Leaving it to chance [ Serendipity Series #01 ]

XXXIV: sumalo

Sumalo — (n.) to catch.

* should there be any bisaya words used throughout the chapter, translations will be provided.

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"M—Mikie?" I asked, unsure.

Siya ang interim director?!

I wasn't sure if I was hallucinating or if this was all real. My instincts kicked in and I immediately grabbed a hold of his biceps (Huwag mo ako tanungin kung bakit biceps 'yong hinawakan ko. Wala akong maisagot sa inyo) Mikie's arm snaked around my waist while the other one held my back to keep me steady. It was as if I was in a korean drama. Kulang nalang siguro mag slow motion 'yong paligid ko at may background music na magp-play sa likod. 

My heart stopped for some reason and I suddenly forgot how to breathe. We stayed that way for a few seconds. I was in a state of shock, too surprised to move or react. Hindi ako nananaginip diba? My hold on his biceps tightened— shit, totoo nga 'to. 

"Are you okay?" He asked, brow perked up incredulously. 

JUSMIO!!

How long have we stayed this way? I pushed myself up and got on my feet. Napangiwi ako pag-apak ko sa aking paa na nasabit sa ladder at nawalan ng balanse dahil sa sakit. Immediately, Mikie held on to my arm, steadying me one more. Tinignan ko 'yong paa ko and I instantly saw the swelling on my ankle. 

"Don't answer that. I think I have my answer," Mikie chuckled. 

I pulled my arm away from his grasp, giving him an awkward smile. "Okay lang ako," I mumbled as I forced myself to stand up properly. Napahinga nalang ako ng malalim sa sakit ng ankle ko. I slowly walked towards my heels. Super lapit lang ng sapatos ko pero feeling ko ang layo layo. Masakit ang bawat hakbang pero tinatago ko lang ito para hindi na ako aalalahanin ni Mikie. I crouched down to pick my shoes up— SHIT bakit pa kasi ako naka heels ako today? Napamura nalang ako sa utak ko habang sinusuot ang heels ko. I could feel Mikie's stares burn the back of my head but I tried to ignore it. 

"See? Okay lang ako," I reassured him as I took small steps. He didn't look convinced. Kumunot ang kanyang noo as he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. I almost forgot he wore glasses. He didn't wear them as much when we were dating. It just comes to show that things have changed. 

Ngumiti ako sa kanya to show him I was okay but my ankle betrayed me once more, shooting pain throughout my entire body and I immediately lost my balance. I didn't even notice how quick Mikie jolted into action, scooping me up and carrying me in his arms. 

"Mikie! Ibaba mo ako. Okay lang ako!" I insisted, kicking and thrashing my limbs. 

No answer. 

"Saan mo ba ako dadalhin, ha? Mikie, put me down! I can manage! "

"Dadalhin kita sa infirmary, Nina. You sprained your ankle. Paano nalang kung hindi kita nasalo? Mas malaking disgrasya 'yon." He started walking towards the back door that lead to the rest fo the building.