What he uttered was true. Joan knew Larry had also gotten hurt during the fight. She was wondering if he had his wounds treated and if he was okay.
A pang of sadness rose in her heart as she thought of Larry.
“Go and take a look at him if you’re worried,” Dustin urged.
“I’m not worried about him,” she answered immediately.
She and her ego. She’s exactly the same as Larry. Dustin really had no idea why the two could not just sit down and have a candid conversation.
“Did you guys get into an argument?” he asked carefully.
“I’m too lazy to fight with him,” Joan uttered quietly, sitting down.
From her looks, Dustin was sure something had happened between them. Larry was the only person capable of putting such an expression on Joan’s face.
“Off you go. Sleep is calling my name,” Dustin joked.
“Why are you chasing me away?”
Joan let out a soft sigh. I thought we were friends?
“Hey, although it’s true that I like you and dislike Larry, I want to compete with him on level ground. I’ll respect whatever decision you make. Yes, I’m happy because your relationship is on rocky ground, but it breaks my heart to see you sad too,” Dustin explained.
His words warmed Joan’s heart.
She suddenly felt lucky to have met someone like Dustin and was glad he was in her life.
“Alright, you should get going now. Larry would come at me with a knife tomorrow morning if you stay any longer,” Dustin said, pushing Joan out of the room.
Dustin knew he wouldn’t be able to easily get over her, but he did not want Larry to misunderstand the situation.
Joan was a kind and pure soul who deserved to be treated with love.
A sad smile curved on Dustin’s lips as he shooed her out.
Joan paced around in the lobby after Dustin shut the door, not knowing what to do.
She did not want to go back to the room Larry was in. She did not want to see him.
However, there was no other room she could go to.
She sat on the couch in the lobby and looked at the ceiling, lost in thought.
After a moment of contemplation, she decided to stay there for the night. There was no way she was going back to that room.
Over in the room, Larry tossed and turned on the bed, unable to catch a wink of sleep. He looked at the vacant space beside him and instantly felt regret for what he did.
Did I act too rashly just now? I should’ve given her a chance to explain.
He looked at the pitch dark sky outside, and his face hardened.
But… what I said was true!
She was with Dustin all this time, and she didn’t tell me what she was up to. She even took my punch on that prick’s behalf! Anger surged in Larry’s heart as he recalled everything that had happened.
What’s taking her so long? It’s already late. He began to grow more and more worried.
He figured she must be at Dustin’s room since she saw her tugging him back to the hotel.
What are they doing? At the thought of her sleeping in the same room as another man, Larry leapt out of bed and barged out of the room.
Dustin had just fallen asleep when someone loudly banged on his door.
“Who’s there?” Dustin asked impatiently. Who can it be? It’s already midnight!
“It’s me!” Larry shouted. His voice shook Dustin awake.
What on earth does he want? He can’t sleep? Is that why he wants to continue our fight?
“What do you want?” Dustin asked through the small crack after opening the door slightly.
“Are you seriously asking me what I want?” Larry exclaimed angrily, pushing his way in. Dustin almost fell as Larry made his way in.
“Larry Norton, who do you think you are? You can’t storm into my room like this!” Dustin howled in anger as he steadied his steps.
She’s… She’s not here. Where on earth is she? Larry shot a scrutinizing glare at Dustin, waiting for the man to give him an answer.
