As Nia'le regained consciousness, his head throbbing with pain, he looked around the room, searching for answers. His gaze fell upon Tassa, who stood before him, her hands clenched tightly at her waist. Sensing her anger, he mustered the courage to ask, "What happened?"
Tassa's eyes blazed with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. She hesitated for a moment, her emotions swirling within her, before finally releasing her pent-up anger. "You peered on me, that's what happened!" Her words hung in the air, heavy with accusation, as she turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Nia'le bewildered and hurt.
Left alone, Nia'le sat on the edge of his bed, his hand instinctively reaching for his aching head. Confusion clouded his thoughts as he tried to piece together the fragments of his memory. Something felt amiss, as if a crucial part of the puzzle had been deliberately erased.
Unbeknownst to Nia'le, Ayamani had taken it upon himself to protect Tassa's dignity and well-being. Witnessing the intimate moment between Tassa and Nia'le, Ayamani had made a difficult decision. He had used his unique abilities to selectively erase Nia'le's memory, ensuring that the only recollection left in his mind was Tassa's outburst and the barrage of objects she had thrown at him.
Ayamani's actions were not driven by jealousy or ill intent. He had always been Tassa's steadfast protector, her loyal companion. Known as Ixartxist, Tassa's hired bodyguard, Ayamani had taken an oath to safeguard her from harm. It was at Ixartxist's behest that Ayamani had made the difficult choice to erase Nia'le's memory, shielding Tassa from the embarrassment and vulnerability she had experienced.
Ayamani's loyalty to Ixartxist, Tassa's powerful benefactor, was a facade that concealed a deeper game of manipulation and hidden agendas. He played the role of the devoted bodyguard flawlessly, all the while feeding Tassa morsels of information that hinted at Ixartxist's plans for her and those in her circle. Yet, Ayamani's motives remained shrouded in mystery. Was he truly betraying Ixartxist, or was there a more intricate web of alliances and betrayals at play? As he navigated the delicate dance between loyalty and deception, Ayamani grappled with the consequences that could befall him if his true intentions were revealed.
As Ayamani wove his intricate web of deception, he also harbored genuine care for Tassa. His protective instincts were not solely bound by duty but were rooted in a sincere concern for her well-being.
Meanwhile, Nia'le sat in contemplation, the missing pieces of the puzzle eluded him. He couldn't understand why Tassa's anger seemed disproportionate to the situation. The confusion gnawed at him, leaving him with a sense of unease and a longing for answers.
The air in the room hung heavy with unspoken tension as Nia'le, perplexed and hurt, tried to bridge the gap between him and Tassa. The solitary meal on the table spoke volumes, emphasizing the emotional distance that had suddenly emerged between the two.
As Nia'le sat down, attempting to share the meal with Tassa, he couldn't shake off the feeling of isolation. The atmosphere crackled with silent discomfort, punctuated only by the clinking of utensils against plates. Tassa's refusal to acknowledge him intensified the mystery of her sudden anger.
In his frustration, Nia'le muttered to himself, questioning the abrupt change in Tassa's demeanor. "What's up with this girl? I just suddenly woke up, and then she began to act like a witch," he thought, his confusion mirroring the complexity of the unfolding story.
Undeterred by Tassa's silent treatment, Nia'le took matters into his own hands. Observing the lack of a second plate, he decided to rectify the situation by placing one on the table for himself. The quiet act of defiance symbolized his determination to understand the source of Tassa's anger.
Seated across from her, Nia'le mustered the courage to confront Tassa. "What's wrong with you? What are you so mad about?" he inquired, hoping to break through the wall of silence that surrounded her. However, Tassa remained unresponsive, focused solely on finishing her meal. The room erupted with a sudden burst of anger and frustration as Nia'le, unable to contain his annoyance any longer, confronted Tassa head-on. The weight of her ever-changing moods had worn thin on his patience, and he felt compelled to address the issue. In a moment of heated confrontation, Nia'le slammed his hand onto the table, the loud thud reverberating through the room. His words, laced with frustration, cut through the air. "You are acting like a bitch again, and let me be clear, not in the freaking hot way!"
Tassa, equally incensed, rose from her seat, mirroring Nia'le's actions by placing her hands forcefully on the table. Her retort, filled with anger, pierced the charged atmosphere. "You moron, you are a perverted jerk!" The tension escalated further as Tassa, consumed by her rage, reached for the knife beside her plate. Gripping it tightly, she brandished it as a symbol of her fury. "How dare you peer at me!" she exclaimed, her actions fueled by a sense of betrayal.
In a split second, Tassa hurled the knife towards Nia'le, aiming to strike him with her anger. However, Nia'le, with a calm and practiced ease, evaded the projectile, his eyes closed in a display of unwavering focus. As he opened his eyes and surveyed the knife's proximity to his face, a steely glare replaced his initial surprise.
Taking a deep breath, Nia'le composed himself, folding his arms in a gesture of controlled restraint. ."Listen to me, babe," Nia'le began, his voice tinged with frustration. "Before you throw a tantrum, or should I say a knife, let me make something clear. I did not peer at you, I simply looked at you. These are two different words with distinct definitions. And secondly, are you trying to kill me?"
