Title: Something I Wasn't Sure Of

Sam decides to set boundaries with Charles, leaving Charles with a choice of his own. Will he let her out his life forever? One-shot. Based on the WEBTOON Let's Play by Mongie.


*Song for the Mood: This is the Last Time by Keane* *Art from Ch. 152 of Let's Play by Mongie*

~

It was the end of the day at work. As Sam signed the last piece of paperwork, her start started beating hard in her chest.

This had to be the night she talked to Charles about their relationship, whatever it was. She was nervous about what he would say. She walked slowly to the door that joined both their offices.

For the last three months or so, Charles had been taking Sam home. The night after they first got dinner together, Charles texted apologising for his statements from earlier that day.

He just wanted her safe and didn't think public transportation was a safe option for a young woman.

[Charles, I took the bus to the office in the same outfit. I'm home perfectly safe. Thank you for caring.]

[Proof is in the pudding, Miss Young.]

[Charles, I'm not at the office anymore.]

Formalities, ahem.

Prove how?

And do you? Like pudding?]

[How would you prove it to a friend?

And yes, I like tapioca pudding]

[MMS received: Sam in bed with Bowser]

[Literally trying to sleep ! Lol, I'm popular today.

Tapioca, huh? I think that's my grandma's favourite too...]

[Samara, are you joning on me?

You had visitors?]

[Bwahaha...maybe yes but I'm just kidding! Marshall's friends were looking for him. I talked to Marshall for a bit.]

[How's Ben doing?]

[He's good, I think. I can tell he's trying to be careful.]

[Samara, let me take you home tomorrow evening.]

[Charles. I really don't mind the bus.]

[Sticker Sent: giant puppy with sad eyes

I want to grab something after work to eat with you. Will you really not come?]

[Ugh, fine.

Kidding, I'd be delighted ]

The next morning, he was there. She couldn't deny him when he was already there. They talked and got coffee on the way.

Her face was bright red from him reaching over and buckling her seatbelt for her. She watched his eyes study her face and a small smile graced his features. "It's been jamming lately."

They were laughing and smiling at each other by the time they reached the parking garage.

"Alright, Miss Young. Ready for the day?"

Sam beamed, "Absolutely!"

Every day since, Charles always took her home. Now in his office, she stood to the side as she watched him type.

"Come take a seat, Miss Young."

Sam walked forward and sat in front of his desk. "Have you finished the work for the day?" He asked her.

"Yes, do you need help with anything?"

"No, I've almost finished. I'll be ready to take you home shortly."

Now was the time to tell him. He wasn't taking her home today. "Actually, I was going to take the bus."

He stopped keying and looked at her. "Why would you do that?"

Her head drooped a moment and a curtain of hair shielded her face. Swallowing her nervousness and the lump in her throat, she raised her head to meet his gaze. Sam said, "I think we need space."

"Bunty, I'm not sure I—"

"We need boundaries, Charles. I don't like what we're doing."

Something flashed on his face, a look of surprise, then hurt. "Samara—"

"I've never dated anyone before and all of this is new to me…" her gaze dropped to her lap, her blush deepened.

"Sometimes you, you k-kiss me, or touch me more than usual—a-and I'm not saying I don't like it, but I can't keep up as much as I thought…I need some space to myself today. I hope you understand."

Charles was quiet for a moment. "Just for today then?" He asked, referring to the bus.

Sam shook her head. "I don't know, Charles."

He looked away from her and said, "I enjoy myself around you, Samara. I respect your decision. At least text me when you're home so I know you've arrived safely."

"Alright."

She had to get out of there, right now. "Have a good night, okay?" She smiled at him, but the smile was shaky.

She practically ran out the room. Once safely on the other side, tears welled in her eyes and she scrambled for her inhaler. Sam sniffled, wiping her cheeks and feeling more rejected than ever before.

Charles watched Sam leave the office from his window. He instantly regretted rejecting a future with her. It hurt him more than he realised to see her look so defeated.

But he couldn't take that chance. Not after Gwen. He wouldn't get hurt again.

