Taste of Love (Taste Series #1)

Chapter 25

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝚃𝚆𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚈-𝙵𝙸𝚅𝙴

Today is December 31, 2024, as I strolling through the crowded mall, feeling the buzz of excitement in the air, I couldn't help but notice the multitude of people rushing to buy gifts and New Year's essentials. Ang daming tao, ang bawat sulok ay puno ng mga taong nagmamadali.

With my shopping cart in tow, I carefully browsed through items, contemplating which ones to bring home for the upcoming New year. Sa gitna ng pagpili ko ng mga spaghetti, biglang may pogi na sumulpot sa harap ko. Our paths collided, causing me to lose my balance and sending his ice cream cone flying through the air.

"Oops! I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at me. "Are you okay?"

Napatingin ako sa aking dress, now adorned with a large green stain from the fallen ice cream, I looked up to meet his gaze, seeing deep regret in his eyes. He seemed genuinely troubled by the mishap, and I couldn't help but smile at his kindness.

"I-it's okay," I reassured him, my voice slightly trembling. "Alam kong aksidente lang 'yon."

But he wouldn't relent. "I feel terrible about this," sabi niya, his voice laced with remorse. "Please, let me make it up to you. Let me buy you a new one."

I scratched my head, unsure of how to respond to his earnest offer. On one hand, I appreciated his kindness and willingness to make amends, but on the other hand, I didn't really need his help.

"N-no, it's really fine," I insisted, attempting to politely decline his offer. "I can take care of it."

But he was undeterred. "Please, let me do this for you," he insisted, determination shining in his eyes. "I insist."

I didn't know how to refuse his persistent offer. Sa dulo, I relented and followed him to one of the stores in the mall. Inside the store, he picked out a magandang dress that perfectly matched the color of my ice cream-stained one. As the guy handed me the dress, I flashed him a grateful smile.

"Thank you," I said softly, touched by his kindness.

His eyes lit up with warmth. "Walang anuman," he replied, his voice gentle. "I'm Aaron, by the way."

I reciprocated the introduction with a nod, feeling a sense of friendliness between us. "Ako si Summer," I said, extending my hand for a handshake.

Aaron accepted the gesture with a firm grip, his smile widening. "Nice to meet you, Summer," he said, his tone friendly.

With the exchange of pleasantries, I felt at ease in his presence. "Likewise, Aaron," I replied, grateful for his generosity.

Aaron's gaze softened, sincerity evident in his eyes. "I'm just glad I could help," he said, his voice sincere. I nodded, appreciating his humility. "Well, I really appreciate it," I said, sincerity resonating in my voice.