WHILE they were eating, they talked about a lot of things including Jessie being a fan of Eissej’s artworks too.

"Do you know any reason why Eissej will stop painting?"

Jessie suddenly choked. She immediately gave him water.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Eissej?" He was silent for a moment and seemed to have thought about it a lot before talking. "My friend just told me this and I'm really not sure if it’s true. Can you promise not to tell anyone what I tell you?"

"Promise,” she listened to Jessie all-ears.

"He was no longer satisfied with his artworks after he discovered that he was sick.”

Her eyes widened with what she heard. "S-sick?"

"In fact, Eissej have made ten paintings after his alleged masterpiece today.”

"Where are his ten artworks?"

"At his home, in his own gallery. I heard Eissej was just at home waiting for his death.”

"Oh My God!” she covered her mouth with her palm. “H-he’s dying?"

"His condition was malignant when he was diagnosed. In short, there is less or maybe no chance that he will still recover.”

"That can't be true,” she tried not to but her tears just start falling.

"Hey stop crying. I'm not sure if that's true,” Jessie’s reaction was like half guilty and the other half is he’s not sure if he’d laugh at her.

"But what if it's true? Maybe he's very sad and depressed right now. Maybe he can't paint properly because of his illness,” she sniffs and sobs again. Some of the customers are already looking at them. "If only I had a lot of money, I will buy all his paintings.”

"Let's just stop talking about him. I forgot he’s your crush,” he laughs.

She tried to calm down. "Do you know what his illness was?"

"I did not ask. But I'm not really sure so just do not take what I said too seriously.”

"I shouldn't have asked you.”

"Let's just change the subject. Since you said we are friends now, maybe we can give each other our phone numbers? Last time, I gave you my calling card but you did not call.”

She remembers. She has not bought a cellphone yet. "I don’t have a phone. It was in my bag.”

He nods. “I see. Do you have somewhere else to go after this?”

“No. I’m planning to go home after this.”

Because she’s broke. She plans to just stroll around but now, she might spend all the money that she has.

“Can you come with? I just thought that it would be more fun to walk around with someone.”

She got nothing else to do so she just agreed. When the waiter approaches them, she was about to take her wallet when Jessie stops her and said he would pay instead.

"My treat. Remember?"

"It’s very ungentlemanly if I let you pay.”

She stopped him a few times but he insisted and she was thankful for it. Her eyes almost drop seeing the amount they have to pay. It was thrice the amount of what she has with her.

And she was more surprised when Jessie bought her a phone! She keeps on telling him he doesn’t have to it but he insisted once again.

"You didn’t have to do it but thank you.”

"You're welcome," he smiled at her.

She looks around in case someone approaches them. "No one would suddenly approach me here and grab my hair, right?"

He laughs. "I don't have a girlfriend so don’t worry.”

"Really?” she looked at him with doubt.“With that handsome face of yours?"

"You’re like telling me that you have a boyfriend since you are beautiful.”

She blushed. Did he say she’s beautiful? It’s not like it was her first time hearing such a compliment but it feels different hearing it from Jessie.

"I-I have not found my dream guy yet.”

“Right, that painter guy.”

They were walking at that time when Jessie suddenly stops and leaned against the wall. She also stops and walks towards him.

"What's wrong? You're pale.”

He grabbed his head and looks like in pain. She got scared.

"Hey, answer me.”

"I-I'm fine. It’s just my migraine.”

She looks around and found a vacant bench."Come, I will support you. Let's sit down first.”

When they managed to sit down, she left him for a moment to buy water.

"Do you feel better?"

He took a deep breath before he forced a smile. With his pale complexion, he’s obviously not okay.

"If you need to go now, just leave me here.”

She frowned at what Jessie said. "When you’re in that condition? I’m not that heartless. Is there someone you can call to pick you up?"

He just smiled at her. “I’m really fine but sorry if I can no longer send you home.”

“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself. Are you really sure you’re okay? I actually know how to drive. Do you want me to drive you home?”

He shook his head. "I can still manage myself,” he took a deep breath and stood up.

She did the same. "Are you sure?"

She wanted to take Jessie to where his car was parked but he might feel embarrassed. Even after they parted, she was still worried.