Chapter 8 Sette

• "Do you mind if I tell you?" I just nodded before sipping my freshly opened beer. While stretching my legs, I stared at the sea, waiting for Zack to share his story.
• "I moved to Bali not just because I wanted to live here," Zack said quietly, looking at me. "I tried to run away from my past, Glenn. There are many memories of Ellis there." Zack gave me a wistful smile as I furrowed my brow, hearing a name I had never heard before. "We had two great years before I lost him in a skiing accident. I tried my best to go on with my life, but it wasn't easy."
• "I'm sorry to hear that," I could only say after considering what kind of words to give Zack.
• "Bali offered me the possibility to start anew. I think it's true what they said about death. You don't heal from the pain because it's always there, leaving a stain on your life. You just need to accept it and move on."
• I remained silent, confused, and not expecting Zack to open up about something this private.
• "I thought staying in the same place would make it easier. I was wrong about that."
• "You're not afraid to fall in love again, are you? I'm sure it's tough to lose your boyfriend, but he wouldn't want to see you afraid of having another relationship."
• Zack nodded. "After Ellis was gone, many people said that. I didn't want to believe them, but they were right. It's difficult to approach someone who has lost someone special, Glenn. There's a fear that they won't be able to erase the memories of someone no longer here."
• My confidence wavered after hearing Zack say that. I had never been in Zack's position or been interested in someone who had lost their partner, so I became even more hesitant to take further steps.
• "I'm okay now, don't worry," Zack said when he saw me staying silent. "I've been on a few dates already, but none clicked."
• Instead of feeling more awkward, I immediately put my foot down from the balcony railing and looked at Zack. "Do you mind if we go to Mykonos now? So we can get a good table."
• Zack smiled and nodded. "Let's go! I can't wait to try the souvlaki there. It must be good."
• "Let me change first."
• ***
• There was a funny incident when I was about to give Zack a ride on the motorcycle.
• "You don't like speeding, do you?"
• I—already putting on my helmet—looked at Zack curiously. "Why do you ask?"
• "I don't enjoy riding a motorcycle because I had an accident while riding as a passenger."
• "Don't worry. If you fall, I'll take you to the hospital."
• Although it sounded sadistic, I was glad Zack understood my sarcasm as he responded with laughter.
• "Do you come here often?" Zack asked after the waiter cleared our table.
• "Just when I crave Greek food, which is ... very rare. I don't feel like going to Pantarei because the traffic there stresses me out." I intentionally mentioned another Greek restaurant in the Seminyak area.
• "I kind of regret renting a place in Sanur. There aren't many dining options like Seminyak/Petitenget there."
• "Why don't you just move if you're not happy?"
• "The lease is still quite long, Glenn. It's a shame."
• "Don't you want to go to Jimbaran or Nusa Dua?"
• "I don't like the whole atmosphere of Nusa Dua. Too artificial. I don't like the monopoly of beachfront hotels there."
• "You don't need to go there. Done."
• "The reason I moved to Bali is because of its beaches. It's pointless to move here if you can't go to the beach," he replied casually.
• "Just let me know if you need help finding a rental around here. I can ask my friend or Gio in case there's something that suits your taste."
• "Thanks," he responded. "Do you want to go back now? I prefer sitting on the balcony of your apartment rather than here."
• I laughed. "Seems like you're addicted."
• "It's your fault for having an apartment with a view like that."
• I called the waitress and asked for the dinner bill, but once again, Zack stopped me from paying.
• "On me?"
• "No! You promised earlier it'll be my turn."
• "Let me take care of this, okay?"
• Ignoring Zack, I immediately paid without waiting. Once the waitress was far away, I looked at Zack. "I don't want you to keep paying. We're not dating, and you have no obligation whatsoever. End of discussion."
• Although he seemed like he wanted to protest, I remained firm. After receiving the change, I stood up from my chair. "Do you still want to stay here?"
• Zack shook his head before following me out of the restaurant.
• I had parked the motorcycle across the street since there wasn't enough space in front of Mykonos for parking. It would be better if all the restaurants in the Oberoi area had their parking like Ultimo so that the roads wouldn't be congested due to parking.
• "I'm sorry if I offended you."
• "Never mind. You didn't offend me one bit."
• "So we're good?"
• "We're good."
• ***
• "Do you like the food?" Zack asked as we began climbing the stairs to the apartment.
• "Pantarei is better, but Mykonos has always had the best souvlaki. I haven't found any souvlaki better than theirs."
• "Do you like Mexican food?"
