18. Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Laura

I take a sip of my coffee when the group decides to take a break at the coffee shop inside the museum. The coffee cup has the name of the museum, which is pretty nice.

The shop is filled with the sweet scent of coffee, which wakes me on its own. There's soft music going in the background, which isn't loud enough to interrupt our chatter, but enough to make it less obvious to other customers walking by.

On the walls, there are paintings that are in an old-fashioned style. Those are paintings of famous buildings in the city, which include Gisett. He makes for a handsome "building" under the artist's skillful paint brushes.

"This is such a great trip. I'm not too annoyed at how early Ryan wanted us to wake up, after all." One of my friends chuckles as she lets out a breath.

All of us study the same subject, after all, and this special exhibition in the museum is a must-go. It is going to close in a few weeks, which coincides with our mid-term examination. None of us are a fan of exams, but it is what it is, and we better check off this museum visit before we get too busy for it.

I check my phone, looking at the photos we took. "Yes, this is a fruitful trip."

Ryan grins. "I'm glad. It's also great that we're students and the admission is almost free."

"Saved enough for the coffee." The other friend chuckles too.

Somehow, it's the four of us. The three of us girls and Ryan, who somehow manage to be here with us, the probably nosy ones.

We are going to chat about something else when Ryan's phone buzzes. He checks it and excuses himself to pick up a call.

Now, there are only the three of us left.

"Hey..." One of them elbows my side.

"What?"

"Don't you think Ryan kind of wants to tag along when you're around?"

My heart skips a beat while I fight to look normal. "What do you mean?"

My other friend says, "Didn't he ask you for a dance last night?"

I shrug. "He saw me sitting in the corner."

"No way, it doesn't matter. He wanted to ask you for a dance, come on."

I roll my eyes. "Both of you are still drunk."

That can't be what's happening, right?

"Laura, you know it yourself. Maybe it's time for you to forget about your imaginary friend and give him a chance. Also, give yourself a chance."

"What do you even mean? Imaginary friend?"

She chuckles as if she doesn't hear me. I'm going to ask about that, but Ryan's almost back and I'd rather he know nothing about this stupid talk. Can this museum visit be what they make up? Just so I'd end up spending more time with Ryan because these two think that I won't go out with him alone?

Holly...

Maybe they meant to help, but I don't need this kind of help.

I don't have imaginary friends anyway, even though my mind drifts to Gisett almost at once. He may not exist for others, he exists for me. At least he shows up for me and lets me see him.

Well... That does sound like an imaginary friend.

Except he's not my imagination. Not at all.

He is probably somewhere enjoying the sun and staring at the street. Or maybe he curses the sun for being too hot as he waits there, taking on the prestigious job of a statue.

I just don't understand gargoyles.

"Laura, what are you doing? Chatting with your imaginary friends?"

I roll my eyes. "Stop it. There are no imaginary friends in my head. I don't imagine friends, unless all of you are imaginary."

They laugh and my cheeks warm up at that. I hope they will drop it.

One of my friends muses, "Look, won't it be great if there'll be someone who takes care of you at times, who you can talk to, and who you take care of at times?"

I silently roll my eyes. These people just want to be dating someone. I don't mind being with someone, but I'm sure not making it a priority just like that.

Gisett's mildly upset face shows up in my mind, but his handsome grin when he told me he saved me comes up too.

Is he someone...

But he's a gargoyle. And... he can never be with me out in public. Not to mention... The normal thing to do is to date another human, right?

I steal a glance at Ryan, who's too busy chatting with the group to catch me. If he's really looking to date me, maybe I can give him a chance.

But something about that doesn't sit well with me.

It doesn't take long before coffee is gone, and we should move onto the next show room. I stand, letting out a breath as I tell myself to focus on the exhibition instead of stupid relationship stuff. There's a time and place for everything.

Ryan collects all the cups and tosses them to the bin. I pick up my bag, but my gaze follows his back.

How bad will it be if there can be something between him and me?

I don't feel the same way for him compared to Gisett. I don't know which is better or worse, it's just different.

Gisett is the big gargoyle who can't seem to peel himself away from me, but he's not that annoying. Yet...

I should stop all these silly thoughts until later...