Chapter 9
Black
My lips stretch for a wide smile. I almost tipped my toes while wanting to be closer to Giovan as I squirm my eyes for a teasing smile.
"Are you asking me out?"
"No." he replied almost immediately, "I'm asking if you have something to do."
"If wala?"
"Then I'm asking you out."
I felt my cheeks burn for a probable blush and my heart pumping fast. I think I even feel it throbbing on my wrist.
"Hmm..." I cleared my throat, "I think wala naman akong gagawin."
I saw his eyes glistered with amusement and his lips rose for a side smile. Why is he so extra gwapo today?
"Huwag mo nga akong ngitian!" I pouted and glared at him a little.
"Why?"
"Kinikilig ako!"
He tried to purse his lips, but he chuckled in the end. Natawa na din ako, and I don't know why I feel like I'm suddenly okay. Parang hindi ako down in the past few days.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"I'll buy my phone dapat today." I looked at him, "Kuya Walter is probably outside na." I almost forgot I texted Kuya Walter kanina para sunduin na ako.
"Let's go. Tell him you'll be with me..."
I nodded numerous times as I wear my smile. I walked cheerily beside him. Napansin ko naman ang ilang ka batch ko na nasa lobby na hindi maiwasang tumingin sa amin, or sa kasama ko. Hindi ko nalang pinansin.
I looked up to Giovan, who don't seem to be bothered. Diretso lang ang tingin and parang wala lang sa kaniya iyong titig ng iba. He turned to me when he probably noticed my stare.
"Why?" his eyebrows raised.
Umiling ako at umiwas na ng tingin. When we reached the main building ay kaagad kong natanaw si Kuya Walter doon. I hastily walked towards the car. Iyong shotgun seat and binuksan ko.
"Hi Kuya Walter. Sorry po pero I will be with my friend today. Uh..." saglit pa akong nag-isip ng dahilan. "Siya nalang po iyong sasama sa akin sa mall."
Tumango naman ito sa akin, "Walang problema, Astrid."
I grin and moved closer, "Ako nalang po mag sasabi kay Kuya, okay?"
He chuckled and nodded nonetheless.
Sinara ko naman iyong pinto and tumalikod na. I saw Giovanni just right behind me.
"Let's go na! Where is your car?"
"You stay there. Dadaanan-"
"It's okay nga lang! Tara na, where is it ba?" putol ko sa kaniya nang idadahilan na naman niya ang init ng araw.
Sanay naman ako doon dahil kailan ba hindi naging mainit sa Philippines? Napailing nalang siya at wala nang nagawa. We went to his car, and he drives softly outside the campus.
We went to a nearby mall. Tahimik lang ako pero deep inside, hindi ko talaga ma pigil iyong happiness ko. I feel giddy and on edge, iyong parang first time niyo mag usap ni crush. Hindi ko alam why until now, ganito pa rin ang feelings ko sa lalaking ito. We're closer naman na.
"What phone will you buy?" tanong niya nang makapasok kami.
"Ano iyong phone mo?" he turned to me when I stopped walking, "Let me see!"
Nilabas naman kaagad niya sa bulsa iyon at mabilis kong hinablot sa kamay niya. My lips protrude.
"I will buy the same one!" I chuckled and didn't give back his phone and just held it in my hand.
I went to the designated store for the phone at sumunod lang siya. I told them the unit I want and they gladly assist me. Pati kulay ay sinabi kong pareho noong sa kaniya.
"Is this for your boyfriend, ma'am?" the sales lady asked looking at the phone I'm holding and to Giovan who's busy looking at the things around.
I chuckled, "No, po. This is his phone, and I'm buying one for myself."
Mahina naman itong natawa at tumango. She told me the specs and everything about the phone. Habang nagsasalita siya naramdaman kong tumabi sa akin si Giovan.
I looked up to him, "Don't you want a different color?" he asked as he looked at the one I'm buying.
Umiling ako kaagad, "Nope. I want the same one."
Tumama naman ang kaniyang paningin sa akin. I pursed my lips and tried not be intimidated by him.
"Why?" I slowly asked.
"Why did your phone break?"
I blinked. My head tilted as I remember how my Dad throws it. I smiled at him.
