Arrange Hearts

CHAPTER 7

I walked up to the front door, still buzzing from the fun I had with Felix. There was Evan, leaning against the doorframe with a smug smirk. His arms were crossed, and he looked like he’d been waiting for me all day.

“Well, well, well… look who finally decided to come home,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “I see you always hanging out with this boy in school, Felix?”

I rolled my eyes, feeling the irritation bubbling up. “So? Anong pakialam mo?” Is he stalking me?

Evan’s smirk widened. “Oh, wala naman. Just wondering kung kailangan ko bang mag alala. You know, since my wife seems to be spending an awful lot of time with another man.” He leaned in slightly, voice dripping with fake concern. “Cheating on me, Ada? I feel so… betrayed.”

I scoffed, stepping past him into the house. “Evan, stop it. You’re being ridiculous. We’re not even really married. It’s just a fake setup. And kasama ko si Felix because of a project.”

He followed me inside, clearly enjoying this way too much. “Ah yes, a project. Narinig ko yan e. Is that what the kids are calling it now? Sounds pretty intense… late nights? Candlelight research sessions?”

I shot him a glare, my patience running thin. “Seriously, Evan? You’re acting like a jealous husband, and we’re not even together.”

He grinned, leaning against the wall like he was on top of the world. “Maybe I just like messing with you. It’s fun seeing you all worked up. Plus, I think I make a pretty good fake jealous husband. Ano sa tingin mo?” He winked, clearly relishing every moment.

I crossed my arms, trying hard not to smile. “You’re unbelievable. Ang kulit mo.”

“Ang kulit? Or charming?” he said, pretending to think. “It’s hard to tell sometimes.”

I shook my head, exasperated. “Ang kulit. Definitely kulit.”

He chuckled, finally easing up a bit. “Alright, alright. I’ll stop… for now. But if you ever need someone to pretend to be jealous again, you know where to find me. I’m very convincing.”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t suppress a small laugh. “Yeah, right. Just don’t expect me to thank you for it.”

Evan straightened up, flashing that same cocky grin. “Oh, no need to thank me. I’m happy to keep you on your toes. Baka mamiss mo ko e.”

I gave him one last look, half-annoyed and half-amused. “Huwag ka ngang mag-assume.”

As I turned to walk away, Evan called after me, “Just make sure Felix knows I’m watching. Wouldn’t want him getting any ideas—he’ll have to get through me first!”

I shook my head, smiling despite myself. Maybe having Evan around was irritating, but at least he was good for a laugh—even if it was at my expense.

Nag change na ko ng clothes. Grabe yung pagod ko today. Exhausting. Paglabas ko ng kwarto, nakita ko si Evan na nag-aayos ng mga plato sa dining table.

"Wow," sabi ko, hindi makapaniwala. "Nagda-dinner party ka ba o may special occasion na hindi ko alam?"

Evan looked up, pretending to be surprised. “Oh, look who’s here! I didn’t know I had a guest. If I’d known, I would have cooked a five-course meal.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t pretend to be all nice now. What are you after? An award?”

Evan grinned, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Maybe. If there were such a thing, I’d definitely be in the running for ‘Best Fake Husband.’ Want to nominate me?”

I crossed my arms, trying to look stern. “Yeah, sure. And while you’re at it, you could also apply for ‘Most Annoying Husband.’ You’re definitely a top contender.”

Evan chuckled, looking at me with mock hurt. “Ouch, that stings. I thought I was just being a gentleman. I’m actually doing this to impress you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Impress? Sounds like being nice is a bit too far from our ‘fake’ relationship.”

Evan leaned in with a teasing smile. “Maybe you should give my niceness a chance. You might end up liking it.”

“Ha!” I said, unable to suppress a smile. “You’ve got some nerve. But hey, at least you’re not making it too hard for me to keep my distance.”

Evan shrugged, clearly amused. “Guilty as charged. But seriously, if you ever want something special, I’m here. Maybe you’ll like it enough to ask for more.”

“Ugh,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Don’t get too full of yourself. I’ll only appreciate it when I’m not so tired.”

Evan laughed, setting the last plate down. “Well, at least you won’t be hungry. And don’t worry, I’m ready for whatever you throw at me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh despite myself. “Alright, fine. But don’t think this means I’m going easy on you.”

Evan raised his glass in a mock toast. “Cheers to that. I’m always up for a challenge.”

