III.

CHAPTER II

PLUME rushed to get him a towel after letting him in. When she came back, she found him reaching for blackberries and popping them casually in his mouth.

He was at least six feet tall, making it easier for him to reach the ripe ones. His eyes were slender. Whether his eyes were open or not, Plume could hardly tell. His plump cheeks could also be the reason why his eyes looked smaller.

He was not lean, but he was not fat or bulky either. He sported an undercut hairstyle. For a man who was as tall as him, he looked pretty.

“Here. Dry yourself with this,” Plume said as she cleared her throat.

“Thank you. You’re Plume, right?” he said as he took the towel from her.

Plume nodded as she watched him pat the towel on his shoulder.

His voice was low and gentle. She would not be surprised if he could sing.

“I’m really sorry about what happened. I did not see you sooner.

“It’s okay. People can really get annoying sometimes. Besides, the weather’s kind of hot today. It felt a little refreshing.” He smiled.

It took Plume by surprise. She laughed weakly.

“You know, the hot weather and annoying people sometimes looked the same to me, so I use water to get rid of them. You’re Sheen, right?

Sheen nodded.

“So, you like blackberries, too?” she asked.

“I do. I could not remember the last time I ate one. I was happy that I found a tree, and I could not help myself.” His eyes disappeared into a thin line as he smiled.

Plume smiled.

I’m starting to like this guy.

“You’re in the right place. Should I give you a tour of the house now?

“Sure!

Plume extended her hand.

“Nice to meet you.” Sheen took her hand and squeezed it.

Her heart skipped a beat. The feel of his hand brought buzzing warmth to her body.

“I’m just taking the towel back.

“Oh.” His slender eyes widened as he let her go.

He gave the towel back.

“Nice to meet you, too,” Plume said with a small smile.

“IF YOU found this house too small for you, you can always renovate it. Rebeka, my friend who owns this house, had initially planned to build a second floor, but she had a change of plans after she got married.

They stepped inside the living room. A lot of Rebeka’s belongings were still there. The only stuff her best friend brought with her were those that had sentimental values.

Plume turned to face Sheen and motioned on her left side.

“These are the two rooms. The kitchen and the bathroom were over there,” she added, gesturing in the opposite direction.

Sheen walked past her and stopped at the window across the room.

“The yard’s spacious,” he remarked.

“Yes. You can do a lot of recreational activities there. When Raiko and Rebeka weren’t married yet, we used to hang out and have a barbecue party over there. Those were the days.” Plume sighed as she could not help it.

“Aren’t you married yet?” he asked as he turned to her.

“Hmm?” Plume blinked as she was taken aback by the question. She scratched her eyebrow as soon as she recovered. “I don’t think settling down is for me.

“Haven’t found the right one yet?

Plume grimaced as she looked away.

“I’m not even looking.

She heard him chuckle as her phone vibrated. It’s the food delivery app rider. Finally.

“I’ll be back shortly. Excuse me,” she said and dashed to the door.

PLUME left the food on the balcony and went back to Sheen. He just appeared from the kitchen.

“Are you done checking?” she asked.

He nodded with a small smile.

“Let’s get out for a moment.” Plume cocked her head.

“This place looks quiet and peaceful. I think I can work effectively from here,” Sheen said as they sat on the concrete baluster. “I still get to check other apartments, though.

“This is the best one you’ll find. I don’t think they have a blackberry tree there.

Sheen chuckled and nodded.

“You’re right.

“Here.” Plume offered the other cucumber lemonade. “Cheers.

“Thank you.

“I had a lot of memories in this house, too, you know. This is like my second home. If I’m only rich enough, I have bought it from Rebeka. It’s just hard to get rid of this place.” Plume opened the box of pizza and took one slice. “Have some.

“You’re so kind.

“I have to.

“Where do you stay, by the way?

She gestured behind her.

“In that small room over there. That used to be Rebeka’s storage room, but I turned it into my office. I’m not homeless, don’t worry. It’ll be just until this house gets sold.

Sheen began munching his pizza.

“What do you do?

“I work for publishers and writers. I provide whatever they need, from book covers to book layout. I’m actually a writer myself.

“Raiko mentioned that you’ve been friends since college. Why didn’t you become a programmer, then?

“Raiko wanted to become a programmer. I just wanted a diploma.

“Writing must be your passion, then,” he said with a smile.

Plume crinkled her eyes as she grabbed her drink.

“So, what do you write?

“Secret.

“What?” Sheen frowned.

“If you buy this house now, I’ll tell you.

Sheen chuckled.

“Nah. I’ll find it out soon, anyway.

Plume laughed.

“Good luck.

“Is writing a great source of bread and butter?

“If you’re diligent and lucky, yes,” Plume replied with a shrug. “That’s why I never stop looking for greener pastures.

“Raiko said you’re a little intimidating, so I should bear with you.

Plume almost choked at her drink. She put her cup down and stared at Sheen.

“He did? Wow.” She looked away for a moment and drew a breath. “Here I am, thinking that all along, he was doing me a favor.

Sheen laughed. Plume stared at him, her forehead in a knot.

“I’ll take that you’re not intimidated by me at all,” she said.

“Of course. I guess we’re good as long as I don’t hit on you.

Plume snorted. She narrowed her eyes at Sheen, who could not help laughing once again.