IDRIS

Idris Verdonni has never known love. He's heard of it, but has never concerned himself with it. He doesn't believe in the hoax. He's sure whatever feelings his parents had for each other were all artificial, otherwise his mother wouldn't have left.

In a life as fulfilled as his, Idris thinks there's no need for something as trivial as love. It's a weakness. It drains you free of rationale and leeches off your self-worth. It should be avoided at all cost, because to be caught means succumbing to its hypnosis.

But perhaps being bewitched isn't entirely too bad. Idris has lived a life full of power, women, and alcohol. These are things people strive for, things that satisfy the ego. They've come to him at no cost whatsoever. He has the ideal life. He should be content.

But that's far from reality as it currently stands. The issue with love is that it leaves its victims restless. It brings about a change so suffocating and life changing, even going as far as plaguing said victims with vulnerability too smothering. While love can be a phenomenon, it can also be a harbinger for disaster.

Idris is currently seated in his penthouse. He lays slumped against the sofa, eyes straight ahead at the view in front of him. The city lights don't do much for him lately, not while the curse of love haunts him.

The feeling is foreign. It's different from what he's used to. He's not even sure how the seed took root, but it's been planted deep within himself for some time now. It must be the universe mocking him. Maybe it's his own set of karma that has come wrapped in a ribbon.

These feelings for Josi are anarchic. He has no control over them. They're in charge of all his thoughts and, at times, even his actions. It's why Josi hasn't been able to escape his mind despite his futile attempts. This is a first for him. The ache in his chest, the constant longing, the sleepless nights.

The fact that there's someone else with Josi makes him miserable. More mockery from the universe. Not only has he fallen for a girl he knows will never love him back, but the girl in question has a man she holds dear. It would ease his worries if she were single, as if that would broaden his chances. But better Josi alone than with a product of envy.

Idris has had enough of the turmoil. He drives himself over to a bar to help cool off, to take his mind off the crisis at hand. The fact that it's four in the morning doesn't come as a problem. The bar operates on a normal schedule, but is left open by the owner in case Idris decides to drop in. Inciting fear really does go a long way.

Idris raids the bar, grabs a seat, then knocks the drinks out of the way. Except this doesn't seem to accomplish much. In fact, it riles him up more than anything, so much so that he hurls his glass towards the entrance. Why has he been subjected to such misery? For a woman who was only worth what little entertainment she brought him.

Living in denial still will not better his case. The fact of the matter is Idris yearns for Josi. He wants her by his side every second of the day. He wants to be the one to kiss her, to hold her close beneath the covers. But there's someone else already doing these things in his stead.

Idris knows Josi is currently asleep. She must be under her boyfriend's arms, head rested against his chest and clinging to his body. They must have gone to bed late from the night of passion they had, so there's no doubt they're both laying naked. But this is a mere fragment of Idris's imagination. The image has stuck itself in his head. Now he thinks of the countless times the couple has enjoyed that level of intimacy.

Idris crushes the can of beer by his side. The thought of it all leaves him restless. It drives him mad.

As persistent as his newfound feelings seem to be, Idris knows he won't rest until something is done about it. Josi's relationship will surely cost him his sanity. He will not allow things go that far.

He pulls out his phone and dials Josi's number.

~《¤》~

JOSI

Nights are Josi's favorite time of day. It's the only time she's free from Idris's madness, free from his unreasonable demands. This time alone belongs to her and Bradley. It's a time of peace.

Josi leans her head against Bradley's chest, their breathing in sync. Everything is as it should be for them. But peace has never been granted a welcomed stay in Josi's life.

The ring this time isn't as loud, but it jolts Josi awake. She answers the phone immediately for fear of waking Bradley, then as careful as she can be, leaves the covers and exits the bedroom. There's no time to prepare herself for the call this time around.

Josi takes a deep breath in. ". . . yes?"

"I need you. Now."

The clock on Josi's phone reads 4:36 A.M, a rather unreasonable time for such a request. She can't just up and leave in the middle of the night. "I promise I'll come to you as soon as morning comes, but I can't leave right-"

"Cade."

Josi goes mute.

"Meet me at the bar on Canal street."

The call comes to an end. Josi lingers in the living room for a little while contemplating. What would make Idris change his mind about her? What would get him to let her go? Nothing seems to get through to him. Not even her on her knees begging. But she has to keep trying despite the previous attempts.

Josi heads for the bedroom to make sure Bradley is still asleep, then grabs her car keys and makes off towards Idris. It takes a couple minutes before the bar comes into view. There's not much around, just a car in the parking lot which Josi suspects must belong to Idris.

The bar is empty, save for Idris who sits at the counter with a couple of empty liquor bottles. There's no cigar this time, but a cigarette which hangs loosely from his lips. She advances no further and instead, lingers by the doorway. The mere sight of him brings her goosebumps. Being in the same room as Idris does not bode well for Josi. Not with the memories of their last meeting still so fresh.

"Um . . ." Josi starts, her fear already getting the better of her. "Listen, I'll . . . I'll do anything you want. Just tell me and I'll do it. But please, just let me go. I promise you'll never see me again. Please, please, let me go."

Idris keeps his silence. Meanwhile, Josi just stands there, heart thumping and throat dry. When she catches the look he gives her, she can spot a bit of discomfort. And repulsion. As if she'd just insulted him. As if she'd just said the most outrageous thing known to mankind. Josi clams up. How does one reason with Idris Verdonni?

Idris takes a drag from his cigarette and releases it into the air. "I can't do that."

Josi's face falls. She should have expected that for an answer, but the disappointment is still the same. Idris is hell bent on making her miserable for as long as he can. Until he grows bored and decides she's no longer of any use to him. He will watch her crumble with each passing day - witness the layers of hope come undone as her life slowly drains itself free. He will take great pleasure deciding what sort of torture to put her through, and she will face it head on. Because there are no other options available.

But the punishment Idris decides on today is the worst of them all.

"Your boyfriend. Break up with him."

There's ringing in Josi's ears. For a moment she thinks she's having a nightmare, but the sinking feeling in her chest and the lump in her throat are enough to clue her in on this hell of a reality. The last of her strength flees, and now she's surviving on pure willpower.

"I . . . I won't."

Again, Idris is silent, and Josi shrinks with each passing second. As if her life wasn't enough, he's now planning on interfering with her relationship. Does he despise her so much that he will not rest until she's in shambles? Why must he be so wicked, so unfair?

Finally, Idris leaves his seat and heads for where Josi is by the doorway. With each step he takes, she tenses up and even begins backing away. But there's nowhere left to go, so she stands there helplessly and watches him come to a stop in front of her. Josi can't even look at him. Can't even breathe properly. Idris even tries reaching for her, and she shuts her eyes close, as if his touch will deliver some lethal poison or the other.

But when she doesn't feel his touch, she opens her eyes only to find his hand inches away from her cheek. He must be aware of the fear she's in, because it's written all over his face. He looks . . . remorseful.

Idris pulls his hand away and exchanges the remorse for something more serious. Enough to let her know he means business. "That wasn't a suggestion."

And with that warning Idris leaves, along with Josi's last chance at happiness.

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