Taming Sun in the Heir's Heart

Chapter 8

I hid my trembling hands under the table, as if I could hide my feelings under it too.

"Stop with the baby endearment. And I don't know what you're talking about." I said without any emotion in my eyes but deep inside I'm trembling and nervous.

He closed his mouth as if he doesn't know what to say anymore. Tinitigan niya ako kaya naman ay tinitigan ko din siya sa pag aakalang mananahimik na lang siya at titigil na kung ganito ang gawin ko. Maaaring na uubusan na rin ito ng pasensya sa akin.

I know, I'm being difficult. I'm prolonging this story that should've ended days ago pa dapat. But, I can't. I can't just shut my mouth and my feelings out of this. I'm hurt. He's hurting me, shoving the trauma other guys have given me. I can't just ignore that.

"Okay. I know what you are talking about. I talked to you while you were drunk," I clicked my tongue to think, "Now that you are sane, care to explain it again?"

He breathed out and suddenly stared at my eyes, maybe trying to read what's on my mind.

"I really can't read you." And that answered my maybe's.

He leaned forward and placed his elbow against the table. He looked so serious that it made me nervous. There is a cruelity in his eyes, giving me a hint that I should never push any button that will trigger him.

I looked around and saw the staffs going inside the staff room and inside the kitchen.

"I know I have explained to you my stand about Vanessa. He's just a co-worker I am close with. We are being paired but I refused. I don't want her. And to the girl I kissed that night..." He sighed.

"You don't have to explain your escapades. Don't reason out your behavior, you are'nt known for being a playboy for nothing, right? I understand." I smirked.

"I don't understand my feelings towards you." ignoring my sarcasm, "All I know is... I was interested and I only want to see you."

Napasinghap ako. Nanlalaki ang matang tumungo at pinaglaruan ko na lamang ang mga daliri ko. Ang lamyos at nakahahalina ang paraan ng pagsabi niya nito. Hindi mapigilan ang pagbilis ng t***k ng puso ko.

"Dito kita natagpuan at dito rin naging interesado. Gusto ko lang naman noon mapalapit sa iyo." he lifted my chin, "Look at me in the eye so I know if I should stop this or not."

I licked my lower lip to put me back to senses. Bahagya ko rin pinisil ang ilong ko bago nilingon ang mga mata nitong nangungusap.

"I already told you about my intensions but after your reactions about Vanessa, it feels... wrong to feel happy but, I felt happy knowing you are jealous."

"J-jealous?!"

"You don't know?" Napangalumbaba na siya ngayon.

"I just know I-I'm not!" He smirked.

"I was so sure I don't want to get mad at you and just understand you instead. But that didn't happened." He sighed, "You accused me of the thing I didn't do. I stopped flirting and hooking up with girls, the day you told me you hate my ways and you hate guys like me."

"Funny how you have that effect on me, huh? And I don't understand why I'm always this affected everytime you're mad at me." He looked me straight in the eye,

"Those eyes, Francy. They're telling me how bad I am for hurting you. For giving you that exact feeling they gave you. You shut me out with that eyes of yours. And I couldn't forget it."

"Your eyes have been lingering inside my brain. The way you look at me expressionless. Hatred and disgust, maybe? Matalino akong tao, pero tangang tanga ako basahin ka."

"I want you to understand me, and I want to understand you but you're shutting me out. I can't understand myself why I'm still chasing you and wants you to hear me out, I even beg!"

Tumingala siya at pumikit pikit. Napasinghap rin ako sa nagbabadyang luha.

"You are so heartless while I look like a dog trying to win you back. To make you like me again. Look me in the eyes the same way again." He sighed, "Hindi ko maintindihan. Your eyes inside my head and me looking like a dog, ginusto ko pa rin na hindi pansinin iyon. I proved myself I can still do things I do everytime I'm stress."

Suminghap lamang ako napatungo. He's doing that everytime he's stress. Mga babae at ang... gagawaing iyon ay ang paraan niya para matanggal ang stress.

Halos magdugo na ang kamay ko sa kaka pisil at laro rito para hindi makapag bigay ng ekspresyon.

