw you, Ella...” she said to her. Then, she glanced at Arron, and then looked at her again. “I'm glad to know that you've been taking care of Arron well...” she said. Ella looked at Arron, and saw him smiling at her. Then,she turned to Ariel again. “I've been hearing a lot about you from Arron. He always talks about you on his letters and when we talk on the phone. So, are you more than friends now?” Ariel asked, giving her a meaningful smile. Ella was taken aback by her question. “No... I mean nothing's going between us. We're just friends...” Ella said as she nervously laughed. Then, Ella glanced at Arron again, and she could see him blushing. “Does he really like me, or does he like his brother's girlfriend?” she wondered. It has always been easy to read through Arron, but this time (especially with the matters of the heart), she couldn't see through him. She's getting more confused, as she could see Arron likes Ariel, but why does Ariel make it look like Arron likes her?

“Aiyo... Ariel, princess... don't embarrass Ella...” Chun said to rescue Ella. “I've been keeping an eye on them, and obviously, my brother here is to shy to confess his feelings for Ella.” he said. Then, he looked at Ella and winked at her. Both Ella and Arron were surprised at what Chun said. “I do?” Arron asked. “He is?” Ella asked as he looked at Arron. Chun just gave them a wicked smile as he put his arm around Ariel. “Joe, cancel all my appointments today. I want to spend more time with my fiancée here...” he told Joe, and then he looked lovingly at Ariel. “Yes, Mr. Wu.” Joe said as she headed to her cubicle. “And, Ms. Ella....” he said as he turned to Ella. “I need to see you in my office now regarding the Eon toys before I leave.” Ella nodded her head. Chun gave Ariel a kiss on the on the cheek, and Ella could see Arron flinch as he watched them. After he excused himself to Ariel, Chun went back to his office, Ella followed him from behind.

--

“Mr. Wu... about th Eon Toys proposal... I -” Ella said as soon as she closed the door of Chun's office. Chun just gave out a smile at him. “No, I don't want to talk about it now. We'll talk about it as soon as I'm back.” he said. Ella was confused at her boss. “I thought you want to talk to me about it?”
“It's just a lame excuse for me to talk to you in private...”
He folded his arm as he walked towards her. “Actually, I want to talk to you about my brother...” he said. Ella was surprised at what he said. Does Chun knew already that Arron's in love with Ariel? “W-what about Arron, Mr. Wu?” she asked. Chun smiled viciously at her as he moved closer. He leaned over her, and put his hand on the wall, enclosing her with his body. “I know...” he said. Ella was shocked at what he said. “Y-you know?” she asked. Chun nodded her head. “I know.” he confirmed. Well, Chun is one smart man, she thought. So he knew all along that his brother is in love with his fiancee, and maybe that's the reason why he seems to hate him. “Actually, Mr. Wu... I think Arron -”
“Arron... yeah... Arron...”
“Arron is...”
“Yeah, Arron?”
“Well... he...”
“You are lusting over my brother, Ms. Ella...”

This made Ella even more surprised. Is she really that obvious? “I... in lust...” she asked. Then in hit her. She put her hands on her waist and glared at Chun. “Wei! What do you mean in lust? I am not lusting over him Arron!” she said, trying to control her temper. At her reaction, Chun laughed evilly at her. “I know it, Ella. I could tell. You are obviously in love with my brother. You can never deny with the way you look at her, the way that you blush when he talks to you. You're all too giddy when you're around him.” he said. Ella turned into a frown as he looked away from him. “So what if I am in love with Arron?” she asked. This time, Chun gave her a warm smile. “Well, knowing my brother, he's shy when it comes to girls. Girls are the one that courts her, not the other way around. And as far as I know, Ariel is the only girl he got close to. So...” he said. He leaned over her again, staring into her eyes. “Don't be jealous if Arron treats her that way. They're just close.” he said. Ella rolled his eyes at him as she sighed. “Oh, so you really know your brother, huh?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “That's what you thought. There's something more about him that you know...” Ella thought. “Don't worry, Ella. I approve you as Arron's girlfriend. Heck, my grandpa and dad really likes you, and would even want you to become part of their family. I'll help you with Arron.” he said, winking at her. Ella just sighed and nodded her head. “OK...” she said. “I just really hope that he likes me as well..” she added silently.

--

“So, are you courting Ella?” Ariel asked as soon as she and Arron were alone. Arron just smiled at her and shook his head. Ariel was surprised at his answer. “But why? I thought you like her?” she asked. “I just don't know if she likes me too...” he said as he turned his gaze away from Ariel. “Aiyo! You have to take the risk, Arron. Maybe Ella likes you too.” she said. He looked at her again and smiled. “But, what if the girl I really like is you?” he thought. He could never say that to Ariel. He wish he could but he doesn't have the courage to say it. Besides, it would only complicate things even more. “Anyway, I want to give you this.” Ariel said as she handed him a long white envelope. He read the address on the envelope, and saw that it's from a well-known art school in the US. “Give it a try again, Arron. Don't waste your talent in painting...” he heard Ariel said. Arron looked up at her and smiled. “But, Chun Ge needs my help here. I wouldn't be able to help him if I pursue my dreams...” he said. Ariel smiled at him and put her hand on his shoulder. “You would still be able to help him. That school offers advertising courses, and as far as I know, you own a marketing and advertising company, right? You can take charge of the advertising part once you graduate from that school.” Ariel said. Arron realized that Ariel is right. Maybe it's time for him to follow his heart's desire. This is a great opportunity for him, because not only will he be able to do the things he want in life, he would be able to help his brother once he graduate.

“Are you still hesitating because of Chun?” Ariel asked. Arron nodded his head. “You know that I base my decisions on what he have to say. If he approves this, then I'll go... but if not, then I won't go.” he said. “Don't worry, I'll talk to your brother. This is really a great opportunity for you, Arron...” Ariel said. Arron looked at the envelope again, and then it hit him that the school is in US. “Wait, you mentioned you'll be leaving for the US in a month to work there?” Arron asked. Ariel smiled and nodded her head. “To work and to take my masters in that school” Ariel said pointing at the envelope. Arron smiled to himself as he glanced at the envelope. This really is a great opportunity for him. “I think...” he said. “I think I want to go.”

--

After having dinner that night, Chun drove Ariel home. “”Here we are, princess.” he said as he stopped the engine of his car. Ariel looked at him and gave him a smile. “Thank you for a wonderful night, Chun.” she said. Chun smiled back at her and then gave her a wink. “Anything for you, princess.” h said. “So, you'll do anything for me?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “Anything you say, I will do it.” he said. Ariel let out an evil smile as he stared at him. “So... if I ask you to allow Arron to go with me to the US, will you allow him to?” he asked. This time, Chun gave her a confused look. “Why would he need to go with you? I can go with you if you want...” he said. Ariel let out a laugh at him as she shook her head. “That's not what I mean...” she said. “Well, why do you want him to come with you in the US?” he asked again. “Well, you know that I'll also be taking up my masters in this art school...” she began.

Chun sighed as he leaned on his seat. “Not again...” he said. He shook hi head, and then looked at Ariel. Arron already gave up on the idea, and he wonders why his girlfriend insists on that. “Look, Chun... it's not just any art school. It's the best art school there. Plus, they specialize in advertising management. It's a good opportunity for Arron if only you allow him...” she said. “How sure would I be that he would really take that major? Besides, I know he wanted to do a different thing... and I can't allow that. I need him to help me run the company.” he said. Ariel sighed and then shook her head. “Aiyo... Chun... You should know that Arron has been always following what you want him to do. I know he wanted to go as well... so please let him go... please?” she said as she gave him puppy eyes. “Fine... I'll think about it first.” Chun said. With that, Ariel smiled. She leaned over him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Chun! You're the best!” she said.

--

Meanwhile, in a fancy restaurant in town...

Calvin and Joe entered the restaurant. “Good evening Mr. Chen.” One of the waitresses greeted. Calvin just gave her a smile. “Table for two, please.” he said. The waitress nodded his head, and lead them to Calvin helped Joe to her seat, and then he went to sit in front of her. Joe blushed as Calvin looked at her and smiled. After they ordered their food, the waitress left them alone. “I'm really glad that you agreed to come out with me tonight...” Calvin said. Joe bit her lips as she looked at him. “I never thought that you would ask me out, Mr. Chen...” she said shyly. Calvin pouted when she became too formal towards him again. “I told you to call me Calvin, Joe.” he said. “Ooopps... sorry Calvin. I forgot...” she said as she laughed nervously. “I'm really sorry...” Joe said again. Calvin was amused by her nervousness. “It's OK with me. And since you called me Mr. Chen, then you owe me another date.” he said. Joe was surprised at what he said. She never thought that Calvin would like to go out with her again. “It's a deal, Mr. Chen.” she said. Calvin laughed at what she said. “Now, you owe me two dates, Joe.” he said. Joe could not believe what he was saying, but somehow she felt giddy because she could see that Calvin's really interested in her. “Two dates already?” she asked. Calvin nodded his head. “Are you free this Saturday?” he asked. Joe nodded her head. “Great! I do hope you like watching stage plays, as I have tickets for 'Westside Story'” he said. Joe gave him a confused look. “Do you like that stage play?” she asked. Calvin nodded his head. She was really surprised at him. She have been dying to watch that play, and she never thought that Calvin liked that play as well. At least they have something in common. “I've been dying to watch that play! I just couldn't go because I don't have know anyone who wants to watch it...” she confessed. “Well, lucky you...” Calvin said as he leaned towards her. “I'll be you date when you watch this play.”

--

Angela was staring at Ella as she leaned on the table and sighed for the nth time. She was waiting for her best friend to speak up, but all she did was sigh. “Wei, Ella Chen... instead of sighing, I think you should tell me, your best friend, what's bothering you.” she said. Ella looked at Angela and gave her a faint smile. “It's nothing...” she said. Angela smirked and nodded her head. “Yeah... it's nothing... just look at yourself. You have rice all over your face.” she said. Ella was alarmed, and she began to touch her face to take off the rice. Angela just laughed as she watched her. “Just kidding, Ellie... now can you tell me what's wrong and why you're not with yourself tonight?” she asked. Before she could answer, Ella sighed again, and buried herself in her arms. “Arron Yan-Wu...” she said. Angela gave her a confused look. “Did you and Arron had a fight? I mean, you guys are not even dating and you already had a lover's quarrel?” she asked. Ella looked up at her and shook her head. “No it's not... OK... let me ask you. What could be the possible reason why he's still not courting me?”
“So you're expecting him to court you?”
“Why not? According to his dad, I'm the first girl that he introduced to his family. He is sweet towards me. He would rather spend more time with me that with those popular kids back in college. He always looks after me. So, what's wrong? Why isn't he courting me?”

