I am a love interest in a harem novel!?

Oblivious (1)

As I have matured, I've realized that not all compliments are real. My young innocent self had been too naïve believing such things that I lost sight of the boundaries I should be laying between the people around me. Consequently, rather than empty flatteries and sweet talk, I'd much prefer a meaningful conversation. Honest but not too blunt. Polite and stimulating enough to arouse both interests.

"Don't be like that! This is my first favor as a friend so won't you help me out?" Her pleading voice stirred me out of my thoughts. I could imagine her lips pouting by this time.

"Listen, today, I'm- ...Wait, why are you going there when you already have a boyfriend?" I asked once I was suddenly reminded of this piece of information.

"We already broke up! I told you three days ago. Geeze..."

"Oh." Right, she did. My mind was too muddled because of sleep deprivation so I completely forgot.

"Anyways, I'll be texting you the details later. You should come or I'll personally drag you out of your apartment."

What?

"No!" I immediately replied. She can't come here or she'll find that out! A look of horror filled my eyes when I glanced at the man in the living room.

There's no doubt she'll pester me all day until I give her a good enough explanation. How bothersome...

"I mean... Now that I think about it, I do need to get out sometimes." I immediately added before she could get any funny thoughts from my earlier exclamation.

"...That's... great! I'll  see you later then!" Her pitch had gone up, an obvious sign of her delight.

"Yes..." I could only respond in affirmation.

After the call ended, I sighed yet again. It didn't take long for her to send me the details. She also sent me a reminder to wear a dress. Do I look that clueless..?

Oh well. Since it's a dinner date, I have plenty of time to scavenge for a dress in Rui's wardrobe.

When night came, I quickly got ready, only putting a tinted lip gloss and a light blush to put some color on my face. Slipping on some low heeled shoes, I went out of my room. I can't believe I'm really going out on a blind date...

Just as I passed by the living room, I couldn't help but look at my reflection in the large windowpane. The neckline was low enough to show my collarbones, stopping an inch above my cleavage which instantly got my nod for approval. I don't want to flaunt my body to strangers 'cause it makes me feel uncomfortable. Of course, this doesn't mean that I criticize women who wear revealing clothes. After all, we have different preferences and opinions. Other people's business is not mine. That is one of the many philosophies I have in my life.

I patted the skirt that reached just above my knees in order to fix the tangled creases. The A-line silhouette looks really flattering on my figure. For a moment there, I was stunned by my appearance, thinking this body is really gorgeous. I resumed to fix my hair and was shortly sidetracked when a new reflection appeared in the glass.

I didn't want him to see me but when did things go my way ever since I came here? His eyes first focused on my face then it slowly traveled down to my attire to the tip of my toes before it went back up to my face. 

"Where's my dinner?" He asked, casually as if he didn't just rudely assess me. He might have tried to hide it but I saw his brow slightly go up in disdain! I bit my lips bitterly as I lowered my eyes to hide my wounded ego.

"In the fridge..." I quietly answered and quickly left before my newfound confidence gets crushed into powder.

Once I arrived at the venue, I discovered that everyone was already present. I awkwardly apologized and sat down beside Shirly who smiled so wide, it scared me.

"I thought you'd never come." She managed to say while smiling without moving her lips.

I wanted to laugh at how she's trying her best to hold it in but figured it probably isn't a good idea. "...Are you secretly a ventriloquist?" I asked, feigning shock.

She laughed. "That's right. Now, quickly introduce yourself." Although her expressions looked harmless I know she's secretly harboring ill feelings for me. I might as well pacify her or else she'll be fretting nonstop later.

"Hello everyone, I'm Rui." I smiled at the people present but I could see the women didn't take my presence too kindly. This is also why I don't want to come here...

"It's fine, It's fine! Nice to meet you. I'm Gin."

"That's right. Ten minutes is nothing. I'm Neil, by the way."

The rest in turn shared the same thoughts. Honestly, I wouldn't have been late but the bus was caught in a traffic jam.

"You're all kind. Thank you for your understanding."

It didn't take long for the conversation in the table to become livelier after that. I was faced with a lot of questions but responded with minimal amount of engagement, seeing how the women would look at me with hostility, every once in a while.

They probably thought I arrived late on purpose to get more attention... Of course that wasn't the case. I was only thinking of saving money but they couldn't possibly know that. I felt helpless but maintained my polite smile or else I'll receive a far greater backlash than what I'm currently suffering.

I was wondering when this hell would end as I roamed my eyes around the café. The wooden slats slightly reduced my vision but I could effortlessly look at incoming customers when they walk by our table. From my periphery, I noticed the man in front of me open his mouth to talk to me so I immediately took my iced tea and drank to dodge his attention. This was what I had been doing for a while now and that seemed to dampen the other party's interests so now I only have this one guy trying to pester me.

"You seem to love iced tea."

I underestimated him. This guy is tough as hell. I decided to act as if I didn't hear him and continued to look at by-passers when I unexpectedly saw one I didn't want to see.

The liquid slightly deviated in my throat, making me cough a bit.

"Are you alright?" The man's concern sounded genuine but I didn't think too much of it.

"Y-Yeah... I just need a moment." It would be rude not to answer him after all this time.

But even as I responded, my mind was elsewhere. Why is he here?? Didn't he already eat dinner? I looked around to see where he is, only to be surprised at the discovery that he's sitting at a table located diagonally from us. He had casually lifted his gaze and our eyes met.

Dear god... Out of all places to bump into each other! This coincidence is too uncanny! 

***

A/N: Truly uncanny ah... *cackles 

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