I'll Love You, Tomorrow

Chapter 3 – Him Again

"I decided not to go and wait for you instead.", Paul said. "This had been a tiring day for me. I just want to go home and rest. How about you? Are you good?"

"Yes, let's go". I simply replied.

Paul decided to take the jeepney instead of the shuttle that is provided for us agents. He said, he doesn't feel like squeezing himself in a crowd shuttle. This is very odd because taking a jeepney would mean squeezing ourselves to many passengers as well. Jeepneys are not air-conditioned also compared to shuttle buses and he hates not being in an AC room. So why would he choose to take the jeepney to Complex? This guys really is weird.

It took us 20 minutes at least to take a jeepney because most of it was full. Its busy hours and many people are taking the jeepney going home. Our jeepney is slightly crowded and hot. I am worried that Paul might rant a complaint anytime soon but surprisingly, he is quiet. He sits beside me while watching things pass by. Suddenly, he placed his arms at my back, like he was anchoring me while we're seated. I didn't mind him doing so because we've been close like this before and its normal for us. I just thought that he cares for me and don't want me to get hit by anything that might pass.

When we get off of the jeepney at Complex, he invited me to eat at his favorite restaurant. We never fail to drop by this restaurant whenever he has the chance and he orders the same meal ever time; their famous platter with chicken, noodles, and rice. He would still order additional egg rice with it.

Paul eats a lot that's a fact but he never gets fat. He is lean, a bit muscular in arms and shoulders but he doesn't go to gyms. His body is a natural. I don't know if he has abs either because I haven't seen him shirtless before. How would I know?

"I'll take this one, you go and find us a table.", I insist without asking him what his orders are because obviously, already I know.

After 10 minutes with my receipt, I looked for him on the lobby and saw him waving at a table beside an AC. When I sat down in front of him, I asked him about Marlon when he decided not to go. He talked and I listen until our orders were delivered to our table. When our meal came I handed him his favorite platter.

"That's your food. I know that's what you want.", I said.

"Wow, you really do know my favorites. You even got the part of the chicken correct.", he complemented. " I even got an extra egg rice with it, you really do love me Mikhael."

"Oh shut up and just eat!!", I yelled at him while he is laughing at me.

I sat on my chair and started eating. I love watching Paul eat. He eats fast. As if someone is going to take his meal away from him. I don't know if he is chewing his food or he just swallowing them whole. I'm just about starting with my dumplings when half of his plate is empty already. When he saw me looking at him, he just winked at me and continued eating. I just turned to laugh at myself and eat my food.

In just 15 minutes, his plate is clean and he is emptying his glass of cola in a single gulp. By the look on his face, he is satisfied.

After noticing I tend to go back eating my own meal when I saw him staring at me. I thought he is controlling his stomach to let out a huge burp, like he always does, that will make everyone look. He is very disgusting at that but he loves it. He shouts his thanks for the food after it. But he didn't. He is just looking at me like I have something on my face.

"What's wrong?", I asked.

"You can start talking now.", he said commandingly. "I know something good had happened after your talk with Miss Cara. Come on share it! You promise you'll tell me your plans when you are sure it will push through you say.", Paul gave emphasis on the "it will push through"

I became speechless. Nothing can really passed by Paul. His sensors are very active that I couldn't hide anything from him. I didn't even mention that it was about the plan I was talking with Miss Cara but he knows. There is no point hiding this from Paul. Besides, he is my best bud. He deserves to know. With one big breathe, I started talking…

"Wow!, dude that's great news!", Paul was ecstatic after I told him what Miss Cara and I had talked about. "I knew it! You are preparing for something bigger than just being agent of the month!", he continues.

"Wait, wait, dude, hold your horses. Nothing is sure yet. Miss Cara said she will forward my request to the management. They'll talk about it and see what will happen. I've heard of this educational grant that our company is offering but the qualifications are quite strict. That's why most employees aren't interested at all."

"What are you talking about dude? You'll sure get that grant. I am confident that you will.", he told me with high hopes. "Now, we have to celebrate! You should have mentioned this earlier so that we go straight to the bar with Marlon. We can still catch up if we call him right now."

"Dude no! wait, stop!", I held his hand by the phone. "Let's keep this between the two of us for now, shall we? I don't want celebrating unto something that hasn't come yet. It might jinx the chance of having it. And also, I'm not comfortable partying in bars with other people. I go to bars, yes, but I'm alone. You know that. So please, let's not make a big deal out of this yet. Just keep this between the two of us." I pleaded.  Paul's excitement fades. He looks at me and calms himself then nod in assent. He then slowly moves himself closer to me and held my hand tight.

"Dude, if you want to celebrate this with me alone you should have told me in the beginning. You know I'd love that right.", he said in a seductive, inviting and warm tone.

"You're an i***t! That's not what I meant!", I screamed at him then hit him by the shoulder.

"Haha!", Paul starts laughing menacingly, like he really makes a good fun of me on that. "I was just joking dude! Chill haha.", he still kept on laughing.

I tried to keep myself together after that humiliating joke.

"I'm sorry dude. I'm just joking.", Paul said while trying hard not to laugh. " but seriously, you know I love you right since our first day at work.", then he smiled at me. That's one thing I know is to be true.

"Let's go. I want to go home and rest already." I invited.

Paul agreed and stood up. We were about to exit the restaurant when someone caught my eyes. A guy just entered with eyes on his phone, texting. I stood blank by the sight of him. The guy was wearing white v-necked shirt and tattered jeans. He walked straight to the counter to order. Even if he was wearing heavy black shades, I was very certain who this guy was. Those broad shoulders, built arms and defined abs that was revealing on his white semi-fitted shirt, I definitely knew him.

"One grande milk tea please, to go. Thank you.", he briefly ordered to the counter who was obviously showing interest on the guy. She kept on throwing provocative stare on the guy while punching the orders on the computer. But clearly, the guy didn't even notice. Even under heavy shades, I know he was more focused on texting than her at the moment.

After paying for his order, the guys took the receipt and waited for his order by the couch near me.

"Hey, what's the matter? Let's go.", Paul interrupted. I forgot that I was with him at the moment. "Who are you staring at? Him? Do you know him?", he asked.

"No, I don't. Let's go.", I replied defensively and pulled him out by the door. I am not ready to share Paul about that guy yet. And I was not even sure if that's him to begin with. He's maybe somebody who looks just like him.

We took a jeepney going Pacita. During the ride, Paul kept on telling stories but I remained silence which I think he noticed. I apologized to him. I said maybe I'm tired and very full by the food we ate and I want to take a rest. He understood.

But to be honest, I was thinking about that guy again. Last time I thought I will never see him anymore. That everyone happened by chance, I was there and he was with his friends. But now, I unexpectedly saw him again at the restaurant.

Once, is by chance. Twice, is a coincidence, right? Is it possible that he is living within the area? Maybe I will see him again soon? And maybe there could be the "third".

In 30 minutes, we arrived in Pacita. I was the first to drop off because Paul is from San Pedro which is about 10 –minute-rides more. We bid goodbye to each other and Paul gestured me to text him when I got home.

I smiled and nodded to him while whispering in the air, "see you tomorrow".