untouchable

35

You chortled. "Baliw. 'Wag mo naman masyadong sagarin kabutihan ko. Baka hindi ko na i-approve susunod na leave mo niyan."

"Wow, is that a threat, bossing? Report kita sa HR!"

You blew raspberries at her. "You can try. Pero sino sa tingin mo mas papanigan sa'tin ni Ma'am Kara?" You playfully quipped.

Jill breathes out another dramatic gasp while also holding her chest. "Grabe. Ang hostile ng work environment na 'to! I will tender my resignation right away!"

You laughed at this effortless banter between you and Jill. You patted the top of her head twice before holding her shoulders to gently turn her towards the food laid out on the front. "Mamaya na 'yan. Baka maubusan ka na ng dinakdakan."

Jill giggled too and placed her palms on top of the back of your hands, her thumbs unconsciously stroking your skin. "Oks. This is an even more important matter anyway."

You almost pulled the smaller woman against you and tuck her under your chin, but fought the urge to do so. Jill almost intertwined your fingers together as well, but settled with just feeling you beneath her hands, and behind her. You're at a public place after all.

But the both of you are slightly giving in to the gravity of each other's warmth, wanting to be close.

Not going as far as cuddling, but there were lingering touches and glances. If anyone ever noticed, no one commented on it, concluding it's just two friends who dearly missed each other.

Ces, Chad, and Danica stayed behind for a while to use the rest of lunch to smoke their vapes, so it's just you and Jill walking back to your floor.

You easily started a small talk while you two are waiting for the lift. "Mag-OT ka ngayon?"

Jill straightened out her blazer before replying, "Nope po. Why?"

"Ah, wala lang." You answered. Right before Jill could press you for elaboration, the elevator dinged as it arrives. No one else enters but you two so you pressed the close button.

The younger one crossed her arms as she tilts her head, scrutinizing you. "So bakit mo nga natanong? Alam kong hindi lang random 'yon."

The side of your mouth twitched a bit before sighing thru your nose, conceding. "Fine. Sasabay sana kasi ako sa'yo, kung ok lang. Uuwi akong Krus na Ligas ngayon, e."

That piqued Jill's interest. "Monday pa lang ah?"

You nodded. "May need lang kasi asikasuhin." You stared back at the woman beside you and you can clearly see the warring of thoughts on her eyes. "P'wede ka namang humindi, Jill. Kaya ko naman umuwi mag-isa." You laughingly told her.

She has three-quarters a mind to tug you along, but remembers they have a family dinner. The option of driving you home wins more though, her rational sense slowly leaving her. What if she invites you to their dinner as well?

Before Jill could actually come up with a reply, the lift arrived at your floor. You were the first to step out, immediately being greeted by your subordinates you bump into, your time with Jill also ending.

But you wouldn't return to your mountain of workload not without properly bidding Jill farewell. "Sige, Jill. Mamaya na lang!"

"Wait!" Jill interjected, grasping your shirt to halt your departure. "Uhm, ano. Sabay ka na sa'kin mamayang uwian."

You searched her eyes, a bit dazed. "Ahh..." You trailed off. Jill's gaze is serious. You shrugged. "Okay. Kitakits na lang sa may main entrance."

"No, sunduin na kita sa office mo para sabay na tayo baba." Jill proposed.