Chasing Boundaries (Parallel Rhythms Series 1)

Chapter 17

Agad na nagsalubong ang aking mga mata. There was worry written in the back of my mind. Was he asking me this for him to expect the word no? Doesn't he want to make what happens between us public?

"Kasi..." he gulped. "Remember what I told you earlier? That I promised to never make you feel like you're not worth fighting for ever again? Well..." he breathed heavily, and I just waited for his answer. "You're not meant to be loved silently, Harley. And I would like to let everyone know that I am here... that there's someone loving you... and that someone is me." he bravely spoke.

My eyes blinked multiple times as it began to water. I just stared at him, lost for words. I can't believe he'd make me feel this way. And I wanted more. I wanted to be loved the way I'm worth to be loved. And that's the kind love he's making me feel right now. I could never wish for anything more.

"I-I wouldn't mind." sagot ko at mabilis na lumingon palayo.

I heard how he giggled softly. "You're cute when you're silent, Harley." wala sa kontekstong sambit nito.

Agad namang namilog ang aking mata at mabilis na bumalik ang tingin sa kaniya. I swallowed hard as I felt my face heating. It's probably crimson red right now, why does he have to say that?

"Cute naman ako kahit hindi tahimik ah." sa gulat ay hindi ko namalayang naisatinig ko pala ang dapat ay nasa isip ko lang.

Rinig ko ang kaniyang mahinang pagtawa nang marinig ang sinabi ko. "Well, yeah... pretty even." he added, na mas lalo lamang nagpapula sa aking mukha.

Ah, damnit!

But I kinda like this. It's like being back to the old us, to the normal us, to the us before everything fell apart. It was nice seeing those parts being built back together again. It was nice seeing his smiling face again. It was nice seeing him again.

Ah, I missed him. Fuck!

"I just thought that... you wouldn't want to see me in front of your classroom holding a bouquet of roses, that's all." he stated, probably going back to the earlier topic.

Wait, he was serious?! Kaya pala nagtanong siya kung pwedeng malaman ng lahat na pinopormahan niya ako. Jeez!

I was just speechless. Is he really going to do that? I mean... maybe I'd like for it to happen too. You know? Your suitor, waiting for you outside of your classroom with a bouquet of flowers in his hand to give you. But isn't it too embarrassing?! I mean, hindi ko naman siya ikinakahiya, sadyang nahihiya lang talaga ako.

Muli siyang napangisi ng mahina. "Alright, I'll tone it down for you." he continued chuckling.

Tuloy ay nakahinga ako ng maluwag. Akala ko talaga... But, maybe if there aren't too many people... I could let it happen. Argh! It's making my head spin!

"By the way, una na ako, Harley." paalam nito kaya't napabalik ako sa realidad.

I looked at him before nodding. "S-see you. Ingat." paalam ko rin.

Ngumiti ito kaya't akala ko'y aalis na talaga siya. Ngunit bago pa man ako makatalikod ay naglakad siya papalapit sa akin at hindi tumigil hanggang sa halos pulgada na lamang ang layo niya sa akin.

My heart was beating crazily fast. I couldn't help but look up as he stood in front of me, almost closing the gap between us, and showing me such a beautiful smile.

But what shook me the most was when he leaned closer, kissing my forehead with his plump and warm lips. Hindi iyon nagtagal ngunit palagay ko'y magtatagal ang kiliting idinulot no'n sa aking pagkatao.

Gosh! I didn't know he would make his move way too fast! Kaka-bati pa lang namin kanina ah!

"I'm glad you said see you and not goodbye." he smiled as he said those words warmly, like he was deeply moved with what I said. "I was hoping for you to say that." his warm smile widened.