Angela sighed as she shook her head. “Ella, my dear... even if Arron is the sweetest guy on earth, all I can see is that he only likes you as a friend. Because he have other intentions towards you, he should've made the move a long time ago...” she said. Upon hearing Angela's answer, Ella sighed again and pouted. “I knew it... he really doesn't like me...” she said in a low voice. Angela felt sorry for her friend. She know that she have been carrying a torch for Arron ever since she first laid eyes on him. “Ella, dear... I'm really sorry. Maybe you two are just meant to be friends for the rest of your lives. Maybe he likes another girl, or worst, he likes another boy...” she said. This time, Ella glared at her. “Wei! Don't ever say that. Arron is not gay, you hear me?” she said angrily. Angela just laughed at her reaction. “Or, you know what I think?” Angela said. Ella looked at her again as she waited for her to speak. “Maybe she likes you but is too shy to tell you how he feels because hes scared that you'll get mad at him.” Angela said. Ella frowned and shook her head. “I'm think it's something else...” she said. Angela gave her a confused look. “Maybe it's your first hunch... I think he likes another girl, and worst... it's his brother's girlfriend.”

--

The next day at the office...

“Ella... can I talk to you?” Arron said as he stood by her desk. Ella looked up at him, and smiled. “Of course. What is it that you want to talk about?” she asked. “I... I want to get your opinion on something...” he said. Ella just nodded her head, and then he began to listen to him. Before Arron could speak, Chun came out of his office and called on Ella. “Ms. Ella, we have to go. Mr. Fang is on his way now.” he said to her. Ella looked at him, and nodded her head. “Yes, sir.” she said. Arron could only sigh when his bother interrupted them. Then, Ella looked at him. “Can this wait, Arron?” she asked. Arron smiled and nodded his head. “I'll wait for you, the meeting won't take that long, right?” he asked. Ella smiled and nodded her head. She stood up from her seat, and then gathered her things, and then looked at Arron again. “I'll see you later, OK?” she said. Arron nodded his head. As soon as Chun got out of his office, the two left.

Arron could only watch as Ella and Chun leaves. Guess he really have to wait for her return before he tells him about his plans. He just hope that Ella would agree to his little favor.

--

“Good afternoon Mr. Fang.” Chun greeted as soon as he spotted Mr. Fang at the restaurant. Mr. Fang smiled at him as he stood up from his seat. “Hello, Mr. Wu. It's nice to see you again.” he said. Then, he looked at Ella and smiled at her. “It's nice to see you again, Ella. My wife is really fond of you, you know.” he said. Ella smiled and nodded her head. “Please do send my regards to Mrs. Fang.” she said. Mr. Fang smiled at her, and then winked. “I sure will.” he said. Then, he looked at Chun. “Shall we get down to business?” he asked. Chun nodded his head. “Of course, Mr. Fang.” he said.

After an hour of discussing business, Mr. Fang finally agreed to their proposal. “So it's settled then...” he said to Chun. “Shall we set a date to sign to contract?” he asked. Chun nodded his head. “Yes. Ella, please prepare the necessary documents.” he said to Ella. Ella just nodded her head. “By the way, Mr. Wu, Ella, It's going to be my wife's birthday a few weeks from now, and I would like to invite you.” he said. Then, he looked at Ella. “My wife will be very happy if you come to her birthday. Have I told you that she is very fond of you?” he said. Ella laughed at him. “Yes, Mr. Fang...” she said. Mr. Fang nodded his head. “So, we'll be expecting the two of you there.” he said as he stood up. The two men shook their hand again and then went on their separate ways.

On their way back to the office, Chun noticed that Ella have been silent. Actually, our leading man have heard his brother talking to Ella a while ago, saying that he's going to tell her something. “I know what you are thinking, Ms. Ella...” he said. Ella looked at him, and she saw her smiling evilly at her. “You're wondering what my little brother will tell you, right?” he asked. This time, Ella gave him dagger looks. “Wei, Mr. Wu, have you heard that eavesdropping is a bad manner?” she said. Chun just laughed at what she said. “I'm sorry, but I accidentally heard him telling you that before we left. You should even thank me for hurrying up to come to the office so that the two of you can talk.” he said. Then, Chun let out another smirk. “So, do you think Arron will finally confess his love for you?” he asked. Ella just shrugged her shoulder. “I know you really like my brother, Ella. But please, don't rape my brother, OK?” he teased. This made Ella more annoyed. “Wei, I'm not that kind of girl. And even if he tells me that he likes me, he should still court me.” she said as she folded her arms. Chun laughed at what she said. “You're too old-fashioned, you know. Just don't do anything to my brother. “ he said again. Ella just rolled his eyes at him. If only he is not her boss and Arron's brother, he would have hit him a long time ago.

--

“Ella...” she heard Arron call him She looked at him and then smiled at him. As soon as she and Chun came back from the meeting, Arron asked her to go with him at the rooftop, since he wants to say something to her. “Arron...” she said. Arron walked towards her and smiled. “Ella... there's something I want to tell you...” he said. He walked towards her, and then held her hand. She looked into his eyes, and she found herself being lost in it. Arron took another deep breath before speaking again. “Ella... I...” he said. Ella smiled at him, waiting for him to speak up. “Yes?”
“Ella, I don't know where to start...”
“Then take it slowly...”
Arron nodded his head. “Ella... there's something that you should know...” he said again. “Whats is it?” she asked. “Ella... I...”
“Yes?”
“I like...”
“You like...?”
“I like...”
Ella bit her lips as she waited for him. He was deciding whether he should continue to tell her what he wants to say or not. But he knows that no matter what, Ella would understand him, right?

“Ella... I like...” Arron said again. Ella felt giddy as he speaks. “Oh. My. God. He's going to tell me that he likes me! But what should I do? Should I tell him that I like him too? Or should I let him woo me first? God, I've waited a long time for this! I think Ill tell him that I like him too... I think I'll make him my boyfriend already... yes! That's it! At least I won't be a member of the 'No Boyfriend Since Birth' society!” she thought as she looked into his eyes. “Ella... I like to go to the US with Ariel. I want to go to her school and shift to advertising. Can you help me tell my brother my decision?” Arron finally said. That moment, she felt like someone hit her head. She flinched after hearing what Arron said. “You, what?” she asked. Arron just laughed at her. “Ariel told me about this school in the US, and I'm interested to study there. I really want to go, Ella... will you help me with my brother so that he'll allow me to go?” he said. Ella frowned at what he said. Not only did he let her down by not telling her that he likes her, but he have told her the possibility of leaving Taiwan to pursue her dreams. And it means that they will be apart for a long time. “Hey... why are you sad?” he asked. “Because you want to leave me...” she said in a sad tone. Arron smiled at her, and then put his arm around her. “Aiyo... I won't take long there. And besides, I'm not even sure if Ge will allow me to go... you know that this is really what I want to do, right?” he said. Ella slowly nodded her head. “So, will you help me tell Chun ge about it?” he asked. Ella smiled and nodded her head. But, at the back of her mind, she is wondering, does Arron really want to go because he really wanted to study in that school, or because he wants to spend more time with Ariel?

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 13 – I'm In Love


A/N: I think this will be start of the CE Romance...

--


I like you, my face is starting to turn red
I fell in love with you, stupid me
I fantasized your world was completely insane
The next second, I sing my song.
I like you, I think crazily
I like you, unlimited happiness
I fantasize that you’re always going to be mine
I want the love I rarely get

--

Ella opened the door of their apartment. She threw her bag on the table, and then slumped on the couch. Angela looked at her, and have seen the sad look on her friend's face. “What's wrong?” Angela asked as she walked over him. “Arron...” Ella said, pouting at her. “What about Arron?” Angela asked. “He wanted to go abroad and study there, he said he wanted to shift majors...” she answered. Angela sat beside her, still giving her a confused look. “So?” she asked. “He asked for my help to convince his evil brother to let him go there...”
“And you are scared that the evil brother will say no?”
“Worse... I'm scared that the evil brother will say yes.”

Angela looked away from her and laughed. “What?” Ella asked, giving her a confused look. “I thought the evil brother wants him to stay and run the company? I thought he didn't want him to shift?” Angela asked. Upon hearing what she said, Ella realized something. “You're right...” Ella said as she smiled. “There is no way that the evil brother will let Arron go. For sure, he would say no!” she said. Her eyes lighted up. Then, she turned to Angela and smile. “You are so smart, Angela!” she said. Angela just laughed at him. “Now that you know that the evil brother will not allow Arron to go, you can still help Arron. You can tell the evil brother about Arron's plan, and you are rest assured that he will not Arron go. In the end, Arron will realize that you did your best to help him, but the evil brother remained with his decision to make Arron stay.” Angela said. Ella smiled evilly and scratched her chin. “Hmmm... why didn't I think of that before?”

--

Arron heard a know on his door. He immediately stood up and opened the door. He saw his elder brother standing. “Ge...” he said. Chun smiled at him. “Can I come in?” he asked. Arron smiled and nodded his head. He gave way, so that Chun could get inside his room. “I want to talk to you about something, Arron...” he said as he sat on his bed. “What is it, ge?” Arron asked. He's thinking it's about him going to the US with Ariel and study in her school. “Maybe Ariel already told him about it...” he thought. “About work. I was thinking maybe you could help Ella out with the Eon Toys project.” Chun said. Arron just nodded his head. “I will. Don't worry about it...” Arron said. Chun smiled and nodded his head. “And there's another thing I want to talk to you about...” he said. Arron sat beside Chun, and waited for him to speak. “Sorry but I eavesdropped on you and Ella a while ago... when you told her that you want to talk to her about something. I just want to know... did you propose to her already?” Chun asked. Arron was surprised at his brother's question. “P-propose? To Ella?” he asked. Chun nodded his head. Arron laughed nervously. How would he tell his brother that he talked to Ella and asked her a favor? “I... I didn't... not yet...” he said. Chun could see his brother blushing. “Why? I thought you also like Ella?” he asked. Arron just smiled at him. “Ge... I... I got nervous when I was about to tell her that I like her.” he lied. “You shouldn't be shy, Arron. Besides, you are a Wu. Men in our family never gets shy towards girls.” Chun said. Arron smiled at him and nodded his head.

“Well, that's all, Arron. Better get some sleep. You don't want to be late for tomorrow...” Chun said as he stood up from his bed. He headed to the door, and paused, then he looked back at Arron. “Maybe tomorrow you could have some time alone with Ella. Take that chance to tell her what's inside your heart.” he said before leaving his room. As the door of his room closes, Arron sighed. “Ge... I'm sorry if I lied to you...” he thought. “The truth its, it's not Ella that I like... if you found out that I'm in love with your girlfriend, I know you'll get mad at me... but for you, I will try to forget my feelings for Ariel, and pursue Ella.”

--

The next day at the office, Ella was busy preparing her proposal, when someone walked up to her. She looked up, and saw Ariel smiling at her. “Hi, Ella!” she said. Ella smiled, and then she stood up from her seat. As she stood up, she bowed at her. “It's nice to see you, Ms. Lin.” she said. Ariel smiled a her, and then helped her up. “No need to be formal, Ella. I hope you don't mind if I call you by your first name...” he said. Ella smiled and nodded her head. “Of course, Ms. Lin. You can call me by my first name.” she said. “And one more thing, please don't call me Ms. Lin. It makes me feel old. Please call me Ariel instead.” she said. Ella gave her a confused look. “But Ms. Lin...” Ariel put her hands on her waist, and gave Ella a stern look. “No buts.” she said. Then, she smiled at her. “If you say so, Ms. Lin, I mean Ariel...” Ella said as she laughed nervously.

