Can I date you?

51: Success is just around the corner

"Stop poking my cheeks!" He grinned sheepishly and went out of his car before opening the other door.

Romanov watched as she walks with her head in the clouds, eyes still misty from being awoken suddenly. The door to her house seems to be just one step ahead, he felt unfulfilled and regretful at this time but understood that they are adults.

Adults with responsibility.

He wouldn't act like a stupid boy who only wanted his lover to stay and depend on him. They are working people, they have jobs and deadlines to finish.

As Esperanza opened the gates, she felt the burning gaze from Romanov and stilled. Turning back, she walk in his direction and stated.

"I'll see you later"

Romanov, the foolish man he is, waved to her with a ludicrous expression.

He can't believe that Espe will say that to him, it means she agrees to give him a chance and he will not let her down.

As if his heart suddenly bloomed and tips down from being too overwhelmed with affection, he suddenly shouted in the middle of the street like a fool.

"I like you Esperanza Makiling!"

...

I woke up with a dazed look on my face, not because I was suddenly woken up by my phone but by the fact that I agreed to give Romanov a chance to pursue me.

Pursue. Me.

"Ahh!" I screamed, yelled in high pitch and wrestled with my bed before getting a knock from the door.

"Esperanza, what the hell are you shouting for inside?! Is there a fire or something?!" My mother yelled and a series of knocks fell again.

"I'm fine!"

The knocking stopped but not my mother's lecture of me, fortunately, she was called by Uncle Carson while I go to the bathroom and get ready for another day to work.

Downstairs, my mother was happily discussing her booming business with Uncle Carson. Manang butted in exclamation, clapping at the marketing plans that my mother formulated.

The table smelled of smoked ham and homemade longanisa that Manang made; the spoon scrape down on the plate as I munched on the food, thanking Manang for giving me a coffee instantly waking my still drowsy self.

"Oh! I almost forgot to call Romanov!" My mother suddenly said and I was thankful that Manang gave me another glass of water so I didn't choke.

"What? He's here?" I wiped the grains of rice on my mouth before looking back just to see the tall figure of Romanov.

"Morning!"

With that cheeky smile from him, my mother greeted him enthusiastically and almost pulled him to the dining room to eat.

"Come on, eat more! You have to have more food to make up for your heavy workload!"

Dozens of longanisa piled on his plate and a mountain built on rice bulged till it overflows to the table. Orange juice, water and even coffee were served by Manang as he easily charmed his way to my family.

"Oh Manang, you really don't have to but thank you!" He sent a smile to Manang that made her blush and waved her hands. "The food here is just so good I can't stop eating!"

"Oh, it's alright! Come here more and I'll prepare more food!"

I rolled my eyes but even my mother got herself charmed subconsciously.

"Manang is right, eat more, you're a professional athlete and need more energy" Uncle Carson smirked as he saw the mountain of rice that has dwindled begin to take shape again.

"Mom, he can't eat just eat that type, he has his special diet" I spoke out, ignoring the bright bulbs of his eyes.

"Really? You should've told us!" I now wonder if my mother is truly my mother.

Soon, we finished eating breakfast and went to the bathroom to brush my teeth; peals of laughter were heard from the other side and I catches myself grinning into the mirror-like a fool.

"Stupid"

I got my keys in my hands and was about to go to the parking lot when another figure flashed in the shadows. I look up and saw Romanov, he was carrying his gym equipment and was dressed in his gym clothes.

"I'm going in another direction" I informed him in case he didn't know.

"I know, but I just want to drive you to your work"

"I have a car of my own" deadpanned, he halted and a blush erupted on his cheeks. "Stupid" I snickered before opening my car.

"Then I'll accompany you" he opened the other door and sat beside me.

"You still have to practice, you do know that right?" I buckle the seat belt and snap it close.

"I know, I'll just drive back to the gym. My apartment is near your workplace and I have another car there"

I was speechless at his shamelessness and shake my head, whatever he wants then. 

But I secretly feel delighted to see him waking up early just to accompany me to work. I do know he wakes up at nine and go to the gym at 9:30, he's an hour early today.

Hmph, fool.

***
Have a great day everyone! Stay safe and healthy!

Make sure to VOTE. COMMENT. SHARE.

Thank you!