Tassa, her anger still evident on her face, responded with a cutting remark. "I would, if I could!"
Seeking to bridge the gap between them, Nia'le attempted to explain his actions. "Listen to me, you insignificant woman," he said, his tone laced with exasperation. "I may have opened the door when you were in the bathroom, but I did it out of genuine concern for your well-being. You were screaming and screaming without telling me what was happening inside."
Tassa, her voice filled with frustration, revealed the cause of her distress. "Your stupid shampoo spat in my eye when I pushed it! That's what happened! But knowing that I was in the bathroom, Nia'le, seriously! This has nothing to do with you!"
"Oh, you are actually screaming and asking me to help you, and now you're telling me that it has nothing to do with me. I'm just concern about you. Besides, even though I opened the door, and looked at you for a seconds before. I could have sworn to my Mother in law, that I can't remember a thing now. I promise."
Tassa stood there, her mind racing with doubts and suspicions. Nia'le's explanation seemed too convenient, too easy. She couldn't shake the feeling that he might be hiding something, whether it was to protect her or himself. The possibility of a memory lock spell crossed her mind, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Her hands clenched tightly, betraying her inner turmoil. She snorted at Nia'le, her skepticism evident in her expression. She couldn't simply accept his words at face value. She needed more information, more details to piece together the puzzle.
"How did it happen?" Tassa asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Nia'le's gaze remained fixed on the floor, his demeanor reflecting a deep sense of devastation. He seemed genuinely distraught, as if grappling with the weight of his forgotten memories. Slowly, he raised his eyes to meet Tassa's gaze, his voice filled with a tinge of sorrow.
"Well, try to get hit by a big wooden chair, and let's see if it won't jiggle your mind," Nia'le replied, his words tinged with a hint of bitterness. The pain of his lost memories was palpable, leaving him feeling vulnerable and helpless.
Tassa's heart sank at his response. It was clear that Nia'le's memory loss was genuine, and her doubts began to waver. She couldn't deny the raw emotions etched on his face, the genuine remorse in his voice. The realization that he truly had no recollection of their shared moments inside the bathroom started to sink in. "You mean, you don't remember me? No! I mean, everything that had happened inside the bathroom?" Tassa asked, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and resignation. Nia'le's response was simple yet poignant. "You're right, I don't. So rest assured now." Tassa's smile slowly faded as she noticed Nia'le's lack of happiness. Confusion clouded her expression as she tried to understand his sudden change in demeanor. She reached out to embrace him, hoping to comfort him, but Nia'le snorted and looked away, his emotions clearly conflicted.
In his mind, Nia'le lamented his unfortunate situation, realizing the many moments he might have missed, including Tassa's ethereal beauty in that vulnerable moment. The weight of his lost memories weighed heavily on him, leaving him devastated.
Nia'le let out a sigh, and Tassa, attuned to his emotions, heard it. Concerned, she asked him what was bothering him. Nia'le placed his hands on her shoulders, gently clearing his throat before speaking.
"Gladly, Tassa. I can assure you that even if I tried to dig deep into my mind and remember, I still have nothing. You don't need to worry anymore, okay?" he said, his voice filled with a mix of reassurance and resignation.
However, instead of finding solace in his words, Tassa's gaze turned baleful, her expression filled with frustration and disappointment. She firmly took his hands off her shoulders and gripped them tightly, her voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness.
"Why are you trying to dig into your shallow head and remember it, Nia'le? Can't you see that it's your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you missed because Ayamani erased all your memories about it? He did that for me, so stop digging your mind, will ya!" she shouted, and left him and went upstairs.
Meanwhile, Nia'le, left alone in the living room, processed the situation with a mix of realization and amusement. Discovering Ayamani's involvement in erasing his memories brought an unexpected revelation. With a sudden burst of laughter, he acknowledged the manipulation.
"So that's why. That little Grim old hud erased it from my mind," Nia'le chuckled, covering his face with his hand. His tone shifted as he expressed a sense of triumph, outlining his plan to enjoy the limited comforts of Tassa's old mansion.
Stretching his arms and creating a dramatic effect with the lights, he declared his victory. "You think you won, but you didn't. I'm going to have a perfect chance to sleep with Tassa and stare at her mesmerizing beauty all night. I still won!" Nia'le shouted triumphantly.
However, Tassa, unaware of this revelation, continued cleaning their bedroom. She overheard Nia'le's boastful declaration, prompting her to question Ayamani about Nia'le's sudden change in demeanor. Ayamani, indifferent to Nia'le's concerns, and remained silent.
Nia'le found himself in a situation he hadn't quite anticipated. As they slept in the same room, Tassa took the bed while he settled on the floor. Restless and annoyed, Nia'le couldn't find a comfortable position.
Unable to contain his thoughts, he whispered to Tassa, "Hey, you awake?"
Playfully, she responded, "No, I'm actually asleep now."
Ignoring her sarcasm, Nia'le asked, "Can I ask you something?"
Tassa, feeling a bit uneasy, replied, "Yep, what is it?"
Nia'le's question caught her off guard, "How do you feel?"
