HEART UNDER CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER 3-4

The engineering students were on the field under the sun’s prickly heat. DK is at the rooftop, skin almost burning while setting up a simple pulley machine. His hard hat is drenched with sweat but he doesn’t mind. Dolan passed by the ground floor and started catching the attention of the engineering students. “Where is the King of Engineering Section 1?” he asked.

Jash point-pouted upwards – referring to DK. Dolan shouted, “Dior please be careful or you’ll fall for me!” he said jokingly with a flying kiss. The others grimaced upon hearing the gay’s words. DK smirked and pulled out the pencil he placed behind his ear. He tore a piece of paper in his notebook and wrote something in it.

With the help of the pulley, he managed to give Dolan the note he wants to deliver. Dolan was about to open the note when DK stopped him. He curiously asked, “What am I supposed to do with this?”. DK replied, “Give that to your friend! Tell her to send me a message” he said with a wink. Dolan frowned and retreated back to their building. Jash chuckled, “DK, you killed him with hopes” he said. DK smirked, “Sorry but I like girls” he shrugged and started to perform the simple machine he conducted.

Dolan annoyingly entered the laboratory while holding the note DK wanted him to deliver. “Girl, your suitor wants me to give this to you” he said and handed over the note. It’s a plain lecture note paper with his penmanship occupying the space. There are just few words but it made her feel loved all of a sudden. “You’re always beautiful. Let me love you more” DK simply wrote.

Joanna smiled upon reading the note. Dolan, with his hands on his waist asked, “Are you done reading it? Then send him a text”. Joanna immediately pulled out her phone from her uniform’s pocket. “Love me, and I’ll love you more than what you can give. Your love meter is just about twenty percent” she said in the text. She related the love meter on DK’s field – engineering. She’s into him now but she’s in denial. She’s a conservative woman and that’s what DK likes.

DK is currently tracking what he performed when Joanna sent him the message. He sat down on the school bench and removed his hard hat. He replied, “I’m always into you, babe”. He is comfortable enough to call her with an endearment. She never complained about it so he never dared to stop doing it. It’s been almost a month since they met and DK finally escaped his “one week rule” of breaking girls.

They met after each other’s practicum. DK pulled out a pen from his pocket and wrote in a table napkin while Joanna is placing orders for their lunch. He hid the one with his message in the pile of Joanna’s. He talked to her as if he didn’t do anything that can make her the romantic feels. They were about to go when Joanna noticed the pile. She gently pulled it and read what is written on it.

“I promise to celebrate every meal I have with you” DK wrote. She looked at him. He’s currently looking away while sipping his drink. She smiled widely and replied, “Then I’m willing to get fat ‘coz I’ll eat more to enjoy your presence”. DK looked at her and smiled as wide as hers. “Great! So no one could fantasize on your body except for me” he said with a wink. Joanna smacked his arm, “You’re such a perv” she said.

Her eyebrows furrowed. He held her hand and explained, “It’s not that. At least, no one can be possessive of you except for me” he said and kissed her hand again. He’s fond of doing that and she’s getting used to it. They are dating but they’re still not on the stage to be called as a labelled couple.

A month of sending each other texts, days getting complete with a goodnight and a good morning. Joanna learned how things work for love and she learned about it because of DK. A commoner like her doesn’t believe that a rich guy can fall for her. She’s now staring at him, carefully strumming his guitar and serenading her. Every love song she requests is played by him. He sings good and his eyes convey the love he’s holding for her.

The way he said the lyrics with his charming smiles makes the love meter jump to the highest percent. Joanna held his hand, it made him stop playing his guitar. She pulled him and went to the rooftop where he first said that he’s serious of her. At first, she doubted him because of her issues but now she’s sure of it.

Earlier, DK sat behind her. He folded a piece of paper and formed it to a plane. He threw it to the wind and it landed to the book Joanna is reading. Unlike the usual notes she receives from him, this paper plane is different. A graphing paper is used to make the plane; she opened it to find out a mathematical equation with a graph formed like a heart.

She faced her back and found DK holding his lecture notes. He hid his face behind the notepad with a note, “Will you be my girlfriend? :<”. Joanna pulled her braids to place it to her shoulder. She’s seeing his handwrite on the paper covering his face. The engineering student whom she sees wearing a hard hat is now wearing a stylish gray beanie with a guitar on his back.

