c h a p t e r  e l e v e n .

.
.
.

“I mean, if you want to go on another date━ I didn’t mean to say that we━“

                “What?” said Chen, finally looking at her. The utter lack of derision on her face made him want to scream.

                “What what?”

                “...You...still want to...date?”

                “Yes! I mean, sure, but only if you want to, too.”

                “I━“ But his train of thought deserted him, leaving him speechless. Wendy didn’t look away. Instead, she just watched him as he recollected himself. His right hand, which he had taken off of the steering wheel, rested on his leg. It shook, ever so slightly.

                After Chen balled up his hand in an attempt to steady it, Wendy reached out hers and placed it on top of his fist. He looked at her again, with a sad expression and a heavy heart.

                “I don’t know.” she said, trying to search his eyes for answers. “...I don’t know what’s going on with you. And you don’t have to tell me. But it’s going to be okay, okay?”

                She smiled reassuringly, and she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life.

                He held her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, gently, without a sound.

                “Thank you.” he said, holding back tears. “...Thank you.”

.
.

They drove her back to her apartment in silence.

                There were no words necessary at that moment.

.
.

He walked her up to the door of her apartment.

                “I’m going to be a hermit for the weekend as I begin the new draft of my book.” he informed her. “Please don’t worry if I don’t respond to your texts; I usually keep my phone off while I write so that I can focus without any exterior temptations.”

                “I totally understand.” she said, nodding.

                He nodded too. “I figured you would.”

                There was an awkward moment of silence.

                “Well, um, thank you... Thank you for the date.” she said, finally. “I had such a wonderful time.”

                “I’m sorry about the weird play...”

                Wendy laughed, shaking her head. “I enjoyed it, too.”

                Chen smiled. “I’m glad. We can go on another date next weekend, yes?”

                She pouted. “You mean I have to wait a whole week before I see you again?” She was so cute;                Chen wished that there was some way that he could crush her in a hug that wouldn’t seem too awkward or weird for that moment.

                “I’ll tell you what. I’ll stop by the café on Monday or Wednesday and let you know how I’m doing, okay?”

                “Lovely. I’ll see you then...then.” She laughed a little, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

                Without warning, Chen leaned over and kissed her cheek, before proceeding to take her hands in his and bringing them to his face so that he could kiss each of them, too.

                “Until next time.” he said, primly delighting in the innocently shocked and embarassed exp