My heart skipped a beat,

"I told you, we can't be a thing. If that's what you're hoping for, I think we shouldn't even pretend to date. I'll find someone else.

" As soon as I finished speaking, Ernest, who had been standing still, took a long stride towards me,

"And who might that be?

", Instinctively, I stepped back, but as I retreated, he advanced, pressing on,

"What, going on more blind dates? Or perhaps asking a brother or a friend?

", I could almost taste the jealousy.,

"Ernest!

" I put my hand out to stop him as I ran out of room to back away., But he cut me off before I could say more,

"I admit, I have feelings for you, but you rejected me. So, I won't be the guy who can't take a hint.

", Huh?, Now, I was the confused one., Ernest's expression was cool, his deep-set eyes locking onto mine.

"Right now, I'm just a regular guy living across from you. Don't overthink it.

", I was speechless. Was he implying I was the one with a wild imagination?, Lost for words, Ernest switched topics,

"What were you calling about earlier?

", His question effortlessly eased my awkwardness, and I went along with it,

"You're off work already? Did the carnival wrap up?

",

"Nope,

" he replied, as if it was the most natural answer., I smirked,

"Mr. Collins, leaving work early when it's not finished. Is this your idea of finishing on schedule or even two days early?

",

"I keep my promises,

" Ernest replied firmly., I almost challenged his confidence,

"But changing the setup now could mean more time wasted if there are issues during the final check.

",

"I'm aware, but I'll handle it. Any problems, I'll take responsibility,

" Ernest sounded like he could carry the world on his shoulders., Where did all his confidence come from?, Considering he was the main guy for the lighting, he did have a point., After a brief moment, I warned,

"Ernest, even though I've resigned and am no longer in charge of lighting, if the final result isn't what I wanted, I'll never forgive you.

", His sharp features didn't waver,

"I'll make sure to fulfill my promise to you.

", What more could I say?,

"Fine, I hope so,

" I muttered, ready to leave, but Ernest blocked my path., Unsure of his intentions, I tried to sidestep him, but he mirrored my movements, effectively stopping me., I was getting annoyed,

"Ernest.

",

"I was hoping you could help me with something,

" Ernest suddenly looked almost pleading., Considering he was the kind of guy who could fix anything from leaky pipes to broken hearts, what could he possibly need my help with?, Curiously, I asked,

"With what?

",

"I made way too much dinner. Want to help me eat it?

" His question caught me off guard, and I almost burst out laughing., Since realizing he was my neighbor, the anger that had been building up inside me dissipated at that moment. I kicked at him and my hands not idle, hitting him,

"You're teasing me, Ernest? Do you think I'm a kid?

", He let me kick and hit him a few times before grabbing my hands, then said,

"To new beginnings, neighbor.

",

"Ernest!

", He pulled me towards the dining table, revealing four dishes and a soup., Did he always cook this much for himself?, Or had he anticipated that I would discover he was my neighbor tonight?, No, that couldn't be it. So, he must have decided to let me know tonight, whether I stumbled upon it or not., Feeling utterly manipulated, my anger flared up again,

"Ernest, you...

", I was about to lash out when his deep, soothing voice interrupted,

"Ms. Hudson, please, indulge me this once.

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