She smiled, it’s like time stopped ticking. It feels like they own the world. She pulled the notes and saw DK’s gaze. She lifted a page and wrote using her marker, “Won’t you play me a song first?” she asked in the note. DK talked, “Your song will be played as you wish”. He pulled out the guitar in his back and started progressing each chord to play Joanna’s choice of song.

Now the two is at the rooftop, Joanna’s sighs were conveying her nervousness. She went near him and removed the beanie he’s wearing. She ruffled his hair and talked, “You’re more handsome when your hair stands out”. DK stared directly at her eyes. He held both of her hands tightly and asked, “So, what do you think about that note?”.

Joanna tightly hugged DK. From that act, DK knew that Joanna is different. He’s feeling her racing heartbeat in his chest. He’s stiff and he can’t move a bit when Joanna said, “I’ll gamble for you. I’ll gamble everything I have to get you. I will gladly give up everything I have just to be your girlfriend. From now on, I am yours and you are mine”. Her hugs tightened more, tears rolling down from her eyes. She never had the feeling of being in love and that moment is so magical for her.

DK felt her warm tears and sincerity. He hugged her back with a wide smile on his face. “Thank you for giving me a chance” he said. Joanna knew all the issues DK had. He is a womanizer but she didn’t mind. She’s a fool for giving him a chance but that didn’t matter. She gambled her heart even though she’s already conscious enough that it will be broke once DK got tired of it.

He knows he’ll get tired when time comes. But the most important thing is, he’s loving her now. They didn’t dare to think of what might happen while they are still together. They are both fools giving each other the feeling that expires. She easily gave in and he hardly efforted to win her. They are both enjoying each other’s feelings, for now.

Joanna tiptoed with joy through their room. Dolan – who’s currently lining his eyebrows looked at his friend with curiosity. She’s holding DK’s beanie; she’s loving its scent and she can’t bring it down. She is still dazed at the moment. Dolan approached her, “What’s with that smile, dear friend?” he asked. Joanna looked at her and replied, “Thanks for pushing me to him. We’re already together!”. The two squealed in joy.

“In fairness, seems like DK is really into you. He never courted a girl, you know” Dolan replied. Joanna is still smiling wide. She’s motivated to take her class and she’s looking forward to meeting his boyfriend after class. It’s not the typical college romance everyone can see. They are both uncertain but they know that everything will flow smoothly according to their choice.

Jash stood up in disbelief, “You what?!” he asked. DK smirked and replied, “I courted her for a month and now, she’s mine”. His friend wowed, “That’s so not you. You’ve changed” he said. DK chuckled, “I told you she’s different. I’ve never felt this” he uttered. Jash reminded, “This girl… you’re her first. Keep that no matter what because when time comes and you already want to break her, it will be hard for her to trust a man again” he said that made DK move.

“That’s what I am fearing. I don’t trust myself either. I hate that I’m used to changing girls every time I get tired” he uttered. Jash patted his shoulder, “I hope you took the right choice. Always keep in mind of what I’ve said” he said and went back to his seat.

DK started his motorcycle’s engine. He unbuckled the extra helmet he has and wore it to Joanna’s head. He gently buckled it and convinced her to ride the vehicle. “I told you riding a motorcycle is dangerous” Joanna commented. DK shrugged, “Trust me. I’ll take you home safely” he said and presented his hand in front of her. Joanna is still hesitant so he said, “Don’t you trust your boyfriend?” he asked charmingly.

Joanna sighed, “I trust you but I don’t trust the road. It’s traumatic” she said. DK held both of her hands tightly. “I promise, I’ll be careful” he said. For Joanna, it seems like she doesn’t have the choice. She rode DK’s motorcycle for the first time. She’s used to riding DK’s car but now, something new is presented to her. She clung to DK’s shoulder but he removed it and made it clamped to his waist.

“I’m afraid we’ll get to an accident because I’m obsessed with this feeling” DK said while feeling Joanna’s hands clinging to his waist. “You’re making me nervous” she replied. The motorcycle started moving; the first minutes made Joanna hysterical but as it gets darker, she already felt the serenity partnering the adrenaline. Her hands stopped trembling.

DK whispered, “It’s cool, isn’t it?”. Joanna nodded; the cold breeze blows her hair. Just like what DK promised, he got her home safely. Before Joanna could enter her home, DK held her wrist and tucked her close. Just as that, it felt like they own the night. DK pressed his lips to hers. For the first time, they had it intimately. DK uttered, “I love only you, babe” he said and rode his motorcycle to go home.

