Mr. Billionaire

Kabanata 32

Hold

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Medyo matagal magkahugpong ang mga kamay nila. Nang matauhan siya, agad niyang binawi iyon. Napakamot siya sa ulo. "I better go," awkward niyang paalam.

Tumalikod na siya para umalis pero maagap nitong hinawakan ang kamay niya. Napatingin siya roon saka ito tinignan sa mukha.

"Wait, uh, why don't we grab a snack first?" He flashed his friendly smile again.

Ilang segundong nakatingin lang siya rito. "Okay," pagpayag niya. She subtly pulled her hand back. He freed it.

What was supposed to be a snack turned out to be a full-course dinner. Noah brought her to a traditional Latvian restaurant a few blocks away from the Central Market. Mukhang suki ito roon dahil agad silang inasikaso ng staff nang makita ang kasama niya. She chose a seat in the patio outside. Mas mainam na rin iyon dahil hindi niya naman talaga kilala ang kasama niya...just in case.

The chilly air hit her skin. Wala sa sariling hinaplos niya ang magkabilang braso. She's trying to remind herself why she chose to seat outside while cursing herself in the process.

Tinawag ng lalaki ang waiter. Sinabi nito ang order nang hindi tumitingin sa menu. He's indeed a patron here.

Bumaling ito sa kaniya. "What's your order?"

"I-I'll have the same as yours," she almost slapped herself for stuttering.

He nodded. "Okay." Lumingon ito sa waiter. "And can I have a blanket for the lady?" Turo nito sa kaniya. Nagulat siya at medyo nahiya.

"U-uh no ne-"

The waiter smiled. "Sure, sir," lumingon ito sa kaniya. "Just a minute, madame."

Wala na siyang nagawa kundi ang tumango. She forced a smile. "S-sure."

Wala pang isang minuto, lumapit sa kanilang muli ang waiter at inabot sa kaniya ang isang makapal na blanket. "T-thank you," sabi niya. Noah stood from across the table. She almost jumped out of shock. Lumapit ito sa kaniya at ito na ang nagbalot ng kumot sa kaniyang katawan.

"There. Are you still cold?" Nakayuko ito sa kaniya.

She shook her head. "Not anymore. Thank you," ngiti niya rito habang nakatingala. He's thoughtful. Napangiti siya lalo sa naisip at...kinilig.

"So, are you a Filipino?" he asked. Napatingin siya rito.

She nodded. "Pureblood." Natawa ito sa tinuran niya. He got it. I see, he's a man of culture. "By the way, what were you doing in the Philippines? If you don't mind," mabilis niya habol.

"I don't. You see, I'm a traveler. Probably because of my wanderlust." Namangha siya rito. Pangarap niya rin kasi ang libutin ang buong mundo. Pero kahit nga plane ticket, hindi niya afford. "Philippines is a really nice country. I love the climate."

She nodded proudly. "Yeah. We have many attractions to offer."

"I have only been to Palawan and Boracay. But I plan to come back for more."

Nakaramdam siya ng inggit dito. Kahit kasi sa Pilipinas siya tumira buong buhay niya, hindi pa siya nakakapunta sa mga lugar na binanggit ng binata. "Really? Where would you go next?"

He pinched his chin, looking upwards. "I have nothing in particular for now. Can you recommend my next destination?"

"I'm not sure. But I've always wanted to visit Batanes." Naging interesado ang lalaki. Pinatong nito ang mga braso sa mesa at matamang nakinig sa kaniya. She was so engrossed in introducing Batanes based on her research and feedbacks from her friends who went there that she didn't mind his stare.