"Nalaglag e."
Nagtagal pa ang tingin niya sa akin. The salesperson asked me something, kaya lang ako nakapag-iwas ng tingin. Tumango lang naman ako at sinabing bibilhin ko na iyon.
"How much is that?" I heard Giovan said.
"Ah sir-"
"Huwag niyo na po siyang pansinin Ate. Doon na tayo sa counter." Putol ko.
I glared at Giovanni when the salesperson went to the counter to prepare for it.
"Why are you asking?" tanong ko sa kaniya.
Binalik naman niya ang tingin sa akin, "To pay for it?"
"Pay for it!" I gasped, "Are you my parent ba?"
He eyes became sharp, "Is it wrong?"
"Yes! Bakit? Do you have work ba?"
"Wala."
"Exactly. We're both students. Why do you always pay for my things when we're together?"
"Isn't that a common gesture?"
I squint my eyes, "Are you my boyfriend?"
"Do you want me to?"
I literally stopped. My tongue-tied as I stare at his serious face, at his eyes that's lingering on mine.
"Stop playing with me!" I hissed while I try to calm my heart down.
"You're the one who's playing with me," he answered with a smirk on his face.
Well that's true naman pero...
"Kaya nga! Ako lang dapat! Why are saying that kind of line? I told you, kinikilig ako!"
I stomped my feet and turned around. Nagpunta na ako sa counter at binayaran iyong phone ko. Hindi ko na iyon ipinabalik sa box so I can use it na.
We decided to eat after. Si Giovanni na ang namili kung saan. Habang naghihintay ng food, I took a picture of him in front of me. His eyebrows are slightly knotted while he's looking sideways. I made it my lock screen.
"Look!" I show him my phone. "It's so cute!"
Kumunot naman lalo ang noo niya.
"Am I cute?" he asked like it's a ridiculous compliment.
I chuckled, "I mean, you being my lock screen is cute. Not you. Hindi pasado ang word na iyon sa'yo."
He smirked at me. Nang dumating ang pagkain ay natahimik lang kami. I noticed him glancing at me from time to time. Hindi naman ako nagtanong kahit na noong nasa sasakyan na kami. He drives me home, of course.
Nang nasa harap ng bahay ay humarap ako sa kaniya at ngumiti sa kaniya.
"Thank you for today..." I smiled widely, "I'll see you tomorrow!"
I was about to open the door but he held my wrist. Nagulat ako doon. I turned to him and he looks serious lang naman while watching me.
"Bakit?"
He blinked, "Hindi mo ba sasabihin sa'kin ano talagang problema?"
"Anong... ibig mong sabihin?"
"Aside from being upset about me being with another girl, what problem made you forget about it?"
My heart feet warm even though outside, I felt a shiver down my spine. Mabagal akong umiling, habang kumakabog ang puso. His eyes never leave mine while he watches me. Nagbaba ako ng tingin.
"Did I told you I have another problem?"
"Do you need to tell me that? I can see it." he looks concern and mad at the same time.
I shook my head again, "I'm fine." I chuckled a little and looked at him. "Stop being paranoid over nothing."
"Astrid,"
"I forgive you already for upsetting me. Bukod doon, wala na..."
He sighed and nodded slowly while releasing my wrist.
"Okay." He said and I smile a little, "Tell me about it whenever you want."
I smiled sadly as I closed his door. Why does he have to be so observant and why is he like that? He's making me like him more! I pouted and went inside. Dumiretso lang ako sa kwarto at nang maupo sa kama ay wala akong nasa isip kundi si Giovan and his soft eyes!
I'm going crazy na ata!
Naligo nalang ako at nagbihis na. Nilipat ko naman iyong sim ko sa bago kong phone and chatted Cali to asked her number again, si Kuya din. Si Giovanni, kanina ko pa iyon nakuha.
I was happy the whole week, malayong malayo noong nakaraan. I was with Giovan most of the time, kahit saglit lang basta may time ay nagkikita kami. He's not so masungit naman na and he's always replying na to my texts. Nauuna na din siyang magtext sa akin minsan.
"Do you have something to do tomorrow?" Giovanni asked while we're on the phone, Saturday afternoon.
