Chapter 7 Sei

• "So, are you officially in love?" Gio inquired, his curiosity evident in his voice.
• Gio's question hung in the air, demanding my full attention. Adopting a pensive pose, I rested my chin on my hand, nervously nibbling on my nails—a habit that never failed to annoy him, thanks to its indication of my dismissive nature towards his queries.
• "Glenn, I'm dead serious here!" Gio persisted, his tone growing more urgent.
• Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I summoned the courage to offer an honest response. "Honestly, Gio, I'm not entirely sure. These emotions I'm feeling right now are hitting me like a whirlwind, and I'm still trying to make sense of it all."
• For the past half-hour, I had been recounting the intricate details of my encounters with Zack. I was starting from our initial meeting to the delightful dinner we shared at my apartment, culminating in today's exhilarating adventure to Ubud. Surprisingly, Gio, notorious for his penchant for interrupting me at every turn, remained unusually silent and attentive throughout the narrative. It wasn't uncommon for Gio to play the role of a matchmaker, attempting to set me up with potential partners, although his attempts always fell short of their mark. At best, we would end up spending time together, enjoying each other's company. Yet, fate seemed determined to keep me unattached for what now seemed like an eternity—nearly two years and counting.
• "What about love at first sight, Glenn? Which one is faster, that or your story with Zack? At least you've talked to him, know what kind of person he is. I believe Zack is also interested in you based on your stories. If I were there, I would definitely give my opinion about him."
• "Your theory is flawed because Glenn Anantara never believes in love at first sight." I sighed because I didn't know what else to say about Zack. I've told Gio everything. "So, what should I do?"
• "Don't overthink it, but also don't be pessimistic or, worse, doubting yourself. Without you telling me, I know you're being cautious with Zack. It is so unlike you when it comes to men. Based on my instinct, Zack is a safe bet."
• Concerned and seeking reassurance, I voiced my apprehensions to Gio, hoping he would provide some comforting words. However, he erupted into boisterous laughter instead of offering a thoughtful response. Oh, my dear brother and his tendency to misinterpret the seriousness of my questions. It was undeniably frustrating to see him find amusement in my genuine concerns. That laughter killed my hopes and left me feeling super bummed. Seriously, how dumb was I to think I'd get a serious answer? All I got was laughter!
• With a mischievous grin still lingering on his lips, Gio managed to compose himself enough to speak. "Since when have you cared about playing it safe, Glenn? I can't recall a time when you were concerned about that. What is it about this Zack guy that has turned you into a different version of yourself? This situation with Zack is unfamiliar territory for me."
• My frustration reached its boiling point as I implored him, "Seriously, Gio! I'm desperate for answers here. Please, help me make sense of all this."
• Still trying to suppress his laughter, my brother said, "You said he's still single, even giving hints that he might be interested in you. Doesn't it make sense that my statement is he's a safe bet?"
• "So, what should I do? Zack is different from the guys I've known. I know better how to deal with a player than someone like Zack."
• I couldn't help but roll my eyes, observing Gio scratching his head in contemplation. I was pretty confident it wasn't because his scalp was itchy; it was his adorable way of expressing confusion as to why his words hadn't convinced me entirely.
• "Why are you acting like a clueless teenager who has never experienced love? You KNOW what you should do. You just need some reassurance," Gio lectured, his tone a mix of exasperation and concern. "If you meet him again, stop rejecting or overthinking every possible scenario. Instead, ask yourself how you truly feel. You like him, little brother! You just lack confidence right now. Where's the Glenn I know, the one who always knows what to do without a doubt?"
• I sighed, slightly frustrated. "Instead of giving me straightforward advice, you just ended up confusing me even more."
• A mischievous glint sparkled in Gio's eyes as he proposed a bet.
• Curiosity piqued, and I couldn't resist asking, "What kind of bet are we talking about here?"
• Gio's playful smirk revealed his intentions as he outlined the terms. "By the end of this week, you will kiss him. If I win, you have to introduce me to Zack after the kiss. However, if you win, I promise to refrain from pestering you with those annoying questions—the ones you detest but know I'm exceptionally skilled at asking."
• Surprised by the simplicity of the wager, I couldn't help but express my skepticism. "Just a kiss? Why stop there? Why not raise the stakes and go to... well, you know. It seems hardly worth it if it's just a kiss."
• Unfazed, Gio countered, rubbing his face wearily. "Well, if you desire, we can raise the stakes later. But for now, let's start with a kiss. I bid you farewell, dear brother, as sleep beckons. Just a word of caution—keep your ego in check. We both know the consequences when your ego takes control. Alright?"
• With that, Gio left me to ponder the bet, his words lingering in the air as I contemplated the path ahead.
• Before I could say goodbye, he had already logged off. Huh! I took a deep breath as my Skype screen only showed my brother’s profile. Usually, my brother can give advice I never thought of, but his bet just now intrigued me. How can I kiss Zack? Even if I did, it wouldn't happen this quickly.
• Looking at my phone lying next to the laptop, I suddenly wanted to do something I hadn't done since I met Zack: text him first.
• Zack, have you been to Mykonos before?
• I want to try going there sometime this week for dinner.
• I suddenly felt like eating Greek food.
• I didn't know why I chose Mykonos. If he didn't like Greek food, I would have difficulty finding an alternative because what I did was quite impulsive.
• Sure! I'll let you know when.
• I'll be pretty busy tomorrow and Tuesday.
• But I'll let you know soon.
• Mykonos was just a disguise to meet Zack again and convince me about my confusion. My concentration had gone out of the window because my imagination about Zack ran wild. I was pretty realistic, so daydreaming—especially about guys—was not expected.
• You can park your car at my apartment, and we can ride a motorbike there.
• The traffic will be terrible if we go by car.
• Not to mention finding parking.
• I was taking a significant risk by inviting Zack out. But I would keep wondering if I didn't do it this way.
• Noted.
• Do you mind if I stop by your apartment to watch the sunset before we go to Mykonos?
• I could only smile reading Zack's message just now.
• Sure
• I saw Zack was typing.
• I can't wait!
• See you soon
• And once again, thanks for today
• I enjoyed your company so much, Glenn
• If only you knew, I was also happy to spend the whole day with you, Zack.
• When we finally reached the apartment, having just returned from our enjoyable trip to Ubud earlier in the day, Zack expressed his sentiments, saying, "I truly hope that you won't find it tedious if I were to request spending an entire day together again in the future. Today, spending this Sunday with you has been a wonderful experience."
• Deep down, I understood that engaging in such situations was akin to taking a gamble with my emotions as the stakes. Typically, I remained indifferent to such thoughts, but inexplicably, this time around, it felt entirely different.
• What exactly were you attempting to do to me, Zack?