She watched him go farther until he’s out of her sight. She turned around and caressed her lips. DK’s lips on her hand felt good already but now it felt better when it is placed on hers. It’s just a quick kiss but up until now, she can still feel the compression of Dior’s lips to hers. She went inside her house with an unfading smile. It felt like she has everything in her world. She talked to herself, “This is how love feels. This is what I am not expecting”.

A few hours later, she heard a ting in her phone. “I got home safely” a text from DK contained. She smiled in relief, “Eat up and I’ll see you tomorrow” she replied. She still can’t believe that she has a boyfriend now. She looks crazy eating alone while smiling, she sang and danced in every way. She’s overjoyed, so as he.

The next day, Joanna woke up late and started rushing down when she saw a familiar motorcycle parked in front. A guy is leaning to the vehicle while wearing a uniform and a pair of sunglasses. Again, she was dazed when he pulled out the sunglasses and gazed at her beautifully. “Let’s go together. We’ll be late” he said. Joanna felt the hesitations in riding the motorcycle in a broad daylight.

“Ride with me. We won’t get stuck in the traffic with this motorcycle” he said and helped her buckle the helmet again. Joanna, who’s almost out of time, didn’t hesitate to ride the motorcycle again; automatically wrapping her arms to DK’s waist. Some times are like this, she’s in a rush but DK is always there to save the time. Joanna’s fair skin and natural beauty was gazed by DK in the motorcycle’s side mirror.

Joanna kept glancing at her wristwatch and so DK speeded up. It made Joanna’s arms firmly clamped to DK’s waist. Her face is leaned on his back. DK hideously smirked behind his black helmet. She’s cute and he’s fond of her. DK drove as if he owns the road. They arrived safely with DK’s care. Joanna uttered, “We still have ten minutes” she said while letting DK unbuckle her helmet.

“Ten minutes is still long. What do you want to do?” he asked. Joanna’s eyebrows furrowed, “We should get into class” she replied. DK lifted up the head gear and hanged it on his motorcycle’s side mirror. When he turned around, Joanna’s lips are already on his cheek. He chuckled upon feeling that soft warm kiss from her.

“You sneaky girl” he said. He cupped Joanna’s cheek with his palm and kissed her in the lips. “There, I returned it. Go to your class now” he said with a smile. Joanna’s cheeks felt warm; she’s blushing and she can’t hide it. DK cannot also contain the feeling; smiling all the way to his class. They always wanted to speed up the class time in excitement.

As usual, the two are having their lunch at the school’s cafeteria when the school committee posted a poster of a school event in the bulletin board. DK, who’s the campus king, didn’t bother to take a glance at it. Everyone in the cafeteria went to snap at it. Joanna curiously asked, “Aren’t you going to take a look?”. DK replied, “That’s the college ball we’ll be holding a month from now for Valentine’s”.

Joanna looked at him. He doesn’t look interested at all. She held his hand and uttered, “Don’t you want to go?” she asked. DK shrugged, “I’m tired of parties. Besides, it will occur at night” he answered. Joanna frowned and DK saw it. She sighed, “What an opportunity. You know, I never experienced attending a prom” she shared. DK’s eyebrows furrowed, “Why is that?” he asked. Joanna answered, “My parents are strict and no one wants to date me back then”. DK smirked, “They are blind enough to not be dazed by your looks” he replied.

Joanna smiled after hearing DK’s words. “You’re cheesy. It’s fine if you don’t want to go, I can’t think of anything important with that event besides the experience it can give” she said. He knows that she badly wanted to go but she’s disappointed that he honestly said that he did not want to go.

Later that night after sending Joanna home, DK contacted his cousin. The most fab one – Lorenzia answered DK’s call. “Yes Mr. ‘I need something’. What can I do for you tonight?” she sarcastically said upon picking up the call. DK sighed, “Is it a big regret to be absent in a prom?” he directly asked. Lorenzia answered, “Of course! It’s like a fairytale. For goodness’ sake, you don’t know how a woman feels!”.

DK scratched the back of his head. He feels like he said something that made Joanna disappointed. He felt uneasy after saying that he didn’t want to go. “I want you to help me with something” he said. Lorenzia agreed on the opposite line. He wants to console her, but how? It’s a weekend the day after that. DK pulled out his car keys from his pocket and drove to the nearest flower shop.