Embarrassed, Tassa touched her chest, feeling her heart race. Blushing, she covered her face with a blanket, trying to hide her reaction. "How do I feel, what? What do you mean, Nia'le?" she sweetly inquired, attempting to divert the conversation.
However, while Tassa felt embarrassed of him, on the other side, Nia'le, feeling the discomfort of sleeping on the floor, he couldn't hold back his frustration. He questioned Tassa about her feelings, emphasizing the fact that it was his new mansion, courtesy of his father.
Tassa, visibly annoyed, clenched her hands and clasped her pillow. "So what's your point?" she asked.
Nia'le, determined to express his irritation, inquired, "I just wanna know how you feel about sleeping in someone's bed!"
Tassa's mood shifted, and she sarcastically smiled, "Oh, it feels good, so good. Well, I wanted to thank you for letting me stay in your bed and voluntarily sleep on the floor."
Nia'le couldn't let the word "voluntarily" slide. He opposed her, emphasizing the term, "I never been annoyed because of a word before. But saying that I voluntarily sleep on the floor, making me look like I freakingly care for you, is so very humiliating."
Tassa, seemingly unfazed, asked, "What's so humiliating about that?"
Nia'le's response was direct, "My manhood is! And I'm so sorry if you can't SEE my point."
Tassa retorted, "Who asked you anyway!"
However, Nia'le did not actually, voluntarily sleep on the floor. But they decided it by playing "PANTs". PANTs stand for Place, Animal, Name, and Things; it is where the players write PANTs on top of their paper. And on the left side of it, the player's were going to write the letter A-Z downward. And then after that, you're going to fill in the paper, with the first letter. For example A, now, find a place, animal, name and things that started with the first letter "A"
For example Place- America, Animal-Ant, Name- Althea, Things-Armor and next is B, and so on. And after that, the first person who's gonna finish it will say stop writing, ballpens up. And then, the two players are going to count their scores. And whoever got the highest score won.
After a fit of laughter echoed through the dimly lit living room, Nia'le, still in high spirits, retreated to his bedroom for the night. Taking a moment to freshen up, he embarked on what he hoped would be a peaceful night's sleep with Tassa.
However, as Nia'le attempted to embrace her, Tassa swiftly pushed him away, making her boundaries clear. Undeterred, Nia'le found himself on the floor, assuring Tassa that his intentions were solely to share a bed without any ulterior motives. He earnestly expressed that he merely wanted the comfort of her presence, not seeking anything more than to sleep beside her.
Tassa's admission hung in the air, her words carrying a weight of conviction. "I didn't doubt you when you said that all you want is to sleep beside me. I do believe you, Nia'le. I know that all of your intentions are as neat as your sleeves, but I still can't. I'm sorry. I can't sleep beside you, Nia'le, because Xart had told me that sleeping with a guy is a sin. And it can simply impurify me. And I... I can't do that. Not until it's my husband who's sleeping beside me," she humbly explained.
Nia'le, placing his hands on his waist, responded, "You're telling me that right now, after you slept in my arms. And remember, we did it two times!" Tassa folded her arms, turning her back to him and stating firmly, "I can't sleep with you anymore, Nia'le. I'm sorry, but you have to sleep on the floor, for me. Or else sleep in any other room! Seriously, Nia'le! This is a mansion; it has over 100 or even more than that—"
"They were all haunted," Nia'le interjected.
Tassa shot back, "Your problem."
"Seriously! Just what do you think you are, a goddess?" Nia'le exclaimed, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. In a moment of realization, Nia'le observed Tassa and saw her as a goddess. Inspired by this perception, he proposed a game named "PANTs" to determine their sleeping arrangement. With confidence born from winning against his sister Yellaine in the past, Nia'le extended a handshake to Tassa, presenting the terms of the game: the loser would sleep on the floor, while the winner would claim the bed forever.
Tassa agreed to the deal, and the game unfolded. However, the tables turned, and Tassa emerged victorious. According to their agreement, she now had the privilege of sleeping in Nia'le's bed permanently, while Nia'le was resigned to sleeping on the floor for the rest of his life.
Teasingly, Tassa urged him to gather his belongings and settle into his new sleeping arrangement.
Nia'le couldn't help but feel a pang of regret as he observed Tassa settling comfortably into the bed he had generously offered her. The playful banter and teasing had added a layer of complexity to their dynamic, highlighting the intricate dance between friendship, boundaries, and unforeseen consequences.
As Nia'le recounted the events leading up to this moment, he found himself grappling with a growing realization that perhaps his initial intentions were not as innocent as he had convinced himself. The atmosphere in the room shifted from tension to introspection, as he acknowledged his role in creating the awkward situation.
While explaining his perspective, Nia'le's gaze lingered on Tassa, who now lay peacefully in the bed, resembling a goddess in repose. The room seemed to hold its breath as he softly admitted his fault, a moment of vulnerability that added depth to the narrative.
In a silent acknowledgment of their shared history, Nia'le couldn't resist the enchanting sight of Tassa peacefully sleeping. A gentle smile played on his lips as he leaned down to kiss her cheek, a tender gesture that carried the weight of unspoken emotions.