A Miserable Romance

Chapter 11 - The Ex-Boyfriend

"Lahat ba 'yan romance?" Ofius asked as he just observe Chase typing on his laptop with him sitting beside the man, arm on the desk while his hand was weighing his head.

Ofius really barged in Chase's daily lifestyle and because he was persistent, Chase was tired of refuting him and let him do as he pleases since Ofius is a young man who knew the sensitivity of people, he was aware of his limit.

"Oo." Chase answered, he was making an outline of a new story.

"Hm... Try mo rin kaya yung mga fantasy, yung mga uso ngayon, yung isekai?" he said and Chase gave him a side eye.

"Tapos magre-reincarnate as a slime or anak ng isang 16 year old idol?" he asked that made Ofius sat up straight.

He laughed, "Teka, ba't parang galit?"

Chase didn't looked at him, "Oh? Sinong galit?"

Ofius was completely amused by his reaction that he started laughing so loud that with a deadly look from Chase, he immediately covered his mouth.

"Sana all masaya Ofius." Kaye finally had a break and spotted the two in a lovely situation. In the past few days, Chase seldom visit the café and when he does, this young man kept lingering around him.

And she finally noticed, despite the emotionless face, Chase has become quite happy.

"Wala ka bang pasok ngayon Ofius?" Chase asked.

Ofius was still smiling, "Meron, 3 pm."

"Oh, 3:05 na." Kaye said as she looked at wall clock.

Ofius glanced at his watch and his eyes widened, "Late na ako! Aalis na ako!" he panicked as he took his bag, "Bye Chase! Ingat sa pag-uwi!"

Kaye waved in behalf of Ofius, "Naku mga bata ngayon," she turned to Chase, "So...kayo na?"

Chase just looked at her then ignored her.

But that made Kaye tease him even more, "Sana all may caring boyfriend."

Chase exhaled, "May nililigawan siya at hindi ako, so stop the misunderstanding." he said.

But Kaye chose to pry and sat beside Chase, "I already felt something the first time I saw you on his car, sabi mo kaibigan lang siya ng roommate mo and never knew each other until that night nung birthday ng roommate mo. And from that moment, nagdidikit na sayo yung tao. Tell me this is not love at first sight without telling me that this is not love at first sight."

Chase didn't heed on her words and shifted the conversation, "Kamusta bakasyon mo?"

It was Kaye's turn to sigh, "Malala, lahat pala ng pinapadala ko napupunta sa manokan ni papa at hindi sa tuition ng mga kapatid ko kaya napilitan si mama na tanggapin yung bigay ni Harold." she said then looked at him, "Pati yung pamilya mo, mas maganda na sitwasyon nila ngayon. Consistent ang dialysis ni mama mo..."

Kaye sighed again, "But Harold visited them last month and gave plenty of gifts to them. At rinig ko kay mama, your parents was comforted by him despite of what he did to you."

Silence surround them both after. Magkadikit lang ang bahay nina Kaye at Chase, they are almost one family because of closeness.

"I'm afraid kapag magpatuloy pa 'to Chase, dedepende na ang mga matatanda sa kanya." she said, "You need to say something to him."

Chase clenched his fist as he stared at the blank page on his screen. He needs to start the Chapter 1.

It was around 6 pm when Chase finally finished his draft and went home, he walked the street since the place was still lively because of the ongoing celebration.

But he couldn't help but to finally show his frustration after what Kaye told him. He didn't contacted his family for 2 years now after he was kicked out, but he kept sending them money every month. And almost lose all his saving when the doctor declared that their mother got kidney cancer. He wanted to see them but he's afraid he'll break down again just by seeing their faces especially now that they still favored that man.

He was deep in thought that he didn't saw the familiar car stop beside him.

"Chase!!" and the familiar call that follows after.

When he turned around, as expected, it was Ofius with a smile on his face, "Uuwi kana?"

Chase was pulled out from his thoughts every time this guy opens his mouth and he couldn't help but curve a smile, "Sa tingin mo?"

And with that, he got invited in the car again but it was just in that moment that Chase noticed that he was well dressed up tonight. But he didn't want to pry since it may be some personal matters.

"Ah, how do I look?" he asked him while driving, "Stunning? Sophisticated? Handsome?"

Chase couldn't help but to silently snort and Ofius laughed, "I should take that as a compliment."

"May date ka?" to his surprise, Chase asked something unexpected.

Ofius turned to him, "No, just a dinner with my parents and another family." he answered.

Chase just nodded and turned his head away because his heart was thumping so fast just by asking that question!

Same as Ofius, his heart suddenly beat so fast hearing his question and felt like his voice trembled when he answered. Silence surround the car until they reached the apartment.

Chase thanked Ofius and got out.

"Gusto mo bang lumabas bukas?" Ofius suddenly asked.

Chase turned back, "Bukas? Saan?"

Ofius grinned, "Secret~ Susunduin kita dito, pwede ba?"

Chase felt his chest warmed up again but managed not to break any emotion and nodded.

The same as Ofius, he felt the tickles on his stomach when he asked the question and seeing Chase nod, his heart started beating abnormally again.

"Okay, see you tom." Ofius tried to be calm and left with a smile. Why was he being so unusual these past few days? he asked himself while smiling.

Chase stood on his spot until he left, but the moment Ofius's car left on his vision he saw another car across the street with a man leaning on it. Smoking cigarette as he looked at Chase.

Chase stiffened and his eyes widened seeing the person, even though he could only see the silhouette due to the dark but his height and figure was enough for him to recognize who it was.

The man across the street threw his cigarette on the ground and crush it with his shoes and Chase knew it was a signal for him to come over.

With a tight grip on his shoulder bag, he took a step forward then another, resisting the heavy feeling he started to feel just by seeing him. Only when he stopped meter away from him did Chase finally saw his face clearer, it was Harold.

His ex-boyfriend for 8 years.