Go Through The Spark (Red String Series #1)

Chapter 22

Paano ko ba 'to pangingitiin?

I pointed the camera at him again, searching for the right angle. And I didn't realize I was staring at him for a long time already, even smiled at him. He was surprised and blinked repeatedly as his brow furrowed.

Damn, he's so handsome but pretty at the same time!

"Koji," I called. "Ang ganda mo."

His eyes widened, but he quickly looked away. His lips were trying to suppress a smile, but it kept curling up. When I smiled at him, his smile just got bigger that makes my heart flatters. His dimples were already showing, so I quickly composed myself and angled the camera.

And the moment he looked at the camera, I immediately pressed the button. And I got it, I captured it! The most beautiful photo I've ever taken.

As the film came out, I stared at it. He was embracing Chico, his eyes downcast, deep dimples, and flushed cheeks and ears. His smile was simple, but I knew... it was genuine.

I felt my heart race and my cheeks warm. Those smiles, that's what I want to keep for a lifetime. That's what I want to see every day. And every time Koji smiles like that, I want myself to be the only one reason.

When I noticed Koji peeking again, I handed it to him. He eagerly took it from my hand, and I clearly saw his smile when he saw it, not even attempting to hide that smile.

That's right, Koji, just smile. It's okay. Just be comfortable with me, you can totally be yourself when you're with me.

Tumingin s'ya sa akin at ngumiti ng simple. Nangungusap nanaman ang mga mata n'ya, hinahatak ako.

"Maganda?" He asked, raising the polaroid I took, facing me.

I smiled and nodded at him. "Sobra."

Kumindat pa ako sakaniya na himalang hindi n'ya kinainisan. Pangiti-ngiti pa s'yang tinignan ulit iyon, habang ako s'ya naman ang tinitignan. Ang ganda ganda n'ya. Sobrang ganda.

Dati, akala ko mahirap s'ya mahalin kasi ang sungit n'ya. Akala ko hindi ako mahuhulog, e. Pero ba't ganon? Hulog na hulog ako ngayon? Akala ko dati mahihirapan akong magustuhan s'ya, pero ba't ang gaan n'yang mahalin? Ang sarap n'yang mahalin.

When I realized I had been staring at him for a while, I blinked and shook my head. I quickly stood up, which surprised him. He looked up at me and tilting his head to the side. He's confused.

"Uh.." I gulped. "Ipagluluto na kita."

"'Wag na."

Nagkasalubong ang kilay ko sa sinabi n'ya. Anong huwag na? Diet ba s'ya?

"Pero hindi ka pa kumakain, anong huwag na?"

Sumandal si Koji sa upuan at binasa ang ibabang labi n'ya. "Sabi ko naman sa'yo hindi ako kumakain ng breakfast, okay na sa akin ang tinapay."

"Tinapay?" Paguulit ko na tinanguan n'ya naman. "Tinapay lang?"

Agresibo s'yang tumango kaya naniwala naman ako. Sabagay, sinabi n'ya nga naman sa'kin noon na hindi s'ya nag be-breakfast. Pero kailangan n'ya 'yun, e. Para may energy sa maghapon, nag e-enroll pa naman s'ya.

"Edi ano na lang?" I put my palm against the breakfast bar and raise my brow on him.

"Tinapay nga." He pouted.

Humagikhik ako at napapikit, sinapo ko ang noo habang napapailing pa.

"Tinapay lang talaga?" Natatawang tanong ko. May sustansya ba sa tinapay?

"Oo nga! Bakit ka ba nangingialam?" Inis n'yang itinikom ang bibig at umirap sa akin.

Nakangiti akong tumango at namulsa. Ano pa nga bang magagawa ko? E, mukhang tinapay naman talaga ang gusto n'ya. Alangan namang ipilit ko na kumain s'ya ng kanin, 'di ba? S'ya ang masusunod siyempre.