Micel just stared at Madelin's retreating figure. Honestly, she was still wondering in her mind what was happening to Madelin. That woman was very strange to her.
She eventually let Madelin go. Meanwhile, Micel wanted to check on some other employees to prepare for work.
***
"Good morning," Nike greeted Madelin warmly.
Madelin just smiled and straightened her clothes a bit. The photo shoot session would start soon, and they both were getting ready.
"You look a little tired. Did you not sleep well last night?" Nike asked. "Want some coffee later?" she offered.
"Maybe... ah, how about we grab some at the coffee shop across the street?" Madelin suggested.
"Yeah, we can go there later after our work is done," Nike agreed, giving Madelin a thumbs up. "Of course, you should treat me since you suggested it first," she joked.
***
Jonathan's brows furrowed as he noticed Madelin chatting happily with Nike. Suddenly, his heart, which had been soaring because he wanted to see Madelin, plummeted.
"Why is that damn guy near Madelin?" Jonathan grumbled to himself. Without thinking twice, he barged into the café.
"What are you doing here?" Jonathan suddenly grabbed Nike's shirt.
"Wait a minute, what's wrong with you, buddy?" Nike didn't understand why Jonathan suddenly wanted to hit him. He clearly hadn't done anything wrong. This crazy guy was really strange.
"You should have known from the beginning. Don't pretend to be ignorant," Jonathan snarled.
Nike tried to free himself from Jonathan's grip. "I really have no idea what's going on in your head. Seriously, Jonathan, don't be like this," he said lazily. "Besides, this is a public place. Why do you always like to make a scene in front of many people?"
Madelin suddenly stood up, staring at Jonathan for a long moment. Through her gaze, it was clear that she was communicating with the man.
So Jonathan obediently followed Madelin. She had already walked out of the café first.
After they left the café, Madelin folded her arms in front of her chest and looked sharply at Jonathan. "What made you suddenly behave like that in front of many people? Don't you have even a bit of shame?" Madelin was truly puzzled by Jonathan's possessive side. She felt like he was overly dramatic in understanding his affection towards a woman.
Jonathan didn't respond; he just remained silent. But from his body language, he seemed very uncomfortable.
"Jonathan, I'm asking you, so please answer. If you don't want to answer, then I'd rather not have any relationship with you anymore. Remember, I'm the type of person who always keeps my word!" Madelin said firmly. She seemed entirely unhesitant; if Jonathan chose to remain silent, she wouldn't hesitate to leave him behind.
Unable to bear the threat from Madelin, Jonathan chose to grab her hand. "Alright. Honestly, I felt jealous when I saw you with Nike, that's all," he answered.
Madelin raised an eyebrow, her expression hesitant. "Again, you're like this. You always repeat the same mistakes over and over again. It seems like you were created to be alone, not to be in a relationship," Madelin said, utterly puzzled by Jonathan's behavior.
Jonathan bit his lip. "Madelin, please forgive me. I promise I won't ever do something like this again," he pleaded.
"Your words are too cliché, Jonathan. I'm not someone who just met you one or two days ago. I've known you for years. Your behavior has always been the same. Honestly, it often makes me uneasy when I'm around you," Madelin expressed her feelings to Jonathan. "If I'm tired of you, why don't you ever get tired of all your actions? I wonder and question in my heart whether you yourself ever feel that everything you do will end up being futile in the end?"
Jonathan didn't answer. He just knelt in front of Madelin. "Madelin, please, please give me a chance this time. I promise I'll never repeat something like this again," he begged in front of Madelin.
Madelin sighed heavily. She was already very tired of Jonathan's behavior. Even this time, she had made a decision not to have any relationship with him anymore.
But as she was about to make that decision, Nike suddenly appeared and casually spoke like this in front of both of them.
"I think... it would be a mistake for you, Madelin, if you just let him go like that. If you want to see the good side of this jerk. You truly have genuine love. But if you only see the bad side, then the answer is clear. I think it wouldn't be too bad if you were to forgive him. But clearly, you also have to set clear boundaries for him, to show your firmness to him," Nike suggested at length.
Madelin sighed heavily. She tried to understand Nike's words as best as she could. Although she couldn't deny that the words seemed to contain a hint of urging her to be more open-minded towards Jonathan.
"Alright, just for this once. If something like this happens again in the future, Jonathan, you and I are truly over," Madelin said heavily. "Get up! Don't stay in this pitiful position any longer."
Jonathan got up and stood still in front of Madelin.
"Don't act weird after I forgive you, Jonathan. Let's go back inside." Madelin pulled Jonathan's hand to lead him back inside. Meanwhile, Jonathan just followed her silently. But as he walked past Nike, he looked quite cynical towards the young man.
Feeling the cynical gaze, Nike just shrugged it off. He also followed them back inside.
Once everyone was back inside the café, Madelin told Jonathan to order food and drinks.
"You should have an iced coffee. It's good for you, as you seem too tense since earlier. Don't be offended, I'm just giving advice," Nike said nonchalantly.
Jonathan hissed. But he didn't want to fight with the young man. So, he just ignored him and focused on choosing from the menu.
"Wouldn't it be better like this? I mean, I really want you to be more open-minded with others. Your nature is really restraining, Jonathan, it's not good at all," Madelin expressed in annoyance.