Katatapos lang ng class niya and we couldn't meet dahil wala naman akong pasok. I have to do my homework, too.
"Wala naman. Why?"
"Let's go out tomorrow." His rasp and low voice make me blush even more.
Hindi ko talaga mapigil iyong ngiti ko I think I looked crazy na if someone sees me.
"Are you asking me out?" mabagal kong tanong.
I heard his breathing, "I think I am."
Ngumuso ako habang nagpipigil ng feelings. How? How to calm when the guy you like asked you out? I cleared my throat.
"Okay. Let's go out tomorrow." I lie on my bed, "Anong oras?"
"Before lunch?" he asked, "Are you okay with that?"
I nodded, "I'm fine with that..."
Saglit lang din kami nag-usap because I told him I'm sleepy. I woke up early the following day. I feel so excited kaya pagkagising ko palang naghanap na ako ng isusoot. I always wear my uniform when I'm with him outside, siya din naman ay ganoon.
Oh, he'll not be wearing one today. I don't know why that excites me.
I usually wear shorts, but today I decided to wear pants. I don't know why I feel awkward knowing I'll wear shorts while with him. I wear high waisted pants with color block crop top. Kulay light brown iyon and white, separated in the middle with stitching lace.
I put my hair on a half tie, wearing an off-white ribbon. Why do I look so cute today? Nag lip tint lang din ako ng I curl my eyelashes. Ten-thirty nang mag text sa akin si Giovan na nasa labas na siya. I went down after reading his text.
Nakita ko sa living room si Kuya na nakamasid sa akin. Kumunot ang noo niya nang makita ang bihis ko.
"Saan ka pupunta?"
I stop and smiled at him.
"May lakad ako," simple kong sagot.
"Saan?"
I rolled my eyes, "I'll eat lunch outside."
"With whom?"
I pouted, "Giovanni."
Lalong kumunot ang noo niya at humarap na nang tuluyan sa akin.
"With whom?" tanong niya ulit na parang nagkamali siya ng rinig.
"With Giovanni, Kuya!" I rolled my eyes, "Why? Bawal ba?"
"You sure know how to ask permission. Nakabihis ka na."
I chuckled, "I know, right. Anyway, huwag ka nang kokontra. You're friends with him naman di'ba?"
"Yes. And friends don't suppose to date each other's sister."
"It's not a date!"
"What is it, then?"
Umiwas naman ako ng tingin at nag-isip.
"I don't know. Isa pa, sabi nga pala niya hindi kayo friends, so okay lang." I smiled annoyingly at my brother.
Mukha lang naman siyang nainis sa akin kaya natawa ako.
"Don't be late and be careful."
I nodded and smiled, "Okay! Bye!"
Dumiretso na ako sa labas after. Nakita ko naman doon ang sasakyan niya. Hindi pa ako nakakalapit ay lumabas na siya. I greeted him with my sweetest smile.
"Hi!"
I looked at him from head to toe. He's wearing jeans similar color to mine and a plain black shirt with a black cap. Napanguso ako. His shirt fit perfectly for him!
"Why do you look so good?" I can't help but say.
He's totally head turner. Dumagdag pa iyang cap niya, he's so gwapo!
He chuckled and walked to me.
"Your parents agree you'll go out?" he asked slowly.
Tumango naman ako. "Kay Kuya lang ako nagpaalam."
His eyebrows knotted. "Why? I should ask their permission." Seryoso niyang sabi na nakapagpalaki ng eyes ko.
"No way!" I hissed, and his eyes darken, "I mean... hindi na kailangan."
I don't know why he looked like I foul his mood. Ngumiti lang naman ako ng inosente.
"Why?"
I sighed and shook my head, "It's okay lang. Let's go na..."
"I should ask them, Astrid."
Sa pagkakasabi niya, tingin ko hindi kami makakaalis ditto hangga't hindi ko siya sinusunod. But I will never introduce him to my Dad today! Baka masira ang araw ko.
I bit my lip and looked down, "My Dad wouldn't care, Giovan." I met his eyes, "My Mom... passed away a long time ago."
Tumitig lang siya sa akin kaya naging uncomfortable ako. I bit my lip and cleared my throat.