As we sat down for dinner, I couldn’t help but notice how Evan’s annoying antics were becoming a bit endearing. He was still his usual teasing self, but I had to admit, he was growing on me in ways I didn’t expect.

Halfway through the meal, I was focused on my food, savoring the taste of Evan’s surprisingly decent cooking. I was about to take another bite when I felt a sudden swipe across my mouth.

Evan, with a mischievous grin, had reached over and wiped a smudge of sauce from the corner of my lips. “Ang kalat mo kumain,” he teased, leaning back in his chair. “Para kang bata.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Hey! What was that for?” I said, trying to hide my blush. “Hindi ako bata.”

Evan chuckled, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Well, someone’s gotta keep you in check. Baka mapapabayaan ka na, eh. You could use a bit more practice in the art of eating neatly.”

I glared at him, though I couldn’t suppress a smile. “Excuse me?, Can we just eat, we're having dinner, just so you know.”

Evan shrugged with exaggerated innocence. “Pero seryoso, gusto ko lang na maayos ka. Kahit na kailangan kitang punasan paminsan-minsan.”

I rolled my eyes, but there was a hint of affection in my voice. “Oh, please. Don’t act like you’re doing this out of some noble cause. You’re just enjoying the chance to tease me.”

Evan leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Siguro nga. It’s my job to make sure you don’t turn into a disaster zone.”

I laughed despite myself, shaking my head. “Well, thanks for the help, I guess. Pero hindi ibig sabihin nito ay makakalusot ka sa lahat ng kalokohan mo.”

Evan’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ay, hindi ko alam kung gusto ko ‘yan. I’m here for all the teasing, the help, and maybe even a little bit of unspoken support.”

As we finished dinner, the atmosphere between us felt lighter. Evan’s teasing and humor, though sometimes irritating, had a way of making the evening more enjoyable.

I stood up to get some water, feeling a bit parched from our lively dinner conversation. As I turned around to head back to the table, I almost bumped into Evan. Magkalapit ang mukha namin, and I could clearly see every detail of his features.

His eyes, the way they seemed to sparkle with mischief, were just inches away from mine. I could see the curve of his nose, the way his hair fell slightly out of place, and most prominently, his lips.

For a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. I noticed how his lips looked so close, and I suddenly became aware of how warm his breath was against my face. Ang lapit niya, and my heart skipped a beat.

Evan seemed equally surprised, but he quickly masked it with a teasing grin. “Looks like you’re not getting any water anytime soon,” he said with a smirk, his voice dropping to a playful whisper.

I blinked, trying to regain my composure. “What are you doing, Evan?” I asked, my voice a bit breathless.

He chuckled softly, the sound almost too close to my ear. “I guess I’m just enjoying the view,” he teased, leaning in a bit closer. “Mukhang kailangan mo ng konting excitement.”

I tried to step back, but there was nowhere to go. My back hit the counter, and Evan’s grin widened, clearly enjoying the moment. “Evan, please move,” I said, laughing nervously.

Evan’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Awkward? I thought you were enjoying it,” he said, his voice dropping to a lower, more intimate tone. “O ako lang?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to sound irritated but failing to hide the slight smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Seriously? this is not a time for jokes,” I said, though I could feel my cheeks heating up.

Evan chuckled again, pulling back just enough to give me some breathing room but still close enough that I could feel his warmth. “Okay, okay. I’ll give you some space. Didn’t expect na ganito ka kabilis ma-fluster,” he said, a playful edge in his voice.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “Well, you certainly have a talent for making things awkward,” I said, finally managing to find my voice.

Evan grinned, giving me a mock bow. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said, then stepped back completely. “Now, go get your water bago ka mahulog sa dehydration.”

I quickly moved past him, grabbing the water and trying to calm my racing heart. As I returned to the table, I couldn’t help but glance back at Evan, who was still wearing that mischievous grin.

I quickly went to my room after that awkward yet oddly thrilling encounter. Uggh, what just happened? Kinikilig ba ako? Did I just blush? Waaahhh, bakit parang ang init-init? I sat on my bed, trying to process everything. My mind was racing, replaying the moment over and over again.

Evan’s face was so close, and his teasing voice was still echoing in my ears. I could practically feel his breath against my skin. I covered my face with my hands, feeling a mix of embarrassment and something else—something that made my heart race even now. Miya miya lang ay kumatok si Evan.

"Goodnight, Ada" He said. I didn't respond, I was too stunned.