“By the way, are you busy right now?” Ariel asked. “Not really...” Ella answered. Ariel gave her another smile. “Good. I was hoping you could accompany me at the cafe to have some coffee. Would that be OK with you?” she asked. Ella was surprised at what she said. She never expected that she would ask her out for a coffee. “B-but... are you sure you want to have coffee with me?” she asked. Ariel nodded her head. “I make sure that I befriend all of those who work under Chun, and you are no exception. Especially since you are also Arron's friend. I want to get to know you better.” she said. “Oh... OK... Actually it's an honor for me to be friends with you.” she said. Ariel nodded her head. “I know one day we're going to not just but friends but sisters-in-law, so I guess we should start bonding now while I'm still here in Taiwan.” Ariel said. Ella felt herself blush at what Ariel said. “Actually, me and Arron, we're really just friends...” she said. “Well, I don't think that's the case. Let's talk it over coffee, OK?” Ariel said. Ella smiled and nodded her head.

--

The waiter put their coffee and cakes on their table. The two ladies said their thanks to the waiter, and then the waiter left them for their own privacy. “How is it going between you and Arron?” Ariel began. Ella just smiled at her. “We're OK... I'm glad that we were able to work together.” she said. Ariel nodded her head. Then, she took her fork, and took a piece of her cake. “Did Arron told you anything yet?” she asked as she ate the cake. Ella nodded her head. “Is there something that he is supposed to tell me?” she asked. Ariel let out a faint laugh as she looked at her. “I'm really sorry about Arron. You see, he maybe good-looking, handsome, and it may also seem that all the girls like him, but the truth is he is really shy when it comes to girls.” Ariel explained. Ella nodded her head in agreement. “Mr. Wu told me the same thing.” she said. Ariel laughed at her again. “I think you should start calling Chun ge ge... after all, you and Arron...”
“Uhmmm... we're not together, really We're only close, but we're friends. Just friends.”
“Are you really sure about that?”

Ella nodded her head. “I know that he only sees me as a friend.” she said. “How sure are you that he only sees you as a friend?” Ariel asked. “Because I know...”
“Did he tell you that he only sees you as a friend?”
“He always says that he's thankful that I am his girl best friend.”
“Did it ever occurred to you that maybe he means another thing when he said that?”
Ella fell silent at what Ariel said. She doesn't know where their conversation is heading. “I don't think he could ever see me as more than a friend...” Ella said. This time, Ariel gave her a warm smile and shook her head. “Ella, I told you Arron's a shy guy. I know him too well. I know that if he likes someone, he'll do everything to keep that person by his side. Did you ever wonder why he did his best to get you to their company?” Ariel asked. Ella slowly nodded her head. “It's because he values you so much. He knows that if you work for them, he could get to keep you beside him... he would be able to see you everyday, and he would be much closer to him.” she said. Ariel leaned over the table and took Ella's hands. “I want to tell you a secret, Ella. I'm going to tell you this, because I know that you feel the same way as Arron. Ella... Arron is in love with you. He told me that. It's just that he's too shy to confess to you... maybe he's scared that you would reject him. I trust that you wouldn't reject him and break his heart, right?” Ariel said. Ella was surprised at what she said. Did Arron really liked her all this time? “H-he's shy? T-that's why all this time... h-he never courted me or anything?” she asked. Ariel nodded her head. “Tell me, Ella... during those years of your friendship, have you seen him got interested in another girl?” Ariel asked. Ella shook her head. During those times, Arron always hangs out with her. If there were girls that would approach him and ask him out for a date, Arron would turn them down, telling them that he already have a date, and then he would pull her close to him. She knows all the girls in the university already hates her for always sticking with Arron.

“I... I did not see him date any other girl back in college...” she said. Ariel smiled triumphantly at her, as she was able to make her see her point. “See? It's because he likes you a lot. Tell me, Ella... do you also feel the same way for Arron?” she asked. Ella lowered her head, and stared at her coffee. Then, she slowly nodded her head. “I have always loved Arron since the very first day I laid my eyes on him... and the more that I get to know him, the more that I'm falling in love with him...” she said in a low voice. Ariel felt happy upon hearing her answer. Although she only got close to this girl at this moment, she could feel her sincerity. She could feel that she really loves Arron more than beyond the reason why. “I know you've seen something in Arron that the other girls have not seen before. I know that when you befriend him, it's not because he is a Wu, or because he is handsome. I know that your intentions are real. And that's why our family was glad that he was able to find a real friend like you. And I know, grandpa and uncle Jonas would be very much honored if one day, you'll also become a part of the Wu family.” Ariel said. Ella looked up at her, giving her a confused stare. “But why isn't making a move on me if he really likes me?” she asked. Ariel just shrugged her shoulder. “Maybe because he's shy, or because if he courts you now, and you two become a couple, the two of you will get stuck in a long distance relationship, like me and Chun. Have he told you about his plans of studying abroad?” Ariel asked. Ella's face became sad when Ariel brought that up. She nodded her head to answer her. “He badly wanted to go with you in the US. I know I have no right to ask him to stay, because it's his dream. It's just that I'm sad that he'll be leaving...” Ella said. “I know how you feel, Ella. I know Chun was like that before. What we have to do now is, for the two of you to confess your feelings for each other.” she said. Then, she let out a playful smile. “And I know just how to do that.” After saying that, Ariel winked at her.

--

Ella was busy typing at the computer, when Chun walked towards the table and put an invitation on her table. Ella paused, and looked at the invitation. Then, she gave Chun a confused look. “Mr. Wu?” she asked. Chun just gave her an evil smile. “Birthday party of Mrs. Fang. How could you forget...” he said. “B-but... why are you giving me this invitation?”
“She specifically asked for you to attend the party.”
“But... why me?”
“Mrs. Fang is so fond of you, so she's expecting you to be there.”
Ella opened her mouth again to protest, but before she could, Chun put up his pointer finger and shook it. “No buts, Ms. Ella.” he said.

She leaned on her chair as she watched her boss disappear into his office. She sighed, and then took the invitation from her table. “This is a formal party...” she thought. She sighed again, She leaned towards her table, buried her face on her hands. “How can I go to that party if I don't even have a gown or a formal dress to wear?” she said aloud. Then, she heard someone clear his throat. She looked up, and saw Chun standing beside her. “I have thought it would be one of your problems, Ms. Ella...” he said. Ella shot him another confused look. Then, Chun took her hand, and pulled her up to her chair. He then pulled her towards the office's exit. “Wait! Mr. Wu! Where are we going?” she asked. Chun paused, and the looked at him. “I have arranged something for you, Ms.Ella. For this party. It's important that you attend this, and I don't want to see you make a fool of yourself. This is a formal party.” he said. Then, he began to pull her again until they reached the parking lot. “Mr. Wu! Wait! Don't pull me!” Ella shouted at him.

--

Ariel entered Chun's office, and found Arron alone in his desk, who was busily typing on his computer. “Arron?” she called as she approached him. Arron looked up, and as he saw her, he smiled. “Hey, Ariel! What are you doing here?” he asked. Ariel smiled, and took a seat in front of him. “I came here for Chun. He's supposed to pick me up today, and we're supposed to go to Genie's shop to pick up my dress.” she said. “I think he's in a meeting. I saw him a while ago, dragging Ella outside the building...” Arron said. Ariel's eyes widened upon hearing what Arron said. “He was dragging Ella?” she asked. Arron nodded his head. “I don't know what happened. It's like Chun was mad at her or something... and he was just pulling her. Ella was pleading him to stop pulling her arm, but he won't listen. I was about to go and stop him from hurting Ella, but before I could, they have already disappeared.” Arron said. Ariel sighed, and leaned back to her chair. She wondered what got into her boyfriend's mind, that he was treating Ella like that. “Have you called Ella?” she asked. Arron nodded his head. “Apparently, she left her phone in her desk. I think the two were in a hurry that she even forgot her phone.”
“And Chun?”
“I tried calling him, but he won't answer my calls...”
“Then where could those two be? Is their meeting really that urgent that Chun have to drag her out of the building?”

Arron sighed and shrugged his shoulder. He have been worrying about Ella. He have never seen his brother be this violent, especially towards girls. “I'm a little worried about Ella, though. I... I don't want ge to hurt her...” he said. Ariel smiled at him, and then she held his hand. “Don't worry about Ella, Arron. I don't think your brother is capable of hurting her, even if she made a mistake. Trust your brother.” she said. Arron smiled and nodded his head. “So, you going to Genie's shop alone?” he asked. “Well, not alone. I want you to come with me... that is if you want to accompany me...” she said. Arron let out a nervous laugh as he nodded his head. It was an honor for him to accompany the girl she loves. “O-of course... I... I wouldn't mind. I guess Chun ge will understand, after all, he seems to have forgotten all about this.” he said. Ariel laughed at what he said. “Thanks, Arron.” she said. “Thanks for being the best little brother in the world!”

--

Chun stopped his car in front of Genie Zhou's shop. Ella's eyes widened as she looked up at the sigh of the shop. She could not believe that her boss would bring her to the shop of Taiwan's number one fashion designer. Then, she looked at Chun, who just got out of his car. “Mr. Wu?” she called. Chun walked to her side, and opened the door for her. “Come on, she's waiting for us.” he ordered. Ella immediately got out of his car. Ella tailed behind him as they entered the shop. “Genie...” she heard him call. The petite lady, who was busy stitching some ornaments in a wedding gown, paused and looked at him. “Chun!” the lady said. Chun smiled at her, and gave the lady a hug. “Good to see you again, Genie.” he said. Then, Genie released herself from his hug, and noticed Ella, who was standing behind him. Genie walked towards her. She folded her arms, and circled her. “So...” she said as she looked up at Chun. “This must be your little protégé, am I right?” she asked. Chun smiled and nodded his. Genie turned to face Ella, and smiled at her. “You are pretty, although you seem a little boyish. Would you mind if I give you a little make over?” she asked. Ella was surprised at she said. She could not believe that the famous Genie Zhou would want to dress up an ordinary girl like her. “O-of course... I wouldn't mind... “ she said nervously as she smiled at her. Genie nodded her head, and then she took Ella's hand. Then, Genie turned to face Chun. “Don't worry, Chunnie. I'll make sure that Ella here will become the belle of the ball.” she said, winking at him.

