When the Ash Fades (Fortalejo Series #2)

Chapter 26

Overthink

"Do you understand? Hmm?" He asked softly, his eyes mirroring the tone of his voice as he stared at me at a very close distance. Matagal bago ko tuluyang naiproseso ang lahat. At nang tumango ako ay kaagad niya akong binitawan.

I wanted to smile and tease him but I stopped myself when I realized something. The way he immediately took his hand away from me feels insulting. Alam kong wala naman sa isip niya iyon pero hindi ko pa rin mapigilang huwag mairita sa kanya. Ano 'yan? May nakakahawa ba akong sakit? May covid, Kyer?

Instead of making a fuss about it, I let it slip by wearing back my aviators. I saw him watching me carefully while trying to hide the small smile on his lips. He looked enthralled. I rolled my eyes but of course, he didn't see it. I was about to march away from him when he swiftly held my hand and intertwine his fingers with mine.

"Which shop are we visiting?" Malambing na tanong niya.

I looked away as I licked my lower lip. Bakit parang ang hirap huminga kapag ganito na ang tono ng boses niya?

"Kahit saan..." Wala sa sariling sambit ko. He chuckled. I shut my eyes close. What a shame! Huwag mo naman masyadong ipahalatang nawawala ka sa sarili, Shiera! "I mean... I need to buy a new phone." Bawi ko sabay tikhim.

"Alright. What else?" He sounded like a genie so ready to grant my wishes. Not just three but unlimited wishes. Kulang na lang ay sabihin niyang kaya niyang bilhin itong buong mall basta sabihin ko lang.

Umiling ako. "Wala na."

Tumango siya at nagsimula nang maglakad habang hawak ang kamay ko. He's just walking at his normal pace but because my legs are short, I need to double my speed to keep up with him.

Natatanaw ko na ang pangalan ng isang sikat na mamahaling brand ng cellphone nang mapagtanto kong wala akong dalang pera! I left my wallet at home! Shit!

"K-Kyer..." I hesistantly called for his attention.

"Hmm?" he answered but didn't stop walking.

"I forgot to bring my wallet." I said in a tiny voice. Silently hoping that he'll stop walking now. But he didn't. Of course. I get it. He's damn rich. He can afford to pay it for me but I don't want it! Pumayag lang ako na sumama siya pero wala sa plano ko ang magpalibre sa kanya!

"I didn't forget mine." Prenteng sagot niya.

I groaned in frustration. He only chuckled like he knew. He knew that I don't want him spending his money for me but he'll still do it anyway because he wants to spoil me.

"Fine. But I'll choose the cheapest one. At babayaran kita." I said smugly.

Hindi siya sumagot. I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

"Kapag hindi ka pumayag, we'll reduce the seven dates into six..." Pagbabanta ko.

He immediately slowed down. I secretly smirked. Makikinig ka naman pala e, pinahirapan mo pa ako Kyer Trevor. Tumigil siya at dinungaw ako. Inosente akong ngumiti bago inginuso sa kanya ang katabing store kung saan kahit papaano ay afford ko pa ang presyo ng mga panindang cellphone.

He sighed but didn't say anything.

"Mamahaling brand o hindi, parehas lang naman 'yan..." I said slowly and carefully.

"I know..."

Nagtaas ako ng kilay sa sagot niya.

"I just wanted you to have the same brand as mine." he explained.

Natatawang napairap ako. "Ang korni mo naman yata, Fortalejo."

"Tss. I'm not." Defensive na sagot niya.