"I'm really sorry for what you have witnessed. My apologies will never justify my acts that night but because I know I hurt you and I triggered some part of your traumas, I just want you to know that I regretted it all."

The food infront of us, the candle light and flower as the center table, the gloomy lighting that emphasizes the candle light, and the rain outside is in sync with how we look at each other now.

"But now, I think I know what this is." He said with conviction. "I figured out what this is."

I know it too. I figured that out that night at the bar. But I don't want to entertain that thought. It's just too impossible.

"But am I forgiven first?" He smiled lightly. His eyes are reflecting the candle light.

"Ano sa tingin mo?" I fired back. He chuckled.

"I just want to confirm it now." He smiled, "I'm not drunk anymore."

I rolled my eyes with his smilling face. I put my hands on the table and glared at him.

"You are forgiven even though you disturbed my peaceful eating!" Inirapan ko ulit siya habang siya'y nangingiti lamang.

Nahawa na din tuloy ako kaya naman ay napingiti na rin ako.

"Ah, that smile. I miss that." He smiled.

Just like that, my anger flew away. Ang malaking bato na nakadagan sa puso ko ay ngayo'y nawala na. Tila ba tinunaw ng eksplenasyon at ng pagiging totoo nito ang bato at harang na nasa puso ko.

His calloused warm hand placed on top of my hand.

"s**t. I'm so fuckìng nervous!" He laughed his nervousness. I laughed with him.

"I thought you're on your over time?" I asked while looking at his hand on top of mine.

Hindi ko na kita ang kamay ko mula rito dahil sa lapad ng kamay niya. Pero ramdam na ramdam ko ang kalmado at mainit init na paghaplos ng palad nito doon.

"I told you, I saw pictures posted that you're here."

Kinuha niya ang kamay ko at pinagsalikop iyon.

"You, s-stalker!" He looked at me and just laughed it off, "A-and stop holding my hand! Chansing ka, tanda!"

"Tanda? Do I look old to you? Hmmm? May abs at muscles pa nga ako e." He said.

Napanga nga ako sa tinuran nito. Pinisil ko ang kamay niya gamit ang kamay kong nakasalikop sa kaniya.

"Tsss. Yabang, wala naman." Bulong bulong ko.

Kinuha ko ang tinidor at hiniwa ang cake sa harap namin kahit medyo nanginginig pa.

"Meron kaya. Gusto mo makita?" He said playfully.

"Gusto mo, ikaw na lang tusukin ko?" Itinuro sa kaniya ang tinidor.

"Subuan mo na lang ako."

"Tss. Di bagay sa'yo, Damon. Stop it." Inirapan ko siya.

"Sige na. Isa lang. I'm hungry." Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay, "I went straight here after I saw your picture. I haven't eaten my dinner."

Oh. Is it my fault?

Pinagmasdan ko ang mga pagkain. I took the fork on my sweet and sour pork. Tinusok ko ito at itinapat sa kaniya.

"Hold this and eat it." I said.

"I'm right handed." He said before eating the food while I'm holding the fork.

"Damon!"

Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. Nginisian lang ako nito saka kumindat.

"One more, please."

Napansin ko ang mga matang nakamasid sa amin kaya naman napalingon ako sa kitchen at staff room. Wow. May audience.

I shooked my head in disbelief. Kanina lang ay masama ang loob ko at may halong takot at kaba pa, ngayon naman ay nagagalak ang puso ko.

"This is mine. Order yours." Sa parehas na tinidor ay sinubo ko ang tonkatsu.

"Gusto ko din niyan. Give me, please." He said while looking at my lips chewing the food.

Kumuha din ako ng para sa kaniya at inabot ito para masubo niya.

"How did we end up like this again?" I asked, he laughed, "Pinatawad lang kita ha. Pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n bati na tayo."

"Ah. Ito ba ang parusa 'pag college ang nagustuhan?" He murmored to himself but I heard it.

"H-hoy! Narinig kita!"

He laughed at my reaction. He took a tissue near me and wiped the side of my lips.

"Remove your hands on mine, kaya kong punasan ang sarili ko."

Hindi mawala wala ang ngiti sa labi nito at hindi rin ako pinansin sa sinabi ko.

"Can we still order food and eat here? Sorry, bayaran ko na lang ang over time niyo." Damon asked to the staffs.