Chun patiently waited for Genie and Ella at the shop's den. It has been almost an hour since Genie and Ella have gone inside. He looked at his watch, as he is getting impatient with the two girls. “What's taking them so long?” he thought. He sighed, and then he turned his attention to the magazine he was reading. Just then, he heard the door open. “Hi, is Genie there?” he heard a familiar voice said. “Ms. Genie is doing something inside, but she will be out in a while...” Genie's assistant said the the new visitors. The assistant led the newcomers to the den, and as Chun looked up, he was surprised to see Ariel and Arron together. “Princess?” he said as he stood up from his seat. Both Ariel and Arron was surprised to see Chun in Genie's shop. “Chun? What are you doing here?” Ariel asked as he come up to him. “Ge, where's Ella?” Arron asked. “Ella's inside, with Genie. What are you guys doing here?” Chun asked. “I was supposed to get the gown Ill be wearing for tonight's party. You were supposed to accompany me here, but Arron said you dragged Ella out f the building. I never thought that the two of you would go here...” Ariel said. Upon hearing what Ariel said, Chun smacked his head. He have forgotten that he was suppose to come with Ariel in this shop today. “Princess, I'm sorry, I forgot. I was too caught up with how Ella would be at the party tonight, that I totally forgot about you...” he said.

Ariel and Arron looked at each other, confused at what Chun said. Then, they looked back at him. “Ella would be at the party tonight?” the two of them asked. Chun smiled and nodded his head. “Mrs. Fang asked her to come, so I dragged her here to get her all dressed up for the party.” he said. Then, he looked at Arron. “Would it be OK if you become Ella's date tonight? I know Ella would be happy if you'll be her date tonight.” he said. Arron smiled at his brother and nodded his head. “No problem, ge.” he said.

Just then, Genie came out of the room. The three looked at her, and saw her smiling at them. “Oh, everyone is here! At least everyone can see what I have done to Ella.” she said. Arron gave her a skeptical look. “You didn't toyed with Ella or anything, right?” he asked. Genie let out a laugh, and then shook her head. “Of course not, silly! I'm proud of my work, I think she is my masterpiece!” she said. Then, she stepped aside from the door, and opened it. “Presenting, the new Ms. Ella Chen!” she said.

Ella came out of the door, looking more prettier than usual. She was wearing a black tube dress that comes up to her knees. Her short haired was pulled back, but letting a few strands of her hair fall on her face. She wore a pearl necklace around her neck, and on her face, Genie put on a light evening make up that made her even more prettier. Upon seeing her, Arron could not take his eyes off Ella. It was the first time that he have seen his friend as pretty as this, and this was something new to him. He was happy that Genie made a good job in dressing Ella up. “You're so pretty...” Arron said in awe. Ella smiled shyly as she blushed. “Thank you, Arron...” she said. Then, she looked at Ariel, and she was smiling at her. “Very pretty!” Ariel said as she clapped her hands. Ella let out a faint laugh and nodded her head at her. As she looked at Chun, she saw him staring at her in disbelief.

Chun's jaw literally dropped when he saw Ella came out. Just like Arron, he never expected that Ella could be this pretty. Ever since he learned that he is arranged to be married to Ariel, he only had his eyes on her and never bothered to look at other girls, no matter how pretty they are. But with Ella, it was different. He could not take his eyes off of her. It's as if he have seen a beautiful angel, something that he only imagined in his dreams. He felt his heart beating faster as Ella walked up to them. “Mr. Wu... what do you think?” she said. She looked at her with hope, hoping he would compliment her in the way Ariel and Arron did. She wanted him to approve of how she looks tonight, for she didn't want him to be embarrassed at the party because of the way she looks. Still not taking his eyes off of her, Chun smiled at her. He smiled at her lovingly, something that he have never done before with Ella. “You are beautiful...” he said in a low voice. “Very beautiful...”

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 14 – Dance With Me




Dance with me
I want to be your partner
Can't you see?
The music is just starting
Night is calling
And I am falling...
Dance with me...

--

Arron took another glance at Ella, and smiled at her. As Ella looked his way, he felt his heart begin to beat faster. He have never seen Ella as pretty as tonight. Of course, in his eyes, Ella is beautiful in her own way. Her simplicity is one of the things that drawn him to her. Ella is beautiful inside and out, and she doesn't have to wear think make up (like some girls he knew, a.k.a. The ex-girlfriend named Gui Gui) to prove to the world that she is pretty. But seeing her tonight, his opinion changed. Ella is beautiful. Far more beautiful. It felt like the girl standing before her is the other side of Ella that he have never seen before.

“Ella...” he called in a soft voice. “Is that really you?” he asked. Ella felt her cheeks turned crimson with the way Arron stared at her. If she could melt right at that moment, she would have melted a long time ago. “Do... do you like... how I look?” she asked nervously. Arron turned to a smile, one of those warmest smiles that makes her heart beat faster. “You're beautiful... really beautiful...” he said. Ella smiled at him shyly. She wanted to turn away from him, so that he wouldn't see how giddy she felt with each words he said to her. “T-thank you...” she said. Then, she looked up at her boss. Like Arron, Chun was staring at her. It's as if he ha have never seen a girl as pretty as her. “Err... Arron really have a pervert brother...” she thought. She felt annoyed with the way Chun looks at her. It's as if he wanted to eat her whole and alive. “Err... boss, are you OK?” she asked. Chun didn't took his eyes off of her as he nodded his head. “What's wrong with him?” she thought. “Err... boss?” she asked again. She saw Chun shook his head violently. Of course, the leading man of this story was mesmerized by our heroine's beauty, but he couldn't let his fiancée or even his little brother see that he is lusting – I mean – crushing on our heroine, right?

“Yeah, you look good.” Chun said nonchalantly. “You're all set for the party tonight.” he added. Ella's eyes widened upon hearing what he said. “Party? Tonight?” she asked in a bewildered tone. “Yeah. Why? Didn't you read the invitation that I gave you?” he asked. “Mr. Wu, how can I read the invitation you gave me when you dragged me to this shop after giving it to me? How can it sink in to me instantly that Mrs. Fang's birthday is today?” she said. Chun just let out a smirk at her, He could see Genie, Ariel and Arron giggling because of their 'conversation'. “Aren't you a little inconsiderate, Mr. Wu? What if I have other plans tonight?” she shouted at him. Chun just kept his cool as he smirked at her. “Why, do you have a date tonight?” he asked, eying at Arron. “I have plans! With my friends!” Ella shouted at him. “Then, go and cancel it. That's an order.” he said. He turned his back on her, and walked outside the shop.

Even after Chun left, Ariel and Genie were still laughing at them. They both have known Chun for a long time, and nobody dared to talk to him that way, except for Ella. “Suits him...” Genie said. Then, she turned to Ariel. “So, shall I get you ready for tonight's party?” she asked. Ariel smiled at her, and nodded her head. Before the two could come inside Genie's room, Ariel paused and looked back at Ella. “I really think you should cancel your plans for tonight. Aside from wasting the make over Genie gave you, you'll be missing half of your life if you won't go to the party with Arron as your date.” she said. Then, she winked at her. As soon as they left, Ella looked at Arron. “You're my date tonight?” she asked. Arron smiled and nodded his head. “Chun ge asked me to be your date tonight. Anyway, I wouldn't want any man at the party hitting on you...” he said. Ella couldn't contain her happiness at what he said. She immediately took her phone from he purse, and called Angela. “Hello? Angela?” she said on the phone. “Sorry, but I need to cancel our plans for tonight...”

--

“It's OK, we understand. Have fun tonight, OK? Take care.” Angela said. She put the phone down, and then looked at Calvin and Jiro. “Whozzat?” Jiro asked. “Ella. She said she needs to go to a party with his boss...” she said. “So, does that mean we can't go out tonight to watch the movie?” Calvin asked. Angela nodded her head. Calvin turned to smile as he stood up from his seat. “Great!” he said. He ran towards the phone, and took it. “Don't disturb me, OK? Need to talk to Joe...” he shouted as he ran up to his room. With that, Jiro gave Angela a confused look. “Is Calvin gay? Why is her spending more time with this Joe guy?” he asked. Angle glared at him, and whacked his head. “Stupid! Joe's not a guy! She's a girl. One of Ella's colleagues.” she said. “Why does that girl have a man's name. It made me think that Calvin's gay...” Jiro said. Angela rolled her eyes at him, and put her hands on her waist. “And so, what if Calvin's gay?” she asked. Jiro sighed. Then, she covered his chest with his arms. “What if he... he's lusting over me?” he asked in scared tone. With that, Angela whacked him in the head again.

After a while, Calvin came down of the stairs. He have changed to his favorite shirt, and the two could smell his favorite cologne. “I'm going out...” he said. “What? You're going out? Aren't you going to invite us, your friends, to come with you?” Jiro asked in a hurt tone. Calvin just gave him a smirk. “I have a date. Sorry...” he said. Then, he rushed out of the house. Jiro could only sigh as he watch his friend leave. “Wow, I can't believe I'm stuck with this amazon girl...” he muttered. Upon hearing that, Angela whacked Jiro again in the head. “I don't want to be stuck with you as well, you monkey boy!” she shouted at him.

--

That night, Arron, Ella, Chun and Ariel have arrived at the Fang Mansion for the party. Ella find herself in awe, as all of the people from the high society was invited at Mrs. Fang's birthday party. “Whoa...” she muttered. “Ms. Ella, I assume this is your first time to attend this kind of party?” she heard Chun asked. Ella looked up at him and nodded his head. “I expect that you will behave yourself for tonight.” he teased. Ella just rolled her eyes at her boss. “You should be the one who should behave, especially after you get drunk...” she thought. “Don't worry, this isn't the last party that you'll be attending. As long as I'm your boss, I will require you to come with me to such kinds of party. This is just the start.” Chun said. “I understand...” Ella said monotonously. She looked at Arron, and smiled at him. Then, Arron took her hand, and held it. “You'll be OK, don't worry...” he whispered to her. Then, he winked at her.

As they entered the mansion, they were greeted by Mrs. Fang herself. She smiled happily as soon as she saw Ella. “I'm glad you were able to come!” she said as she walked towards her. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Fang.” she said. “Aiyo, I told you before to call me Auntie Louise.” she said. Ella smiled at her. “I'm sorry, Auntie Louise... I wasn't able to bring you any gifts. I only learned about your party today, through my boss...” Ella said. Then, she threw dagger looks at her boss. Although Chun noticed the way Ella looked at her, he ignored it, and smiled to himself. “Its OK, Ella. What's important to me is that you were able to come.” she said. Then, Mrs. Fang turned her attention to Chun and Ariel. “And I'm glad you were able to come as well. This must be your fiancee, am I right?” she asked. Chun smiled at her, and nodded his head. “Mrs. Fang, this is my girlfriend, Ariel Lin.” he said. Mrs. Fang extended her hand to Ariel, and Ariel took it. “I'm glad to meet you, Ariel.” she said. “It's my pleasure, Mrs. Fang. Happy birthday.” she said. “Please, call me Auntie Louise as well.” Mrs. Fang said. Then, she turned to Arron and smiled at him. “And you must be Arron Yan-Wu?” she asked. Arron smiled at him and nodded his head. “It's my pleasure to meet you, Auntie Louise. Happy birthday.” he said. She smiled at him. Then, she looked closely at Ella and Arron. “You know what, if Ella haven't told me before that you're her good friend, I could easily mistaken you to be Ella's boyfriend.” she said. The two turned red upon hearing what she said. “Well... uh... that's what other people think as well...” Arron said shyly. Then, their eyes met as they smiled at each other.

