Some people are born with a peal of laughter so irresistibly contagious and enthralling yet fascinating that it just gets under your skin. It gets so deeply under your skin and tickles you at places that you never even thought were possible. That, exactly was the feeling Xiu was going through when she saw Darren laughing in that carefree fas.h.i.+on.
It was a combination of such familiarity and unfamiliarity at the same time that even Xiu wasn"t certain which part was her delusion and which one was real. However, one thing that was certain to her was that she loved that laughter.
"Who told you about my "free drinks"?" Xiu inquired as she emphasized unnecessarily on the last two words. "Your busybody best friend or my scandalmonger best friend? Which one was it?"
"Hmm... My busybody best friend" replied Darren and Xiu nodded in a knowing manner. "By the way, just asking but for how long are you planning on hugging me like this?"
Xiu still didn"t bother unwrapping her arms from around his neck as she replied with, "But you haven"t done the thing yet."
"What thing?" asked Darren with a touch of confusion on his face.
"Tsk," Xiu clicked her tongue dramatically as she said, "That thing... You know when a girl runs towards her boyfriend, he twirls her once and then puts her back on the floor. That famous scene from movies."
Darren"s brows quirked up in surprise as he didn"t expect this reply from her at all. "There is such a "thing"?"
Xiu shook her head in disappointment as she said, "Aiyo, you don"t even know the basics of dating."
Darren looked around to see a lot of people"s attention on them even though they were in a far corner of the hall and said, "People are looking."
Xiu"s eyes widened in disbelief as she dramatically pushed him and huffed, "Hmph! How dare you! How can you even look at people when my eyes are only looking at you? This is cheating! I feel betrayed."
Darren rolled his eyes at her theatrical performance and picked her slightly off the ground. After a twirl that she requested, when he put her down Xiu"s face had a huge grin plastered on it as she pinched his cheeks and said, "That"s more like it."
At first, Darren thought it was a very childish request. However, when he saw the way her face bloomed up he realized how much it meant to her. It was as if one of her biggest dreams had come true. And it was indeed true for Xiu, she always wanted someone to hold her in public without a care of what others would say or think. But she always had to be conscious of her image.
After her request was completed, Xiu stood by his side and wrapped her hands around his arm saying, "I didn"t know my boyfriend looked this hot in a suit." She looked him up and down appreciatingly and added, "I can definitely get used to this look."
Darren looked at her and said, "I can also get used to seeing you dressed up. You look beautiful tonight."
Xiu smiled at the compliment as she felt like a blush was creeping up her neck which was weird considering that was the compliment she had heard the most in her life either as Chen Xiu or Bai Xiu. Then why did that simple remark seemed so b.l.o.o.d.y different when he said it? Perhaps, because it was the only time someone said it with so much sincerity.
"So, did you miss me so much that you followed me all the way here?"
"No, actually," as Darren was about to say something, he saw the way Xiu"s eyes narrowed dangerously and tactfully changed his words with, "I mean, yes. I missed you a lot and had to look for you."
Xiu raised her hand to touch his hair and said, "You learn fast. At this rate, you will definitely be able to crash the basic course of dating."
"Oh my, why am I so glad to hear that?" Darren gasped in fake disbelief. "But on a serious note, Dylan dragged me here. Personally, I am also not a fan of weddings."
"Interesting. Both of our best friends have something in common," said Xiu thoughtfully.
"Really? And what"s that?"
"They both love dragging us to places we don"t like," replied Xiu matter-of-factly and Darren had to nod along in agreement. After a brief pause, she went on, "The only good thing about this place is that I"ll be getting something for free."
"Don"t even think about drinking," warned Darren making Xiu pout in response.
"Why not? I"m such a responsible drinker," said Xiu as she was trying to make her case.
"Responsible? You"re one of those reckless drinkers," replied Darren weakening her case. "Besides, if you getting drunk and kissing me was you being responsible than thanks a lot but I"ll say no to Wine Xiu." Xiu choked on air as his single statement defeated her.
She sheepishly scratched the side of her face and said, "That was me being bold. Not reckless at all."
"Then how about your blacked out drunk episodes? You literally forget everything. Or you"re just too good at feigning the ignorance." This time, Xiu decided not to comment. If she did, she was gonna leave some loopholes. So, she decided to change the topic of the conversation altogether.
"Just so you know, your best friend called me a ghost and that"s not very nice. But considering how he is scared of ghosts, I"ll let him go this once. Because if he thinks I"m a ghost that indirectly means that he"s scared of me as well. And that thought alone is quite satisfying."
Darren pressed his lips together since he had no words for her. That look of satisfaction on her face was real. Before he could say anything, both of them were startled by the voice that came from behind them, "Just a thought, before backbiting me at least know that I"m standing right behind you guys."