Portia's P.O.V.:
I woke up with the sunlight hitting my face. It's already morning, but my eyes stay shut, replaying every moment from last night. A night I won't forget. A night where I gave in—lost a battle I don't regret. I sink deeper into the bed like it's my grave, the soft mattress hugging me tight. I feel weightless, like I'm floating on cloud nine. The blanket, smelling like him, wraps around me. My thoughts run wild, breathless, remembering every second we shared. My cheeks are burning, and my heart is racing just at the thought of seeing him again.
I open my eyes… but he's not there. Where is he? I ask myself, still wrapped in the blanket as I sit up. The room's spotless now—too tidy, like no trace of him was ever here. But flashes of last night keep playing in my head. Was it all a dream? If it was, then I'm guilty of letting my fantasies run wild. He was like a drug, and last night, I got addicted. I head to the bathroom to freshen up, but still… no sign of him.
Maybe I really did dream it all. But it felt too real to forget. After I clean up, I find my clothes on the sofa—neatly folded, clean, even my undergarments. Did he wash them? And then I see a note.
"Sorry I fucked up your undies."
And right next to it—a new set of underwear.
I blush hard at his words. Seriously, Mr. Everette? How can you be so casually vulgar? My mind flashes back to last night, making me feel even more embarrassed. I can't even imagine looking him in the eye again, let alone his feet. I get dressed and head to the kitchen, where breakfast is waiting—warm, perfectly arranged, with a note beside it.
"You sleepyhead, I had to go. Eat before you leave. Take the keys and wait for my call."
And underneath that, another note:
"Don't ever try to call me unless I call you first."
What's that supposed to mean? What is all of this? My brain spirals. Maybe he's not even interested in me. Maybe I was just convenient. How could you let your guard down so easily, Portia? You've dodged suitors for years—and now, you gave yourself to someone you just met at a party?
Feeling ashamed, I eat the food he made, clean up, and quietly leave.
"Calm down, Portia. You've got this. If he calls, act normal. He just wants the keys back."
I remind myself as I return to my hotel and start packing for check-out. Hopefully, he calls before tomorrow—I'm flying out the day after.
After packing, I go out to clear my head. I visit the famous spots I hadn't seen yet, snapping photos and eating way too much. I'm enjoying myself so much that I lose track of time. It's already evening by the time I'm heading back, arms full of shopping bags.
Then I bump into someone—tall, familiar. Before I can fall, he catches me.
"Careful," he says in a voice I recognize instantly.
"Oh. Thank you." I steady myself, still a little shocked.
He helps me gather my things, and our eyes lock. We just… stare at each other for a moment, like trying to remember.
"Erin Kaito?" I ask, unsure.
"Yeah! Portia Zira, right?" he replies, confirming it.
"Well, nice to run into you!" I say, smiling.
"What a coincidence. Nice to see you here," he says back.
"It's been a while. I was just roaming around. I hope I'm not bothering you."
"Nah, I just wrapped up a meeting nearby," he answers, and for a second, silence falls between us.
"I should probably get going. But it was really nice seeing you."
"Yeah, you too. Have a great evening."
I turn to leave when he suddenly calls out:
"Hey, Portia! Wanna grab a coffee?"
I pause, then smile. "Yeah, sure."
We stop by a nearby café and talk over coffee. He's easy to be around—gives off a comforting vibe and has a clever sense of humor. I'm actually enjoying this.
"I'm taking my master's, by the way," I tell him.
"Really? Where?" he asks.
"Harrington University."
His brows raise in surprise.
"No way. I'm doing my master's at Harrington too," he says, and we both laugh.
His laugh—it's warm, deep, almost like a song. No wonder he felt familiar. Maybe we've crossed paths already.
"What a coincidence! Maybe we even share a class. Let's hang out sometime on campus," I suggest, feeling a bit giddy.
"Sure," he agrees.
After some more chatting, we leave the café and stroll around a bit. He helps me pick up souvenirs, and we even buy matching bookmarks. Cute, right?
He walks me back to the hotel.
"See you around, Portia," he says, waving.
That was... fun. I glance at the time—it's already 11 p.m. I slip into the tub to relax, letting the warm water soak away the day.
Then I check my phone.
Two messages.
One from Levi. One from Erin.
Who do I open first?