Egomaniac And Dove
I'm standing face to face with Mysterio. I don't need a soothsayer to tell me—his laughter, his voice, the mention of Naruto... and what I'm feeling.
"I... I..." I stutter, caught off guard.
"Cat got your tongue?" he teases, his tone reminding me of the first time we spoke on the phone.
"No, I'm just surprised you know Naruto," I reply, second-guessing myself.
"I know it. And just imagine how awesome it is," he says with that smug, self-assured grin. That's him alright. Mysterio, the egomaniac.
"Better watch the road next time," I mutter, quickly rushing down the stairs. I think it's not safe to stand in front of him, and honestly, I'm still not sure if he's the real deal. I already have Henry, though he's been acting differently from the Mysterio from the chat. Despite that, Henry knows things that only Mysterio knew, also he had done a lot for me and for that, I'm forever grateful.
I left the company, heading toward where I can catch a tricycle home. But then, I freeze. I feel like I should have spoken more to this guy to figure him out. No matter how much I try to deny it, there's something pulling me toward him. I find myself walking back to the company, hoping to run into him again.
"What will I even say if he sees me coming back?" I exhale. "I was so handsome, you just couldn't resist me," I imitate his voice, a smirk playing on my lips. There I go again, convincing myself that he's Mysterio.
"But what if he really is... What if he just came from another branch to drop something? He did say he works at Juvango. If he is Mysterio, then how did Henry know about our chat?" I smack my forehead. Maybe I'm overthinking this.
"Here I am, thinking I've met a cute girl. I didn't know she was crazy," I hear the familiar husky voice that makes me feel like I'm submerged in cool water on a hot summer day. I look up and see him standing just a few meters away. It's getting dark, but I still have enough light to admire his flawless face. He's dressed in a suit, and I've never seen anyone pull it off so effortlessly.
"I was just thinking to myself," I admit, my throat suddenly dry.
"I can see that," he replies, nodding with a mischievous grin.
"What's your name?" I ask, surprising myself with the question. His raised brow tells me I'm not the only one taken aback.
"Do you always ask every cute guy you meet for his name?"
"No... just you."
"You think I'm cute?" he says, his eyebrow arching further. The egomaniac strikes again. What's going on here?
"Egomaniac," I mutter under my breath.
"What's your name?" he asks again, this time more seriously.
"Chioma," I answer without hesitation, instinctively choosing my native name. If he really is Mysterio, he won't recognize me since he only knows me as Rose.
"Oh," he replies, sounding almost... disappointed.
"Are you disappointed? Were you hoping to hear something cooler?"
"No. For a moment, you felt oddly familiar... I was just a bit disappointed you weren't who I thought you were."
I feel a pang of guilt. "Oh," I say, glancing away.
"Don't sweat it, dove. It's not your fault," he says, giving me a reassuring smile.
"Dove?" I repeat, puzzled.
"Shit, I don't even know why I said that," he smacks his forehead, making me laugh.
"Seems like I'm not the only crazy one."
"And it made you happy," he grins, flashing a set of perfectly white teeth.
"You still haven't told me your name," I asked. At least if it's the only thing I get.
"Alfa," he said, and my eyes widened.
"Cool, right?"
Mysterio once told me his name is cool, and truly this is the coolest name I've ever heard. Hell, I never knew someone would bear 'Alpha' as a name.
"Alpha, as in ALPHA?" I asked, still surprised.
"It's spelled ALFA. Still the same meaning as Alpha, but my name is Italian while Alpha is Greek," he clarified.
"Wow."
"Yes, I always feel the pride when I introduce myself, like I am the beginning," he said, savoring the feeling.
"Egomaniac," I said, and he smiled.
I glance at my watch—it's almost 6 PM, and I need to break my fast.
"We've been standing here for a while. Why don't we go somewhere and talk?" he suggests, his voice making my heart flutter.
"Who told you I'd want to do that?" I respond, playing it cool.
"Come on, Princess, I know you do."
"Do you give pet names to every beautiful girl you meet?" I ask, feeling my cheeks flush.
"Come with me, and you'll find out."
It's almost 6 now. I need to say a quick prayer, but I don't want this moment to end.
"Give me a moment," I say quickly, rushing back to the company. Fortunately, it isn't locked yet, so Mr. Akin must still be inside. I rush to my corner, kneel, and say a prayer of gratitude for my mother's successful surgery, and for all the blessings in my life. Afterward, I go to the water dispenser to break my fast with a glass of water.
I rush downstairs, relieved that I'm not locked in. If I'd delayed any longer, Mr. Akin would have locked me inside. As I hurry to meet him, it's hard to put my feelings into words. I'm excited because of the possibility of fun he promises. Nervous, because maybe he won't be there. Uncertain, because he might not even be Mysterio. But above all, I'm excited.
"You came back," he says, that gorgeous smile lighting up his face. I can't help but return the gesture. No one could resist this bundle of charm standing before me.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I say, feeling truly happy. This is the kind of joy I thought I had lost when Henry introduced himself as Mysterio. Who knew a random encounter could bring it all back?