As if
To soothe the anger and melt the ice- only one kiss was needed!
_
"Then tell me what's your problem?"
"I don't have any. I would do whatever I want. And I just want to kiss him..."
Ashes 2025-26 running,
With several injuries, Steven Smith is ready to take the captaincy. Again. Putting Neser and Jhye had become a normal XI, he is happy to make ahead for day-01. But this time, Jhye got the call to be in the squad just a few days ahead.
He was in Perth. Ready to play the Big Bash. He was in the XI against the Heat. And before heading to his home ground to face the Hurricanes. He got the call from the international team and rushed away to fulfill his responsibility for his country.
One hoped to talk after a long time since the separation. Couldn't even see the face.
Years ago, it was just a rumour. A rumour that built the bridge where nobody can put their feet.
As if, it becomes abandoned.
As if, it gives torment.
And how can one suppose to ignore the feeling that was always in between. Lying on the bridge, never had the guts to cross.
______________
'Because you're jealous when you find out I was about to give a peck, you showed up all of a sudden and dismissed my mood. I will take revenge. Sooner or later. And I will do WHATEVER I WANT.'
It was never a threat. Nor was it an offer.
Jhye can not describe how he feels often. And now he is facing his captain he called a few minutes ago, waiting some meters away, for him to start.
He takes a deep breath. Still not ready to start.
'Turner. I wanted to say about- about Meredith. He disturbs me so much. And I am not complaining like a child. But I want you to-to to- you know I'm depressed. He shows up, he comes, he kisses my cheeks and he runs away. And he even texts me- forget it. When I was about to bawl, I thought he was the batsman, putting his helmet on and laughing after watching me.'
He heard some laughter apart.
'It's not a joke. I am serious. And I got destroyed. I could not bowl on my desired length. It caused so many runs. As you could watch the scoreboard and my economy.'
'Jhye- Jhye- Jhye. I can not help you. I can not stop him from coming to our hotel. Ellis's application for restriction had been rejected. It's not in my hand. I am sorry.'
Jhye could clearly notice how his captain was suppressing his laughter. And how hard it was to speak those lines!
He lets it go...
As if he could erase every touch like it was never there.
'He becomes mad. He gives- he gives the blame to Meredith when he bowled the worst. He said he isn't a child complaining. But what was the behaviour! Oh, man! It's- it's..'
Turner still couldn't find any place to laugh with full of his mind full. He cannot control.
But left alone here, in one corner, Jhye is still hoping to get rid of the unspoken torture!
___________________
Years ago,
'Riley, you're doing too much. We've come-'
'Shhh!'
Meredith shuts Ellis's mouth with his index finger.
It was a feeling like he could not control his feelings anymore. He just wants to dive into the ocean of love.
Ellis looks at him. And he couldn't hold the gaze longer. As Meredith was slowly closing the distance. Ellis shuts his eyes. Opens the lips slightly...
Suddenly, their door swings open. Harshly. They both got jolted at once. The heart is beating faster.
They got a huge shock!
Meredith got angry and looked. He was so strange.
'JHYE!' He called his name out. Still holding too much shock on his angry face.
Jhye, who entered just because he found the door was half-closed! From nowhere, he ran and came to his room and sat on the sofa, some meters away from them.
He was frightened. He hasn't looked at them.
'Just- just do whatever you want. I ain't looking though.' He gives a sharp compliment.
Ellis did not say anything. With the huge shock and embrace he went out of that room.
Meredith was like- What the Fuck!
And since that day, Meredith had never let go of his side. And that might be a joke in the end. But as he mentioned he would take revenge. For that day, when Jhye suddenly showed up with all his guts in Meredith's hotel room. Nevertheless, he succeeded in dismissing their moment. Meredith always thought, this was what he wanted!
He smiles. He sometimes laughs.
As if, it were jealousy.
And he is gonna dive into the ocean ever asked for. And he only chose what is better.
As if, it should be made permanent.
__________________
Stars vs. Scorchers,
Like a winner takes it all match.
Fighting for the first spot and a big chance to go directly to the finals and to host from home ground.
And of course, Scorchers won by 6 wickets with 29 balls left. And after a massive blow of giving runs to opponents, Jhye finally got back his form. He took 4-16 with a maiden and an economy of 4.8! He took great wickets. It was against the stars, who were dominating from the beginning. Jhye just fired 'em up!
And something actually worked!
If it was anger, Meredith just soothed it. And if it was ice, Meredith melted it.
He finally showed Turner how useless all of his lectures were!
Only one thing was needed. And he knew it well.
Either to pump or to boost, he actually did well.
Was Jhye asking for THAT?!
____________________
Jhye is afraid.
Afraid of being alone.
He always looks here and there. He is afraid of being caught. Not just caught, maybe something more.
He always hides away wherever and whenever he sees Meredith. He takes a deep breath. Maybe he can fight and win. But it was never enough. Not an inch to stop him.
He always tries to get away and use the back roads. Just to avoid misfortune. He calls it- misfortune. He still feels disgusted with himself- Why did he even choose to walk to his room? He sighs. The result might end with him losing his eyesight. Near the corner. Avoiding.
As if, he is playing hide and seek with Meredith.
Some meters away, there he was wandering around with his guard up. Looking for someone he never meant to find.
After their needed win against Melbourne Renegades and secured their spot in the finals, he suddenly showed himself up!
Nobody was shocked.
Not even Ashton Turner.
It was like everyone expected him to be here in the dressing room.
Jhye did not do well in the last three matches. His economy was sky-touching. Not as expected as a player coming from an international side. And yet he can't blame anyone but Meredith.
And here he is, with all the guilt holding on his face, came to ask for punishment.
What is even a sorry? Meredith doesn't know.
He knows Jhye is avoiding the gaze. He was disappointed after whatever he had done on the field. Although the team won, he still cannot let it go. It is punishing him.
As if, it becomes a burden.
He was talking with Turner about his performance. He thought everything had become normal. And Turner was telling him how to do better and balance the variations.
Someone was closing the distance behind him. Not letting anyone cut the line.
Jhye was listening to Turner with all of his mind. As he badly needs it.
And someone knows what he actually needs!
Jhye could not even feel the breath on his shoulder. He felt the kiss on the cheek instead! Meredith quickly gave it and escaped. Jhye didn't even watch him go...
Jhye's mouth was wide open.
As if he could not believe, nor could he take.
He wanted to catch him and kick his ass. But Meredith escaped before he even could feel what had just happened.
Turner finally stopped giving the lecture. Sometimes you just let go of things to continue on its own way.
And it will go as it wants.
As if, the way leads to forever.
....