Page 109 of Strictly Against Policy

They looked visibly satisfied as we all walked toward the parking structure across the street. I didn’t realize how nervous Jonathan was until I saw how red his ears were.

He glanced at me as we waited for the elevator. I gave him a tiny, reassuring smile as he stood a respectful distance away from me. He grinned back, understanding everything would turn out fine.

CHAPTER 44

Jonathan

Lina laughed from my side in the passenger’s seat. I turned to her, lips pursed. “Yes?” I asked as I turned off my car.

She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “You don’t need to be nervous. It’s just a double date with Mary and Eric. You’ve met them before.”

“Why not? Why can’t I be a bit nervous?” I asked. “They’re your best friends, right? I want to reassure them that I’m a good boyfriend to you and that they can trust you to my care.”

Tonight was our first double date ever. Mary was the one to suggest it and, when Lina brought it up, I eagerly agreed. I wanted to get to know more about the people she cared about and loved so much. From my interactions with them before, they were no different from the people I loved as well. Rambunctious and funny—a pair of caring, warm souls.

Despite knowing they were kind and inviting people, I was more nervous for our first double date with them than meeting Lina’s parents and older sister.

Her brows crumpled together, her mouth downturned. “You know they already think that, right?” she asked. “You jumped in front of spewing shards of broken glass to protect me. You’ve already done your part in making sure they can trust you.”

I swallowed hard. “I know, but I still want to prove more to them.”

The corner of her mouth softened. She intertwined our hands together tightly. “Jonathan.”

“Hm?” I responded.

“You’ve already proven yourself enough.” Her words were short of a gentle sigh.

I brushed my thumb over one of her knuckles. “Lina, I can do better. I know I can. I want to make sure the people you care about the most will never question how much I also love and care for you, too.” It was my turn to squeeze her hand back. “I want them to know you’re my utmost priority. I want to ensure them I will do anything to make sure you’re protected, taken care of, and . . . Most of all, that you’re seen and heard.”

Tears misted over her eyes as she tipped her head to the side—a habit of mine she had now adopted. “How exactly are you going to do that?”

I grinned, pulling our intertwined hands to my chest and placing them over where my heart thrummed. “With actions and time. With each passing day. I could talk as much as I want, but that’s just empty promises. Instead, I’ll show them I’m worthy to be loved by you.”

“We’re supposed to be here for a double date. Not for you to make me cry in the parking lot of a bar and grill,” she half laughed, half sobbed, as I brushed away her tears.

I laughed with her and pulled her into a quick kiss. “I love you, Lina Lee,” I breathed onto the corner of her lips.

“I love you too, Jonathan.”

Her fingers came up to gingerly trace over what was left of the gash on my eyebrow from over a month ago. It had long healed up already. The only remnant left of that day was a minor, light-brown scar slashed through my eyebrow. But there were nights when I could feel her fingertips lightly trace over it when I slept over at her place. I would fall asleep envisioning remorse crumpling her brows together and tugging her mouth thin.

I took hold of her other hand and brought it to my chest where our intertwined hands lay. I placed a peck on her forehead, understanding there would never be enough words I could say to stop her from feeling the way she did. But I would still tell her there was nothing for her to regret. All was fine.

“Stop feeling guilty, Lina. It’s alright,” I said. “It’s already healed. And I’m in one piece.”

“I know, but I can’t help it.” She sighed softly, breathing across my collarbone. “I’ve learned to let go of most of my guilt and have stopped blaming it all on myself. However, I can’t deny how I played a role in it as well. I will always be sorry for your scar, Jonathan.”

I shook my head. “Just so you know, I like the gnarly scar. It makes me look intimidating.”

Lina scoffed, pulling her hands out of mine to cup my face. “You do not look intimidating, Jonathan Lo.”

“Oh, yeah? How do I look with this scar then?”

She laughed, kissing my scar. “I don’t know . . .” Her words were slow in a low rasp. “Not much different than before. If anything, you just look like a puppy.”

“A puppy?” I gaped, feigning offense. “I’m better than just any dog, Lina.”

I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her as close to me as possible. Her melodic chuckle filled my car as a wide smile stretched across my mouth.