Don't Disappear Again

"Thank you for finding me. Now I'm okay, Jayden." Agatha smiled, almost in tears, feeling touched by someone who cared for her like this. She never expected that person to be Jayden Byhantara. "Are you hurt? What did that vile man do to you?" Jayden let go of his hug and held both of Agatha's shoulders. He stared into her eyes, full of concern and burning worry. Agatha gazed into Jayden's eyes, brimming with care and a gaze she had never witnessed before. The voices from the people behind Jayden rushing in murmured faintly, but Agatha's focus was entirely on the man in front of her. Agatha smiled thinly and gently. "No, Jayden. I'm not hurt. Thanks to my skills, I could handle the situation. He didn't have a chance to do anything vile to me." Jayden breathed a sigh of relief. He patted Agatha's head. "I was truly worried. Don't ever trouble yourself like this again, Agatha. I was so scared that something might happen to you. Please don't disappear again. Promise me." Agatha nodded, although she still felt a bit shocked by what she had just experienced. Jayden then led her out of the room. Soon after, Rey arrived with the police to take Cakra and his accomplices to where they belonged. Rey paused momentarily upon seeing Agatha coming out. "You're truly amazing, Agatha. Luckily, we came just in time. The police will handle Cakra and his associates involved in this incident." Agatha nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I really don't know what would have happened if you hadn't arrived on time." Jayden still looked at Agatha intently, as if wanting to ensure that she was truly fine. Agatha felt warmth in her heart, realizing that in uncertainty and danger, someone could always find her with sincere feelings. Jayden smiled gently. "Let's go home, Agatha. Let's forget about this unfortunate event." Agatha smiled and nodded, feeling grateful to have someone like Jayden by her side. Together, they walked out of the tense and luxurious mansion. Jayden led Agatha towards his car parked a few meters from the mansion. Ninety minutes before Anna's birthday. Jayden had to express his feelings now. "You're driving yourself?" Agatha asked when Jayden opened the front door for her. "My secretary can order a taxi to go home," Jayden replied with a smile. "Alright." Agatha chuckled softly before nodding and entering, and Jayden closed the door behind her. Jayden then circled the car and quickly got in. His heart hadn't stopped pounding since earlier. After starting the car engine, Jayden glanced briefly at Agatha. He then squinted his eyes before smiling mischievously. "You forgot something." "What—" Agatha reflexively stunned, holding her breath as Jayden suddenly leaned closer. Agatha's heart was clearly pounding rapidly. Soon, a click sounded, and Jayden leaned back. Ah, it was just that. Agatha had gotten her hopes up high, thinking Jayden might kiss her. Truly, it seemed her mind needed a cleanup. "Thank you," Agatha uttered afterward, smiling awkwardly. Jayden chuckled softly, realizing how adorable Agatha was in her embarrassment. Agatha, feeling embarrassed by her own mind, could only stare out of the car, hoping her flushed face wasn't visible. "Oh, right. Wait a minute," Jayden suddenly interjected, making Agatha forcibly turn in confusion. "What else?" Agatha asked. She saw Jayden grabbing something from the back seat. "This. To cover your exposed leg. It must feel uncomfortable, right?" Jayden placed his black jacket over Agatha's bare thigh, as she was wearing a short skirt. The night was late, and outside the car, it would make Agatha cold. Especially since her plan after this was to take Agatha out. "Once again, he manages to make my heart race," Agatha thought in annoyance. Jayden held back a smile, knowing well how a simple gesture like placing the jacket could make Agatha feel awkward. As he drove, he observed Agatha's embarrassed expressions. Jayden thought to himself, "I better hold back this smile. Agatha seems quite embarrassed by my actions earlier." As silence filled the car, Jayden decided to alleviate the awkwardness. He played Agatha's favorite song without informing her beforehand. The melodic tune filled the car, breaking the silence, and Agatha, who had seemed embarrassed earlier, was now mesmerized by the music. Agatha looked at Jayden in astonishment. "How did you know this is my favorite song?" Jayden smiled. "It's a coincidence; it seems we have the same taste in music." Agatha was surprised, and an uncontrollable smile formed on her face. Singing softly, they continued their night journey. The once awkward atmosphere transformed into comfort. "Who would have thought? Music preference can be a connection between us. It's like fate bringing us together," Jayden thought to himself. They continued their journey with light conversations and laughter. Under the moonlight, Jayden and Agatha grew closer, enjoying the beautiful moment in the star-filled night.  *** "We're not going straight home?" Agatha asked as their conversation topics ran out. She was curious about the unfamiliar outside scenery. "We're stopping by somewhere first. You'll definitely like it later." Agatha furrowed her brows. "Where? Is everything okay? Isn't it late already?" Jayden smiled. "I've been waiting for this moment. Don't worry; that place is very safe." Agatha nodded and continued to enjoy the captivating outdoor scenery. Throughout the journey, it was not tall buildings she saw but several trees, houses, and vast rice fields. The beautiful night sky was clearly visible. Jayden glanced at Agatha briefly. He actually wanted to know about the earlier incident. He wanted to know how and why Agatha was taken by Cakra. However, realizing that asking those questions might only make Agatha remember the unfortunate event and could potentially trigger trauma, Jayden decided to find out the truth on his own. "Oh and, do you remember Layla's birthday tomorrow?" "Oh, right! Oh no! I forgot!" Agatha turned around, amazed. "Oh my! What do we do? What time is it now? The gift that I prepared is in the room! Will there be enough time if we go and get it now?" Jayden, for some reason, couldn't control his amused smile. Agatha instantly felt annoyed upon seeing it. "You have to do something, Jayden! Don't just laugh!" Jayden continued to chuckle. Unable to resist, he tousled Agatha's hair affectionately with one hand. "Relax, Agatha. I've got it all prepared." "What? Where's the gift?" Agatha pouted. It was frustrating, not only her hair but her heart was also in disarray. "No need for anything else. You're enough for Anna," Jayden said. "What? What do you mean?" Agatha was truly perplexed by his words. Jayden kept smiling. "Don't worry, Agatha. The gift is right here." Agatha was still puzzled by Jayden's words. But when the car stopped and they both got out, Agatha was stunned to see the view by the lakeside adorned with small colorful lanterns. The moon and stars illuminated the romantic atmosphere.