Meanwhile, Chun was watching his brother and his assistant. He doesn't know why, but he suddenly felt jealous. He doesn't know if it's because of the attention that Ella have been giving Arron, or if it's because of what Mrs. Fang said, or because of both. And why would our leading man be jealous by the way? Didn't he remembered that it was him who was first mistaken to be Ella's boyfriend when they first met Mrs. Fang? Chun smiled to himself as he remembered that day. “I think so too, Arron. I can see the love between to two of you.” he heard Mrs. Fang said. Chun looked up at the elder lady and gave her a confused look. Then, he looked at Arron and Ella, and he can tell by the way Ella smiles that she's feeling all giddy again. “Actually, Mrs. Fang, Arron's right. They are just good friends, nothing more, nothing less.” Chun said. Ariel looked up at her boyfriend, confused at what he said. Didn't they agreed before to matchmake Arron and Ella? “But, Auntie Louise, I think they both look good together. It's like they're meant for each other. Don't you agree?” Ariel said. Mrs. Fang smiled at Ariel and nodded her head. “I agree.” she said. Mrs. Fang glanced at Chun, and she could sense that he is jealous.

Then, Arron heard his (and Ella's) favorite being played. “El, shall we dance?” he asked. Ella smiled at him and nodded her head. “I'd love to...” she said. They looked at Mrs. Fang and excused themselves, then Arron took Ella's hand and led her to the dance floor. Chun could only watch as Arron and Ella danced. With the way Ella looked at his brother, he felt the green-eyes monster creeping up to him. “What's wrong with me? Why am I getting jealous?” he thought as he shook his head. “Honey, are you OK?” he heard Ariel asked. Chun turned to her, and smiled. “I'm OK, my princess. Would you like to dance?” he asked. Ariel smiled at him and nodded his head. Mrs. Fang smiled to herself as she watched the two pairs danced. “So... are you enjoying your party, my dear?” she heard her husband asked. She turned to him, and smiled. “Yes...” she said. Then she turned her eyes on the two pairs. “But I'm enjoying this love story unfolding right before my eyes.”

--

Angela heard a soft knock on the door. She immediately got up, and opened it. She saw him standing by her door, with his back towards her. “Hey...” she said. “Hey...” he turned to her, and gave her a warm smile. “I'm sorry about a while ago...” he said. Angela smiled at him, and nodded her head. “I know you didn't mean what you said. And besides, I know you want to get stuck with me, don't you, monkey boy?” she said. He let out a laugh. Then, he paused, and moved closer to her. “I want to be alone with you. I want you all by myself...” he said. Angela felt her cheeks turn read with what he said. “Jiro Wang!” she shouted at him as he hit his arm. Jiro just laughed at her. Then, she put her arms around his neck, and Jiro pulled her closer to him. “I love you...” he said. And with that, he gave his girlfriend a long kiss on the lips.

--

As Chun danced with Ariel, he could not take his eyes off Ella and Arron. All through out, Ella was smiling at Arron. He could see Arron whispering something to Ella that made her smile even more. “Don't they look good together?” he heard Ariel said. Chun gave his girlfriend a skeptical look. “Do they? Look at Ella. She looks like a school girl whenever she's with Arron.”
“Of course, silly! Just look at them, it's like they are really meant for each other...”
“You really like Ella, huh?”
“i would love her to be my sister-in-law. I know you also want Ella to become a part of your family, don't you?”
Chun could only sigh as he continued to watch them. “Well, how can Ella become a part of the Wu family if Arron always gets nervous whenever he confesses his love for her?” he asked. Ariel looked at Arron, and saw him smiling sweetly at Ella. He have never seen Arron smile that way at any girl. “Except for me...” she thought. It felt that at that moment, Ella is taking away her little brother. She wanted to be jealous, but she knows she don't have the right to be jealous. She only wanted Arron's happiness, and she can see that he is happy with Ella.

“I think my brother is really in love with this girl...” Chun said. Ariel looked up at him, and smiled. “I think so too...” she said. “Well, I think he should propose to her soon and make her really happy.” Chun said. “Well, I think tonight's the night. Just look at how he looks at Ella. It's as if he wants to tell her something.” Ariel said. “Knowing my brother, I bet he won't bring himself to confess to Ella.” he said. “Then, let's make a bet.” Ariel said. Chun paused and looked at her. “If Arron would be able to confess to Ella tonight, you will let Arron go with me to the US.” she said. Chun let out a smile. “And if not?” he asked. Ariel smiled back at him. “Then, I'll stay here for good.” she said. Chun gave her a smirk as he pulled her closer to him. “Well, I think I'm going to win this time.” he said.

--

“Ehem...”

Arron looked back, and saw his brother standing behind him. “I noticed that you've been dancing with I disagreeistant the whole night. Do you mind if I dance with her?” Chun asked. Arron just smiled at his brother. “I don't mind at all.” he said. Then, he handed Ella to him. As soon as Arron left, The two began to dance. There was an awkward silence between them. First of all, our heroine doesn't know what to say to our leading man, aside from work-related stuffs. “Well?” Chun asked. “Well what?” she asked. “How is it going between you and my brother. Have he told you anything yet?” he asked. “What would he tell me, aside from the fact that he wants to go to the US with Ariel to study?” she said. Chun let out a smirk at her, then, he moved and turned her around. “So, my brother have not confessed his love for you yet?” he asked. Ella shook her head. Then, she eyes on Arron, who was happily chatting with Ariel. “I can feel there is someone else that he likes, that's why all this time, he never confessed his love for me...” she thought. “Ella?” Chun called. Ella looked up at him, and smiled. “Mr. Wu, you know... I'm more than contented that Arron is my friend. That's all that matters to me.” she said. Chun turned away from her, and smiled to himself. He doesn't know why, but he felt contented and happy with Ella's answer. “So, you mean to say, you would rather be his friend that his girlfriend?” he asked. “If he thinks that I can only be his friend, then I won't do anything to change his mind. I love your brother, Mr. Wu, but I could not force him to love me.” she said.

Chun looked at his brother, and then smiled at him. “Mr. Wu... can I ask you a personal question?” he heard Ella said. Chun looked at her, and nodded his head. “I don't know what happened between you and your brother in the past. I know it's none of my business, but I want to ask... do you love your brother?” she asked. Chun paused, and just stared at her. “I... I do. I love my brother. That's why I want the best for him.” he said. “Do you really love him?” she asked again. This time, he got annoyed of her question. “What kind of a question is that, Ms. Ella?”
“Because if you love someone, you would only want their happiness, right?”
“Yes.”
“Even though their happiness means you're not a part of it?”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Wu, if you love your brother, do think you should let him go and do whatever it is that makes him happy?”

Chun looked away from her. The corner of his eye caught Arron already dancing with Ariel. “His happiness...” he whispered. “Arron is a talented painter, I know that you know that. And nothing makes him more happy than doing the thing he does best. I know he's just doing this, working under you, to make you happy... to please you... but this isn't what he wanted.” she said. “I need Arron to help me run the company. I want him to take responsibility...” Chun said. “Mr. Wu, you may not see it, but Arron is a responsible guy. He may have disappointed you in the past, but he's doing his best to make it up to you.” Ella said. Chun sighed, and looked at Ella. “I'm not having this conversation anymore, Ms. Ella. My decision is final. Arron will stay here.” he said. Ella sighed in resignation, and slowly nodded her head. “I understand, Mr. Wu. I understand...”

--

“So, have you told Ella that you like her?” Ariel asked as she danced with Arron. Arron smiled and shook his head. “It's that...” he paused, and looked at Ella. Then, he looked back at Ariel, and smiled. “I don't know how to start...” he said. “I can see in the way you look at her and in the way that you smile at her that you were smitten by her. Maybe that's the reason why you can't tell her how you feel.” she said. “I've never seen Ella this beautiful...” he said as he looked at Ella's way again. This time, Ariel became jealous with the way he looked at her. “He really loves her...” she thought. She shook her head to erase her thoughts about Arron. For her, Arron will always be the little brother that she never had.

“By the way, have you told your brother about your plans?” she asked. Arron shook his head. “I don't know how to tell him that I want to come with you. He seems to be always busy, and when I try to talk to him about it, he changes the subject. I even asked Ella's help about it, but I don't think she have talked to ge yet about it... the last time she defended me from him, Chun ge lashed it out to her...” Arron said. “But time is running out, Arron. You have to tell Chun about it. I have done my part, and it's now up to you to make him understand that this is what you have always wanted...” Ariel said. Arron looked away from her, and this time, he looked at his brother, who was still dancing with Ella. “Ariel, you know that since mom died, Chun have not liked me at all. I'm always doing things to make him notice me. If there's something I've done that he didn't liked, he won't speak to me for days. It's only now that we're coming into good terms... and I don't want to be on his bad side again because of my dream...” he said sadly. Then, he looked back at Ariel, and she could see the sadness in his eyes. “Now that I'm working for him, I felt that brotherly love that I've always wanted. I was hoping one day, we could get more closer like other siblings out there. My brother is more important to me than my dreams.” he said. Ariel paused, and smiled at him sadly. “Oh, Arron... I'm sorry...” she said in a low voice. “It's OK, Ariel. You don't have to be sorry. Actually, I want to thank you because whenever you're around, he sees me as his brother, and not as a stranger.” he said. “He still haven't got over what happened to Auntie Marie. But it's still wrong that he blames you for everything that happened in the past.” she said in a low voice. “I know he's not blaming me for anything. It's just that he wanted the best for me. I've seen all the hardships ge have gone through since mom died. Dad gave up working for the company, and decided to pursue his own dream. At a very young age, he have been pressured to do his best, because he is the next heir of our business. I understand that he needs me to help him, because he won't be able to bear it all...” Arron said. With that, Ariel smiled sweetly at him, and then pinched his cheeks. “That's what I like about you, Arron. You always see light in everything.” she said. He felt his cheeks blush with her compliment. “Thanks...” he said shyly. “And you know what, any girl would like that attitude of yours. Not only are you optimistic, but you are also considerate of other people's feelings. If only you were my boyfriend, I will never let you go.” she said. Arron just gave her another smile. Deep inside his heart, he was wishing that he really is her boyfriend.

--

Later that evening, Arron and Ella were taking a stroll at Mrs. Fang's garden. “I hope you enjoyed the party tonight.” Arron told her. Ella smiled at him and nodded her head. “I did, because you were my date.” she said. “I'm more than honored to be your date tonight...” he said. Then, Arron stopped walking, and then he faced her. He took her hands, and then stared into her eyes. “Ella... we need to talk...” he said in a low voice. Ella felt her heart beating faster. Will he finally confess to her tonight, or will he tell her the truth that's inside his heart. “W-we're already talking, aren't we?” she asked nervously. Arron smiled and nodded his head. “But there's something else that I want to tell you...” he said. Ella looked up at him, and waited for him to speak. “We've been friends for so long. And for that span of time that we have been together, it's the happiest time of my life. I am glad that I was able to find someone who became my friend, not because of my status or because of my wealth, but because I am me. When I'm with you, I know I can always be true to myself, because you assured me that you will always be there for me...” he said. He paused, and then took a deep breath before continuing. “I know that you have always liked me, Ella. I know. Any guy would be lucky to have someone like you...” he said. “Arron...” Ella said as he looked up at him. “I know what you're about to say. You will tell me that you can only see me as your friend, because you like another girl, right?” she said. Arron smiled at him again. “I was about to get on that part, maybe I will say that. Now, can I continue with my speech?” he asked. Ella laughed, and nodded her head. “You got it. I know you have liked me for so long, and maybe you're getting tired with us just being friends. The truth is, I didn't want to hit on you because I don't want to hurt you in the end. I didn't court you because I'm comfortable with our friendship. Boyfriends come and go, but friends do not... right?” he asked. Ella nodded her head. “And yes, I like another girl. I've liked her for so long, but for her, I am just a friend. A little brother... that's why I understand how you feel. I know what it's like to lose without even starting the fight...” he said.

