Michaels in Love (English)(BoysLove)

Chapter 5 - Season 1: First Kiss

January 26, 2012 - Diary



“Michael… Michael… Michael…”

A deep male voice echoed in my ears. A gentle tap on my cheek startled me, and as my eyes fluttered open, the first thing I saw was David’s face.

“Haaah…” I exhaled, a mix of surprise and embarrassment, followed by a wide yawn. Realizing I had dozed off mid-lunch, I scratched my head sheepishly. The exhaustion must have caught up with me. Hehehe.

David, one of the managers at Rustan’s, was standing before me. At 28 years old, he was tall—about 5 feet 11 inches—with a military-style haircut, sun-kissed skin, and a lean, athletic build that hinted at hours in the gym. With his striking resemblance to Derek Ramsey the actor and his easy-going nature, it wasn’t hard to see why the Rustan’s employees adored him.

I first met David when I was shopping for a pair of Havaianas sandals. Out of nowhere, he approached me and introduced himself, asking for my number. I refused at first, but his persistence was admirable. He made several attempts before finally getting my number—thanks to Sir Andrew, who gave it to him. For the past two months, David had been courting me, unfazed by my reluctance.

Everyone around me seemed smitten by him, claiming he had undeniable s*x appeal. But for me? My feelings didn’t go beyond friendship. From my very first day at work, my attention had been locked on someone else: Mike.

David leaned in closer, his trademark smile softening his features as he spoke.

“Michael, can I share this table with you?”

“Of course, Sir David,” I replied with a smile.

“Thanks. Looks like you’ve fallen asleep on your lunch. Hehehe.” He chuckled as he pulled out the chair opposite me and sat down.

“Sorry about that. Hehehe. I was just so tired earlier.”

David reached into his bag, pulling out a set of Starbucks gift certificates. With an outstretched hand, he offered them to me.

“I’ve got these gift certificates for Starbucks,” he said, smiling warmly. “Take them—they’re all yours.”

“Really???” My eyes widened in surprise.

“Yup.”

“Thanks,” I said, grinning.

After my break, Sir Andrew approached me with an unexpected offer.

“Michael, are you interested in trying out for the Araneta Center Cubao Basketball League?” he asked while I was back in the food court.

“Okay, Sir. I play basketball, so I’d love to,” I replied enthusiastically.

“Thank goodness! You’re the only one in the Food Service department who agreed. Everyone else seems too busy with part-time jobs.”

“When’s the tryout?”

“Sunday at 5:00 PM. We’ll meet at the Araneta Coliseum entrance. I’ll call or text you the details.”

“Alright, Sir.”

The day, though exhausting, was turning out better than I had expected. Little did I know, opportunities—and surprises—were just beginning to unfold.

8:30 PM – A Conversation Online

By the time I arrived at LRT Legarda Station, it was already 8:30 PM. My phone buzzed with a message from Vince, my best friend. He asked me to go online on Skype, saying he missed me. Ahehehe.

I stopped by an internet café and, while waiting for Vince to log in, decided to check Planet Romeo. It wasn’t long before I received a message—from none other than niceguy87.

"Hi mikearcangel01, I did what you’ve said."

I replied immediately. "You’re friends now?"

"Uhmmm. Yes, I talked to him this morning. We were on the same coaster heading to the hotel where we both work."

"Ah, I see. Nice. So, how did the conversation go?"

"I got his attention by asking if the seat next to him was still available."

"And then?"

"We ended up having a good conversation all the way to work."

"You didn’t ask him to hang out—play sports, grab a drink, or do something guys usually do?"

"Not yet. We just started talking today."

"But you’ve been working together for a while, right?"

"Yes, but we’re in different departments."

"Ah, I see. Try inviting him to play a sport or join a group activity. That way, it won’t be too obvious."

"Actually, we’re playing tennis this Sunday. I’ll try to invite him if I happen to pass by his area."

"That’s great! Well, niceguy87, my friend is online now on Skype. Time for our chat. Good night."

"Okay, mikearcangel01, and thanks for the idea. Take care!"

With that, I logged off Planet Romeo and turned my attention to Vince. The night wasn’t just about conversations—it was about connections, old and new.

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January 27, 2012 - Diary

Friday Afternoon

After work, I decided to head to Starbucks to continue reading my latest Dan Brown book. With ten gift certificates from David in my pocket, I figured I might as well put them to good use. After ordering my drink, I looked around for a seat, but the place was packed. Just as I was about to give up, someone vacated a table at the far end.

I settled in and started reading, losing myself in the gripping pages for about thirty minutes. Suddenly, a voice interrupted me.