“If this won’t win you, then I won’t make this day end” he said while holding the bouquet of rainbow roses. He placed the flowers on the passenger seat and took the way to Joanna’s place. It’s still eight in the morning and he’s hesitant that maybe Joanna is still asleep. He went outside the car and made his way upstairs to Joanna’s place. She opened the door after a few knocks.

She’s currently cooking her breakfast when DK came. She opened the door while wearing a unicorn-designed pajamas and a spatula in her hand. She doesn’t look presentable at all but DK stared at her as if he saw an angel in front of her. Joanna’s eyes circled; she didn’t expect DK to be in her place in an early weekend ‘coz she knows that her boyfriend is a late sleeper.

She slammed the door close. She turned around; she’s not wearing a bra! She covered her chest with a towel and went back to accommodate her guy. She opened the door and saw DK still standing there with a weird smile. “Uhm… Good morning?” he uttered. Joanna looked away, feeling humiliated. DK handed her the bouquet. “Good morning” she said awkwardly.

“I think… I shouldn’t be here at this hour” he said and turned around but Joanna held his wrist and pulled him inside. “Come inside. There are gossipers around” she said. DK grabbed the spatula in Joanna’s hand and went to the kitchen. She looked at him, “Are you sure that you know how to fry an egg?” she asked. DK smirked, “Don’t underestimate my cooking skills” he said and started continuing where Joanna left off.

“I’ll go get changed first” Joanna said while still holding the bouquet. DK just nodded; he unbuttoned his blue polo and wore the pink apron he saw hanging there. When Joanna got outside, he saw DK’s muscles flexing around while continuously frying the egg. Her thoughts got wild, “Damn he’s hot” she said in her mind. It’s her first-time seeing DK’s body and he didn’t expect that build considering his warm and soft hugs.

He turned around and saw Joanna staring at him while daydreaming. He thinks that he’s feeling the same upon seeing Joanna’s belly bottom and small waist revealing. She’s wearing a crop top and a denim short. Her thighs are thick and it looks attractive for him.

He gently untied the apron’s knot in his back and lifted the plate to place it to the dining table. Joanna is still in her dreaming phase. Everything went slow-mo for her and she can’t contain the attraction she feels when he saw DK’s v-line and abs. He’s light-skinned and she’s dreaming of an Edward Cullen presenting her an egg dish.

“Have your breakfast” he said. Joanna got to her senses and went to the dining table. DK assisted her to sit. She glanced at the plate; it looks queer. “Did you cook this?” Joanna unbelievably asked. DK nodded, “There’s just you and me. Who else could cook it?” he replied. Joanna wowed, she’s ashamed of her cooking skills. “That’s a Spanish Jose Andres egg recipe. Have a bite” he said and scooped a portion to feed Joanna.

Joanna tasted it; she showed a bland reaction. “How’s it?” DK asked. “It tastes good. A garlicky herb-ish fried egg. I can’t believe eggs can be cooked like this” she answered. DK went nearer, she can now smell his scent and she’s closer to sticking their skins together. “Just stay with me and breakfasts will be extraordinary”. Joanna slightly pushed him away; she’s not used to hanging around with topless guys.

DK’s eyebrows furrowed, “Why? I thought it tastes good?” he replied. Joanna pointed the polo hanged in the opposite chair. DK naughtily smirked, “Why? Don’t you want to see me like this?” he teasingly asked and went near her again. “No, it’s just that… I’m not used to it” she replied. DK understood and started buttoning up his polo again. “Sorry, just got worried that maybe it will be stained. I don’t have a spare” he explained.

Joanna changed the topic, “By the way, what’s your purpose going here so early?” she asked. DK sat down in front of her and answered, “I just thought maybe I disappointed you yesterday. You know, the ball…”. Joanna smiled while having a meal, “I told you it’s alright. Are you still thinking about it?” she asked. DK nodded, “I just felt uncomfortable with the thought. You saying that it’s alright doesn’t satisfy me at all” he answered.

“What should I do to make you stop thinking about it?” she asked. DK looked at her eye to eye, “Let’s go outside. We’re like in a relationship for a long time now but we never dated outside” he replied. Joanna slightly nodded, “Sure. Wait for me, I’ll get dressed” she responded. DK was left smiling in the dining area. For the first time in a while, he’s having a formal date again.