"Tara na..." I whispered and push him a little.
The afternoon wind blew, making my hair sway with it. Bahagya ko iyong hinawi at tumingin sa kaniya. My eyes are squinting while I look at him because of the sunlight. He helps me with my hair while looking at my eyes.
"Okay, come on." He uttered and guided me on his car.
Binuksan niya iyon para sa akin kaya napangiti ako. Siya naman nanatiling seryoso. Nang umikot sa driver seat ay tahimik lang siya. I want to know what he's thinking but don't have the guts to ask.
Mukha kasing ang lalim. He glances at me when I stare at him for so long.
"Why are do you look so gloomy?" mabagal kong tanong.
"I'm not," He replied and looked at me for a bit, "Stop staring."
I chuckled. "Where are we going?"
"We'll eat first."
I nodded and sit properly. Hindi naman mahaba ang byahe sa kinainan namin. Mabilis lang din kami doon dahil mabilis ang service nila so when we're done, I asked him again where we're going.
"Tagaytay?" he said, like asking.
I chuckled, "Are you asking or what?"
"Up to you. Do you want to go there? Wala akong maisip na lugar na hindi mainit."
Natawa na ako, "What's with you and mainit thing?"
He glanced at me, "I'm worried about you. Isa pa, hindi tayo mag e'enjoy kung mainit. Mall lang ang malamig sa metro."
"Well, that true." I smiled widely. Why does he have to be like this? Napanguso ako, "Anong gagawin natin doon?"
"Kung anong gusto mo."
"Ikaw lang gusto ko."
He groaned, making me laugh. The whole ride was fun. I kept asking him, and he kept answering with a sarcastic comeback or masungit attitude. Natawa lang din naman siya ng buksan ko iyong speaker ng car niya.
I connected my phone to it and just sing along.
"Can't help it if you look like an angel," I sang and peek at him while he's driving. "Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain, so..."
He gave me a serious glance, so I laugh.
"Why? It was a perfect song for you!"
He shook his head and just smirked.
"How many girlfriends did you had?" I asked and shifted on my seat to look at him.
Saglit naman siyang tumingin sa akin.
"I never have one."
My eyes widen, "Don't lie!"
He chuckled, "Totoo. Bakit?"
My eyebrows furrowed, and my lips protrude.
"Hindi nga?"
He shook his head again, "Wala pa, Astrid."
I don't know why I smiled to that, pero pinigilan ko.
"Why? Bakit hindi ka pa nag g'girlfriend?" I tilted my head, "Don't tell me you play with girls?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know... only fling type of guys..."
He chuckled, "Ang bata ko para maging ganoon, Astrid."
Napasimangot naman ako, "E bakit nga hindi ka pa nag kaka girlfriend?"
He glance at me, "Wala akong nagugustuhan."
"That's unbelievable! No, no. Hindi ako maniniwala diyan." I squint my eyes, "Are you gay?"
He laughed. Lalo akong napasimangot. He can't be gay! I have nothing against being gay pero... hindi siya!
"Ako nga grade three palang may crush na? It's impossible you haven't liked someone!"
"I have a fair share of crushes, too. But no one made me feel the need to pursue them."
Napanguso nalang ako at napansin na nakapag park na siya. Lumingon ako sa labas.
"Let's get something to drink," he uttered, so I looked back on him only to find his eyes on mine.
I nodded and put off my seatbelt. I opened the door and went out. It's been so long since I went here to Tagaytay. Si Kuya pa ang kasama ko noon. Starbucks, as always, has so many customers. Pumasok kami doon ni Giovan at pumila sa counter.
"Anong sa'yo?" he softly asked.
"Uhm... iced caffé mocha..." I looked at him and smiled, "And I want monte cristo..."
He nodded, "Now, don't fight with me about the bill." Napasimangot ako dahil sasabihin ko palang sana iyon, "I'm the one who asked you out."
"Fine. Maghahanap na ako ng seat. Sa labas, okay?"
He smirked and nodded. I took a lot of pictures outside with him. Mas madami iyong siya lang at hindi niya alam na kinukuhanan ko siya. I posted it on my Instagram story, the one where I'm smiling at the camera, and he's leaning on the railings, hindi ko sinama iyong mukha niya.
