When We Happened

Chapter 35: Home Sweet Home

Chapter 35

Home Sweet Home

"Well, are you done running away from me?"

His question was like a swift punch in the gut. But I tried my hardest not to show how his question affected me.

I lifted my shin, trying to look brave. Fuck it, I am brave. "I'm here, aren't I?"

He just stared at me for a while before speaking again. "Are you ready to talk?"

Sa buong dalawang dekada na magkaibigan kami, we were never like this even after a huge fight. We'd always know what to say. We'd always say what's on our mind, not like this.

Like we're overthinking the words we wanted to say. Because we don't want them to be misconstrued, or misinterpreted. We were never like this because we'd always known what each other was saying. We'd know it even without speaking, because we knew each other's hearts.

Storm has always been my person. He's always been the only who gets me and knows the real me to the core.

"Do I have a choice?" I asked, taunting him. I don't know why I am being so defensive. I wanted this to happen, but can't I just drop my walls and just fucking talk to him?

Storm heaved a deep, tired sigh.. "You always have a choice with me."

Totoo ba? Bakit kapag iniisip ko 'yung mga panahong nagtitiis ako sa lungkot, inggit, at selos, parang never naman akong naka-choice noon? I was an asshole, but I was an asshole who still respects boundaries because I never wanted to be a fucking third party.

Yet, here we are. Still a third party.

And I left him the morning after we crossed the line. Knowing my best friend and having seen him being in relationships, moving on so fast... What if he does that to me, too? And what if he's tired of waiting for me?

I saw Storm move on again and again, to different girls. He moved on to Stella after I dumped him in Singapore! Hindi malayong hindi niya gawin ulit 'yun, even after we have slept together.

I opened my mouth—and closed it when I heard my friends giggling from the kitchen. Deep down, I know this conversation will cut deep and I'm comfortable enough to let my roommates hear it.

So I headed towards my room, then stopped to look at him when I reached my bedroom door. "Let's talk in my room."

He gave me a single nod and followed me inside.

***

I was expecting him to sit beside me on my bed, but Storm surprised me by sitting down on the chair, near my study table. We didn't start talking right away. I took my shoes and socks off first before settling down, and looking at him.

He was waiting for me to finish.

I cleared my throat and faked a smile. "Kumusta? Uhh... how's work?"

"It's work," matipid nitong sagot, his face remained neutral. "You know how bored I am there, but it brings food to the table."

Regardless, I continued probing his life at work. I wasn't ready to talk about us, yet. "Have you ever worked with your brothers?"

"Yeah, I worked on a few projects with River. Kade's on study leave."

"Oh, that's nice," I answered lamely, faking another smile. "Do you have a relationship with them now? I mean, do you spend time with them after work?"

"Yes, we do," he said impatiently, before finally striking back. "So, how have you been? I wasn't able to follow your journey, since you blocked me on your social media accounts right away."