Chasing Boundaries (Parallel Rhythms Series 1)

Chapter 20

Hindi ko namalayan na tumagal pala ang paguusap namin. We almost forgot that we're at the counter. Mabuti na lang at walang queue sa likod namin. That would've been horrible.

"So, what are your orders?" Steven asked, as if he went back to his work mode.

We finally ordered our food and as expected, Archein ordered a lot of strawberry flavored foods. As for me, I went with my usual matcha latte and also added a piece of marble cake.

Bumalik na kami sa table namin at hinintay na tawagin ang aming pangalan upang kunin ang order.

"Steven seems like a friendly guy." I started as we sat in front of each other at a table for two.

"Yeah, he is. He's too playful and energetic, just like Brent." Archein answered.

I tilted my head. As far as I know, Archein is not fond of other people he doesn't know of. Alam kong hindi parte ng circle niya si Steven dahil hindi ko ito nakita sa mga kasama niyang kaibigan sa post niya sa Instagram.

What do I know? Maybe he is, wala lang siya sa photo. But that's the point, I'm curious so I wanna know.

"He's Brent's classmate. Close friends din sila." panimula niya. I straightened my head before nodding. "I wasn't fond of him at first." he gently smiled.

Ngumiti ako nang masilayan ang isang maliit na ngiti mula sa kaniyang mga labi. It's like talking about befriending Steven wasn't on his plan, but he's happy to do it nevertheless.

"Masyado siyang maingay at makulit. Lagi niya akong kinukulit noon kahit halata namang wala akong interes sa kaniya." he chuckled.

I found myself unconsciously smiling as I watched him chuckle. I can't believe he's smiling while telling a tale of him making a friend. And that's a good sign. Because even though he's not fond of other people, he made a friend, and what's more, he looks happy about it.

We chatted for a while until Steven finally called Archein's name to get our food. Tumayo si Archein at nagpaalam na kukunin niya na ang pagkaing in-order namin.

Pinagmasdan ko lamang siya habang naglalakad patungo sa counter. Nang makaharap si Steven ay may sinabi pa itong nagpatawa sa sarili, habang si Archein naman ay umiling lang. It looked like Steven was teasing Archein or something, but Archein only shrugged it off.

Kinuha na ni Archein ang pagkain at agad namang bumalik sa puwesto namin.

"Here." He placed my orders on my side of the table while he put his foods at his side of the table. Itinabi niya ang maliit na tray na dala niya bago tuluyang naupo.

"Pastel colors suit you well." he stated out of nowhere. Bumaling siya sa akin at nadatnan ko naman ang maliit na ngiting nakapinta sa kaniyang mukha habang nakatingin sa akin.

I smiled subtly, making sure not to make it look like I'm suddenly flustered by his sudden compliment. "Thanks." I must say, I must reward myself for not stuttering despite the raging of my heart.

It was a simple compliment he already said earlier, yet it was enough to make my heart rattle in joy. Baka kailangan ko nang magpa-check-up, ang dali nang bumilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

"You like dresses?" tanong niyang muli.

I grabbed my plate with the marble cake and focused my eyes on it. Nagsimula na akong kumain no'n.

"Yep." sagot ko habang may hawak na tinidor at itinusok iyon sa cake.

I really like dresses. I feel pretty and comfortable wearing them. I'm not the type to wear tight cropped tops, but if I would be given a dress that hugs my top and has a knee-length skirt for the bottom, I'd gladly take it.