All For Show (COMPLETED)

Chapter 05

Chapter 05

I wanted to sleep early, but hindi ko magawa after nung mga sinend sa akin ni Pablo na pictures, para akong teenager na pabalik-balik lang doon sa Instagram para tignan. But I knew that I really needed to sleep unless gusto kong magmukhang pagod bukas. So, I went to the gym of the condo and ran until I felt tired enough na pagbalik ko sa unit, pagod na ako para makatulog.

The next morning, I woke up earlier than the alarm. Nag-text naman na ako kay Pablo kagabi na sunduin niya ako sa coffee shop near my condo. Ewan. I had sex with the guy and everything, but still, it felt like giving him my address was 'too much information.'

Iba na talaga ang panahon ngayon—nauna pa niyang makilala iyong katawan ko kaysa sa address ko. Kung buhay pa siguro ang lola ko, kanina pa ako napingot dahil sa kalandian ng paborito niyang apo.

I prepared a small bag kung saan nakalagay iyong isusuot ko mamaya together with my makeup kit and hygiene kit. My plan was to attend the church ceremony, parade Pablo in front of my relatives, then go home after. Wala akong balak mag-stay nang matagal sa reception. Living in Manila for years now, although mataas na ang tolerance ko for bullshit, it doesn't necessarily apply to family. Ewan ko ba—may way talaga iyong mga relatives mo para i-trigger ka, e. Kahit i-mask pa nila 'yan as them 'caring.'

Since sa Bataan lang naman kami and hindi naman iyong super layo, I settled with wearing something comfortable and casual. I was wearing a straight-cut white pants, fitted black shirt, and my Adidas sneakers. I also wore gold accessories. I felt like any plain outfit could be good given the right accessories. Also in fashion, at least for me, less is always more.

Pablo said na susunduin niya ako ng 10AM. I didn't know kung siya ba iyong tao na maaga dumating, on time, or late. But I didn't want to be late kaya naman 9:45 pa lang ay nandoon na ako.

"You're early," I said nang makita ko na nandoon na siya and there was already a cup of coffee in front of him.

Fucking hell. This man just looks good anytime of the day, noh? Nung akala ko na sobrang gwapo niya na sa bar niya, mas gwapo siya sa grocery. Ngayon, he proved na mas gwapo siya kapag ganitong umaga.

Tumingin siya sa relo niya. I noticed that he's wearing Omega seamaster. Did he purposely choose to wear that dahil kapares siya nung shade of blue na napili kong suotin?

"You're early, too," he replied.

I shrugged. "Don't like being tardy. Time is important."

He slightly nodded his head like he agreed with me. "If you don't mind, I'll finish my coffee first," sabi niya.

Tumango ako. "Sure. I'll order first," sagot ko naman sa kanya. Iniwan ko iyong bag ko sa may upuan sa harapan niya and walked towards the counter para umorder ng inumin ko. Today's going to be a long day kaya naman umorder ako ng Americano with triple shot espresso. I needed to stay awake ngayon. I also debated if I'd order sandwich or something for him, but I figured that like me, baka hindi rin siya kumakain ng breakfast. Okay na kasi ako sa coffee.

"Pablo," I called. Tumingin siya sa akin. Damn him. Kahit ganoon lang, ang gwapo na agad. "Do you want sandwich or something? For the road?"

Umiling siya. "I don't eat breakfast," he replied. "But get some for yourself if you want."

"I don't eat breakfast," sagot ko sa kanya.

Tumango siya. "Let's just have lunch later, then."

I nodded back. "Great," sagot ko bago ko ibalik iyong tingin ko sa may barista. Nakatayo ako roon habang hinihintay iyong order ko. For some reason, I started to feel conscious kahit hindi ko naman sigurado na nakatingin sa akin si Pablo. Still, I straightened my back and stood like everyone's watching.