"A-ayos lang naman po, Boss. Open pa naman po kami ng ganitong oras." The waitress explained, "Kunin ko na lang po order niyo."

"Do you want more food?" He asked me.

"Ang dami ko na kinain." I shooked my head.

"Eat more. Mukha ka ng—" Hindi niya natuloy ang sasabihin nang magpasok ako ng meat ball sa bibig niya.

The waitress laughed at it. I also did while he's glaring at me.

Nilunok niya ang meat ball at nagpatuloy sa pag order ng para sa akin.

"Pumayat ka." He said while squeezing my hand, "Parang buto na oh."

"Finals week kasi 'tas practice ng dance troupe."

"Ah. So you mean, it's not because of me?"

"Ang kapal mo naman!" Tinulak ko ang kamay na nakahawak sa kamay ko.

My heart beats fast. I'm contented with this. After all the pain, it all washed out when he started to smile at me.

"Nako, Francy. Delikado ka na!" Turo sa akin ni Chase.

Humiga sa lap ko si Viviene at tinawanan ako.

"Kala mo parang nasa isang fictional book si Francy, 'no? 'Tas siya 'yung bida." Sabi ni Viviene.

Nandito kami sa madalas na tambayan ng Restarea para magtipon tipon at mag bonding na rin dahil matagal tagal na noong huling nagkita kami.

"Tigilan niyo nga ako!"

"Pumapag ibig na si Francy. Tayo kaya kailan?" JC asked curiously.

"Manahimik ka nga! May dating ban pa nga grupo mo e!" Ani Mich sakaniya at hinagisan ng pillow ito.

JC is in a girl group here in the Philippines. They are not allowed to have a boyfriend. Dating ban to be exact, as per the contract. Maraming bawal ito sa pag pasok sa metikulosong girl group at management na ito na pati kami ay damay.

May liquor ban din ito pero heto umiinom kasama namin.

Bawal kaming magdala ng lalaki sa mga meet up namin at magpipicture. Bawal siyang may makasamang lalaki sa mga picture e, kahit kapatid, tito, tatay o pinsan. Ang lala 'no?

Meanwhile, Crissa and Queency are a model from different agency.

"Hindi naman ako pumapag ibig e. Wala naman siyang sinabi." Angal ko habang nakanguso.

"Pero. Pero kinilig ka?" Mich asked na mukhang mas kinikilig pa.

I drank the shot and nodded. Nagsigawan naman ang mga baccla.

"Ano ba?! Ang OA niyo!" Natatawang saway ko.

"Sheeesh! Dalaga na si Francy!" Tawa ni Rose.

I shooked my head in disbelief and contentment.

From Damon Delborja:

I saw your IG story. Enjoy your night with your friends!

Napatalon ako sa gulat nang may tumili sa likod ko.

"OH EM! DALAGA KA NA!" Niyakap ako ni Queency at mukhang iiyak pa, "Crush na crush ko 'yan si Damon, kaya alagaan mo 'yan ha!"

Tawa at hampasan lang ang ginawa namin the whole night. I don't talk about my problems as much as I don't talk about my love life. Nalalaman lamang ng mga kaibigan ko ang tungkol rito kapag tapos na ang lahat lahat at naka move on na ako.

Kung bakit sila updated ngayon ay dahil kinulit na ako. Nagset ng meet up para interviewhin at pakwentuhin ako. Syempre ay hindi detalye ang kwento ko.

To Damon Delborja:

Yup. Thank you.

"Ang dry naman!" Saad ni Viviene at tinulak ako, "Kala ko ba pinalaki tayo ng s*x bomb?!"

"Ano ba gusto niyo?! Nakikibasa na nga lang kayo e!"

"Wala bang sweet words diyan? Emoticon na may blush sa pisngi gano'n?!" Viviene, "Itinatakwil na kita!"

Halos mamatay na sa kakatawa ang iba naming kaibigan. Ginagatungan pa ang nang yayari.

From Damon Delborja:

Okay. I'll go to bed now. Goodnight, Francy :))

"Shet may smily face! Ang soft! Kinikilig ako!" Viviene at Mich na namimilipit sa kilig. Pati sa JC ay nakikihampas.