He would just stay her friend, and still have her in his life. Charles thought about the kisses he stole from her; her soft lips, the sweet smell of her breath, and her sounds.

When he saw her smile at him or heard her laugh, he knew she was, slowly, opening herself to him. He never meant to get carried away, but he knew he had once he did and stopped caring of the consequences.

He couldn't bear the thought of losing her. He continued typing for a moment, trying to input the information from a recent contract, ready to go home. He tried to push her from his mind, but found it was no use.

He was thinking about how she melted his heart. He thought about her laugh, their deep conversations late into the night over the phone. He felt loss at the thought of their dynamic changing, growing distant.

Because you love her, his mind whispered. He loved her, that's why he needed to stay away from her. But could Charles let Sam be with someone else?

He stood up abruptly, rushing to the door. He threw it open and ran after her. He couldn't let her go.

He cursed himself, knowing that the next heartbreak would shatter him; but he loved Sam so much. She was worth the chance.

He rounded the corner towards the elevator, pressing the DOWN button and waiting anxiously. The bus stop was a block from the building, and she had a ten minute start on him.

Would Sam still be waiting for the bus when he arrived? Charles pushed his way through crowds, feeling as if he wouldn't make it quick enough.

Once he made his way through the revolving doors, he hurried down the front steps of the building and turned right. He could see the bus stop down the street, see people, and was relieved that the bus had yet to arrived.

But as he started walking in that direction, behind him the bus began approaching. His brisk walk turned into a run as he hurried to make the crosswalk light as it turned yellow.

The bus was gaining on him, the downward slope of the road giving the bus more momentum. The crosswalk light turned green, and he crossed the street, only a few paces away from the bus stop.

He could see her sitting there, short brown bob shielding her face, cute blue pencil skirt and black sheer blouse accentuating her side-profile. She wasn't paying attention to him as he approached, eyes to her lap, a small, watery frown on her features.

The bus passed him and rolled up and everyone, including Sam, started rising. She was gathering her things, placing her messenger bag strap on her shoulder. A look of surprise crossed her features as he halted in front her, panting slightly from his hurry.

"C-Charles?" Sam said, surprised. Worry creased her features. "W-why are you here? What's wrong?"

She looked at the line of passengers waiting to board the bus. If she didn't get in line soon, she might miss the bus.

"Don't get on the bus." He said, to her surprise.

"What? Charles...we—we talked about this, I—"

"I love you, Samara."

Her heart sped up, then stopped. Sam blinked up at him, a blush forming on her cheeks, confusion muddling her thoughts.

"I—you said, you said that you didn't want anything more than what we already have...you said—"

"I'm in love with you, Samara. I tried to ignore it, but I can't. I apologise for confusing you, for hurting you...I can't let you go home without knowing the truth."

"So you're here...to confess to me?"

"Yes."

"I...I don't know what to say."

There were three people left to board, and then it was her turn. She stared deeply into earnest, bright blue eyes. He was still panting slightly, and she could see light perspiration on his brows.

It was a warm day, her blouse was sheer and short sleeved, and the light breeze kept her comfortable. He was still in his suit blazer, his tie slightly haphazard from his rush. He was breathless from chasing after her; and she was breathless because of him.

"Are you coming, Miss?" The bus driver yelled and it startled her out of the world she was lost in with him. She looked at the bus and then back at Charles, who stood waiting and slightly pensive.

Sam shook her head, "I'm good here. Thank you." Her heart was beating hard like a drum.

She watched the bus doors shut, and watched the bus slowly join traffic. There was no going back now, no undoing or denying their choices.

They shared the space together, her sitting still and him standing. She slowly rose to her feet, still clutching her bag. They stared at each other, a little uncertain, but both excited.

He said to her, "You don't have to fall in love with me right away, we can take our time with this. I know this is sudden, but I—"

Taking a step forward, Sam stepped into his face and stood on her tiptoes. She pressed her lips to his and silenced Charles with her kiss. He eagerly returned her kiss; the same way she returned his affections.

They pulled back after a moment, and smiled at each other.

~