Chasing Boundaries (Parallel Rhythms Series 1)

Chapter 20

Chapter 20



"Archein?"

Taka akong tumingin sa isang lalaking nasa kabilang side ng counter. He was wearing a beige apron and was holding a small clip book and a pen.

"Steven?" Archein answered with a question. "You work here?" dagdag pa nito. It seems like they know each other.

"Yeah, tuwing weekends lang." The guy on the counter answered.

I tilted my head to analyze his appearance. Judging by his looks, I presume that he's also a senior highschool student like us. He looks young yet mature. He has this easy-to-befriend aura, and it shows.

"Ang yaman mo naman ah! Bakit ka nagtatrabaho?!" Archein asked in a teasing way.

The guy named Steven only laughed while shaking his head. "Exploring." he shrugged after he eventually stopped laughing. "So..." he trailed, tilting his head to face me. "Who's this hottie you're with? Is she your girlfriend?" he asked.

My brows knitted at his statement. Hottie? Girlfriend? Are those compliments? Tsk. And wow ah, ang rason niya para magtrabaho ay dahil nag-e-explore siya?

"Soon to be. I'm courting her." Archein answered while smiling. Tumingin ako sa kaniya at sakto namang bumaling rin siya sa akin. He smiled before facing Steven back.

Ang confident ah, hindi naman siya sure na sasagutin ko siya. I wanted to voice that out, but I, too wasn't sure if I'd actually answer him. Ah, let's just see.

"Woah." Steven amusedly wowed. "I thought you weren't interested in girls?" he chuckled.

Archein scratched his nape gently. "Ah, they say pretty girls can change guys' minds." he stated, which made my face redden.

It only earned a chuckle from Steven. "Good for you then."

Muling humarap sa akin si Steven. Ngumiti siya at nagsalita. "I'm Steven. Steven Reo De Vera, your boy's friend." he introduced himself as he handed his right hand to me.

I took his hand and shook it. "Harley. Chaille Harley Medina." I introduced myself as well. Whew, that was a formal greeting.

"Woah, pretty name. It suits you." he stated. I smiled when I heard it from him. I was about to speak my gratitude when he suddenly looked at Archein. "I'm not trying to steal her, bro. Maganda lang talaga siya. 'Yon lang!" he quickly defended himself.

Nangunot ang noo ni Archein. "I already know she's pretty, and I can't stop others from noticing it. In fact, I'm glad you appreciate her beauty." Archein stated.

Nagawi ang tingin ko sa kaniya. My face felt hotter and I know I'm probably flustered by now. I just stared at his glowing eyes as he immersed in a conversation with Steven.

"Hindi ako magseselos dahil matagal ko nang hinanda ang sarili ko sa ganito. I knew people would flock over her beauty so I readied myself for moments like this." he added, which made my stomach churn more.

Iniwas ko ang aking tingin. I know I'm pretty, but not so much to expect him to say those things. Masyadong niya naman yata akong hina-hype.

Steven giggled. "You're hopeless bro, you're in love."

"I know. And there's no saving me now. Actually, I don't want to be saved." Unti-unting napunta sa gawi ko ang tingin niya. His smile widened as he caught a glimpse of my flustered face. Mabilis kong iniwas ang tingin sa kaniya habang mabilis rin ang pagtibok ng aking puso.

"Hear that, Chaille? Sagutin mo na 'tong tropa ko. Hulog na hulog na, oh!" Steven teasingly said.

"Ah, enough of this! Mago-order na kami." Archein cut him off.