Arron moved closer to her. He was too close to her, that Ella could feel him breathe. “I guess this is the part that you will tell me that we can only be friends?” she asked. Arron nodded his head. “I'm sorry, Ella. I don't want to hurt you...” he said. Ella felt her heart breaking at that instant. She had her hopes high, but now, it was all gone. Arron have finally told her the plain truth, that she will only be his friend. Ella looked up at him again, and forced a smile. “I understand. I know that you can never love me back. It's beyond my wild imagination if you would court me or something. I'm contented being your friend. It's better than not knowing you at all...” she said. “I'm really sorry, Ella. If I could chose someone whom I can give my heart to, I'll give my heart to you... but she will always have it...” he said in a low voice. “It's... it's Ariel, right? You're in love with your brother's wife-to-be?” Ella asked, her voice cracking. Arron paused, and stared at her for a long time. Then, he slowly nodded his head. “Yes... it's Ariel...” he said. “I've been lying a lot to the people around me, and I even used you to cover up my feelings for her. When I was talking to her a while ago, about me confessing my love for you, I realized that I couldn't continue with this lie anymore. Ella, I'm sorry if I used you...” he said in low voice. Instead of seeing anger in her eyes, Arron was surprised to see her smile at him. “I understand, Arron. What are friends for. I'm more than willing to cover for you. I know you'd do the very same thing if I were in your shoes.” she said. Arron smiled at her. Then, he pulled her to him, and embraced her. “Ella, thank you for understanding. Always remember that you will always be the most important person in my life...” he said. Then, he leaned down to her, and kissed her on the forehead.

--

What they didn't know is that when Arron kissed Ella, Chun saw them. At that sight, he felt his heart breaking. “Why am I feeling hurt? Why am I getting affected now that my brother and Ella are together?” he thought. He closed his eyes, and turned his back away from that scene. At that very moment, he was wishing that he's Arron. He wanted so much to be closer to this girl, but Ella only have her eyes on his brother. Little did he know, in some little ways, he is slowly falling in love with her...

[Feelingerang Fuuko [Keisi]]

Chapter 15 – Leaving on a Jetplane



All my bags are packed
And I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye...

--

“Ella! Will you answer the d**n phone?” she heard Jiro shout at her. She buried her head under her pillow, trying to ignore her phone. She knows exactly who it is – it's her boss. “Ella! For Christ's sake, we can't always cover for you! Answer the phone!” she heard Angela shout at her. “I don't want to!” she shouted at her. This time, she pulled her blanket over her head. She heard the door of her room open, and felt someone entered and sat on her bed. “El... what's happening to you?” she heard a familiar voice said. Curious, she took off her blanket and pillow for her face, and saw Joe beside her, giving her one of her worried look. “Joe? What are you doing here?” she asked. “Mr. Wu sent me. He told me to tell you to get your butt out of here.” she answered. “Did Mr. Wu told you that, or Calvin did?” she asked. “Both of them.” Joe said. Ella sighed, and went back to bed. As she covered herself with blanket, Joe took it away from her. “Ella!” she shouted at her. Ella sat up on her bed, and she saw her three best friends standing by the door. “What the hell is wrong with you?!” all of them shouted at her in unison.

--

A week ago at Chun's office...

“That's all for now.” Chun said as he swiveled his chair. His staff stood up from their seats and went outside of his office. It's one of those weekly meetings that they had with Chun regarding their ongoing projects, and of course, Ella and Arron are included in the meeting. Ever since the night of the party, Chun have been ignoring Ella, much to her confusion. Knowing her boss, his day isn't complete without annoying her to death, teasing her to his brother, or even asking her to do a lot of things. She doesn't know if she pissed him off because of what she told him while they were dancing, or because of she did something that made him mad. As soon as everyone's gone, Ella decided to talk to him.

“Mr. Wu...” she said. “Ms. Chen. Meeting is over. Go back to work.” she heard him say. “Mr. Wu, I've got something to say...” she said. Chun swiveled his chair to face her. “Ms. Chen, meeting is over. Go back to your desk, and do what I asked you to do a while ago.” he said. “Mr. Wu, are you mad at me because of what I told you that night at the party?”
“Look, Ms. Chen. I don't like people intruding into my life, especially with my relationship with my brother.”
“I only said that to make you realize-”
“Well, I don't want to realize it.”
“But, Mr. Wu -”
“Go back to work, Ms. Chen. I am not having this conversation with you again.”

Ella sighed and lowered his head. There's no way she could talk to his boss if he's acting this way. “I'm sorry, Mr. Wu. I'll go back to work...” she said in a low voice. She turned her back at him, and went out of his office. As soon as she is gone. Chun sighed. He took his stress ball, and threw it at the door. “d**n it!” he thought. “Why am I feeling this way? Why am I feeling guilty for making her sad? I shouldn't be like this!” he thought. He let out another sigh as he leaned back to his chair. Ella really have this big effect on him, and he doesn't know why. Ever since that night at the party, he couldn't get her out of his mind. Lately, he have been having that same dream he was having about her. “Chun Yan-Wu, you cant possibly lusting over your assistant. Get a grip, OK? You are getting married to Ariel in a few years... so go get a grip.” he said. He was too deep in his thoughts when he heard the door open. He thought that it was Ella, but it was Wallace who went inside his office. “I said, get back to work!” he shouted. Wallace was surprised with the way he acted. For the past few years that he worked with him, he have never seen him throw his temper at his staff, especially him. “Chun, are you OK?” he asked. Chun looked at the door, and saw Wallace. “I just came in to remind you about your meeting today, but I guess I caught you in a bad mood. Just call me if you need me...” he said in a low voice. Chun stood up from his seat. He was about to walk up to Wallace, but Wallace immediately got out of his office. “Oh, great, Wu Chun...” he thought to himself. “Now, you lashed it out to your best bud...”

--

“Mr. Wu is acting weird today, don't you think?”
“Yeah, I mean at the meeting today, he seems a little pissed off or something...”
“Do you think he and Ms. Lin had a quarrel or something?”
“I think so. Mr. Wu wouldn't act that way without any reason...”

Ella sat back on her chair as she listened to her colleagues talk about the change in their boss's attitude. As she sighed, she looked back at Arron, and their eyes met. She could tell that Arron was also a victim of Chun's temper, as he is more quiet than usual. “What's wrong with him?” she thought. Then, she saw Wallace got out of Chun's office. Like Arron, he have this glum on his face. A while ago, she heard Chun shout at him. “Weird, I've never heard Mr. Wu shout at anyone like that...” she thought. She faced her computer, and then sent a message to Arron.

Chen, Ella: Arron...
Chen, Ella: Is there anything wrong?

Arron looked at her before he typed in his reply.

Wu, Arron: Ge's not talking to me...
Wu, Arron: I tried to talk to him about my plans,
Wu, Arron: but he seems to avoid me...

Ella looked at Arron, and let out a faint smile.

Chen, Ella: I'm sorry, Arron...
Chen, Ella: I think it's my fault why you're brother is acting weird...
Wu, Arron: let's not talk about this over chat.
Wu, Arron: Starbucks? My treat...

Ella glanced at Arron, and he stared at her. Then, she nodded her head.

--

Ella and Arron sat in front of each other inside the cafe. There was an awkward silence between them. “What's wrong?” Arron finally asked. Ella looked down on her cup of coffee, and stared at it for a long time. “You said a while ago that it's your fault that my brother is not himself these past few days... what happened?” Arron asked again. This time, Ella looked up at him. “Arron, I'm sorry...” she began. “That night, at the party, I tried to talk to your brother about your plans. I tried to enlighten him that it's your dream... but he wouldn't listen to me...” she said. Arron gave her a warm smile, and then he held her hand. “It's OK, Ella. I guess I have to accept the fact that I could never be a painter, and that I have huge responsibility now. And besides, I like working for my brother...” he said. Ella stared at him for a long time, and then she shook her head. “I don't think you're happy...” she said. Arron sighed as he leaned on his chair. “Arron, you have been doing your best to please your brother, even if it means giving up on the things and people you love. You lost Ariel to Chun, are you willing to lose your dream because of him?”
“I love my brother, Ella...”
“But he doesn't...”
“I know he does...”
“If he loves you, he will let you go.”

Then, Ella leaned to him, and held his hand. “This is what you wanted, Arron. Not everyone is given a talent like yours. I know one day, your brother will be proud of you... for once, Arron, follow your heart. You can't always be in your brother's shadow for so long...” she said. “And... and besides... it's... it's a good opportunity for you to... to be with Ariel... before... before she marries your brother. You... you may not have this chance anymore...” she added. “Ella...” Arron said in a low voice. “I... I have long given up on Ariel. I have long accepted that she could never see me in the way I see her.” Ella sighed as she shook her head. “This is not you, Arron. The Arron I know never gives up.” she said. “Arron, please don't give up... because I've been fighting for you. I'll do my best to convince your brother, even if he lashes it out on me, I wouldn't mind.” Ella said. Arron smiled at her, and shook his head. “Ella, don't do this anymore...” he said. “All I wanted is my brother's love. That's all that matters to me now...”

---

“The number you have dialed cannot be reached.”

Frustrated, Chun ended the call. He stared at his phone, and threw it on his bed. “Ella Chen!” he thought. He sat on his bed, and brushed his hair with his fingers. It was his fault that Ella is not answering his calls. It was his fault that Ella finally decided to resign, after two months of working under him. He have talked to Arron, and upon seeing his brother sad for not being able to talk to Ella, he felt guilty for treating Ella badly during her last few days in the office. He took his phone again, and dialed her number. After several rings, he heard the same voice prompt again. “Ella, don't do this.. answer the phone!” he thought as he attempted to call her again.

“Chun Yan-Wu!” he heard an angry voice calling him. He looked by his door, and he saw Ariel and his grandpa (who was looking at him furiously). “Arron told me.” grandpa said as he walked towards him. As he got near him, grandpa pinched Chun by his ears, and the poor guy flinched in pain. “What did you do to Ella?! What did you do to my future granddaughter-in-law?!” the old man shouted at him. “Awww... grandpa! Stop it!” Chun pleaded. But grandpa continued to pinch him. “You're always like this, making your brother sad, just like before!” grandpa said. Chun looked at his girlfriend, his eyes pleading her to ask his grandpa to stop hurting him. But Ariel just rolled her eyes at him.

