hello, stranger.

CHAPTER I

AIKA

Feeling bored during the Christmas break, I decided to escape my empty house and the lack of classes. I put on my favorite comfy pink sweatshirt, denim shorts, and sneakers, grabbed "Beyond Worthy," and hopped on my bike. The plan? A change of scenery at the busy coffee shop.

But as I arrived, my excitement faded – the place was packed, and there wasn't an empty seat in sight. Ordering my usual brewed coffee, I headed upstairs, still holding onto hope. Unfortunately, every table seemed occupied.

Just as I considered going back down, I spotted a small opening. There was a guy sitting alone. He's in a basic brown shirt and pants and pair of white shoes.

Determined, I approached with a friendly smile. "Hello, stranger, are you with someone?" I asked.

The guy, looked a bit puzzled. "Nah, not really."

With optimism, I inquired, "Can I sit there, please?"

"Sure," the guy said, making space for me.

I settled into the seat across from the guy with my brewed coffee in hand, and I flipped open my well-worn self-help book.

Napatigil ako sa pagbabasa at tumingin sa lalake sa harap ko. He is taking sips of his coffee and peeked at my book with a curious grin.

"Beyond Worthy, huh? What is it about?"

"It's about finding your worth and embracing self-love. Helps me on tough days though," sagot ko habang nakatingin sa kanya.

He nodded.

In fairness, cute siya at mabango. I wonder bakit mag-isa lang siya.

"By the way why are you alone? Waiting for someone?"

He sighed, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

"Yeah, supposed to have a date with someone I matched in dating app. Didn't show up."

Ayy. Kawawa naman pala si kuya. Mukhang nabiktima siguro ng catfish sa dating site.

"That sucks. You seem like a nice guy. She missed out," litanya ko

"Pero what if dumating nga siya at nakita ka niya pero hindi ka pala niya type kaya di ka nalang niya nilapitan," dagdag ko pa.

Napasandal siya sa upuan at tiningnan ako. Napaiwas ako ng tingin kasi ang ganda ng mga mata niya. Nakakapanghina. Ibinaling ko nalang ang tingin ko sa binabasa ko.

"What's your name?" tanong niya.

"Aika," sagot ko habang nakatingin lang sa libro ko then I take a sip of my coffee.

"Nice name, madaling matandaan."

"How about you?" I asked too and glanced at him.

"Matt."

"Nice name, madali rin matandaan."

Ginaya ko lang sinabi niya. Natatawa ako from the bottom of my balun-balunan at apdo.

"Would you be my date today?"

I stopped mid-sentence, glancing up to find Matt crossing his arms, a playful grin on his face. I found myself starstruck by his smile. It's cute.

He chuckled. Umayos ako ng upo. Nakakahiya naman baka napansin niyang attracted ako sa kanya.

I closed my book. I mirrored his posture, crossing my arms, and looked at him with a playful smirk.

"Why would I date you? I don't even know you."

"Well, we could fix that."

I raised my eyebrow.

"I am an engineer who got stood up. How about you?"

I chuckled.

"Interior designing student. 4th year. What's your story besides being stood up?"

"Well, I'm single. I also read books, not as a hobby though. And every weekend, I enjoy a drink or two with friends. Share a bit about yourself too."

Nag-isip ako.

"I do love a good book, but more on a self-help. I also write, and I'm a huge fan of coffee and photography. Nature is my love - the sea, mountain, sunsets, and rice fields, are my comfort." As I shared this, a genuine smile lit up my face - the first time had asked about me.

"Want to continue this conversation with a ride outside? I'd love to know more about your love to nature and photography."

Napaisip ulit ako. Baka masamang tao pala 'to. Chop-choppin ako at itapon sa iba't-ibang sulok ng Pilipinas body parts.

He raised his eyebrow. Naghihintay siguro ng sagot ko.

"You can trust me. I'm a decent man."

Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya.

I remembered I've been stuck in my home routine, craving a little thrill to spice up my life.

"Sure, let's go for a ride."

In that moment, I couldn't hide my genuine excitement. The idea of venturing out with a stranger, embarking on an unplanned adventure, brought a smile to my face that wasn't just about being polite but showed my true anticipation.