MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 375: Navigating Relationships: A Balancing Act of Concern and Acceptance
As he grappled with Xiaxia and Victor’s relationship, Xin realized the gravity of the situation. With Xiaxia and Victor’s newfound relationship status, breaking things off would undoubtedly inflict far deeper wounds –– on Xiaxia’s part that is.
Xin struggled to formulate a plan that would minimize the inevitable heartache.
Lost in thought, Xin pondered the best course of action, knowing that any misstep could intensify the pain for Xiaxia.
The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon him, leaving him uncertain of how to proceed. He didn’t want his sister to endure heartbreak like he had with Meilyn.
It should have been fine if Victor was supposed to end things from the start. It was the plan. But he had to start a relationship with Xiaxia of all things.
Xin bit his thumb and wondered what had happened for Victor to say yes to this?
Surely something must have happened, right? Did Xiaxia blackmail him?
Xin shook his head. No way. No matter how desperate Xiaxia was, she would never stoop so low as to blackmail a guy into dating her . . . right?
"Is something troubling you?" asked Seraphina form the wheels.
It was only then that Xin was brought back to the present. "Ah. Yeah. Just trouble with Xiaxia."
"Did Victor turn her down?" Seraphina asked, concern evident though she already knew what had happened. She could be best actress with her acting.
Xin looked outside the window. "Worse . . . they’re dating now." He didn’t mind to sound unhappy, but he was really unhappy.
"That’s good news, isn’t it?"
Xin didn’t comment.
"Xiaxia likes her, and if they’re in a relationship right now, then maybe . . . Victor likes her too."
Xin frowned. "I know Victor. Not once did he express his desire to date her. So something must have happened for them to suddenly become an item."
"You seem upset."
"I don’t want Xiaxia to get hurt."
There was silence in the car for a moment before Seraphina spoke.
"Well, I think she’s happy right now, and who’s to say that Victor doesn’t love her? Surely he must have some feelings towards her if he said yes to their relationship, right? Who’s to say that their relationship wouldn’t progress from this point?"
Xin paused and then whipped his head towards Seraphina. He was about to say something, but no words came out of his mouth.
"Why don’t you let them figure it out?" Seraphina advised. "Sometimes, putting our hands into others’ relationships would just make things complicated. Xiaxia and Victor are grown-ups; they can handle it."
Xin grumbled inside. She was right, but . . . there was always that ’but,’ that nagging feeling to protect Xiaxia.
"What if she gets hurt? Xiaxia is impulsive, and I’m afraid that their relationship was a mistake. It’s best that it should end right now."
Seraphina offered a reassuring smile. "You have underestimated your sister. Xiaxia is a strong woman and could totally take care of herself. If she gets hurt, then just be there with her, with her favorite ice cream.
"If their relationship wouldn’t work out, she will cry, she will be in pain, she will be depressed. But then she will be okay and move on. But right now . . . should you really get in the way between the happiness of your sister?"
Xin didn’t know what to say to that because right now, her words and his beliefs were contradicting each other. He was still high in emotion and couldn’t think things through, so Xin decided to sleep it off first.
On the drive back to the apartment, Xin and Seraphina were silent.
As soon as Xin and Seraphina entered their apartment, Xiaxia shrieked and immediately hugged Seraphina.
"Sis Seraphina! Me and Victor! Me and Victor are dating! Kyaa! How awesome is that?! I’m so happy!"
Seraphina rubbed Xiaxia’s back to calm her down, but her eyes were on Xin’s unreadable face. "I’m happy for you."
While Xiaxia was shrieking and happily sharing her romantic escapade with Victor, Xin’s face remained inscrutable.
Seeing how Xiaxia was so happy, all the thoughts of ending her relationship with Victor went down the drain.
Maybe Seraphina was right?
Why not give her a chance with Victor and be happy for a moment?
Then an idea struck his head, and Xin’s eyes shone. That’s it!
"What’s wrong?" Xiaxia asked when Seraphina was silent.
Seraphina only nodded in Xin’s direction, and that’s when Xiaxia noticed her brother.
"Oh, you’re there too," Xiaxia said, hiding her embarrassment and reddened face with a haughty tone. "Me and Victor are dating now."
Xin only stared at Xiaxia seriously.
"W-what? Aren’t you happy for your sister and your friends?" Xiaxia asked with a nervous laugh.
Xin took a deep breath and only said, "Just don’t fall for him hard. You don’t know Victor that much yet."
Xiaxia rolled her eyes. "He’s your friend."
"It’s because he is my friend that I’m telling you this."
At this point, Xiaxia frowned. "What’s your problem? You don’t want Victor to date me, is that it? Is it because he’s your friend, and you fear that I might make things awkward between the two of you?"
Xin shook his head and handed the plastic bag to Xiaxia. "Believe it or not, I just don’t want you to get hurt. But it’s your life, so . . ."
With that, Xin made his escape to his room, leaving Xiaxia and Seraphina exchanging a look.
"Don’t want me to get hurt, my ass," Xiaxia muttered. But when she checked the plastic bag in her hands, it contained all her favorite ice cream brands.
"Are these for me?"
Seraphina nodded. "He bought them because he thought that you would come back here broken-hearted."
Xiaxia didn’t say anything and just stared at the ice cream.
"What a busy buddy," she muttered, her lips curling into a smile.
She felt a warmth in her chest, realizing that Xin cared enough to anticipate her needs, even if he didn’t express it directly. It was a silent gesture of concern that touched her heart.
With a grateful sigh, Xiaxia embraced the ice cream, feeling comforted by the thoughtfulness behind it.
Though she was upset that he would think that Victor would turn her down.