After a while, grandpa released Chun. “Grandpa... it wasn't my fault that Ella resigned...” Chun said. “But it will be your fault if Arron and Ella breaks up!” Ariel shouted at him. “Ella is not talking to Arron, and that happened since the day she resigned. Now, if you won't do anything to make her talk to your brother, then I'll call off our wedding!” she added. Before she could see Chun's reaction, Ariel stormed out of his room. “Ariel! Sweetheart!” Chun shouted. Before he knew it, Ariel's already out of sight. He sighed, and then sat back on his bed. Things are getting worse, and it's all his fault.

--

6 Days ago...

“What do you mean you will not let Arron go?” Ariel asked Chun while he was driving. “You said they are together now! You have to keep your part of the bargain!” she shouted at him. “Ariel, this is not the right time to discuss this...” Chun said calmly. He turned his eyes on the road as he drive. “Not a time to discuss? But you admitted your defeat right after the party, right? You said you saw them that night, kissing! Isn't that enough proof that Arron have confessed to Ella, and Ella accepted his love?” Ariel said. “They are not admitting anything yet, so let's not assume that they are together now.” he said. Ariel sighed in exasperation as she leaned back on her seat. She sure is mad at her boyfriend. They have a deal that night at the party – that if Arron confesses to Ella, he will let Arron come with her abroad. She never thought that Chun would not keep his promise.

“Stop the car.” Ariel told him. Chun ignored her, and continued driving. “I said stop the car!” Ariel shouted. Chun stepped on the brakes. As soon as his car stopped, he saw Ariel getting out. “Ariel!” Chun called as he got out of his car to follow her. But Ariel ignored him. Chun sighed, and shook his head, then he walked as fast as he could to keep up with her. “Honey, what's wrong?” Chun asked as soon as he held his arm. Ariel took her arm away from him. “Let me go.” she said in an annoyed tone. “We're not fighting over Arron.” Chun said. Ariel paused, then she turned to face him. “No, we're not. Because what we're fighting about is you!” she said, pointing at him. “Look, Chun... I don't think I can be with you if you don't know how to respect other people's decision. I can't be with you if you can't do what what you promised.” she said. Then, she turned her back on him, and left Chun all alone.

--

5 days ago...

Chun entered his office, and his staff could see that he is in a bad mood. Everybody greeted him, but he ignored all of them. Instead of having a small talk with his employees, like he usually do, he went immediately inside his office. As soon as he settled inside, he heard a soft knock on the door. “Come in.” he said in a monotonous tone. He heard the door open, and as he looked up, he saw Ella get inside his office. “What do you want?” he said in an annoyed tone. “Mr. Wu, here are the documents that you need regarding the Eon Toys project...” she said. Chun turned his back on her, not wanting to see her face. “Just put it on the table. I'll take a look at it later.” he said. “I understand, Mr. Wu...” she said. As he looked back at her, he saw her getting out of his office. For the past few days, he have been giving Ella the cold shoulders. He wanted to think that she's missing him, that's why she was doing this, but he knows that she's not, and she's just doing her job. He know she and his brother are now together, and he was just waiting for them to admit to them about their relationship, but days have passed and they have not said anything yet. He doesn't know why, but there was a part in his heart wishing that what he saw that night isn't real, that they are not really together.

“Why do I have to bother with those two?” he thought. “I've had enough problems already to think about Arron and Ella... and why do I care if they are together now? Ariel is still not talking to me... I should give all my attention to her than waste my time on Ella.” he thought. Then, he heard another knock on the door. “Come in.” he said. He looked up at the door, and saw Arron. “Ge, here's the report you asked me to do...” Arron said. Chun took the report from him, and began to read it. After a while, he looked up at Arron. Arron could see the anger in his brother's eyes. “Is this all you can come up with?” he asked. Arron lowered his head. He could tell with the way his brother looked at him and the way he talked that he was not satisfied with the report he have given him. “Arron Yan-Wu, you have been working for me for two months now, and all you can give me is a lousy report?!” Chun shouted at him. He heard Chun sigh in exasperation, and then he saw him throw his report on the floor. “How many times have I told you to rewrite this? How many times have I told you not to overlook at some details. You know that I wanted a detailed report, and you cannot even give it to me! What are you, stupid?!” Chun shouted at him again. Arron did not answer him back. Instead, he looked away from his brother. He thought that he would be able to please him with his work, but he's wrong. “I'm sorry, ge...” he said in a low voice. “Sorry? Sorry?! Is that all that you're going to say?! Sorry?! I don't need your sorry, Arron! I need a better report!” he shouted at him again. Arron knelt down on the floor, and picked up his report. “I... I'm sorry, ge... I... I'll do this again...” he said in a low voice. Chun sighed again, and then glared at him. “Sometimes I think why you became my brother. How can you be so stupid?” he said. Arron chose to ignore his remark, and slowly went out of Chun's office.

Everyone heard what happened inside his office, especially Ella. As Arron got out of his office, their eyes met. She could see the hurt in his eyes, but just like before, he smiled at him, trying to hide the pain he is feeling. Ella watched him as he retreat to his desk. He was silent all through out. She watched he read his report, and retype it in the computer. It was hurting her to see her friend like this, and she could not take it sitting down. She clenched her fist, and stood up from her seat. “This has got to stop.” she thought. Then, she stormed inside Chun's office.

She did not bother to knock as she went inside. She saw Chun looking outside his window, the back of his chair facing her. “Mr. Wu!” she shouted at him. Chun swiveled his chair to face her. “What are you doing here, Ms. Chen? First, did you know that it's rude not to knock on the door? Second, I did not call for you yet.” he said in a stern tone. Ella looked at him angrily. “I don't care what you think, Mr. Wu. What do you think of yourself, all high and mighty?” she said. Chun sighed, and then swiveled back his chair. “I don't care what you think of me.” Chun said. “You know what, I could perfectly understand if you shouted at me, at Wallace, at Joe, or at any employees around. But Arron is your brother, Mr. Wu!” she said. Chun stood up from his seat, and faced Ella. “How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from our family problems, Ms. Chen?” he shouted at him. “How can I keep my silence if I could see that you are hurting your brother!” Ella shouted at him. “My affair with my brother is none of your business. Arron, like you, is my subordinate!”
“Even though he works under you, it doesn't mean that you have to shout at him like that!”
“I am the boss here, and I have every right to criticize my employees' work. And Arron is no exception.”
“Can't you see how you're hurting your brother!”

Chun fell silent at what she said. “Your brother is doing his best to please you! I've seen him work hard everyday, and yet you can't appreciate that! He can live a life he have always wanted and chase his dreams, but in the end, he chose to stay here with you! Why can't you see all of his efforts, and only see his weaknesses!” Ella said. Chun closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “Ms. Chen, I am not having this conversation with you. I'm saying this for the last time. Stay away from our family matters, OK?” Chun said. Ella took a deep breath and then glared at him. “I won't...” she said. “I thought you said that you love your brother. I thought you said that you want him to be happy. You're planning a life for your brother that he doesn't exactly want. All this time, he have been competing for your attention, but you won't even give him a chance. He's been doing exactly as what you says, even did things on his own to please you, like working for you. If you care for Arron you-”
“I will not him go!” Chun shouted at her. “Studying abroad to be an artist is a total waste of time. He will not go. He will stay here, and if he have to go, that's because I signed him up for some business courses in the top unversities abroad.” Chun said. “But this is not what he wants. Can't you see that? The more that you're insisting what you want, the more you are hurting the people who loves you.” Ella said.

Chun finally lost his temper at her. He glared at Ella, and pointed at the door. “Get out!” he shouted at her. “I don't want to see your face anymore. Get out!” he said. “Why? Because truth hurts, Mr. Wu? Because you cannot accept the fact that you are wrong and I am right?” Ella said in a more calm tone. “You know what you are, Ella Chen, you're a gold-digging pregnant dog who badly wants to be my brother's girlfriend, so that you can become part of the Wu family.” Chun said. Ella was taken aback with what he said. “Oh...” she said in a surprised tone. “I... I never thought you would think of me that way...” she said with a hint of hurt in her voice. “I never really liked you, Ella Chen. I think you're a bad influence to my brother. Aside from that, you're such a nuisance. I never liked a girl like you. You're too loud, too boyish... you wear your heart on your sleeves and you act nice in front of other people, but they never knew that you're such a pregnant dog. You think you're too smart, but the truth is you're not as smart as you think. I'm glad that you're not my girlfriend, because if you are, I would have dumped you a long time ago. Maybe Arron only gave you a chance, but honestly, no guy would ever want you around. I don't know what my brother saw in you that he became friends with you.” he said. Ella felt her tears falling from her eyes as he speaks. His words cut to her like a knife. “I've always thought you're a real gentleman, Mr. Wu, like the men in your family. But I was wrong...” she said. Then, she stormed outside Chun's office. As soon as she left, it hit Chun. He have hurt Ella with his words.

“God, what have I done?” he thought as he slumped on his chair. “I shouldn't have said those things to her...”

--

Chun came back from a meeting that afternoon, when he noticed an envelope lying on his desk. He took it, and opened it. Inside was Ella's resignation letter. “nuts...” he thought as he dropped the letter on his desk. He immediately went outside of his office to see Ella, but she was not in her desk. “Where's Ella?” he asked his staff. Nobody dared to answer him. “Can someone tell me where the hell Ella Chen is?” he shouted. “Ella's gone...” he heard someone say. He looked back, and saw Arron looking at him. Then, Arron stood up from his seat, and walked towards him. “Are you happy now?” he snapped at him. Then, Arron turned his back on his brother and left the office.

Ella left. Arron left. It seems to him that his brother's mad at him for what he have done to his friend. And for sure, Ella's mad at him as well. He did quite a mess, didn't he?

---

Ariel slowly opened the door of Arron's room, and saw him sitting on his bed and staring at his sketch pad. “Arron...” she called as she went inside his room. Arron looked back at her. “Ariel...” he said. “Are you OK?” she asked. Arron shook his head. Ariel sat beside him, and took his sketch pad. From there, she saw his drawing of Ella's smiling face. “You miss Ella?” she asked. Arron nodded his head. “She... she won't talk to me. I... I'm scared, Ariel. She's important to me. I... I don't want to lose her...” he said in a low voice. Ariel sighed as she looked at him. If only she could do something for him. If only Chun could fix up the mess he have made...

--

4 days ago...

“Ella!” she heard someone call her. Ella looked back, and saw Arron rushing up to him. That day, Ella came to get her personal things at the office. She have assumed that Chun got her letter of resignation, and for her, she doesn't have to deal with his ex-boss anymore. “Arron...” she said. Arron paused, and looked at her. “Ella, are... are you OK?” he asked. Ella smiled at him and nodded his head. “You never know how it felt good now that I'm not working for your brother anymore.” she said. Arron walked up to her, and Ella could see how sad he has been. “Ella... I... I got worried about you. You... you shouldn't have done that. I can take all the bad things that my brother tells me, but I couldn't bear it if he hurts you...” he said. The smile on Ella's face slowly disappeared. “Arron...” she said in a low voice. Then, he pulled her closer to him, and hugged her tight.

