Artistry of Love (Abstract Series #3)

Chapter 5

"Here," Trip stated, gesturing to the screen of his laptop, which he was using to demonstrate to me the articles he had discovered.

Seryoso kong sinuri ang mga napili niyang impormasyon. I'd be lying if I said he doesn't have an excellent eye when it comes to research.

"That would be okay," I responded, a modest expression on my face to express my gratitude for him. "Snack muna tayo. Kanina pa tayo naghahanap."

We still have a great deal to do, but obtaining some rest would be advantageous in terms of generating high-quality information for our reporting.

"I'll order for the both of us," he said, and straightened up to prepare himself to go to the counter.

Nag-order naman kami ng juice kanina para hayaan kami ng mga staff na manatili dito. They were generous enough to allow us, especially after seeing Trip. I'd say his charisma did half the job.

"Thank you." Kinuha ko ang wallet ko para bigyan siya ng pera para sa order ko pero natigil dahil umiling siya.

"Ako na. Libre ko," he said with a serious expression, indicating he really meant it.

I sighed. "May pera ako kaya ako ang magbabayad sa kakainin ko."

He fastened his attention on me, and when he realized I was also serious, he snapped his tongue and smirked as he took the money I was passing over.

Napangiti ako dahil akala ko magiging katulad siya sa ibang lalaki na may mataas na pride at pinagpipilitan talaga na sila ang magbabayad. Trip has a reputation of surprising me in ways from which I have had a difficult time mending.

He swiftly went to the counter when I notified him of my order. My eyes were attracted to him while he was speaking with the woman on duty. Naalala ko na naman ang nangyari kanina. His words alleviated my anxieties without him even realizing it. Naguguluhan din ako kung paano niya nagawa 'yon.

Rather than staring at him like a creep, I switched to the books and commenced scribbling some significant points that we might use as a source to expand our understanding.

Hindi ko man lang siya nalingon nang nakabalik siya sa mesa namin at nilapag ang drinks at delicacies na dala niya. His order was iced mocha and banana muffins, whereas mine was taro milk tea and strawberry shortcake.

"Mamaya na po 'yan." He cleaned the fork with the tissue before setting it back on the platter with the cake. Pati ang labas ng baso ay pinunasan niya rin para mawala ang namumuong tubig dahil sa malamig na yelo sa loob.

I put the book down and turned to the snacks. I was already famished while viewing the dessert. Regular customer ako dito at proven and tested na masarap talaga ang mga binebenta nila, kaya nga dito ko inaya si Trip.

"Regular ka dito?" he questioned as he stuffed a small piece of cake into his mouth.

Tinusok ko ang straw sa lid ng cup. "How did you know?"

"Kilala ka ng babae sa counter. Palagi ka daw dito," he murmured when he was done chewing his food. Even when he was speaking, he covered his mouth.

"Hindi ko naman alam na makikilala niya ako, but yes, regular ako dito," sagot ko bago sinimulan ding kainin ang cake.

I closed my eyes unintentionally as I cherished the taste in my mouth. Ang sarap talaga! Natauhan ako nang narinig ang mahinang tawa ni Trip.

"Favorite mo?" tanong niya habang nakatingin sa nabawasan kong cake.

Knowing he had captured me in such an awkward predicament, I was sure my face was flushing. Tumikhim ako at umayos ng upo. Napansin niya naman 'yon kaya umangat ng kaunti ang gilid ng labi niya. He is clearly amused!