In Between Calms and Storms

Chapter 26

"What are you laughing about?"

Napatingin ako sa kanya na kakatapos lang maligo. He was wearing a plain white shirt and grey sweatpants.

I couldn't help but admire his body. Sabi niya ay batak siyang mag-gym noong first year, pero nang maging busy sa second year ay minsan nalang siya pumupunta para i-maintain ang katawan niya.

I'm not that small when it comes to the average size of men my age, pero hindi rin ako kasing-laki niya. I'd be the taller one kung itatabi ako sa iba, but I'd look small next to him.

"It's yours, baby. Stop staring."

Agad na umikot ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya at umiwas ng tingin.

"Assuming," sagot ko na lang.

He sat on the couch and tapped the space beside him, sumunod ako sa kanya at tumabi.

He immediately wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his face in my neck, planting small kisses and sniffing it.

"Are we going out or are we just staying in our condo?"

Napaisip ako sa tanong niya.

Speaking of condo...

Noon ko pa 'to planong gawin pero ngayon lang nangyari.

I was actually planning to end my lease sa condo na tinitirhan ko, then rent a smaller and cheaper one, but he insisted on living together instead.

It wasn't the plan, actually, but it kind of happened. Ayoko pa nga noong una.

Rational thing to do rin naman lalo na't kung ako ang wala sa condo niya, siya naman 'tong nasa akin. Hindi rin ako pumapayag na siya lang ang magbabayad gayong studyante pa rin naman kaming dalawa.

Maybe sooner... after graduation? Bahala siya gumastos nang gumastos, ubusin ko 'yang pera niyang hindi maubos-ubos.

I shook my head at the thought.

And the main reason I moved out because I really wanted to save money. I have also thought of applying for a scholarship, since pwede pa naman daw mag-apply.

Of course, us living together... it wasn't perfect.

But instead of clashing against each other, we allowed space. I'd let him sleep longer and prepare food for him in the morning. He'd leave the lights on for me whenever I'm studying.

Just small things and gestures... but I guess those are what make living alone feel less lonely, and more like something shared.

"Dito na lang tayo," sabi ko nang makapag-isip. "Napagod ako kanina."

He chuckled, his face still on my neck, kaya naman ramdam ko ang kiliti roon.

"Okay, if you say so."

Ang isang 'to talaga. He'd look serious on the outside at first glance, pero kapag kaming dalawa nalang ay sobrang clingy at pa-baby.

Mahina akong natawa nang maalala ang una kong impression sa kanya noon.

"What are you thinking about?" Tanong niya at sumilip nang maramdamang tumawa ako.

Naningkit ang mga mata kong tumingin sa kanya. "Hindi ko lang lubos maisip na 'yung suplado kong kapitbahay, may ganitong side pala."

He processed my words and pursed his lips afterwards. "I'm not masungit, that's just your first impression of me."