As Chun got out of the building, he saw Arron and Ella hugging. At that moment, he felt his heart breaking again. He felt jealous. At that moment, he wanted to punch his brother for taking advantage of Ella, but he have no right to do so. Ella is mad at him. He knows she didn't want to see him any,ore, because right after their confrontation, Ella resigned. And besides, Ella is now with Arron. He have no right to interfere in their relationship.

--

Ella and Arron sat at the park that afternoon. They have been both silent all the time that they're together. “A-aren't you supposed to be at work?” Ella asked him. Arron shook his head. “I don't want to work for ge, anymore...” he said. Then he looked up at her. “I... I heard everything that you said to my brother, Ella. And... I... I think you're right. That's why I have decided...” he said. Ella looked up at him, and gave him a wondering look. “I have decided to go with Ariel... even if my brother won't approve it...” he said. With that, Ella gave him a smile. “I'm glad that you finally made the decision, Arron...” she said. Arron smiled at her and nodded his head. “You know, I'm always after your happiness. Painting is what you love most...” she said. “You made me realize that I can't let other people plan for my life, like what's my brother is doing. Honestly, I'm hurting because of him. I've been doing all of the things he wants me to do, but in the end, I can't even have his attention...” he said sadly.

Ella looked away from him. He have finally made his decision to go with Ariel in the US. She should be happy for him, but somehow she felt sad at the thought that he's going to leave her behind. “Ella, I hope one day you could forgive my brother for what he have said to you...” Arron said. Ella shook her head. “I don't think I could forgive your brother. His words hurt me a lot. He made me feel that I am a low kind of person.”
“We both know that you are not what he thinks he is. I know you more than he knows you...”
“All my life, I have not met a person that would disgrace me in the same that your brother did. I hope you would understand if I would hate your brother for the mean time...”
Arron smiled sadly and nodded his head. “I understand, Ella.” he said.

Ella took her box, and the stood up. “I have to go, Arron...” she said. Arron stood up from his seat as well. “I'll drive you home.” he said. Ella looked at him and shook her head. “I'm OK, Arron. You don't have to.” she said. Then, she smiled sadly at him. “I've done a lot of thinking, and I realized, it's best for both of us if we don't see each other for the mean time...” she said. Arron was surprised at her request. He felt his heart being torn apart at what she said. “B-but... but why?” he asked. “I've done enough damage between you and your brother. I don't want to complicate your relationship with him even further...” she said. “Is this because of what my brother told you yesterday?” he asked. “Nothing I will say or do will make him change his mind about me, Arron. He already perceived me as someone who's a bad influence to his brother...” she answered. Arron walked up to her and held her hand. “Don't do this, Ella...” he pleaded. “I have to, Arron... I'm sorry...” she said. She took her hand away from him, and then turned her back on him to leave. Ending their friendship is difficult for her, but she have to do this. She knows that Arron is trying his best to be on his brother's good side, and with her around, that wouldn't happen as she and Chun always clashes. As she walked away from him, a tear fell from her eyes.

--

3 days ago...

Arron heard a soft know on the door. Then, he heard the door open. He looked at it, and saw Chun entering his room. “Arron, can we talk?” he asked. Arron looked away from him. “What is there to talk about?” Arron said. “About... about work...” Chun said. “I don't want to work for you anymore, ge. And besides, school's coming up. I think I should focus with my studies first before helping you out. I don't want to disappoint you if I fail this sem again.” he said. Chun sighed. He could sense that Arron's still mad at him. “Arron...”
“What have Ella done to you that you have to hurt her this way, ge? I could accept it if you hurt me, but Ella? She's my best friend! The only real friend I have! And now I lost my best friend because of you!” Arron shouted at him. Chun lowered his head, feeling guilty of what he have done. “I'm sorry...” he said in a low voice. “I... I wasn't in the mood that time... that's why...”
“That's why you have to say those nasty things to her? Ge, do you even know who she really is? Ella is the most kindhearted woman I have met in my entire life. While everyone is befriending me because I am a Wu, she was different. She befriended me despite of my background. She helped during the times I needed helped the most. She never asked anything from me in return, except for my friendship. If you're thinking that no one would love her, you're wrong! I love her for who she is. And there's nothing about her that I wouldn't change.”

Chun looked up at Arron, and he could clearly the anger in his face. He have ruined everything for them when their mom died, and now he's ruining everything again because of those hurtful words he told Ella. “She really means a lot to you...” he said. “Because Ella gave me the love I have always wanted. She gave me the attention you never gave me. She's far more better than you, Ge.” Arron said. “I'm sorry, Arron. I'm sorry for everything....” Chun said. Arron just stared at his brother. Then, a tear fell from his eyes. “Since mom died, since that accident, you never liked me. You never loved me like how you loved me when we were young. You kept on blaming me, because if it wasn't for me, mom wouldn't die. If only she didn't ran after me, she wouldn't have gotten hit by that car. Ge... I've been guilty for that all my life. All I wanted is to bring back our happy past. You used to be my hero. I used to look up at you. I've always wanted your attention but you always push me away. You blame me for that mistake I did. You blame me because of the pressure that was put on your shoulder. But ge... I am not at fault. It was all an accident. And after all these year you still blame me for mom's death.” Arron said bitterly. Chun could also feel the tears flooding his eyes. For the first time in years, he cried again. He cried in front of his brother, making him look weak. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry if you think I am blaming you for mom's death. I'm sorry if you think that me being strict on you is my punishment for what happened in the past. Arron, I only wanted the best for you. I worked hard because of you. When mom died, dad left the company, and I felt that it's my responsibility to take over. If I'm being strict with you, it's because I don't want you to end up like dad...” Chun said. “I'd rather end up like that. At least dad's happy with what's his doing.” Arron said.

Arron looked away from his brother. There was a dead silence between them for a while. “Arron...” he heard him call. “If... if let you do what you want, will you forgive me for all the thing''s I've done?” he asked. This time, Arron looked up at him. “I know I have no right to dictate what you have to do with your life. Ella's right. I love you, my brother, and I only want you to be happy. I never thought of that when I planned for your life. I realized that I could never plan your life, because it's your life. Your happiness depends on you, not on my decisions. That's why I have decided to let you go. If you think studying in Ariel's school to become a painter will make you happy, then I'll let you do it.” he said. Arron softened upon hearing what his brother said. “Ge...” he said in a low voice. “I love you, Arron. You're my only brother, and I don't want to lose you because of my selfishness...” he said. Arron stood up, and walked towards his brother. “Ge, thank you...” he said. Then, Chun hugged him. Both of them were teary-eyed as they hugged.

“That left me one more problem to deal with...” Arron said. Chun gave him a confused look. “Ella... she doesn't want to see me anymore...” he said. Chun looked at Arron in his eyes, and smiled. “Don't worry, I'll do my best to talk to Ella.

---

Ella took her phone, and the first thing she did is listen to her voice mails. The first voice mail she listened to came from her ex-boss.

“Ella Chen, I hope you're not yet too late when you listen to this. First, I'm sorry for what I've said to you before. I didn't mean it. I actually like you for my brother... really. You're a nice girl, and my brother loves you very much...” she heard him say. Ella rolled her eyes as she listened to it. “Stupid guy...” she thought. “And second, get your butt out of where you are, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life! Arron is leaving today, and if you won't see him now, you will never ever see my brother ever again!” Upon hearing that, Ella panicked. “What?! Arron's leaving today?!”

--

Chun dialed Ella's number again, but she's still out of reach. Chun ended the call with disappointment. “Ella Chen, where are you?” he thought. “We have to get inside...” he heard Ariel said. Chun looked at his girlfriend, and smiled at her. “Princess, can we wait a little while?” he asked. Then, he looked at Arron. “Let's wait for Ella...” he said. Arron gave his brother a faint smile. “It's OK, ge... I understand if Ella can't come. I'll call her as soon as I arrived there.” he said. Then, Arron looked at Ariel. “Shall we go?” he asked. Ariel smiled at him and nodded his head. As they turned their back to leave, Arron heard someone calling him. “Arron Yan-Wu!”

Arron looked back, and saw Ella running up to him. His face lightened up upon seeing her. His lips curved into a smile at the sight of her. “Ella!” he said. “I thought you didn't get my message...” Chun said as soon as Ella reached Arron. Ella looked at Chun. “I want to see Arron for the last time.” she said. Then, she turned to him. “I want to say goodbye to you. I never thought that you'll leave this soon...” she said. Arron smiled at her and nodded his head. “I want to be there so that I could sign up for the classes.” he said. As Ella looked at Arron's eyes, she began to cry. Although Arron haven't left yet, she's starting to miss him already. “I'm going to miss you...” she said. Arron took her hand, and held it. “Me too...” he said. “Will you promise to email me everyday?”
“I will, Ella. I will call you if I have too.”
“Will you take care of yourself for me?”
“I will.”
“Will you promise that you'll make a lot of friends there, but you will not forget me?”
“I will never ever forget you, Ella...”

Then, Arron gave her a hug. He hugged her for a long time, until he heard the final call for their flight. “This is it... I have to go. I will miss you...” he said. Ella lowered her head, and began to sob. “I will miss you a lot...” she said as she wiped her tears. Then, Arron turned to his brother, and smiled. “Ge, I promise to take care of Ariel for you. Will you promise to look after Ella?” he asked. Chun smiled at his brother. “Leave her to me. I'll look after your girl.” he said. Upon hearing that, Arron nodded his head. He took his bag, and began to walk away from her. Half way through, Arron paused, and faced Ella again. “Ella!” he called. Ella looked up at him. “I like you, Ella. I really do.” he said. Ella smiled at him. She could feel her cheek turn red because of what he said. “I like you too, Arron!” she said. Arron smiled at her, and waved goodbye to her. Chun and Ella watched then until they are no longer in their sight.

“So, Ms. Ella...” Chun said to her. Ella looked at him, and he saw that he was holding her resignation letter. “Since I promised my brother that I will look after you, I guess I need to do this.” Then, he began to tear her resignation letter, much to Ella's confusion. “But, Mr. Wu?”
“How can I look after you if you're not working for me. Besides, Calvin Chen threatened to cancel the Eon Toys project if I accept your resignation.” he said, giving her a vicious smile. Ella could only roll her eyes at her boss. Guess it's inevitable after all. “Arron will take care of my girlfriend. So, in return, I have to take care of his girlfriend.” Chun said. This time, Ella gave him a wondering look. “Girlfriend? Me?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “But Arron did not confessed to me yet! How can I become his girlfriend?” she said. Chun's eyes widened upon hearing what she said. So, if Arron have not confessed to Ella yet, it means that he won in the bet, and Ariel should've stayed in Taiwan. “What?!” he said. Chun shook his head in dismay. “d**n it! I let Arron go, but I should've told Ariel to stay...” he thought. Well, that's what you call fate...

And the fate will now begin to play tricks on our two characters...