"Hoy! Pinangarap ko 'yan! Taena kinikilig ako for you!" Hinampas ako ni Queency.

Diyos ko. Nabugbog na ako.

To Damon Delborja:

Goodnight. Sleep well

"Hoy wait! Lagyan mo ng heart heart!" Sigaw ni Queency. Hinampas pa ko.

"Hoy nalamog niyo na si Francy." Sigaw ni Cara.

Kumalma ang mga ito dahil sa pag sigaw ng bunso namin.

I breathed out and hold my breath. s**t.

To Damon Delborja:

Goodnight. Sleep well?

I clicked the sent button at naghiyawan na ang mga nasa paligid ko.

"Get! Get! AW!" Sigaw ni Chase, Mich, JC at Viviene, may pag hip thrust pa ang mga gaga.

Puro katatawanan na naman ang sumunod doon. Nawala na rin ang kwentuhan tungkol kay Damon at nailipat na sa iba.

I saw him seen my chat but he did not reply. Nakita ko ang pag typing niya ngunit wala pa ring dumating na mensahe hanggang sa mag offline ito.

Ano 'yun? Wala lang? Tapang at lakas ng loob ang inilaan ko do'n para sa kaniya tapos hindi siya magre reply?!

"OMG!" Crissa shouted. Tinakpan pa nito ang bibig niya.

We all went to her to look what she's up to.

And there, we saw Damon posted a stolen shot of me on his IG account. Nakatalikod ako mula sa camera. Madilim at medyo kakaunting ilaw lamang ang tumatama sa balat ko kaya hindi masyado kita kung sino. Ang mga bituin sa langit naka focus ang camera.

Damon.Delborja: A night sky with you, my star

"Likod mo 'to! Likod mo 'to! OMG!" Sigaw ni Crissa. She never shouted, I tell you.

"Shet! Kilala namin ang likod mo! Ikaw 'yan!" Turo sa akin ni Rose.

"Saan 'to? Iba sa damit mo na nakapost kagabi." Tanong ni Kristen na laging tahimik lang.

"School uniform yan. Sinundo niya ako saka pumunta kami sa resto nila." Ngumuso ako.

Ba't niya pinost? At bakit may picture ako? He took a picture of me?

I cannot suppress my feelings. Naghuhuramentado ang puso ko. Nagwawala at gustong kumawala ng puso ko sa katawan ko. Hindi ako mapakali at... kinikilig ako s**t.

"Shet. Nagdate na pala kayo?" Chase na chismosa.

Si Rose ay tumatawa lang. Alam niya kasi. Nakwento ko kamakailan noong nang hingi ako ng advice.

"Yeah."

At nagkagulo na naman ang Restarea. Halos magbugbugan na kami sa sobrang kukulit.

Umiling na lamang ako hanggang sa matigil at mailipat na naman ang kwentuhan sa ibang bagay.

From Damon Delborja:

Good morning. Let's have a dinner together later?

Ito ang bumungad sa akin ngayong umaga. Hindi ko alam ang isasagot ko kaya in-inbox ko muna siya.

Kailangan ko muna malaman kung may plates ba ako o wala para makapag date kami. Ay dinner pala.

"Okay so. Tak tak bem bem pak! Dalawang ulit hanggang sa transition."

Tinawanan namin ang kaibigang nagko-choreo dahil sa mga salita nito na dapat ay countings lamang.

"Bubum tak! Tak tak! Ey! Everybody start runnin'" Kuya Steve said. And on cue, sumunod kami sa beat.

Ngayon ay nakabilang ako sa mga boys including our lesbian team mates and another girl like me na kayang gumalaw ng panlalaki. Pandagdag kami sa bilang ng mga lalaking sumasayaw upang magmukhang crowded ang stage.

Tagaktak ang pawis sa air conditioned na practice room sa loob ng University.

"Open up your safe, bìtches got a lot to say!" Girls shouted and we switched to girl time. And I am included again.

Agap ang pag switch ng galawang panlalaki sa galawang pambabae namin ng kasamahan kong si Via. Agad lumandi ang itsura naming dalawa upang mapantayan ang mga kasamahang babae.