“Can I share a seat with you?”

Startled, I looked up—and there he was. Mike.

Mike’s unpredictability never failed to catch me off guard. He seemed to appear out of nowhere, and each time, I couldn’t help but be captivated. Today was no exception. He looked effortlessly stunning in a sports coat, a black V-neck shirt, and jeans. As he smiled at me, holding his coffee, I realized I’d been gawking at him from head to toe. I probably looked so obvious. He smiled again, making my heart skip a beat. Haaaaay… Hehehehe.

“Looks like you’re waiting for someone. I’m sorry,” he said, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

“No, I’m not waiting for anyone. You can share a seat with me.”

“Thanks. You really love Dan Brown books, huh?” he remarked, his tone casual and warm.

I smiled in response.

“Did you just finish work?” he asked.

“Yup. I didn’t feel like going home yet, so here I am. I’m almost done with this book.”

“Am I disturbing you?”

“No, it’s fine. I can finish it tomorrow,” I said, taking a sip of my now-cold hot chocolate. Meanwhile, Mike pulled a sleek MacBook out of his bag and placed it on the table.

“Alright. I just need to check some emails from our clients. I’ve barely had any rest this week. Do you know any good places to unwind for two to three days outside Metro Manila?”

“No time to relax because of work?”

“Exactly. I even had to join a golf game earlier to discuss business with potential investors. Sometimes, I’m handed responsibilities that aren’t even mine.”

“Sounds exhausting. You really need a break. Have you ever been to La Union?”

“No, I haven’t stayed there. We’ve passed through it on the way to Vigan, though.”

“There’s a great spot in my hometown.”

“I’ve heard in previous meetings that there’s a beautiful resort in San Fernando where you can really unwind,” Mike said, his eyes fixed on his laptop screen.

“There is. It’s right next to a casino. Is that the one you mean?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“You should check it out. The resort overlooks the South China Sea, has a white sand beach, and it’s gorgeous.”

“How was your experience there?”

“Oh, I’ve never stayed there,” I admitted with a chuckle. “It’s mostly for the wealthy. But I’ve seen it—it’s near where I live, in a compound close to the casino, at the edge of Poro Peninsula.”

“Sounds nice,” Mike said with an approving nod.

“You know, Mike, I saw the catalog of Manchester units, and I have to say, I’m impressed. The interior design is brilliant.”

“Really?” he said, looking pleasantly surprised. A modest smile played on his lips.

“Let me guess… Did you design it?”

“Actually… yes, I did.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

“Thanks. But Liz—my girlfriend—helped me finalize the designs. We went through a lot of deliberations since her dad didn’t like any of the initial designs submitted by the hired interior designers.”

“Ah, I see. Sounds like your boss is strict. Hehehe.”

Just then, his phone rang. It was one of his clients, asking to meet at their showroom.

As we left Starbucks together, I was about to head home when Mike invited me to join him at the showroom. I couldn’t say no, so I went with him, wondering what surprises the rest of the evening might hold.

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January 28, 2012 - Diary

Saturday Afternoon

It’s my day off, and I spent most of it doing household chores. By the time I finished and took a much-needed rest, I decided to take a bath and head to the church near our place. There are two churches in our area, standing right across from each other. This time, I felt the need to thank God for all the blessings He’s given me and for the happy moments I’ve experienced recently.

As I stepped out of the church gate, my phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number.

“Michael? By the way, this is Mike from Manchester’s. I spoke with Andrew, and he gave me your number. He mentioned that you’re his only representative for the Basketball League. We’ll have a try-out tomorrow. See you! -Mike here.”

Oh my God. I couldn’t believe it—Mike texted me! Excitement bubbled up inside me at the thought of seeing him again at the try-out tomorrow.

When I got home from church, I decided to play basketball with my neighbors to get some practice in. After all, I couldn’t afford to embarrass myself in front of Mike.

This is it. I love you, Mike!

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January 29, 2012 - Diary

Sunday Afternoon

It was close to 5:00 PM when I boarded the train heading to Araneta Center Cubao. As soon as I stepped off the train, I quickened my pace toward the coliseum entrance. A few players had already gathered there, and I introduced myself to them, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach.

While we chatted, a sleek black BMW pulled up in front of us. The car door opened, and out stepped Mike, dressed in an all-black jersey and Nike shoes. His fair complexion seemed to glow under the setting sun. He looked like a Korean basketball superstar—a vision so striking that I felt myself melting where I stood. From head to toe, he was perfect.

Even the women standing in the opposite lane couldn’t take their eyes off him, whispering and giggling among themselves.

