Spectrum (GL / Completed)

Chapter 5: Date, Part II

"I mean, why do you insist on being my friend? Why loiter in my coffee shop all day?"

"Hey! I’m a paying customer kaya," sagot niya at ngumuso pa na parang bata.

"Whatever. So bakit nga?" I pressed, refusing to let her distract me.

Sensing that I am serious, the playful glint in her eyes softened, and for once, sumeryoso siya. "Because you intrigue me," simple niyang sagot.

My eyebrow shot up in surprise. "How?"

"Despite your soft features and smile, you’re tough. You don’t back down from anything, and I like that in my friends," she admitted, her voice steady but genuine.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang isasagot sa sinabi niya kaya naman nanahimik na lang ako. I just stared at her, unsure if I should feel flattered or wary. One thing is for sure, though—Ezria always knew how to catch me off guard.

The awkward silence was broken by Chef Marcel, who stepped into the room with perfect timing. "Lunch is ready," he announced, his voice calm yet professional.

"Finally," I muttered under my breath as Ezria gave me a cheeky grin, clearly amused by my relief.

We moved to the kitchen area, and there, Chef Marcel unveiled the dish with an almost theatrical flair. The meal is perfectly plated—a golden-brown fillet of fish sitting next to vibrant asparagus spears, a portion of what looked like Israeli couscous, and a side of sauce that I could only assume was just as rich and flavorful as the rest of the dish.

Ezria leaned closer, her voice soft but teasing. "Satisfied, madam? Or does my private chef have to do better?"

Inikutan ko siya ng mata bago itinutok ang paningin sa pagkaing nakahain sa harap ko. "It’s Chef Marcel, who am I to critique such art?" sabi ko.

She smirked, pulling out a chair for me with an exaggerated flourish. "Enjoy, then."

All throughout lunch, I can’t decide if I should feel flattered or awkward. Ezria is overly attentive—filling my glass the moment it dipped below halfway, asking if I needed anything, and even offering to adjust my plate as if I can’t do it myself.

"Can you just eat? I can take care of myself," I finally said, exasperation creeping into my tone.

Pero parang wala lang sa kaniya ’yon dahil siyang ngumiti sa’kin. "You’re in my house. You’re my priority."

I sighed, shaking my head. "You’re unbelievable."

She grinned wider. "In a good way, right?"

"You already said that."

"And I will say it again."

I tried to ignore her and focus on the food, but her relentless charm—or whatever this is—made it almost impossible.

-

After my last sip of water, I was so ready to go home. But just as I started to get up, Ezria spoke, stopping me in my tracks.

"Hindi ka pa puwedeng umuwi. Don’t get too excited," she said with a smug smile.

I rolled my eyes again—probably for the hundredth time today. Only now did I realize just how often I'd been doing that.

There was no use arguing with her. I already knew how that would turn out. Malalim akong napabuntung-hininga, "Fine, what do you want to do?"

Agad lumiwanag ang mukha niya. She stood up in excitement. "Anything you want! We can watch a movie, play board games—I have a couple here—or we could go out and stroll like a real date!" She giggled, clearly amused by her own suggestion.