"Nice one Via at Fran!" We smiled as we go on.

It was tiring. Doing two things at a time and being the lucky charm of the troupe. Sabi nila, simula nang sumali kami ni Andrei at ang dalawa pa sa dance troupe na 'to ay nagsimula na silang manalo.

Tinawanan lamang namin ito ni Andrei pero sa apat na competition na sinalihan namin simula nang sumali kami ay lagi ngang panalo.

"Okay, champs. Pahinga muna tayo bukas ha. Ayusin niyo na mga loads niyo sa acads para 'di tayo magahol sa oras." Kuya Steve, our senior and leader said as he give me the stage.

"Children!" I shouted kaya nagtawanan sila pati ang mga senior namin, "Next training natin, 'yung part naman ng choreo ko. Bale highlight to ha kaya seryosohin natin. Let's experiment a bit dahil may gusto akong ipagawa sa inyo."

Inexplain ko sa kanila verbally ang experiment na sinasabi ko. Ang magiging transition namin, magiging position, ang dance style, at ang point ng sayaw na 'yon.

"Angasan natin, children. 'Di tayo papakabog, Champs!"

"Yaz, Momshie!" Maarteng sabi ng isang bakla namin kateam. Sinundan din ng iba.

And so that's where it ended. Now I know, wala akong gagawin bukas kung hindi ang pumasok sa isang class na tanghali pa naman. So, I can have a date with Damon, huh? Dinner pala. The f**k, Francy?

I took a quick bath inside that practice room. Nag ayos na din ako for the next class.

To Damon Delborja:

Sure. What time?

He replied immediately.

From Damon Delborja:

After your class. Sunduin kita

To Damon Delborja:

Okay. Wag ka na lumabas ng car mo while waiting ha? You'll catch a lot of attention

Medyo matagal pa ito bago nakapagreply kaya naman nakapag ayos pa ako ng gamit at kasabay si Andrei na naglakad papunta sa room.

From Damon Delborja:

You don't want to be seen with me?

I sighed. Ayun ba ang naging ibig kong sabihin sa chat ko? Nagtampo pa ata.

To Damon Delborja:

Nope. You posted a picture last night and they all expeculated that it's me. Syempre yung uniform duh. Para makaiwas sana sa issue. Nakakahiya naman sayo

From Damon Delborja:

I don't mind tho

To Damon Delborja:

You don't mind? Mababawasan flings and pag flirt mo

From Damon Delborja:

They can always flock around me and still get a girl even I posted a picture that I'm married

And that made my eyebrow crease. What does that mean? Kahit pa ipaalam niya sa maraming tao na taken na siya ay magagawa niya pa ding magloko?

"Francy." Andrei got my attention, "I was told I'm getting fixed marriage to a woman I don't know."

That made me stop from walking.

"What?"

"I know the girl from my childhood though. Kaso masyadong mabait at inosente tignan ang batang 'yon noon. Hindi ko na siya kilala ngayon."

"Maganda ba? Inosente at mabait, hmmm. Yari ka, Pare Chong Dude. Matitigang ka diyan kung sakaling hanggang ngayon gano'n pa din siya." I stated a fact but I saw how his face changed from shock to mad real quick.

Ayaw niya ng sinabi ko. I smirked. Andrei... Andrei... Hindi mo naman sinabi sa akin na may childhood crush ka.

"Hindi ko naman siya balak ganonin." He said.

"E 'di, ayos lang pala kung sa gano'n. She's safe with you. And if by chance, you got to get to know each other, you both will be safe with each other's care." I said.

He snorted. "Ayaw ko pang ikasal. Wala pa akong titulo na kaya ko nang bumuo ng pamilya. Magiging Architect pa ako bago mag asawa."

Shit. I'm proud of my friend.

"E 'di sabihin mo hindi ka pa ready." An idea came in to my mind, "Or sabihin mo, may mahal kang iba! Handa naman ako kung sakaling ako ang—"

"No way! Tigilan mo nga 'yan!" Tinakpan niya ang bibig ko at tinulak sa loob ng room namin.

So ayon pala ang gumugulo sa isip niya this past months, huh. Ngayon niya lang nasabi sa akin.