• I nodded. "I do. I usually go to Motel Mexicola because it's nearby or Taco Casa. But in terms of portion, nothing beats Poco Loco in Legian. I never go there alone because I can never finish it."
• "Well, now I want to go there."
• Zack immediately scanned the living room as I opened the apartment door as if he had never been there.
• "Can I go to the balcony?"
• I nodded. "If you want a drink, help yourself from the fridge. Don't hesitate."
• Once I was sure Zack was on the balcony, I quickly entered my bedroom and took out my phone to message Gio.
• Zack and I just had dinner at Mykonos
• It wasn't crucial for me to report to him. I would probably be teased in the end. Since I was sure he wouldn't reply immediately, I looked for a shirt to change into before joining Zack on the balcony.
• "You're not planning to jump from the apartment, are you? I can recommend a better place if you want to commit suicide."
• Zack laughed but didn't take his eyes off the street below. "Don't worry. I still love my life."
• I stood next to Zack. "You don't have to worry about our country; it's already a mess. Or are you considering when your car installment will be paid off?"
• Zack laughed again, but he looked at me this time—with his adorable dimples! Zack, I would've kissed you if I weren't self-conscious because you're so cute. "Has anyone ever been offended by your brutally honest remarks?"
• I shrugged. "If there were, those people were too polite to let me know."
• Zack exhaled. "I want to tell you something."
• "About?"
• "How happy I am that we met, and I enjoyed our time together."
• I didn't want to speculate on where Zack's words were heading, although I couldn't ignore the possibilities. Just saving myself from disappointment if it turned out I was wrong.
• "Do you not want to be friends with me anymore? Your words sound like someone saying goodbye."
• "On the contrary," Zack replied, leaning his body so our faces were closer. Nervousness crept in, and I restrained myself from pulling his body closer to the barrier between us. That was the only way I wouldn't pull Zack towards me to kiss him. "You make me live again, Glenn. After Ellis, I felt like I had forgotten how to live. Whether you realize it or not, you showed me that I could experience something I thought was no longer possible when we were at Bali Deli. And I can't stop thinking about you since then."
• You make me live again ... for me, that phrase carried a heavy weight after learning about Ellis. It was kind of flattering and terrifying. I'm not easily swayed by sweet talk because I know that the purpose of those precious words is often just to make the other person swoon. And to be honest, I've experienced many of those sweet talks from guys trying to get into my pants or whatever. What makes it different is that Zack's words weren't just flattery. I could feel the sincerity in his voice.
• I chose to stay silent because I didn't know what to say yet.
• "I hope I didn't freak you out."
• After thinking it over, I knew this was my chance to express what kept me up at night. He put his cards on the table, so I better do the same. "Do you know why I invited you to Mykonos?"
• "Because you knew I liked dining out?"
• "Because I wanted to confirm my feelings for you. You've made me into a Glenn I didn't know, Zack. You've opened so many doors that I didn't even know existed. I've violated some principles I've held onto just to make you happy or see you smile. Mykonos was my way of figuring out what I wanted. And I want you."
• A faint smile appeared on Zack's face before he caressed my hand. Damn! For all the spirits in Bali, my body trembled. My heart raced even more when Zack moved closer until I could smell his cologne.
• "We've wasted so much time, haven't we?"
• Before I could respond, Zack's lips were already on mine. My initial reaction? Surprise. But as Zack pulled my body closer to eliminate any distance between us, I knew he wanted to convey something he couldn't put into words. So, I kissed him back, and boy, what a kiss!
• Where did he learn to kiss like that?
• I didn't care how long we kissed because I didn't want to let go of his lips. It was he who broke the kiss. As I opened my eyes, Zack smiled at me to confirm that the kiss wasn't just my imagination.
• THAT KISS WAS SO FREAKING REAL, GLENN ANANTARA!
• "Did I surprise you?"
• I nodded. "Not because you suddenly kissed me, but because I never expected a bespectacled guy who likes to wear shirts to be so good at kissing. It doesn't match your innocent face."
• Zack laughed, but his hand still hadn't moved from the nape of my neck.
• "Are you sure about your feelings for me now?"
• "I need more proof before I can answer." This time, I pulled Zack's body closer even though there was no longer any distance between us. "Kiss me again."
• "Is that an offer or a request?"
• "Take it however you want. I don't give a fuck."
• And he kissed me again.
• The second kiss was even more intense than the first. Why? Because we both wanted it. Because I challenged him, and he responded to my challenge. Was there anything more perfect than knowing that both parties desired a kiss? Like Zack and me right now? I didn't think so.
• You won the bet, Gio. You won.