For The Stars Have Sinned

The saleslady smiled and said, “5, 990 pesos, Ma’am.”

I gazed on the dress she was holding. “Too expensive. Is that the fix price?”

“Ah, Ma’am, the prices on the Mall are fix,” she said then looked at me from head to toe.

The corner of my lips twitched. I was offended by what she did but I have no reason to confront her. It was true that the prices in this place are fix and the woman in front of me might be thinking that I was one of those who couldn’t afford it.

Well, the truth was that I can afford the dress, but I worried that I won’t have the money to pay for it later. Afterall, it was Tiden’s money that I would use. Mama took back my credit card because I spent too much for these past few months.

Both of my cheeks burned red in embarrassment when other customers in queue looked at me differently. Some of them even snickered as they whispered to each other. So I had no choice but to give my the card to the saleslady. “Here,” I said.

She accepted the card with a smile. I secretly frowned and accepted the paper bag and card that she handed over.

“Until your next visit, Ma’am!” said the saleslady and waved at me.

Huh. Who said I would come back? That store’s a rip-off!

I held up the bag where my new necklace, earrings, heels, and perfume were. “If Levi won’t compliment me later, I will burn you all down!” I whispered, gritting my teeth and rolling my eyes heavenwards.

And because I was so busy thinking and scolding my paperbags, I didn’t notice a standee in front. I gasped when I almost tripped, if the standee wasn’t fast. He grabbed my shoulder and held me firmly to help me stand on my feet.

“Thank you,” I said then straightened my messy hair.

A voice replied, “Be careful next time.”

I looked up and took a step back when I realized it was Lyndon. I looked down at what he was wearing. He is wearing a cap, a green apron in front, and he is holding a sign that states: ‘50% Discount for Food and Beverages’

My face contorted after reading the discount. “What are you doing there?” I asked.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?” I chuckled. “You look good in that uniform,” I said, taunting his looks. I shook my head before turning around.

My gaze caught a man standing in the pharmacy opposite the food stall, which I and Lyndon was standing at. The familiar man had earplugs in both his ears and he was facing a woman. The two are talking. Both are wearing black face masks.

The man was wearing a V neck and I could clearly see the tattoo on his collarbone. And it shaped like a triangle. My heart skipped a beat suddenly.

It’s still clear in my mind who I saw wearing that tattoo. I couldn’t be wrong. I saw that when Levi dived to the bottom of the sea topless, and when he faced me inside the cottage with only a towel around his waist.

My lips parted slightly. My gut was telling me that the man was Levi!

I quickly turned around, facing Lyndon, and hid behind him. He was startled. “What are you doing?” he asked.

“Shhh! Just hide me, okay?”

I pursed my lips when I saw Levi walked along with the girl approaching my direction. I hid myself behind Lyndon even more. Fortunately, this man was tall and had broad shoulders, thus I was confident.

“You want drinks?” I heard Levi asked the girl beside him. I bit my lip hard.

“Why ask? Of course. I’ve been thirsty for a while now. And oh, look, they have a discount. Two drinks please,” said a familiar voice, and I couldn’t be wrong. It’s Nicole. My eyes squinted and I secretly huffed.

Before Lyndon utter a word, a woman went out from the establishment and said, “Sir, ma’am, come inside. The counter is over there. You can dine inside.”

I turned to the woman. She was facing Levi and Nicole so she haven’t see me lurking behind Lyndon yet. I quietly let out my own breath. That was close!

But why am I hiding from Levi? So what if he sees me?

I looked down at the paper bag I was holding. Well, maybe he would see how desperate I am for our dinner date and would only turn him off.

“Ah, no need. Baby, let’s go to the arcade. I don’t want to eat inside. You know, fans are everywhere. We might cause commotion,” said Nicole.

Then I heard their footsteps going farther away. I scratched my cheek and looked at the woman. She was now looking at me so I swallowed and smiled shyly. “Hello!” I greeted in a cheerful voice.

She folded her arms. “Your girlfriend?” she asked and turned to Lyndon.

The latter glanced at me for a moment before he shook his head. “No.”

“Good.” The woman nodded. “Come inside. I’ve been waiting for you for a while and you’re just there. Also, why are you wearing that costume? Where is Daryl?”

“He excused himself. I’ll take over first,” said Lyndon before facing me again. “What are you doing here, Miss Larica?” He looked down at the bag I was carrying. “I thought it was clear to you that you’re not safe? Go back to Boljoon and hide in your favorite room,” he said while still staring at the paper bag.

“Excuse me?” I frowned at his arrogance and hid the paper bag behind me. “Maybe you’re not informed that the two members of the band you hate are my friends? Also, stop staring at my things or I’ll think you want to steal what I bought?”

His face darkened. “Stubborn as always,” he said before going inside.

My lips formed a line and I frowned. That man is really annoying!

ONE HOUR before Levi and I talked, I was already sitting on the balcony chair. I’m wearing the dress I bought earlier. I’m just waiting for his call and I’ve been nervous while waiting for the call time. I kept glancing at the cell phone on the small table.

I sighed. I bought a bloody red dress that hugged my curves. I also wore the necklace and some accessories that I bought as a set earlier. But even though I know I’m ready for the dinner date, the nervousness inside me still doesn’t ease for a bit.

I reached for the glass and took a sip. This is the first time he asked for a date so the night should be perfect. A few minutes later, he called. I immediately answered the call and greeted him. “Hi, Levi.”Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Good evening, Rish. I am here outside. Can’t get my car pass the security. Do you mind if…”

“Ah, no problem.” I smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Just wait for me outside. I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Okay.”

I bit my bottom lip before hanging up. I giggled for a moment before entering the room. I took the shoulder bag and key card. I locked the door and ran towards the elevator.

I smiled and returned the key card to the reception and said I would come back later. I even saw the teasing smile of the receptionist, as if she was teasing me. Huh, if she only knew that my date was the vocalist of the most popular band Vine, she would definitely be jealous. I flipped my hair and walked out of the building.

It’s dark outside. Almost all the lights on the roadside are bustling. Even the big lights in front of the hotel are open. So I could clearly see the man I had been waiting for on the other side of the road. I smiled and crossed the quiet street.

Levi used a different car. I stopped walking when I saw his appearance. He was sitting on the hood of the car and looking at the cellphone. He was wearing a simple polo shirt and pants.

I gulped and stared at him for a moment, especially when the wind suddenly blew and messed up his hair. The cowlicks fell on his forehead again. My heart was racing and I could hardly breathe. I looked down and closed my eyes tightly while taking a deep breath.

I just fell in love with him even more.

“Rishel.”

“Huh?” I quickly looked up and our gazes met. “L-Levi…”

He smiled and stepped closer to me while putting the cellphone back in his pocket. I was confused. My heart beat faster. I stepped back. He stopped and frowned. “Are you all right?”

“Ah.. Y-Yes.”

He seemed to read the nervousness on my face so he laughed. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.”

I stared into his eyes. He wasn’t wearing contact lenses so I could clearly see how the blue color in his eyes burned. It almost overshadows the green color. I swallowed again and stepped forward. Slowly, our bodies are only a span away. My chest just got tighter with nervousness.

I flinched when he grabbed my shoulder and slid his hand down my back. I feel the warmth of his palm running over my skin. I bit my lip again.

Levi suddenly spoke. “I really missed your lips, Rish.”

My lips parted. And I hadn’t said a word when he leaned over. He kissed me on my lips.