From Damon Delborja:

It was just a joke. Don't take that seriously

Hindi ko na ito nareplyan dahil pumasok na rin ang professor.

Matapos ang klase ay sumunod si Damon sa naging usapan. Nakaparada lamang ang BMW nito sa harap ng gate ng school at hindi lumabas. Nagtungo ako sa front seat at binuksan ito saka pumasok.

"Are you mad?" He immediately asked.

"No." I said.

"You did not reply." Maingat itong sinuri ako.

"Biglang pumasok 'yung prof at strict 'yon kaya hindi na 'ko nagreply," but I glared at him, "I don't like what you said!"

"I know. I'm sorry. I was just stating a fact though." He said medyo mayabang ang tono.

"Fact mo mukha mo. Fact you!" I exclaimed. He laughed.

"That's the consequence of dating a handsome man, Francy." He said and gave me a wink.

"Sinong handsome man? Hambog kamo!" I rolled my eyes, "Close your eyes, I'll change my clothes."

His eyes slightly widened and scanned my whole body while I'm sitting comfortably.

"I'm not gonna strip here! Just close your eyes, mabilis lang 'to!" Natatawang sabi ko.

"I'll just go out."

"Tapos makikita ka nila? Pumasok ako sa BMW na ito tapos lumabas ka? E 'di nahuli din tayo."

Damon sighed. Bahagyang tumalikod ito sa akin saka pumikit na may ngisi sa labi.

Tinted ang car niya kaya sigurado akong hindi ako makikita sa labas.

"I can see your reflection. Tutusukin ko mata mo 'pag dumilat ka." I warned him. He laughed.

"Para namang first time ko makakakita ng katawan ng babae." Bulong niya na narinig ko kaya hinagis ko sa kaniya ang ID ko.

Tinanggal ko ang pang itaas na uniform at inilabas noon ang white bralette top ko. Kinuha ko ang navy blue na sweater coat sa aking bag at sinuot iyon. My pencil cut navy blue skirt complemented my top style. Ang school shoes ko ay pinalitan ko ng laging nakatagong 2 inches heels sa locker kanina bago ako lumabas.

And now, I'm ready for the date.

"I'm done! You can open your eyes na!" I said.

He opened his eyes and turned towards me. He scanned me from head to toe.

"You transformed that quick?" He smirked.

"Uh-huh." Mayabang akong ngumiti sa kaniya.

"Pretty. You look so gorgeous." He smiled genuinely.

I tied the sides of my hair using my pearl clams. Bagsak ang nasa gitna at ang magkabilang gilid ng buhok lang ang naiipit nito. Nakapag retouch na ako kanina kaya ayos na ang mukha ko.

He picked up something from the back seat and put a boquet of flowers on my lap.

"Oh!" I said, shocked.

"And a gorgeous lady deserves a bouquet of flowers."

A combination of pink honeysuckle, baby's breath, and red tulips. Wow. Not the typical red roses boquet, huh?

"Thank you." I said happily, "But do you know the meaning of each flowers here?"

He looked me in the eye until he looked away and started the engine. He smiled for himself that gave me a hint that he knows.

With his white fitted button down sleeves rolled up to before his elbow and dark blue fitted slux that made him looked like a hot hunk. His muscles are shouting strength and elegance. And his handsome manly face made him more breathtakingly gorgeous.

He looks like he went out straight from a hot hunk modeling magazine!

"Sige. Kunwari hindi ko rin alam." Sabi ko na lang kaya napatawa siya.

Natahimik na siya kaya naman kinuha ko na lamang ang note na naka ipit sa flowers.

'je vous aime tellement - D. I. Delborja'

"Ano meaning nito?"

"Secret." He simply said.

I pulled out my phone but he snatched it out of my hand.

"Hey!" Hinampas ko ang matipuno niyang braso nang itago niya iyon sa dash board sa part niya.

"No searching, Francy. Madaya ka."

"Ikaw kaya ang madaya! Gusto ko malaman!"

I tsked. Ang daya naman. Ano kaya iyon?

I know how to speak spanish, korean, and japanese while I can only understand chinese, but I think that is french. Hindi ko iyan alam.

"Sasabihin ko ang meaning mamaya." Salita niya nang hindi ko na siya kinibo, "Huwag ka na magtampo. We're almost there."