As Mike closed the car door, the car’s window rolled down, and I caught sight of Liza. She called out, “Honey, you forgot your iPhone.” Mike turned back to retrieve it, and Liza planted a kiss on his lips, her affection on full display.

“Okay, do your best at the try-out! I know you’re the best—after all, you were the former MVP of the Ateneo Blue Eagles,” Liza said, making sure everyone around heard her.

We already know that, Liza. No need to broadcast it.

“Take care, Hon,” Mike replied as he walked toward us, the number 87 printed on the back of his jersey catching my eye. A sudden thought hit me—could Mike be niceguy87, the one who returned my lost salary? My heart raced at the possibility.

As much as I wanted to yell, I hate you, Liza!, I couldn’t. They were a couple, and I was just a spectator in my own little fantasy. If only I could steal Mike away from her… Hehehe.

We entered the coliseum, but the try-out hadn’t started yet. The coach and trainer were running late. I passed the time by chatting with other players and even met two girls, Cherry and Mae. Mike invited me to play a warm-up game, but I politely declined.

An hour passed, and still no coach. I was so lost in a daydream about Mike that I didn’t even notice a ball hitting me. Hehehe. To pass the time, I read my diary until, finally, the coach arrived.

The try-out began, and the competition was fierce. Only the best players were chosen, and to my surprise, I made it to the top five. Of course, Mike was the coach’s favorite—his skill on the court was undeniable. He was the best, and he knew it.

As everyone left, I headed to the locker room to take a shower. I was drenched in sweat, and the thought of a cold shower sounded heavenly. The janitor on duty, who happened to be a friend, allowed me to use the facilities.

The locker room was eerily quiet, the only sound coming from the steady drip of water from a leaky faucet. I pulled out my towel and stripped off my jersey, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My abs still looked good despite skipping the gym for three months.

As I lowered my shorts, revealing my white Calvin Klein briefs, I noticed the defined bulge in the mirror. I chuckled to myself, wrapping the towel around my waist, ready to head to the shower.

Then, I saw him.

Standing by the door, Mike.

A chill ran down my spine. For a moment, I thought he was a ghost. But no—he was very real, leaning casually against the doorframe, watching me. How long had he been standing there?

He smiled, his voice breaking the silence. “You were amazing during the try-out,” he said, punctuating his words with a playful wink.

I returned his smile, wiping the sweat from my neck. “Thanks, but so were you… Former Ateneo Blue Eagles MVP,” I teased, even though I already knew. Hehehe.

He walked closer, opening the locker next to mine. “That was ages ago. Don’t believe everything they say—it’s mostly jokes.” He laughed softly, downplaying the praise from earlier.

As he placed his gear inside, he pulled off his jersey, revealing his flawless, pale skin. My breath caught in my throat. His red n*****s and defined six-pack abs gleamed under the dim light. Oh my goodness, I thought, he’s dazzling.

The heat in the locker room seemed to intensify, partly because of the broken exhaust fan and partly because of the man standing in front of me. His scent—a mix of sweat and cologne—was intoxicating.

He kicked off his shoes and socks, then slid down his black shorts, leaving him in nothing but white Zara boxer shorts. My eyes darted to the noticeable bulge. Even though it wasn’t fully hard, it was clear he was… gifted.

I expected him to remove his boxers too, but instead, he draped a black towel over his shoulder.

He closed his locker and caught me staring. My eyes had wandered from his chest to his bulge, and now they met his gaze. He smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

“Michael, there’s something on your neck,” he said, his tone low and suggestive.

The way he said it sent my heart racing. I wiped my neck with my hand, but he stopped me.

“You didn’t get it. Come here—I’ll get it for you,” he said, his voice dripping with intent.

It felt like time slowed as I stepped closer, drawn in by his presence. His fingers grazed my neck, gently wiping away the imaginary dirt. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment, the warmth of his touch spreading through me. My breathing quickened, and I bit my lip, trying to steady myself.

When I opened my eyes, his were locked onto mine, tracing a path from my eyes to my lips. The sound of my heartbeat thundered in my ears as his face moved closer.

And then, he kissed me.

This wasn’t a dream. This wasn’t my imagination. It was real.

The softness of his lips, the heat between us—it was electric, overwhelming, and perfect. This kiss was everything I’d ever wanted, more than I could ever describe. Mike Angelo Tan, the man of my dreams, was kissing me.

As our lips moved together, the world around us disappeared. All I could feel was him—his warmth, his passion, his everything.

This was the best kiss of my life, and it was with the man I never thought I could have. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

To be continued…