Nagulat akong mag reply si Cali doon.
itsme_cali: ikaw na talaga! ibulsa mo na 'yan!
I chuckled and send her a laughing emoji. Mas nagulat ako ng si Kuya din ay mag reply doon.
jaredsntn: umuwi ka na.
"Who's that?" I turned to Giovanni, who's now on my side.
"It's my Kuya. Umuwi na daw ako."
Kumunot naman ang noo niya so I laughed.
"Nagbibiro lang iyon."
Tumango namna siya at hindi inalis ang tingin sa akin. Ngumiti ako at humarap sa kaniya.
"Let's create you an Instagram!"
He shook his head, "Hindi ko naman magagamit."
"You can post anything naman doon. Dali na!"
Hindi naman siya nakipag talo sa akin at nilabas ang phone niya. I grinned widely. Ako na ang kumalikot noon at nag download. Napatingin ako sa kaniya habang nag iisip ng username na pwede.
"What username do you want?"
He blinked, "What's yours?"
"My name, Astrid Kalina, all small letters."
"Put Giovanni Aziel, then. Small letters."
I pursed my lips and nodded slowly. I did put giovanniaziel as his username—good thing hindi pa taken iyon.
"Okay it's done na! What should you post?" napatingin ulit ako sa phone niya nang tumunog iyon. "Ang dami na agad nag f'follow sa'yo?" I pouted, "You're so gwapo kasi!"
I looked at his messages when something pops up.
yourdane: yow! welcome to Instagram!
inVINcible: finally! humanda ka na sa stolen shots mo saken
I laughed and looked at Giovanni.
"Dane and Vin message you," ipinakita ko iyon sa kaniya, "Are they your close friends?"
He nodded, "I guess."
Napailing nalang ako sa sagot niya. I suggested he post on his story, and syempre sabi ko ako dapat iyong post niya. Hindi naman siya tumanggi. Though I said huwag niyang ipapakita iyong whole face ko.
He just nodded and said he'll take a picture of me. Kinikilig ako habang sinabi niya iyon. He took a picture of my side profile while I'm leaning at the railings and looking at the view. He posted it on his story. He mentioned me, but I put my name on the side and put it smaller so nobody would notice.
Natawa ako ng magreply na naman iyong mga kaibigan niya.
yourdane: are you poser ser? hindi ka si giovan!
inVINcible: who is this, pare
I laughed and give back his phone.
"Your friends are funny."
Kumunot naman ang noo niya at tiningnan lang ako.
"Why?" I asked.
Umiling siya at umupo na ulit sa table namin. Umupo na din ako sa tabi niya. I finished my drink and looked at him when he said something.
"How about you?" he asked.
"What about me?" tanong ko dahil hindi ko naman siya naintindihan.
"Did you ever been in a relationship?" diretso niyang tnong.
My eyes widen a bit, and my cheeks flushed. I slowly shook my head.
"Nope,"
"Good."
I felt my heart start throbbing fast and my ears warming as I tried to hide my smile.
"Good?" I asked.
"Bata ka pa."
My shoulder fell, and my smile drop. He sure knows how to ruin my mood! He chuckled when he saw my expression.
"Why do you look mad?"
"That's the only reason? Hindi na ako bata!"
"What reason do you want to hear?"
Hindi naman ako nakasagot at tiningnan lang siya ng masama.
"I'm seventeen!"
He smirked, "Still young."
Lalo na akong napasimangot. Nakamasid naman siya sa akin habang nag t'tantrums ako doon. He's stifling his smile while I pout and glare at him. Nagulat ako ng hawakan niya ang wrist ko. It's not the first time he does that, but... my heart rumbles as his hand slips down on mine.
Napagmasdan ko siya habang nakatingin siya sa kamay namin. His thick eyelashes are resting on his cheeks as he slowly blinks.
My eyes falter as he turned to meet my eyes. His stare is dark and serious, I almost want to look away. As the cold wind blew, my heart stays warm and loud. When his thumb caresses my palms, I gulped as I feel goosebumps all over my body. I shiver and clench my other hand.
"Don't worry. I'll wait for you." He uttered slowly while looking intently at me.