RiiingggRiiinggg
I groaned, rolled over, and covered my ears with a pillow.
RiiingggRiiinggg
"Ugh..." I groaned again, dragging myself up to shut off the alarm. Today is Sunday—my supposed day off—but I forgot to turn off the alarm last night, and now I can't fall back asleep.
I went to my wardrobe and picked a pink sleeveless crop top and a black leggings and walked to my bathroom, washed my face and change to my exercise clothes. If I can't go back to sleep, I'll just go for a run since its still early. I took my mp3 player and strap it to my arm, securing it so it won't fall off. I tied my hair in a proper bun and then put on my shoes.
After doing all that I strut to the door and locked it before going down the building through the stairs. I live in the 25th floor of our apartment building, and since I'm going for a run anyway, I'll just take the stairs.
Listening to my music I ran with a rhythm to my steps—not too fast, and not too slow either. The streets were mostly empty, just a few early risers passing by. It lifted my mood. I like it better when there are few people, I'm more of a loner person, but I have friends and I also interact with other people but its juts that I like to have my own alone time.
I jogged along, humming softly to the lyrics playing in my ears, turning left at the intersection—
Suddenly, a hand clamped around my wrist, grabbing me.
Startled, I stumbled forward and collided into a solid chest. My music cut out just as the roar of a vehicle screamed past us, far too close. The whoosh of air it left behind stung my skin, and I realized... if he hadn't pulled me back, I would've been—
"Are you okay?" a deep and husky voice asked, laced with concern. His deep voice bringing shivers up my arm.
I blinked up at him, words stuck in my throat.
He was tall. His jet-black hair was tousled, probably from running—based on his attire. His ocean-colored eyes, sharp, stormy, and startlingly clear, were fixed on mine.
My heart thudded, still a bit shaken from the near-miss, and also... from him.
"What just— "I started, my voice barely a whisper.
"You didn't see the car," he said, loosening his grip on my wrist, but not letting go completely. "It ran the red light."
I looked over his shoulder. The vehicle was already disappearing down the road, its taillights fading like an echo of danger. I hadn't even noticed it coming.
My chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. Still a bit shaken. "I.. I didn't"
There was a beat of silence. The city around us carried on as if nothing had happened.
"Thanks," I finally said, my voice steadier now. "That was close."
He gave a small nod, his gaze lingering like he wanted to say something else. Then, just as quickly, he let go and took a step back.
The feeling of his hand leaving my wrist, makes me feel at a loss.
"You should be more careful," he said. Then turned as he run to the opposite direction.
I stare at the empty spot for a moment, where he stand previously, feeling lost. Turning around, I can no longer see him, not even his shadow. How is he so fast?
I was going to ask for his name.
I don't have the mood for a run anymore, so I left. I walked towards my apartment building absentmindedly and I entered my apartment like I'm on autopilot mode when I suddenly hear my phone ringing in my bedroom. I walk towards the room and fetch my phone, seeing Lucy on my screen.
"Hey." I answered.
"Caroline, I thought you weren't going to pick up your phone, I've been ringing your phone for who knows how long." she complains, and I can already imagine her face scrunching up in annoyance.
"Sorry, I went for a jog." I said and put the phone on speaker so I can change.
"Ugh... why can't you bring your phone when you go for a run? what if you have an emergency?"
"You know I don't like bringing my phone when I jog. And its not like if I go for a run, there really will be an emergency." I shrugged, but then remember she can't see me. I picked up my phone and went to the kitchen to cook myself a breakfast.
"So, what did you call me for so urgently?" I ask, put the phone on the counter and open my fridge to see if there's something I can cook.
"Remember you asked me if I know some quiet, solitary place?" she started. "I just found one"
"Really?" I ask, stopping what I'm doing and finally paying her attention.
"I took it upon myself to rent it for you." She said, pride evident in her voice. "And you'll definitely like it."
"Why? where is it?" I ask smiling.
"It's near the sea, girl!" she squealed. "Although there are other neighboring vacation houses nearby, but the privacy is top-notch," she added.
"Hey, why are you squealing like a little girl." I laughed.
"Aren't I coming?" she asked.
"No. I. Am. Going. Alone." I said slowly, apprehensive.
"Noooooo. Your doing it again. That alone time??"
"Yes. I'm sorry." I say.
"Ugh, fine. But you have to make it up to me, okay?" she said, her voice feeling a little down.
"Yes, yes, boss." I said and saluted, even if she can't see me.
"Okay, I just called to let you know about it. I'll send you the details through email later. bye." she said, her voice back to being her usual cheery self.
"Okay, thanks. Bye." I said then hang up.
I opened my cupboard and took an unopened loaf bread, grabbed a strawberry jam, and a spoon, then went to the living room. I'm not cooking after all. There's no available stock to cook at all.
I sat on the couch and opened the TV, and play my favorite series as of late. I'm just going to waist my time here and relax, its my day off today, so being a little lazy right now isn't so bad right.
I sat on my couch as I watch a movie when I suddenly thought back to that guy from before. At that time, when he looked at me, his eyes were so beautiful and it looks like I'm looking at the ocean directly, it captivated me.
I shook my head, chasing him away from my thoughts. I'm won't be seeing him again anyway. That was just a chance encounter. A coincidence.
Thinking about a guy I might not see again is useless. I focused on watching my movie again, throwing his face at the back of my mind.