"Hindi ka fair, Damon." He laughed. I snorted.

Nakarating kami sa isang restaurant na punong puno ng mga puno at halaman.

"Wow. Biophilic design. Ang fresh sa pakiramdam." I said.

"Grabe makasama ang isang architect sa date. Napapansin lahat." He laughed.

"This is a great design, you know. Very earthy and nature friendly." I said.

"Yup. Sinadya naming ganito. We don't want to cut more trees in this area—"

"Wait. We? Sa iyo na naman ba 'to?" I asked him. We are standing infront of the restaurant after we park the car infront of it.

"Yes. We chose this place because we can adapt its nature and this place can now adopt the changes."

"Halos wala naman atang binago. Wood structures and furniture. Glass lang naman ang nagpa modern dito. Still eco friendly." I stated, "Nice try."

"Next time, you design my restaurants." He said as he winked at me.

He hold my hand as we enter. Nahihiya man punain ang kamay niya sa kamay ko dahil may mga staffs na nakatingin ay binulungan ko na lamang siya.

Ang liit ko pala. Pumantay lang ang mata ko sa balikat niya with 2 inches heel pumps. His wide and muscular built made me look smaller as well.

"Kamay ko, Damon. Chansing ka." Pinisil ko ang kamay niya gamit ang kamay na hawak ito.

"Don't you like it?" He smirked.

Tuloy tuloy ang pasok namin hanggang sa maka akyat kami sa second floor. Tanaw roon ang nagbabadyang papalubog na araw at ang mga naglalakihang building sa ibaba.

We are at the top most part of the cities ng Manila kaya naman tanaw ang mga naglalakihang buildings o skyscrapers.

"Wow." I said while I take a picture and video of the sunset while we order foods. Siya naman ang nag order ng lahat na sa tingin niya ay magugustuhan ko.

"You like it?" He asked.

"Yup." I smiled at him. Inilipat ko ang cellphone sa kaniya as he smile for my answer.

I clicked the button as it capture Damon's contented smile.

"You took a picture of me." Reklamo niya.

"Nagreklamo ba 'ko nung pinost mo picture ko na nakatalikod? Hindi ko din alam 'yon ha!" Inirapan ko siya.

"You look so beautiful that night. So fascinated with the stars."

"I love stars." I said.

"I know." He said, "Mamaya madami."

"Yup, I'll take a picture of it." I said while looking at the picture I took with the sunset.

"I want to paint this!"

"Paint it and I'll buy it." Sabi ng nasa harap ko.

"What? No! It's for myself."

"Then paint another one for me. Babayaran ko kahit magkano." He said after laughing at my reaction.

Nagse-sell ako ng paintings kaya siguro niya gustong bumili.

We started eating while casually talking about our day. Napansin ko lang na sa ilang linggo naming hindi nagkausap ay parang walang nagbago. Bukod pa sa mas naging open kami sa isa't isa.

He poured another water on my glass as he wipe my lips. Kanina niya pa ako inaasikaso sa pag kain. And I think that is his own language.

"Francy," suddenly, he became serious out of nowhere.

Tapos na kaming kumain at wine na lang ang nasa harapan namin. We are watching the night sky full of bright stars.

"Hmmm?" Hindi na ako makapagsalita dahil sa seryosong titig niya sa akin.

"You... want to know the meaning of the french words from the note, right?"

"What is it?" I swallowed hard as I see him struggle to find right words.

"I like you so much." He said in a deep raspy voice as if he wants to say it in a long time ago.

I gasped for air with my eyes wide open. I put my hands over my lips to stop my over reaction.

"That's... That's the meaning and that's what I want to say to you." He looked away and put it back at me again with the same intensity.

Hindi ako nakagalaw at napatitig na lamang sa kaniya. He smiled as if he wants to laugh at my expression.

Matalino ako at naiintindihan ko ang ibig niyang sabihin kaya naman... prank ba 'to?

"I want to do this in a right way. And I want to get to know you better." He licked his lower lip and breathed out. He laughed shortly, "Kinakabahan ako."

I bit my lower lip as I smile with him.

"I want to court you, Francine Lucy Ignacio."